Aberdeen Business School MBA Yearbook - … MBA Yearbook 2010 Moved.qxd: ... MBA Oil & Gas...

MBAABERDEEN BUSINESS SCHOOL

Class of 2010

CharteredManagementInstitute

MBA Yearbook 2010 Moved.qxd:Layout 1 24/11/10 15:19 Page 1


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CONTENTS PAGE

Dean’s Message 4

The Aberdeen Business School MBA Faculty 5

Welcome to ourYearbook 7

Message from the Associate Dean 8

Memories of RGU’s MBA 2010 Cohort 9

The Course Leader Reflects 10

The MBA Journey - A Personal Classroom Reflection 11

Our Class Representatives 12

Meet the Class of 2010 13

Profiles of the 2010 MBA Cohort 14

LeadershipWeek and Business SimulationWeekends 44

MBA StudyTourTrip - Marseille & Aix-en-Provence 46

Consultancy Project Groups 48

MBA Regatta - RGU DreamTeam 2010 61

RGU Ambassador 62

Social Events Photographs 64

Farewell Message 66


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I’d like to take this opportunity to celebrate the success of our MBA programme and our MBA graduates.We are proudto offer a globally renownedMBA programmewhich has recently been reaccredited (2009) by theAssociation of MBAs(AMBA) for five years. In order to maintain that accreditation we rely upon a diverse international student cohort ofhighly motivated and experienced managers who bring their experience into the classroom to share with their peers.We are constantly reviewing programme content and delivery modes to ensure that the qualification remains valid andrelevant to today’s management challenges. Our graduates can be confident they have a qualification that is recognisedby industry and which will contribute significantly to their personal and professional development.

2010 is our forty-fifth anniversary year and an important one for Aberdeen Business School. We were very proudrecently to recognise our high profile industry supporters and sponsors at a special lunch to celebrate the School’sranking by the Guardian newspaper at 15th of the 118 business schools in the United Kingdom.

By way of introduction to this yearbook I thought it useful to outline the history of Aberdeen Business School, a facultywithin the Robert Gordon University.The University is one of the UK's 'new universities'. Although recently established,the institution can trace its roots back to 1731 when Aberdeen merchant and benefactor Robert Gordon bequeathedhis estate to build a residential school for boys. In 1903 Robert Gordon'sTechnical College was formed to bring togethera range of adult education activities in Aberdeen. It was redesignated Robert Gordon's Institute ofTechnology in 1965and was awarded university status in 1992.

Throughout its history Robert Gordon University has had very strong links with industry and the professions, andAberdeen Business School has sought consistently to achieve professional accreditations wherever these apply. Wewant our graduates to be recognised as great employees and future industry leaders. Aberdeen Business School is oneof the leading providers of management and professional education in Scotland.The School is business-facing and ourstrong links with industry, commerce and the public sector enable us to ensure that our courses remain practical yetinnovative, and offer students the very best learning experience available.

Robert Gordon University is renowned for its vocational focus and has one of the strongest graduate employmentrecords of any UK university. Robert Gordon University has been named by TheTimes Good University Guide, for thethird year running, as the Best Modern University in the UK, and was recently voted the Scottish University of theYear by both The Times and Sunday Times. These are fantastic accolades and will hopefully help our graduates tosecure the best employment opportunities in the future.

Finally I would again like to congratulate all our MBA graduates on their achievements withAberdeen Business School.I wish you all every success in the next steps of your career.

Best wishes

Rita MarcellaDean of Aberdeen Business SchoolRobert Gordon University

Dean’s MessageAberdeen Business School


The Aberdeen Business School MBA Faculty

Prof. Rita MarcellaDean, AberdeenBusiness School

Prof. Ken RussellAssociate Dean

Allan ScottMBA Director

Phil BurgeMBA Course Leader &

Lecturer

Prof. Dennis TourishLeadership,

Communication &Change

Senga BriggsSenior Lecturer, Project

Management

Prof. Bill DonaldsonMarketing Decisions

Andrew TurnbullMarketing Decisions

Dr. Leon MollerOil & Gas Contract Law

Dr. Farooq AhmadCorporate Finance

Alex MackayFinancial Decision

Making

John TaylorHuman ResourceManagement

Dr. Rosalind RaeOperations Management

Dr. Ian PhillipsOil & Gas Management

Anne StevensonHuman ResourceManagement

Dr EmmanuelleRey-Marmonier

Change Management

Bryan McNayOperations Management

David Gibbon-WoodBusiness Economics

Dr Edward OchiengProject Fundamentals

Langes SupramaniamProject Fundamentals

Farid UllahLaunching a New

Venture

Prof. Simon LeeLeadership,

Communication &Change

Moira BaileyHuman ResourceManagement

Ximing RuanProject Fundamentals

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OTHER FACULTYTUTORS INCLUDEDProf. Owen Hargie, Leadership, Communication & Change. Victoria Stewart, Launching a NewVenture.

Karen Lund, Financial Decision Making. Dr.YvonneTurner, Strategic Management.Bill Sutherland, Strategic Management. Dr. David Jones, Change Management.


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Welcome to our yearbook, especially put-together to showcase the exceptionaltalents, unique experience and vivid personalities that made up the AberdeenBusiness School MBA class of 2010.

How time flies. It seems like only yesterday when thirty-two ambitious-looking young men and women met togetherfor the first time in the MBA room ready to set off on a course that has turned out to be life-changing for every one ofus. From day one it was clear that the class was going to be extraordinary.

As an introduction to what you’ll go on to read, let me tell you about my colleagues’ expertise. Our class was madeup of students who were following one of two linked courses—the core MBA or the MBA in Oil and Gas Management.As you flip through the pages of this book, you will be reading about graduates with a strong understanding of thekey areas required by modern-day managers. In order to be effective in a wide range of roles, in industries and sectorsacross the globe, all graduates have studied business economics, change management, marketing management,human resource management, financial decision-making, operations management, strategic management, andleadership, communication and change. Every student, working in teams, has also carried out a three month real lifeconsultancy project. But in addition to this, advanced expertise among the core MBA graduates includes internationalcorporate finance, international marketing, project management and entrepreneurship. Graduates who took the oil andgas management route have a particular blend of general management and oil and gas management skills that youwill find difficult to better anywhere in the world: specialist areas of expertise include petroleum economics, assetmanagement and supply chain management.

The Aberdeen Business School MBA has proven to be an incredible experience. The class of 2010 is a treasure forfuture employers.

Peter EssienBSc (Geology), MBA (Oil and Gas Management)[email protected] EditorialTeam

Welcome to ourYearbook


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Completing an MBA is a great achievement. An MBA is a unique combination of theory and practice that shouldsupport all graduates in the furtherance of their career. Part of that uniqueness comes from the graduates themselvesdue to their work experience and achievements. The sum total of the prior demonstrable achievements and how youas students engaged with your studies on the MBA is the thing that will set you apart from others.

It is often said that an education helps you to find the answers to issues you have not yet encountered but which youwill recognise when you have come across something similar before. Making the right response to any particularstimulus is important. Developing routine responses to matters that require routine solutions saves time and money.You also need to recognise when a creative response is required and ensure that you then act accordingly.

We are facing the prospects of working longer due to the economic situation and with improvements in health care.The upside to this is that you will have longer to capitalise on your new knowledge, skills and ways of thinking gainedfrom the MBA. The other side of the coin is that the world does not stop changing and it will be important to recognisethat the MBA is really the start of your management education not the end. As part of the solution to your need forlife-long learning I strongly suggest that you become active in our Alumni Association (see page 63). Not only willmembership help you keep in touch with colleagues but it will provide a support network and opportunities to buildon the MBA.

I wish you all the very best in your future careers and please do stay in touch.

Very best wishes

Prof. Ken RussellAssociate Dean, Aberdeen Business SchoolRobert Gordon [email protected]

Message from the Associate Dean,Ken Russell to the class of 2010


It would be fair to say that it has been a tremendous yearfor the MBA. Your class is on track to have the highestacademic performance for any full-time class. I probablysee half of you more than you would like and the otherhalf not as much as you expect. Despite this I spend aconsiderable amount of time developing the MBA’sreputation and ensuring the programme success. I wouldlike to go through some of the key points in the year.

