I am now through the second week of the Fall semester, Mod A (25% complete). This semester is quickly shaping up to be the most onerous thus far. Between work, school, family and referee assignments my schedule is full. At least it's the best season of the year.
* * * * *
I wrapped up the summer semester the first week in August leaving a healthy two week break before the next round of classes began. It wasn't that healthy.
These breaks can be your death knell. For many of us, after pushing for a long period without coming up for air, when the break does finally come, not only do you mentally check out, your body takes a break also. Your immune system goes AWOL. The slightest strain of anything in the air attacks you and sets you back for the entire break.
Of course, you have enough time to recover; however, this time I spent so much time physically recovering, I left no time for mental recovery. The most difficult thing after a break like this is getting motivated again. You see the same cases you have during undergraduate. You're still going over your core coursework that most likely is not all that interesting to you. And it's still nice outside. Again, for those of you who look down on the MBA, people that overcome this alone should develop at least some level of respect.
Bottom line: Avoid breaks if you can. Just suffocate yourself for two years. At least, that's what I'd prefer.
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This semester's first module presents the final two core courses of the program; it's all electives and concentration coursework after this.
My schedule includes:
- Strategic Management; and
- Operations Management.
The Ops course covers the following:
- Process Analysis and Improvement
- System Design
- Project Management
- Queue Management
The Strategy course covers the usual as well:
- Industry Analysis (Porter's Five)
- Competitive Advantage
- The Value Chain
- Competitive Intelligence
