Amit is... 1. thinking (which is his default Facebook message).

2. reading Sophie's World. Part fiction, part non-fiction (IMHO). The fictional bits tell the story of Sophie, a girl who learns Philosophy via a correspondence course. The non-fictional bits cover the history of Philosophy (for the benefit of Sophie and the reader). In addition to that, there are also short introductory books on Logic and Philosophy, as well as Warburton's 'Philosophy: The Basics,' to finish reading.

3. suggesting that if you want to know and understand why anyone would want to study Philosophy in the first place, then you should ask Google and spend at least fifteen minutes reading through the reasons and responses.

4. not a Fatalist and does not believe in Fatalism. Go on, click the link. Worst case, you can impress your friends by learning a new word or two. Best case, you'll learn something new and interesting (after reading it, can you see any connections between free will and the movie, The Matrix?).

5. preparing to read up on the next module in the Durham MBA (Managing Information: part information systems, part statistics).

Labels: blogging, books, life, MBA, Philosophy, reading

10:58 PM 2 Comments Links to this post

The clock is ticking... Sorry, no new posts until Saturday (the day of the exam). Until it's over, I'm on 'lockdown'.

Labels: blogging, life, MBA

9:40 AM 0 Comments Links to this post

MBA catch up and Happy New Year! No new posts for the next few days (I think). Sorry, but I have to buckle down and 'beat some books' as they say in Barbados. In between, I'll take a break or two, and visit The Gap/HL. 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy' and all that. Besides, I need to look at other 'figures'. Figures that are feminine, curvacious and full of substance!

The recently completed 'Managing Finance' module of the Durham MBA has been more interesting than the 'Managing in the Competitive Environment' and 'Managing People', modules. Why? Because (oops, I'm not supposed to start a new sentence with a 'because', am I? Forgive me, it's after four in the morning), I'm interested in numbers and money/finance.

I think that the 'MF' module has been the most difficult module thus far. With HR and Strategy, one could (in theory), almost talk/write one's self through the modules, i.e., by employing some level of common sense and theory.

However, there is no 'talking through' when it comes to numbers and financial analysis. You either know it, or you don't. There is no middle ground. It's either black, or white. Up or down, left or right. No in between, in my humble opinion.

Thus, I have to spend the next few days burying my head 'in books'. Reviewing financial terms and ratios and assorted matter. Consequently, I will miss all sorts of OYN (Old Year's Night) and/or NYE (New Year's Eve), celebrations and merry making.

'Tis sad, but true. However, one must remember and hold fast to one's long term goals/objectives, and be prepared to make sacrifices along the way.

In conclusion, I wish you folks a Happy New Year!

Labels: blogging, education, finance, life, MBA

4:08 AM 0 Comments Links to this post

'Blogalization' and 100+ posts ! (DISCLAIMER: Extremely long post ahead, proceed with caution!)

This is my one hundred and fourth blog post. It was actually supposed to be my one hundredth post, but my 'Williams Air' article took that slot. This was somewhat unfortunate, but it couldn't be helped. I had to run with the idea for the article at the time, else, I would've forgotten all about it.

This is what my 100th post should've been about:

On November 14, I got an e-mail from Janine Mendes-Franco. She 'covers' the Caribbean blogging beat for Global Voices Online, a site that: "seeks to aggregate, curate, and amplify the global conversation online - shining light on places and people other media often ignore. We work to develop tools, institutions and relationships that will help all voices, everywhere, to be heard."

Janine had linked to one or two articles on my blog in the past. So when she contacted me, I had a vague idea of who she was. What I didn't expect was for her to ask for my input on the term 'Blogalization' (I still don't like that term) and its relevance to the Caribbean.

Now, what do I know about 'Blogalization' and its relevance to the Caribbean? Nothing. So I replied back, thanked her for the opportunity and mentioned to her that I wouldn't have anything worthwhile to contribute, but that I'd try anyway.

Mind you, on November 16, I found out from the local MBA programme office that the assignment that I didn't submit (I was sick, missed the exam and the assignment, which is worth 50% of my final module mark for the Managing in the Competitve Environment module), was now due on November 26. The exam, which I also missed, is worth the other 50% and will be held sometime in October, 2008.

At this stage, I should note that writing, for me, is a somewhat painful, extended and drawn out process. If I'm lucky, an original idea (or two), for an article will float around my mind, not quite revealing itself, but not quite hiding in the infinite darkness either. I have to start typing, even if its nonesense (like this particular post) and along the way, things may start to take shape, or least, appear to make sense (to me anyway).

If I was a proper writer, I'd churn out cheesy, sex and romance novels by the dozen (always a market for those), sell a few to some Hollywood-type movie producers, make millions (or close to millions) and retire.