On 3 July 2009, AMBA visited the Business School. Aftera few days of rigorous inspection we gained fullaccreditation for another five years with no conditions.However we did have a set of recommendations that wewanted to incorporate as soon as possible.The summerwas spent developing the programme, participating inrankings and getting ready for your arrival. I visitedUniversity of Tulsa to continue developing ourcollaboration. I spent a week at the Offshore Europebiannual conference and exhibition making contacts andimpressing upon senior managers within the oil industrythat our MBA graduates cut the mustard. During OffshoreEurope we set the ground work for MBA projects andspeakers for the leadership week.

You arrived in September and by the beginning ofOctober I had the pleasure of getting to know you.TheTVadverts you produced in induction week were excellentand it was a close competition to identify a winner. I diddiscover it was the first time Peter Gibb had washed hishair (what there is of it!) in quite a few years. I must saymy son has the same policy. In the following months IvisitedAustralia, developed a new brochure, planned therecruitment visits and started to organise the leadershipweek. As a result of the visit to Australia the MBA has acollaborative agreement with Curtin University.

I was very pleased to see that the first semester resultswere strong. A student left to return to India, another fellby the wayside, but we had two new arrivals, Musah andAdam both of whom integrated well. Musah was electedclass representative for the Oil and Gas Managementcohort. A few students commented on thecompetitiveness of the class and the need to get to knoweach other better. This is something we will hope to

Memories of RGU’sMBA 2010 Cohort

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address. Your class did a few group outings during thespring semester. Nikita was very keen for me to comepaint-balling.

In May the distance learning students and part-timestudents joined us on campus for the leadership week.This event gets bigger each year. I was told by a full-timestudent a few years ago that the event “is when the full-time class realise they are not alone but are part of a bigMBA”. The speakers did a tremendous job – and whoknew you could have so much fun on a small piece ofcarpet? The strategic management simulation went aswe expected. Success at the simulation needed goodpreparation, data analysis and decision-making withinthe team setting.

Most of you went on the France trip where you realisedthe weather in Aberdeen is not that bad. We also hada team competing in a yachting regatta – teamKazakhstan, the ‘DreamTeam’ – coming twenty-ninth outof thirty-seven.

During second semester the MBA faculty team visitedfifteen overseas destinations to recruit students. I spent aweek in the US speaking to oil and gas companies. TheMBA yearbook team was formed with Peter Essien andAmeze taking the lead. I have been told that Ameze is awoman who can make things happen.

Phil and I also recruited a good range of consultancyprojects.The MBA projects really brought out the best inyou. I am very proud of what you have achieved withyour projects and your efforts continue to raise thereputation of the MBA. I want to thank Phil for his effortsin making your MBA journey the success it was.

I wish you all good luck for the future.We will miss you,so please keep in touch.

Allan ScottMBA Director, Aberdeen Business SchoolRobert Gordon [email protected]


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For a Course Leader the end of a course invokes mixed feelings: intense pleasure that the class has been successfuland some sadness that the shared journey is over. There is also anticipation that a new class is due to start its ownjourney.

Observing MBA students during their time with us is always interesting and, surprisingly perhaps, very similar yearon year. We see great enthusiasm and motivation during induction and the early part of the first semester; we seecompetitiveness between class members in the form of vying for faculty attention or competing for assessment grades;we see students becomingmore self aware as they deal with the stresses and challenges of an MBA; and at some stagewe see students realising that they have been through a valuable experience which has transformed them and set themup for changes in their career path.

As a teacher of strategy, and the consultancy project mentor, I am always delighted to see students appreciate and getto grips with the depth and breadth of both the MBA and the demands of leadership and management. This is atransformation that is worth the journey.

Be proud of your achievements and remember that the MBA is a step forward; it now all depends on how you applyyourselves.

Good luck wherever your life and career may take you.

Phil BurgeFull Time Course Leader, Aberdeen Business SchoolRobert Gordon [email protected]

The Course Leader Reflects


In induction week they told us we were ‘going on ajourney’—that the ABS MBA Programme was going tomove us to a place we couldn’t yet imagine. I am writingto you from that place at the ‘end’ of the journey.

For a full twelve-month-year just over thirty of us haveshared this journey full time. We are the class of 2010.One or two of us stepped off the trail along the way—personal circumstances perhaps trading their passes forother MBA courses, part-time or on-line—and a couplemore came in the other way, joining us en route.

We have been a diverse troupe of classmates, richculturally and professionally, all different in ourexperiences and outlooks, our skills and knowledge.When we assembled in Aberdeen from every inhabitedcontinent of the world (save the antipodes) ourbackgrounds spanned industries and sectors. We camefrom energy, manufacturing, ICT, finance and the media,private business, government and the voluntary sector.So we brought with us on our journey a wealth ofexperience and understanding. Our classroom was anexchange of ideas—an ongoing veritable ‘Platonicdialogue’ of business administration—led by our teacherscertainly, but sustained by all of us together. As Stacey,one teacher not physically in our classroom, might say,our learning came about in our ordinary conversationsand by our diverse intentions.

Among us travellers I sense a strong feeling of kinshiphas grown up over the year as we shared the experiencetogether of moving through theABSMBA landscape.Thetime we have spent together and the discussions wehave had will stay with us in our memories until ourdying days. And that feeling of connection, of course,extends to the guides, porters and guards who helped usalong the way—our fine teachers. We have made newfriends on the journey: we have learned new respect forothers; and earned new respect for ourselves.

The MBA JourneyA Personal Classroom Reflection

We have been shown some amazing sights along theway. Our academic itinerary has served up a panoply ofintellectual wonder. Of course we have gained a soundand broad knowledge of the administration of businessand organisation; we have studied the many disciplinesof management and mastered the tools of analysis anddecision-making. But more and deeper than that, wehave been shown that the world of work is a richer andmore complex place than previously we had thought; welearned to listen, see, feel, think and respond with greaterwisdom; we have come to understand the difficulty andinherent paradoxes in strategic action; we have becomebetter managers and leaders (and followers) than wewere before.

The ABS MBA journey has by no means been an easyone. I think none of us in the class would pretendotherwise. We have suffered metaphorical cuts andblisters and endured real exhaustion; felt disillusionmentand disorientation, at times got lost; we may each alongthe trail, in the dark of forest midnight, have consideredturning back. Our journey has stretched and tested us;but indeed it has delivered us, as promised, tosomewhere new. And here we are.

So where is this place to which our journey has broughtus? Whither destination MBA? It turns out I cannot say.We now see and understand that the course’s end andgraduation is no destination; it is a milestone—and onedifferent for each of us—in the longer journey that is ourindividual life and work.The MBA journey begins with thecourse, but doesn’t end with it. Our ABS MBA is thesingle first step from which now begins—as Lao-tzu putsit—our life journey of a thousand miles.The best of luckto all of us.

Peter GibbMBA Class of [email protected]

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The Core MBA student experience really began at the start of the secondsemester when we began gathering as a smaller group for our specificmodule electives. It quickly became clear that as a unit we would thrive wheneach individual added his or her opinion and experience into any discussionwe were having. In some cases we were able to make the impossible a realitybecause of our collective power and determination, while in other cases thepower of an individual contribution shifted the learning of the group to ahigher level.Throughout all, it was obvious that we each developed a senseof responsibility for the success of our new colleagues and friends and thesenew relationships were a major highlight.

A second highlight for the Core MBA group’s year was the Corporate Financemodule taught by Dr. Farooq Ahmad. The levels of engagement and group

learning which took place during this module were arguably the most noteworthy of the programme.When coupledwith Dr. Ahmad’s evident passion for teaching, every student, regardless of prior finance experience or education,came away with a new confidence in their ability to function competently within this area.

As we each move back into the world of work we go armed with a year of solid educational experience and a year’sworth of personal and professional relationships. We will also take with us a confidence in our ability to face, andovercome, the complex challenges of the corporate world, both as entrepreneurs and professional managers.

Shane MarkMBA Core Class [email protected]

Let me commence with a big ‘congratulations’ to the MBA Oil & GasManagement class of 2010. Graduating from the Robert Gordon Universitythis year both weaves us into an eligible history and makes us part of thefuture of leadership, not just in the oil & gas industry but also in the publicrealm as well.

