David Sharp
Executive MBA, 2004
Operations Manager, Otis Ltd
I am currently an operations manager for a division of Otis called Otis Metro. The division is involved with the London Underground for the design, supply and service of all lifts and heavy duty escalators. I run a team of managers, technicians, admin staff and engineers to ensure the smooth delivery of all operations to the client. The operating plan is circa £15 million with a planned ROS of 18%.
I am fortunate to work for a company that actually sponsors staff to take on extra study and they give you the time off to do this. My company's enlightened attitude to staff development sparked my interest in taking the MBA. However, as I had not previously studied for a higher degree – only an HNC – I was a little apprehensive to say the least.
I was not sure if I could do it or not, yet I quickly found that the only barrier to me completing the Lancaster Executive MBA was myself! The EMBA tutors were always helpful and gave me the confidence to launch myself into the study.
The two-year modular approach was very methodical and thought-provoking. The interactive discussions in class were very useful for the subsequent project work. One thing I found was that although there was around 10 weeks between each module of classroom study in Lancaster, the next module soon appeared. You certainly need to have some form of self discipline to ensure that you stay on track with each assignment.
I learnt that I had passed my MBA in October 2004 – this felt quite an achievement given my lack of a undergraduate degree, a full-time job working in central London, the frustrations of the M25, a young family and the temptations of the local pubs!
So there you go – if you want the benefit of an MBA and the part-time executive route seems best for you, then apply to Lancaster. They will support you all the way.