But I'm straying. So, here I am committing to writing a few words on 'Blogalization', etcetera, and at the same time, I have a 2,500 word assignment to hand in by November 26 (but I've given myself to November 23 to finish it, come hell or highwater, sense or nonesense). This deadline is important because I also need time to write my assignment (another 2,500 words) for the recently concluded Managing People module, as well as prepare for the exam on December 1. Janine's deadline was 'early next week' (i.e., this week). I ended up submittng my thoughts on November 20, which was cutting it pretty close as the final article went up today.

So without further delay, I present to you my original submission (the one I sent was edited, which she did warn me about). My thoughts on 'Blogalization' and its relevance to the Caribbean:

"The meaning of Blogalization and its relevance to the Caribbean.

Blogalization is a big, clumsy, mouthful of a word. I've been asked to write a few words on the meaning of it, and its relevance to the Caribbean. A few people have likened this word to Globalization. Globalization has different meanings for different people, so I do not like to compare it to Blogalization, although there may be one or two similarities.

I think that Blogalization is something completely different, but what it is exaclty, I don't know. All I can say is that by me writing this and you (hopefully) reading it on a blog somewhere and leaving a comment, or not leaving a comment, we're both taking part in Blogalization. Maybe it's as simple as that? The Internet, and the Web in particular, have allowed us all, or the vast majority of us, to communicate freely, anytime and anywhere.

Each of us can have our own digital soapbox on which we can stand and tell our stories. Some of us tell better stories than others, some of us have no stories to tell, or do not feel comfortable telling stories, yet we are drawn in and read/listen to what the World has to say. I think that Blogalization is just about story telling and making connections. In this day and age, it's easier to do so because of technology. Tomorrow, Blogalization will be replaced by another buzzword, but the principles will remain the same, story telling, communication and interactivity.

As for the Caribbean, we, as a unique and different set of people, have our own stories to tell. Good and bad. But why bother? What makes us think that the World is interested in what the Caribbean has to say? I do not know, but I'd like to think that they are interested and are listening. I'm not an expert on sociology, but I believe humans are social animals, and are curious as well. We feel a need to communicate and to share our experiences with others. We also want to learn about and from others.

But why is this relevant to the Caribbean? Because we have voices and we are active participants in the global economy and suffer and/or benefit from things like Globalization, as well as other forces. There is also the knowledge the rest of the World gains from reading Caribbean blogs/sites. It lets them know that we are here, so tread lightly because what you 'big boys' say and do, has a way of affecting us sooner or later. We are not a lesser-people, we have rights, feelings, thoughts and most importantly, we have our own voice!

But 'Blogalization?' I think it's just a new word. It's a word for something that people have been doing since time immemorial, and that is: People telling stories, people listening and people conversing. The Internet and the Web have just made these things available to everyone and anyone, no matter where you are.

That's my take on it."

This entire post (including this last bit) is 1,080+ words, and took me almost two hours to write (including the time I spent on my 'Blogalization' article). Despite that, I still can't find 2,500 decent words for my MICE assignment. :-(

Labels: blogging, Caribbean, life, MBA, World

10:03 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

The MBA, Movies, Music and Saturdays Saturday. The first time, in several years, that I have not ventured into the office. Unless there's an emergency, my Saturdays have now officially been reserved for study time, for the Durham MBA programme.

This feels rather odd. I mean, it's noisy around the house. So far, my ears have been assaulted by the sound of a lawn mower, the sweeping of a rake (suprisingly noisy), birds chirping, passing traffic, the wind blowing through leaves in a nearby tree, a neighbour's car stereo, and the construction (more like demolition) noise at a neighbour's house.

The office is (was?) the complete opposite. Desolate, quiet and best of all, came with easy access, via the on-site canteen, to Pudding & Souse, a Saturday must-have.

For one reason that I cannot, at this time, expand upon, I would like to watch Vanilla Sky and Jerry Maguire (both starring Tom Cruise and both directed by Cameron Crowe. Coincidence? I think not, the two of them obviously work well together). I don't recall meeting many people who liked both movies or at least one of them. In my book, both were equally good.

While looking through the "memorable quotes" section of Vanilla Sky on The IMDb, I came across this one:

"Brian: Just remember, the sweet is never as sweet without the sour, and I know the sour."

LOL. Ain't that the truth. I know the sour, too. Boy do I know it. Where's the "sweet," huh? LOL. I wish I knew.

For the same reason that I can't expand upon, when next I find myself in the car, I will be playing (on repeat) the song "Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth With Money in My Hand", by Primitive Radio Gods. I first heard this song years ago, not at a club, but on the radio while driving. It has been one of my favourite songs ever since then.