The MBA Class of 2010 has overcome many challenges. The last fourteenmonths have been a rigorous calendar of exams, coursework, deadlines andfinely balanced extensions. Sometimes we may have doubted what we weredoing: we may have wondered at the relevance of modules we were taking,or the use of lectures we were attending, or the sense of coursework or examswe were writing. But every moment of it was necessary—whether weappreciate it already or not. Every moment of bonding, of mentorship, ofmistakes and learning, both in and outside the MBA room, has been part ofwhat we have received. Some of the bonds we have formed here will remain for the rest of our lives.

We have all had the opportunity to be exposed to new ideas, which we may have gone on to share, or not. Everystudent has had the opportunity to defend their own ideas, and explore and test those of others.The result hopefullyhas been the strengthening of the good, and the reassessment of that which did not stand up to scrutiny and evidence.

All of this was for a reason: and the leaving of RGU is the beginning of that reason. As we go back to our place of workand different countries— Canada, Ghana, Italy, Nigeria, Russia, Tanzania, Kazakhstan, the United States, the UnitedKingdom, or wherever—we go with optimism. We hope to add value to the legacy handed to us; so that futuregenerations will pride themselves as they in turn stand on our shoulders.

We will be heirs to the social and economic structures around us.The fate of millions of people may be in our handsas we make our contributions to decisions that will affect what we hand on to our own heirs.

Musah MohammedMBA Oil & Gas Class [email protected]

Our Class Representatives

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Adam Abdul-Karim George Addy-Morton

Gabriel Bujulu Fariza Choltanova

Peter Gibb Okechukwu Ijeoma

Ashish Kumar Victor Maples

Amirzhan Ospanov Carlo Andrea Palombo

Partick Kanyindizue Uti Eugene Uwagie-Ero

Rasak Awudulai

Peter Essien

Stoianka Jordanova

Musah Mohammed

Usman Suleman

Awodeji Awodiji

MukhammedaliDeribssaliyev

Ameze Iyere

Namsi Mchombu

Emmanuel G Simon

Nikita Zhelobov

Abhay Agarwal

Adrian Day

Bauyrzhan Ilyassov

Shane Mark

Yerlan Sarbassov

Tushar Vikas Phatak

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Adam [email protected]

GHANAIAN

A highly skilled professional with an oil and gas managementbackground. Possessing eight years management experience acrossseveral disciplines in business development, accounting and finance,project management and human resource management. Seeking topursue a career in commercial, risk and asset management within theoil and gas sector.

Key Competences: Entrepreneurship, Banking & Finance, BusinessDevelopment

Career History

2010Management ConsultantProdrill Energy Solutions Limited Aberdeen, UK

• Developed strategies to assist the company in implementing an internationalisation strategy.

• Reviewed operational risks and challenges the company might face in regions with E&P activities.

• Developed an efficient commercialisation model.

2004 - 2009 Mirak Construction Ltd London, UK

• Developed and implemented business strategies on construction recruitment.

• Built a solid relationship with existing clients resulting in a repeat business rate of about 98%.

• Responsible for strategic decision making with regards to improving the general performance of the company.

2002 - 2004 Financial ControllerGabriel & Associates Chartered AccountantsLondon, UK

• Managed payroll, control accounts, VAT administration, monthly management account, year rent processes and business development.

Qualifications

2009 - 2010MBA Oil & Gas Management (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business SchoolRobert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

1996 - 2000BSc Administration Banking & Finance OptionUniversity of Ghana Business SchoolAccra, GHANA

MBA Experience

Overall, the MBA course was fantastic. The learningexperience was overwhelming as it trained us on how toassess issues from different perspectives and synthesisetheory with practice. The confidence-building aspectcannot be overlooked. After completing the course, I ammore confident and ready to lead and contribute at thestrategic level in any work environment.

Additional InformationLinkedIn: Adam Abdul KarimVoluntary Activities: Patron for Save The Forest inGhanaInterests: Golf, football, swimming, reading andwatching moviesLanguages: English, Arabic, Hausa, Akan, Dagbomba

Professional MembershipMember of the Association of MBAs (AMBA)Member of the Chartered Institute of ManagementAccountants (CIMA)Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)Member of the Institute of Assets Management (IAM)


George [email protected]

Career History

2008Country Finance ManagerAllan Dick Ghana Limited (Ghanaian subsidiary of a UK- based global group providing communicationsinfrastructure solutions)Accra, GHANA

• In charge of the finance and accounting team, providing financial and management information for decision making, contracts and bids.

• Responsible for strategic planning, budgeting and cash flows.

2000 - 2008Financial Analyst and Senior AccountantVolta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO)(Formerly a subsidiary of ALCOA and KAISER, USA)Accra, GHANA

• Financially appraised, and analysed projects aimed at full integration in the aluminium smelter; bauxite mining, alumina refinery, securing energy and finance for the project.

• In charge of multi-currency payables and financial reporting, ensuring financial statements comply with national and international regulations and standards.

Qualifications


1991 - 1994BSc (hons) AccountingUniversity of Ghana Business School Accra, GHANA

MBA Experience

RGU’s MBA programme was very practical in itsapproach and teaching methods. It complemented mycompetent numeracy skills along with further developingmy critical thinking and strategic decision making tools.It has also reinforced my communication andpresentation skills. The interdisciplinary, diverse andmulticultural nature of the class has enabled me to builda strong network across the globe. The MBA has alsohelped in developing my leadership skills and teamworking spirit.

Additional InformationLinkedIn: George Addy-Morton

Professional MembershipFellow of the Association of Chartered CertifiedAccountants (ACCA)Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA)Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants,Ghana (ICA)

GHANAIAN

Over ten years experience in the metal (aluminium) industry mainly infinancial reporting, payables, budget and strategic planning. The latterpart was spent on appraising and evaluating projects aimed at verticalintegration as well as securing energy and finance for the smelter. Hada stint with service companies in various finance and accounting roles.Also worked as a consultant for various SMEs in Ghana. Aspire tocombine this practical experience with the knowledge gained from theMBA to help companies create and add value to their business. Up todate knowledge of IFRS. Cross practical knowledge of both UK and USGAAP, with strong competencies in ERP systems, numerals and advancecomputer skills. Aim to actively participate in the energy and upstreamoil and gas industry in developing economies at a strategic level.

Key Competences: Financial Analysis, Accounting,Strategic Business Planning

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Abhay AGARWAL [email protected]

INDIAN

A performance-oriented, focused team player with a disciplinedprofessional attitude and strong business and financial acumen,offering over ten years experience in financial analysis, planning anddecision support with extensive knowledge of management accountsreporting and international trade. Proactive with strong analytical andcommunication skills. Adept at multi-tasking and capable of handlingchallenging situations effectively.

Key Competences: Finance, Accounting, International Trade

Career History

2002 - 2009 Corporate Finance Manager Dana GroupConglomerate Automotive, Aviation, FMCG, SteelLagos, NIGERIA

• Management reporting of financials.• Supervised group financial operations.• Assisted finance director in strategic decisions• Managed budgeting process.• Supervised international trade operations.• Liaised with local and International banks to secure financing.

1998 - 2002 AccountantIMS Ship Management LtdShipping Crew Management, Mumbai, INDIA

• Book keeping and finalisation of accounts.• Preparation of cost and financial statements.• Assisted financial controller in communications.• Disbursed salaries to crew members worldwide.• Liaised with principals in Italy for weekly disbursement and movement of crews.

Qualifications

2009 - 2010MBA (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business SchoolRobert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

1998B Com (hons)University of Mumbai, Mumbai, INDIA

Diploma in Software EngineeringAptech Computer Education, Mumbai, INDIA

MBA Experience

Going back to school was worth it simply because itshook up my life and got me to try new things. It was agood thing for a meticulous person like me to get someexposure to business theory and the way the worldworks. I have also met some great people, and overall theculture of the programme was a good fit. The coursegave me a chance to relate with others, reflect on myselfas an individual to know where my key strengths lie andwhere improvements are needed. I was particularlyinterested in corporate finance and strategy which havesharpened my skills by cultivating valuable analytical,critical thinking and strategic decision-making abilities.In addition this has allowed me to relate those skills toreal work experiences. For me my whole experience hasreally been about making good decisions quickly withlimited information.

Additional InformationLinkedIn: Abhay AgarwalInterests: Enjoys soft music, playing and watchingsports and PlayStationLanguages: English, Hindi and Marathi

Professional MembershipMember of the Association of MBAs (AMBA)Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)


Ayodeji [email protected]

Career History

2008 - 2009 Head, Consumer BankingOceanic Bank Plc Financial Services, Lagos ZoneLagos, NIGERIA

• Managed treasury activities and risk assets of major oil and gas companies.

• Managed the entire sales cycle including developing and implementing marketing plans.

• Proactively developed new business through strategic prospecting and B2B marketing.

• Compiled weekly reports for executive management highlighting branch achievements against set targets while recommending remedial strategies in the eventof a negative variance.

• Performed environmental scanning and competitor analysis in order to determine market positioning and increase market share.

• Responsible for customer service, CRM and the coordination of transaction banking activities of multinational oil and gas companies.

Qualifications


2001 - 2005BSc FinanceUniversity of LagosLagos, NIGERIA

MBA Experience

Gains from the MBA include improved leadership skills,team work, research skills, relationship management andeffective communication, analytical, critical thinking andwriting skills. My consultancy project was particularlyvaluable as it advanced my knowledge of the UKCS.Furthermore, I gained valuable exposure to the industrywhile working in concert with Accenture and DecommNorthsea, to produce ground breaking research onsupply chain capabilities and contractual philosophies fordecommissioning in the UKCS. The leadership week wasalso very rewarding with insightful lectures from captainsof industry and decent networking opportunities. Thusimproving self awareness and a better understanding ofemotional intelligence have prepared me for leadershipchallenges ahead.

Additional InformationLinkedIn: Deji AwodijiInterests: Good music, playing pool and interestingcompany

Professional MembershipMember of the Association of MBA (AMBA)Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB)Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

NIGERIAN

An ambitious and performance-driven achiever with five yearsexperience in business development, finance and B2B marketinggained across the oil and gas and financial services industries. My aimis to make a positive impact on the Nigerian oil and gas industry aidedby the knowledge and experience gained from my MBA in Oil and GasManagement.

Key Competences: Business Development, Finance, Credit RiskManagement, Relationship Management

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Razak AWUDULAI [email protected]

GHANAIAN

An ambitious, dynamic and resourceful person with seven yearsexperience varying in the education, communications, localgovernment, public sectors, and a brief stint in the oil and gas sector.Aim for a challenging career in the public or private sectors, either incommunications, marketing, human resource development orbusiness development outfits of any organisation globally.

Key Competences: Public-Private Partnership (PPP), CSR, PublicProcurement, Local Government

Career History

2009 Human Resource ManagerWest African Petroleum Company Ltd (WAPCO) Accra, GHANA

2005 - 2009 Municipal Chief Executive (Mayor)Public Service. City of Kintampo, GHANA

• Acted as political and administrative head of a municipality with a population of 150,000.

• Provided managerial responsibilities to more than 40line departments, 80 core staff and 200 allied employees.

2003 - 2005 Research OfficerOffice of the President of the Republic of Ghana Public Service. Accra, GHANA

Experience with Public Boards and Committees

2007 - 2009 • Vice President – National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG)

2005 - 2009• Chairman – Kintampo Municipal Security Committee,Statutory Planning Committee, Education Oversight Committee, Executive Committee and Health Committee

2003

• Member/Secretary – Committee for the Review of Youth Policy

2002• Member – University of Cape Coast Residence and Library Boards

2001 – 2002• National Secretary – National of Ghana Students (NUGS)

Qualifications


1998 - 2002Bachelor of Education Arts (hons) Education, EnglishUniversity of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, GHANA

2007Certificate in Public Sector Management & GovernanceInstitute for Public-Private Partnerships. Washington, USA

Certificate in Public Procurement & ManagementPublic Procurement Authority, GHANA

MBA Experience

Undertaking the MBA Oil and Gas programme is a valueaddition to my experience. It is also a tremendousmilestone both in my academic pursuits and providingthe needed impetus in enhancing my managerialcapabilities. For me, the programme could best bedescribed as a complete ‘experience’. Meeting people ofdiverse cultures and nationalities has not only been anenjoyable experience of learning but also of socialisationand networking. I have equally enhanced my analyticaland critical thinking processes. There is no doubt that theMBA programme has further enhanced my leadershipand team building skills as well as strategic decision-making abilities.

Additional InformationLinkedIn: Awud RazakVoluntary Activities: National health insurancescheme. Pro-poor programmes and youthdevelopmentInterests: Soccer enthusiast, table tennis, reading,drama, boxing

Languages: English, Hausa, Twi, Fante, Dagbani,Mo/Deg

Professional MembershipMember of the Association of MBAs (AMBA)Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)Member of Society of Petroleum Engineers, UK (SPE)


Gabriel Njunwa [email protected]

Career History

2004 - 2009Principal Petroleum EngineerTanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC)(National Oil Company)Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA.

• Produced data analysis, reservoir monitoring reservoir simulation studies.

1996 - 2004Senior Petroleum EngineerTPDC. Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA

• Gas to electricity project involvement as an engineer from project inception to commissioning and start up.

• Supervision of other gas development projects.

1986 - 1996TPDC Engineer Trainee/Petroleum EngineerTPDC. Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA

• Participated in drilling activities, well testing and test data analysis, reservoir studies, formation evaluationand gas utilisation studies.

• Involved in feasibility study for gas utilisation options in fertiliser production or power generation; assisted a production engineer in planning and implementation of gas well testing that involved two onshore wells and three offshore wells.

• Supervised Norwegian funded project in the oil and gas sector in Tanzania.

Qualifications


1985Petroleum EngineeringImperial CollegeLondon, UK

1982BSc Physics, Mathematics and GeologyUniversity of Dar es SalaamDar es Salaam, TANZANIA

MBA Experience

Gains from the MBA include improved leadership andmanagement skills, team work, communication,analytical and critical thinking and strategic decisionmaking skills. I enjoyed Oil and Gas Management, ProjectFundamentals and Petroleum Economics modules: theyhelped improve my skill and confidence in bothmanagement and decision making, complementing myestablished technical background.

Additional InformationInterests: Reading, watching gymnastics, playingfootball, lawn and table tennis

Professional MembershipMember of the Association of MBAs (AMBA)Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Member of the Engineers Registration Board (ERB - T )Member of the Geological Society of Tanzania (GST – T)Member of the Institution of Engineers Tanzania (IET - T)Member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)

TANZANIAN

More than fifteen years experience in oil and gas business. Experienceranges from exploration, appraisal, development, production andutilisation of oil and gas. Skilled in pipeline right of way acquisition,pipeline design, pipeline construction, well test design, well test dataanalysis and interpretation. Also familiar with low pressure gasdistribution for industrial and domestic use.

Key Competences: Reservoir Engineering, Management,Project Management

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Fariza CHOLTANOVA [email protected]

KAZAKH

I am a proactive and enthusiastic individual, and a quick learner. I amalways looking for opportunities to improve the business, from costsavings to sharing ideas and skills to helping colleagues betterthemselves. I believe that personal interaction and team cooperationwithin a working environment achieves better results faster. Indeveloping throughout my career, I aspire to be a finance managerwith a large, multi-national corporation.

Key Competences: Finance, Accounting, ERP

Career History

2007 - 2009 Management AccountantHalliburton (Oilfield Services Company)Aktau, KAZAKHSTAN

A leading worldwide oilfield services company, where I worked for the Baroid product service line -the largest service in Kazakhstan with annual turnover of $60 million.

• Primary functions involved management reporting and budgeting for the Caspian operations

• Monitored cost control and expenditure, verifying inventories and accounts reconciliations

• Knowledgeable on SAP and various ERP tools.• Organised voluntary training courses for co-workers in SAP and Excel to help improve their skills.

2005 - 2007 Cost ControllerErSai Caspian Contractor (Drilling & Construction)Aktau, KAZAKHSTAN

Kazakh joint-venture of SaiPem, a large companyinvolved in oil & gas drilling and construction, and leadcontractor for the giant Kashagan oil field.

• Worked as Cost Controller on the various local projects, encompassing project budgeting and reporting, monitoring project procurement and status reports to customers.

• Initiated various strategies and followed to implementation.