"Fly Away," by Lenny Kravitz used to be my very own personal anthem. That song was liberating and represented freedom. But Lenny, sorry dude, your song just doesn't cut it any longer. Like a faithful companion, SOABPBWMIMH has been there, through thick and thin, good times as well as bad. Just listening to the song puts me in a totally different frame of mind, or state of mind, or whatever.

The entire song is available (for free) via their MySpace page. Click on the link that reads "Phonebooth demo ver..." If you can spare a moment, leave a comment on this post, and let me know what you think of it.

There you have it. Saturday. I have, what feels like, a ton of school work to do. So I best be going now.

Labels: education, life, MBA, movies, music, work

11:37 AM 0 Comments Links to this post

Blogging the MBA 3 The first module, Managing in the Competitive Environment, of the Durham MBA is finally over. The next big "thing," will be the written exam (on Oct 27) and the assignment (to be handed in on the day of the exam), which is a 2,500 word paper based on a FedEx case study. Marks for this module are awarded fifty-fifty. That is, fifty percent for the exam, fifty for the paper.

What have I learnt from this module? Quite a bit. I'm still "consolidating" everything, but one or two important things stand out. Take for example, strategy and whether or not it is planned or emergent. By emergent, I mean, does the strategy of a business just evolve as a result and in response to what is going on in its environment, or is it more planned?

A military battle would have, I would think, a planned strategy. However, as everyone knows, the battle field is not a static environment. As such, the strategic plan would have to allow for changes, and the combatants prepared to respond to these changes, else the battle will be lost! So, we have a lot of planning before the battle, but in the midst of it, we have to adjust the plan to take into account changes in the environment. The strategic plan therefore is not a static thing. It may start off being well defined, but as the environment changes, the strategy must change in response, if not, then the business may suffer.

Labels: Barbados, blogging, education, life, MBA

9:22 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

Blogging the MBA 2 Wow. Where to begin? University induction, rules and regulations were discussed and reviewed throughout the day on Oct 1. Oct 2 marked the start of the real teaching and learning (Managing in the Competitive Environment, a.k.a, MICE). This particular module (including induction) began on Oct 1 and runs until Oct 6. Classes start at 8:30 AM (and this is Durham time, people, not Barbadian time as in, 8:45 or 9:00 AM) and run until 4:30 PM. Every day, all day.

The classes are held at the Barbados Yacht Club. The room is large (seating around twenty-five of us, if I remember correctly), comfortable and air-conditioned. There are also several power strips for students and/or teachers to plug in their laptops, as well as (slow) wireless Internet access. Students have two fifteen or thirty minute (can't remember because I'm tired right now) coffee breaks (no doubt because of the large amount of information that students have to take in) and a one hour lunch. Coffee, juice and light snacks, are all provided as part of the programme. You're on your own as far as lunch is considered, however, there is a small bar/restaurant facility on the beach that serves some good, affordable food. Alternatively, I believe the BYC itself (Barbados Yacht Club) also serves a decent buffet lunch, or something similar, but I'm not familiar with their prices.

So far, it's been a non-stop barrage of information, information and more information. No shortage of printed material (colour and laser printed I might add), each student being given his/her own copy, no need to share (major plus, unlike my BCC days, where you were lucky to get a copy of a report or assignment for yourself). We've had, to date, about three printed case studies to review (primarily concerned with strategy and the management of it) and several videos to watch (case studies and lectures). Today, our case study was on Mount Gay. This involved reading a printed case study on them and visiting Mount Gay for an extensive and informative tour as well as several small samples of their flagship product, rum!

Labels: Barbados, blogging, education, life, MBA

8:27 PM 1 Comments Links to this post

Blogging the MBA 1 Drove down to the offices of CariMEC this morning, paid in my registration fees, collected a few handbooks and left (after realizing that tomorrow, not today, is the start of the full day of the programme). No worries. There are two rather large texts that I have to start reading through in anticipation of the first (of six) core modules. The first being: Managing in the Competitive Environment.

Labels: Barbados, blogging, education, life, MBA

9:33 AM 0 Comments Links to this post

Blogging the MBA Maintaining a blog (especially one that is reasonably current and interesting) is not an easy task. It can be time consuming and sometimes frustrating (people who suffer from writer's block will know what I mean).

As such, I have decided to blog the journey (where and when appropriate) towards obtaining my MBA. This will provide me with some material to post to the blog, and will also offer some insight, for those of you who may be interested, into the MBA, specifically the Caribbean MBA offered by the Durham Business School.

In addition, it will also give me (at least for the next two years) something different to write/blog about besides hurricanes, disasters, accidents and the fact that I Am Not An Economist.

Labels: Barbados, blogging, education, life, MBA

8:11 AM 1 Comments Links to this post