Qualifications


2003 - 2006MBA Finance & AccountingKIMEPAlmaty, KAZAKHSTAN

1999 - 2003Bachelor (hons) International EconomicsKIMEPKazakh Economic UniversityAlmaty, KAZAKHSTAN

MBA Experience

I found the MBA experience very helpful in reassessingmyself, and I strongly believe it will direct me to improvemy qualities and capabilities. The course helped mebroaden my view of the global nature of business, ofdifferent cultures and backgrounds, and the complexitiesthey bring to decision-making in the businessenvironment. I believe that the deeper understanding ofbusiness fundamentals will benefit me throughout mycareer.

Additional InformationLinkedIn: Fariza CholtanovaInterests: : I enjoy team sports, particularly volleyball.In addition, I like to travel and experience othercultures

Professional MembershipMember of the Association of MBAs (AMBA)Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)


ADRIAN [email protected]

Career History

2008 - 2009 Commercial Cost Engineer Canadian Natural Resources Contract, Aberdeen, UK

• Acted as the financial and commercial focal point for the Canadian Natural Resources contract.

• First point of contact for the project and reported to the operations and regional commercial managers.

• Responsible for liaising with offshore platform representatives and client accounting departments toprovide accurate and prompt monthly period valuations, including combined costing for labour, plant and materials across four distinct North Sea assets.

2006 - 2007Assistant Commercial ManagerMailing Products LimitedEssex, UK

• Reporting to commercial manager, acted as commercial support to various internal group and external client contracts from initial construction phase through to completion.

• Assisted project managers in their day-to-day running of projects through updating latest design amendments and modifications to drawings on project planning database.

• Solely responsible for management of various subcontracts, ensured parties complied with their contractual obligations and met between the company and clients to perform dispute resolution when necessary to ensure prompt payment.

Qualifications


2002 - 2006BSc (hons) Financial & Project Management InConstructionNottingham Trent University Nottingham, UK

MBA Experience

Enrolling on the Oil and Gas MBA at the Robert GordonUniversity has been one of the best decisions I havemade in my life. The course has broadened my mind andoutlook to business and management. It has given me asense of achievement and accomplishment that I will beable to take back to the workplace and use to enhance mycareer. The interaction of teamwork during the coursehas been fantastic with the multi-cultural and multi-disciplined dimension; it has really taught me abouteffective organisational behaviour and how to operatesuccessfully as a team. I believe the Robert Gordon MBAdevelops well-rounded and robust individuals who areready for management and future achievement.

Additional InformationLinked In: Adrian DayInterests: Boxing, scuba-diving, cooking, travelling andexploring new cultures

Professional MembershipMember of the Association of MBAs (AMBA)Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)

BRITISH

A focused professional with commercial business backgroundpossessing strategic thinking and analytical skills; with a strong desireto achieve and readily adapt to change in environments. Experience atmanagerial level in commercial cost engineering in the constructionand oil & gas industries. Aim to become a prominent businessdevelopment manager and professional for a major oil and gasoperator, where I can move further up the value chain within theindustry as well as broaden my knowledge and understanding atbusiness level.

Key Competences: Commercial Cost Management, ConstructionEngineering, Project Management

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Mukhammedali DERBISSALIYEV

[email protected]

KAZAKH

Specialist in B2B financing including the brokering of borrowing andthe negotiation and delivery of guarantees. Introduction andimplementation of balanced scorecard system with projectmanagement skills.

Key Competences: Finance, Balanced Scorecard & ProjectManagement

Career History

2007 - present day First Category ManagerStrategic Development DepartmentKazMunayGasJoint-Stock National CompanyVertically Diversified National Oil & Gas companyAstana, KAZAKSTHAN

• Managing of balanced scorecard system.• Implementation and appraisal of the forecast of subsidiary companies’ activities.

2002 - 2007 Senior ManagerEconomic Analysis Department KazTrasOilJoint-Stock CompanyOil TransportationAstana, KAZAKSTHAN

• Responsible for the company’s development programme for the intermediate period.

• Developed strategy realisation plans and introduced the balanced score-card system to the company.

• Awarded by the CEO for priceless contribution to company's profitability.

Qualifications


2000 - 2002Master of Sciences in EconomicsAl-Farabi Kazakh National UniversityAlmaty, KAZAKSTHAN

1995 - 2000Bachelor Degree in EconomicsAl-Farabi Kazakh National UniversityAlmaty, KAZAKSTHAN

1985 - 1995School Leaving CertificateRepublican Special School for Physics & Mathematicsfor talented children named after ZhautykovAlmaty, KAZAKSTHAN

MBA Experience

The MBA Oil and Gas Management course helped me toimprove and enhance my managerial skills andknowledge.

Additional InformationInterests: Skiing, fishing and travelLanguages: Kazakh, English and RussianAwards: CEO Award for priceless contribution tocompany’s profitability



Peter ESSIEN [email protected]

Career History

2010Business Development Consultant (MBA Project) Senergy Limited, Aberdeen, UK

• Review current competences of the company in line with current market demands.

• Develop new portfolio consistent with current trend in the industry and changing client demands.

• Research the marketability and viability of the new service in different potential markets/regions.

• Develop and recommend appropriate strategy for implementation of newly developed service.

2008 - 2009 Relationship Manager, Energy Team 2, Energy GroupGuaranty Trust Bank Plc, NIGERIA

2008 - 2009• Reviewing credit applications from clients.• Relationship management for top clients.

2006 - 2008Assistant Banking Officer – International Payment UnitGuaranty Trust Bank Plc, NIGERIA

• Responsible for processing foreign inflows and outflows for bank customers using the SWIFT network alliance software.

• Preparation of monthly report for regulatory bodies.

2005 - 2006Junior Geologist Channel Energy Limited, Lagos, NIGERIA• Preparation of correlation panels and determining marker beds.

• Geo-environment analyses and reservoir evaluation.

2004 - 2005Corps Liaison OfficerNational Youth Service Corps Aniocha North Local Gov., Issele-Uku, Delta State

Qualifications


1999 - 2003BSc (hons) GeologyUniversity of Benin, Edo State, NIGERIA

MBA Experience

The MBA programme has been a worthwhile experiencefor me. It has afforded me the opportunity to develop keymanagerial and leadership skills needed to succeed intoday’s business environment. I have also learnt how toapply academic theory to solving practical day-to-dayproblems as a manager/business leader. From thedifferent aspects of the MBA programme I have been ableto cultivate and develop valuable analytical, criticalthinking, and strategic decision-making skills. I have alsolearnt to adopt different leadership styles in variouscontexts. In summary I am a better person than I wasacademically and otherwise prior to my MBA. It has beena worthwhile investment.

Additional InformationLinkedIn: Peter EssienLanguages: English, basic French, Yoruba, IbibioInterests: Playing cricket, football, travelling andsocialising Volunteer Activities: Robert Gordon University StudentAmbassador

Professional MembershipMember of the Association of MBAs (AMBA)Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)Member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)

NIGERIAN

A highly motivated, ambitious and result-oriented professional.Possesses strong analytical and creative thinking skills gained from overfive years varied experience in the financial service industry,relationship management, marketing and business development.Seeking challenging opportunities in the commercial and or businessdevelopment section of a dynamic global organisation whereopportunities for career growth and development exist.

Key Competences: Business Development, Consultancy, BusinessAnalysis, Operations & Process Analysis

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2003 - 2004Business Development Analyst – Oil and Gas TeamCube Relations Ltd. Port Harcourt, River State, NIGERIA

• Developing and facilitating the proposal process for the company, carrying out market survey on related clients company’s product and services.


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PETER GIBB [email protected]

BRITISH

A manager and administrator working most recently at board level in theUK and international voluntary sectors. Core skill is the drawing out ofcommon or corporate purpose, the design of the necessary institutionalmeans and processes for achieving that, and then making it happen onan on-going, growing, daily basis. Working style is thorough,participatory, creative and effective. Successfully managed andimplemented a broad variety of projects, processes and situations(including organisations and businesses, work environments andbuilding projects), budgets of all sorts, processes of corporate strategyand institutional change, revenue projects such as research programmes,communications and media relations, policy development and events.A top level manager and leader seeking fresh challenges in new fields.

Key Competences: Managing

Career History

2010 Management ConsultantAdvising on commercialisation of non-operationalassets at RAF Lossiemouth—the UK’s busiest fast-jetbase.

2005 - 2009 General Secretarythe IU. London, UKElected executive head of a global NGO with ECOSOCstatus at the United Nations.

2002 - 2009 EditorLand & Liberty. London, UK

2005 - 2007 Company SecretaryHenry George Foundation (GB Ltd). London, UK

2002 - 2005 Chief ExecutiveHenry George Foundation (GB Ltd)Edinburgh & London, UKChief executive officer accountable to the board for allaspects of the charity’s activities.

2002 - 2005 Member of CouncilScottish Civic Forum. Glasgow, UK

1997 - 2002 Executive Director (founding)Land Reform Scotland. Cullen, UK

1990 - 1997 PrincipalPeter Robertson Gibb Architect. Cullen, UK

Qualifications


1989Post-Graduate Diploma in Advanced ArchitecturalStudiesScott Sutherland School of Architecture, Aberdeen, UK

1986BSc (hons) ArchitectureScott Sutherland School of Architecture, Aberdeen, UK

MBA Experience

MBA elective specialisations—strategic management,corporate financial management, project management,entrepreneurship.

MBA consultancy project: RAF Lossiemouth—prospectsfor enterprise, partnership and development.

Additional InformationLinkedIn: Peter GibbLanguages: English, French (intermediate)Interests: Reading (especially modern Americanliterature), gardening (edible landscapes), films,carpentry and music

Professional MembershipFellow of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA)Registered Architect, Architects Registration Board (ARB)Press Card Accredited Member, National Union ofJournalists (NUJ)


Okechukwu [email protected]

Additional InformationLinkedIn: Okechukwu Ijeomah

Professional MembershipMember of the Association of MBAs (AMBA)Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel andDevelopment (CIPD)Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)Member of the Institute of Assets Management (IAM)

NIGERIAN

A multi-skilled AMBA accredited Oil and Gas MBA graduate with tenyears of varied experience in oil and gas transactions, contractnegotiations, marketing, finance, business development, marketdevelopment consulting, strategy, mergers & acquisitions, retail,consumer and corporate banking.

Key Competences: Marketing, Finance, Business Development,Business Negotiations, Market Development Consulting,Strategy, Banking

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Career History

2010 Management Consultant ADTI - A division of Transocean A Turnkey Drilling Company based in Aberdeen, UK

• Designed and developed ADTI business model and strategic framework for market penetration. Analysedcommercial and operational considerations and risksfor ADTI to successfully gain market entry into Norwegian oil and gas industry.

2001 - 2009Assistant Manager & Head of Marketing, Consumer,Retail & Corporate Banking Zenith Bank Plc. Bayelsa, NIGERIA

• Developed the branch’s marketing game plan in line with the division’s objectives and ensured its implementation and achievement in a proactive and timely manner.

• Ensured efficient and effective relationship. management of the existing and potential customersin our market segment towards capturing new businesses and deepening existing relationship

• Drove and supervised the dynamics of the monthly performance review (MPR) process and ensured timely preparation and rendition of the branch’s various reports.

• Involved in strategic decision-making process of the branch with regards to improving the general services condition of the organisation, particularly with strong emphasis on excellent customer service delivery.

• Supervised the work of subordinates/team members.• Ensured timely rendition of returns to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in addition to monitoring internal regulatory compliance as the head of the operation.

2000 - 2001Deputy General Manager, Business DevelopmentUltra-Teach Engineering ServicesOil and Gas Servicing CompanyPort-Harcourt, NIGERIA

• Responsible for winning profitable new business in-line with company objectives.

• Delivered a wide ranging ’solutions portfolio’ whilst building partnerships, earning trust, prospecting, networking, negotiating contract terms and enhancing host community relationships.

• Handled company logistics and maintained social responsibility with the host community.

Qualifications


1994 - 1999BSc (hons) AccountingUniversity of Port HarcourtPort Harcourt, NIGERIA

MBA Experience

The gains from this MBA programme include improvedleadership skills, teamwork, improved communicationskills, analytical skills and strategic decision-makingskills. The trip to France was the zenith of my MBAlearning and achievement. The programme gave me theopportunity to meet Europe’s brightest minds in the fieldsof strategy, finance and merger and acquisition. It furtherrevealed to me that in change management, stakeholderanalysis is the sure key to successful implementation ofstrategies in any organisation or society at large.


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Bauyrzhan [email protected]

KAZAKH

An oil & gas service infrastructure manager with nine years ofexperience.

Key Competences: Finance, Offshore Oil & Gas Service

Career History

2001 - present day Deputy Director - Infrastructure ManagementKazMunayGasNational Oil CompanyAstana, KAZAKHSTAN

• Deputy Director of infrastructure projects department. Accountable for infrastructural projects’ management and managing affiliated service companies. Participation in the development of state programmes in oil & gas industry.

2001 - 2002Manager – Budget ManagementKazakhoilNational Oil CompanyAstana, KAZAKHSTAN

• Accountable for finance administration of joint ventures created by the company, i.e. formation and control of their budgets and financial activity analysis.

1996 - 2001Chief - Corporate Finance DepartmentKazakhmys Copper Corporation.Dzhesgasgan, KAZAKHSTAN

• Chief of finance department with the right of the first signature. Accountability for the work with financial institutes, trade contracts monitoring in terms of payment, corporate budget monitoring, fund raising and investing, foreign exchange management including currency risks' hedging and treasury operations.

Qualifications


1992 - 1997BSc (hons) International BusinessState Karaganda UniversityKaraganda, KAZAKHSTAN

MBA Experience

First of all, thanks to the MBA programme, I developedvaluable facets in my personality such as creative andcritical thinking. Furthermore, I strengthened myleadership skills, team work and communication abilityas well as strategic decision-making skills. Finally, I metand made a lot of intelligent and talented friends fromthe course.

Additional InformationInterests: SailingLanguages: English, Kazakh, Russian



Ameze [email protected]

Career History

2003 - present day Senior Support ConsultantIndustrial & Financial SystemsERP Consulting Services.Bucks, UK

A world leading provider of component-based businesssoftware that provides solutions for agile businesses,with a £2.6 billion SKr turnover in 2009.

• Managed customer support services, ensuring quality control in release management processes for programming teams of thirty developers across six business functions.

• Successfully developed, localised and implemented graduate support service training packages.

2002 - 2003 Senior Technical ConsultantPyramid Consulting – IT Product & ServicesDublin, IRELAND

• Involved in the successful implementation of IFS across a number of Pyramid Consulting clients.

2002 Technical Finance ConsultantMTN South Africa Ltd & MTN Lagos NigeriaCenturion, SOUTH AFRICA & Lagos, NIGERIA.

• Involved in market expansion into South Africa and Nigeria, the fastest growing communications markets in Africa.

• Spearheaded the successful implementation of BACStransfer processing from various Nigerian banking systems into IFS by converting business requirements and further enhancing the integrity of data transferred.

1998 - 2002 ERP Migration Consultant – IFSUK Bucks, UK

• Successfully implemented and managed migrations from legacy systems to IFS for a number of customers across industries.

Qualifications


1993 - 1997BSc (hons) Business Information Systems London Metropolitan UniversityLondon, UK

MBA Experience

The MBA as whole has been tough. It has also been ayear well spent with worthwhile learning experiences.With clarity only hindsight can provide, my confidence,business acumen, key strengths and capabilities havebeen identified and weaknesses checked. Furthermorethe course has enabled me to cultivate valuableanalytical, critical thinking and strategic decision-makingskills. Soft skills such as communication, leadership,change management and teamwork have enhanced myabilities to work in a synergised environment alongsidepeers. The MBA has granted me the opportunity to applyknowledge to practical cases and to understand the rolethat the skills gained play in creating value inorganisations. I have been privileged to network andestablish valuable relationships with a cohort ofintelligent, talented and well-rounded individuals fromdiverse cultures, with expertise and experience in bothacademia and industry. The knowledge and experiencegained from the MBA will definitely make a difference inmy life personally and professionally in any businessenvironment.

Additional InformatioNLinkedIn: Ameze IyereLeadership: Leader of a ten-woman investment club,Head of database teamLanguages: English, French, Hausa, Yoruba, EdoInterests: Enjoy travelling, badminton, classical musicand jogging 3 miles per day

Volunteer Activities: Youth mentor, Secretary to recordlabel, implemented charity database

Professional MembershipStudent of the Association of Certified CharteredAccountants (ACCA)Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA)Member of Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

BRITISH/NIGERIAN

An exceptional, inclusive leader and team-player, with twelve yearsinternational experience in consulting and customer services acrossindustries. Adept at creating successful group dynamics with provenrecords of excellent implementation, organisational and operationalskills. Results-orientated, motivated and creative professionalexperience in building and working within multifaceted, cross-functional and cultural teams. Passionate about leveraging on theseskills to create value in a dynamic organisation in a strategic role.

Key Competences: Leadership, Operations, ERP,Project Management, Accounting

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Stoianka JORDANOVA [email protected]

BULGARIAN

Aiming to achieve a healthy balance between personal andprofessional life. Looking forward to applying the MBA-gainedknowledge in my home country.

Key Competences: Operations, Sales & Customer Service

Career History

2006 - 2009 General ManagerArt Home Bulgaria EOOD (Interior and exterior design studio; import of and tradein furniture, lighting and interior accessories)Varna, BULGARIA

• Project sales and after-sale service: prospecting, targeting, negotiating with and selling to new projectclients, personalised customer service.

• Projects/operations: planning, coordination and implementation of turn-key interior design projects.Organisation of import and trade; attendance at international trade fairs; research of, and negotiations and ordering with suppliers; coordination of transport and customs operations.

• Human resources: staff recruitment and training; daily organisation and coordination of the firm’s showroom and designer teams.

Qualifications


2001 - 2005BBA in Hotel ManagementInternational College-Albena, BULGARIA& Hoge Hotelschool Maastricht, the NETHERLANDS

MBA Experience

The MBA course helped me expand my horizons to aninternational level, improve my leadership and strategicdecision-making skills, and gain cross-culturalunderstanding.

Additional InformationInterests: Proficient user of Bulgarian and English(Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English –grade A), advanced user of Russian, beginners’ levelof GermanAwards: Awarded an MBA ScholarshipTeam Player: Effectively worked in teams in Bulgaria,

the Netherlands, Germany, and Greece, taking positionsfrom intern to manager. Appreciates the importance ofteam synergy as team member and leader



Ashish [email protected]

Career History

2004 - 2008 Assistant Human Resource ManagerVacancy VoyageManpower Resource Solutions ProviderNew Delhi, INDIA

Leading executive search firm since 2003. Focus oncomplete manpower solutions - executive search, headhunting, temporary staffing and corporate training, withprofessionals experienced in carrying out objectiverecruitment assignments.

• Managed, monitored and trained team members to ensure best performance.

• Monitored staff performance and attendance activities.

• Provided basic counselling to staff on performance related obstacles.

• Performed detailed study of job profiles as well as evaluating and interviewing prospective candidates for the client.

• Coordinated with clients in order to understand their man-power needs, and taking feedback on the quality of the candidates sent for interviews.

• Coordinated staff recruitment and selection processes to ensure that timely, organised and comprehensive procedures are used to hire staff.

• Scheduled, organised and participated in applicant interviews.

Qualifications


2004 - 2008BCA (IT) Business Information SystemsIndira Gandhi National Open UniversityNew Delhi, INDIA

MBA Experience

For me, the MBA from RGU has bought the stability forwhich I was looking. I feel that I am more consistent andfirm in taking complex decisions, whether confrontingthem in my professional or personal life. The analyticaland critical thinking approach has had a great impact onmy learning. The concept of the France study trip, andholding classes and seminars in such a reputable foreignuniversity as IAE Aix, was outstanding. There, ondiscussing the skills of leaders in organisations, and thedifferent schools of thought from academics, Iunderstood the qualities of leadership from differentperspectives. Back in Aberdeen, the business simulationexercise highlighted the importance of the financialperformance of an organisation and the realisation ofcompeting in the real world. The key learning of theexercise, in my opinion, however, was participating in thedecision-making processes within the team. Finally, oncompletion of the MBA, I look forward to more complexwork situations where I can deliver the knowledge gainedto making decisions within the organisation.

Additional InformationLinkedIn: Ashish GandasLanguages: English and HindiInterests: Reading, playing basketball and driving heavymachines

Professional MembershipMember of the Association of Certified CharteredAccountants (ACCA)Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA)Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

INDIAN

Assistant HR Manager with four years experience in recruitmentconsulting. My objective is to stimulate the development of people tobe their best in order to meet the needs of the organisation. To furtherdesign and implement strategic people processes and systems thatcreate an empowered organisation, with a culture which is focused onpeople and result-oriented performance which provides sustainablecompetitive edge to the organisation.

Key Competences: HR, Recruitment, Operations, Sales Marketing

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Victor [email protected]

NIGERIAN

A motivated, analytical and creative professional with provenleadership and negotiation skills gained primarily within the upstreamoil & gas industry and voluntary services. Good manager of diverseview-points whilst working in teams. Exhibits an enthusiasm to learnand expansive experience to deliver best-in-class performance in a bidto meet organisational objectives. A creative, results-orientated go-getter, who thrives under pressure and challenging environments.Seeks opportunities to use existing skills to add value in a strategic role.

Key Competences: IT, Conflict Resolution

Career History

1998 - 2009 Maintenance AnalystMobil Producing Nigeria(Subsidiary of ExxonMobil)Akwa Ibom, NIGERIA

Various job engagements leading to activeinvolvements in exploration and production projectswith responsibilities including but not limited to:

• Preparation and implementation of maintenance turnover completion packages (TCPs), whilst assisting the contractor to develop inspection and test plans (ITPs).

• Checking and verifying contractors QA/QC project documentation, ensuring installation integrity and documentation prerequisites are in place.

• Assisting vendors in developing and producing pre-commissioning and commissioning procedures.

Qualifications


1991 - 1997BSc Computer ScienceUniversity Of Uyo Akwa Ibom, NIGERIA

MBA Experience

Being part of an organisation ranked second in theFortune 500, a wealth of technical experience has beenacquired over the years. However an MBA in Oil & GasManagement from an institution with strong ties to theenergy industry has not only proven to be an intellectualpursuit but has gone a long way to broaden my globalbusiness acumen. This combined experience hasdeveloped me into a 360˚ employee, an asset for anyemployer. ABS also earned me the opportunity to consultfor Accenture on decommissioning as it affects the UKCSsupply chain. This industry-shaping project had been arewarding experience, and its success during thestakeholder seminars confirmed the knowledge I havegained from the MBA.

Additional InformationLinkedIn: Victor MaplesInterests: Playing chess, scrabble, travelling andfootballLanguages: English, Ekid & Mandarin

Professional MembershipMember - Association of MBAs (AMBA)Member - Chartered Institute for Personnel andDevelopment (CIPD)Member - Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)Member - Chartered Management Institute (CMI)Member - Council of Supply Chain ManagementProfessionals (CSMP)


Shane [email protected]

Career History

2003 - 2009Vice President of Sales and ServiceR. L. Mark & Company LtdDocument Management CompanySt. Michael, BARBADOS

Primarily responsible for business development,structural redesign and daily management of the salesand service departments. Also included directcontributions as part of the executive leadership team,supplier negotiations and premier accountmanagement. Highlights:

• Updated the training structure for the service department which increased departmental qualification by over 50% and decreased overdue scheduled service times, from over 40% to less than 10%.

• Redesigned and implemented a new sales department structure which stabilised supplies sales and encouraged incremental growth of 10% per quarter.

• Implemented new sales commission structure to reduce financial pressure whilst demanding performance.

Qualifications


1999 - 2003BSc BroadcastingJohn Brown UniversityArkanas, USA

MBA Experience

Gains from the MBA include improved leadership skills,team work, communication, analytical and criticalthinking and strategic decision making skills. One of themost rewarding experiences was the consultancy projectwhich allowed engagement with a local social enterprisein order to help develop a sustainable business strategy.This was both mentally stimulating due to its complexityand personally rewarding since positive results aredirectly linked to the ongoing well-being of somemembers of Aberdeen’s disabled community.

Additional InformationLinkedIn: Shane MarkNewlywed Husband – still enjoying making the bed,vacuuming and washing dirty dishes without delayInterests: Former Member of Barbados NationalFootball Team Leadership: Former Captain of the National Under-23Football Team


BARBADIAN/CANADIAN

Aiming to become a strategic business advisor to senior decisionmakers by combining MBA knowledge with past managementexperience and future management opportunities in a variety ofindustries. Also wish to develop consultancy experience in anorganisation where individual contributions matter and where theenvironment prepares employees to take advantage of futureopportunities.

Key Competences: Leadership, Sales & Marketing

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Namsi K [email protected]

TANZANIAN

Coming from a multi-cultural background, I regard myself as anextremely forward thinking individual. Having had experience working inBotswana, Namibia and the UK, I believe that I bring to any managementposition an abounding and versatile personality. A charismatic andhighly motivated leader, in possession of marketing communicationsand brand management experience developed through a combination ofinterpersonal skills and commercial acumen, fuelled by a passion tosucceed. With over four years professional experience, my key strengthsare excellent people management skills, a strong team-working ability,analytical and creative problem-solving with meticulous attention todetail and the enthusiasm to learn. Seeking opportunities withinternationally established organisations where the experience andskills will be gained and professional development encouraged.

Key Competences: Marketing Communications,Brand Management, Operations

Career History

2008 - 2009 Marketing Communications ExecutiveLAD Marketing Consultancy Marketing Communications, Conference & EventManagement. Aberdeen, UK

• Managed client brands, through the implementation,development of marketing strategies; and divisions of long-term marketing campaigns.

• Responsible for liaising with business to business and consumer clients in a wide variety of industries, including oil and gas, multimedia, tourism and local charities.

• Managed the execution of various event management duties in relation to respective clients, which included oil and gas industry exhibitions and conferences to corporate networking functions.

2007 Assistant to Head of Sales & MarketingAberdeen Performing ArtsCharitable Trust – Theatre. Aberdeen, UK

• Responsible for the provision of technical and administration support to the marketing team, along with acting as the main communication point for enquiries from suppliers and clients, involved with performance contracts and a number of creative activities.

2004 - 2006 Media Liaisons OfficerSaatchi & Saatchi NamibiaWindhoek, NAMIBIA

• Responsible for the monitoring of creative expenditure and analysing potential cost savings on various client campaigns.

Qualifications


2006 - 2007MSc Corporate Communications & Public Affairs (CIPRAccredited)Aberdeen Business School, RGU, Aberdeen, UK

2002 - 2005BA (hons) Media Studies & Industrial PsychologyUniversity of Namibia Windhoek, NAMIBIA

MBA Experience

In all, the MBA experience has been a transformativejourney for me. Naturally I had my perceptions of thechallenges ahead, yet throughout the programme I cameto realise that those challenges extended to much morethan just the mere business experience I sought, buttranscended into the emotional and intellectualintelligence that one has to apply within dynamic multi-cultural settings. I can positively say that the opportunityafforded to me, through various interactions with mycolleagues, through the accumulation of the theoreticalunderpinnings gained – in regards to leadership, strategy,corporate finance – has increased my ambition ofentering the business world, aware of the type of leaderI will be. In addition, undertaking a milestone project inthe oil and gas industry has enhanced my understandingof business acumen as I go into the world ofmanagement with the knowledge and confidence that Iwill be an effective African business leader.

Additional InformationLinkedIn: Namsi MchombuLeadership: Head news compiler on community radiostation, co-ordinated dance class for school childrenLanguages: English, basic French, conversationalGerman, Swahili, Afrikaans, Setswana.Interests: Dance (Latin), avid reader, travel, jogging,planning and executing ad hoc social events

Volunteer Activities: Humanitarian aid facilitator to localNGOs in Namibia

Professional MembershipMember - Association of MBAs (AMBA)Member - Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)Member - Chartered Management Institute (CMI)Member - Grampian Public Relations Group (GPRG)


Musah [email protected]

Career History

2010 RGU MBA Management ConsultantProdrill Energy Resource SolutionsEnergy ResourcingAberdeen. UK

• Formulated an internationalisation strategy for Prodrill, an Aberdeen based Energy Resources Solutions Company.

2007 - 2010 Management Accountant Daler-Rowney Ltd.ManufacturingBracknell, UK

• Prepared and consolidated financial statements; responsible for treasury management, budgeting, and communications with shareholders, HMRC, and banks.

2003 - 2006 Assistant Financial Controller Nike Group of CompaniesHospitalityBracknell, UK

• Responsible for income audit, recruitment & training,and attending and chairing management and strategy meetings.

2000 - 2003 Financial Accountant ScanCom Ltd (Now MTN Ghana)TelecommunicationsAccra, GHANA

• Assisted the preparation of annual accounts and revenue management.

Additional InformationLinkedIn:Musah MohammedVoluntary Activities: Treasurer of Bracknell ForestVoluntary AssociationInterests: Enjoy playing football, jogging, readingcurrent affairs journalsLanguages: English, Arabic, Hausa, Akan, Tem and Ga

Professional MembershipMember of the Association of Certified CharteredAccountants (ACCA)Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA)Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

GHANAIAN

A young Chartered Accountant and MBA Oil and Gas Managementgraduate aspiring to contribute strong quantitative, analytical, and riskmanagement skills, leadership and strategic management capabilitiesand experience to the success of a dynamic and forward thinkingorganisation in which individual skills and talents are harnessed toachieve business objectives. Outstanding working knowledge ofenergy E&P economics, IFRSs, Combined Code and SOX.

Key Competences: Finance, Tax, Leadership & StrategicManagement, Energy Economics, Asset Management

33

Qualifications


2005 - 2008Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA)London College of AccountancyLondon, UK

1996 - 2000BSc Administration | Accounting OptionUniversity of Ghana Business SchoolAccra, GHANA

MBA Experience

I have had the best experience of my life so far during thecourse of the MBA studies. My ambition to pursue acareer in the energy industry has been greatly enhanced.

The content of the modules, the diversity of the cohort,the teaching methods which encouraged teamwork,analytical and creative thinking, and the leadership weekamongst other MBA experiences have shaped me into a‘Level 5’ leader.


34

Amirzhan [email protected]

KAZAKH

An accomplished and articulate leader with twelve years experiencein strategic leadership roles within the financial and economicfunctions of a national oil company and its subsidiary. Possessesexcellent negotiating, relationship and people management skills thatensure stakeholder buy-in. A results-orientated individual who hassuccessfully driven and delivered high performance projects, with areputation for exceeding targets whilst maintaining budgets.

Key Competences: Accounting, Financial & Economic Analysis

Career History

2007 - 2009 Deputy Director Business Planning & EconomicAnalysis Department, KazMunayGas JCS National Oil CompanyAstana, KAZAKHSTAN

• Management of work to inspect and analyse business plans of KazMunayGas subsidiary companies; planning methodology work.

2006 - 2007 Deputy Director, Director of the Planning &Corporate Finance, Financial DirectorKazTransOil JCS NC Astana, KAZAKHSTAN

2004 - 2006 Senior Manager of Budgeting, Indicative Planning & Economic Analysis DepartmentKazMunayGas JCS NC Astana, KAZAKHSTAN

2000 - 2004 Ministry of Finance State Property and PrivatisationCommittee Leading Specialist, Head of AnalyticalSection, Deputy and Head of Methodology Department Astana, KAZAKHSTAN

1998 - 2000 TeacherAgrarian UniversityAstana, KAZAKHSTAN

Qualifications


1993 - 1998BSc (hons) Accounting & AuditAl-Farabi Kazakh National UniversityAlmaty, KAZAKHSTAN

1995 - 2000Bachelor Degree in EconomicsAgrarian UniversityAstana, KAZAKHSTAN

MBA Experience

When I applied to study on the MBA programme, Iexpected just to refresh my knowledge and skills.However, at the end of the programme, after the businesssimulation exercise and leadership week, my attitudesand values changed, not only towards to my job andcareer, but also towards life. Now I understand that inorder to succeed it is not enough to gain knowledge andskills for oneself. One needs to also consider how toencourage and develop one’s subordinates in order toencourage fruitful teamwork and establish mutuallybeneficial relationships. Gains from the MBA includeimproved leadership skills, team work, research skills,relationship management, effective communication,analytical, critical thinking skills and improved writingskills. Looking forward to applying the experience andknowledge gained from the MBA within the workplace,organisation and industry.

Additional InformationLinkedIn: Amirzhan OspanovInterests: Reading, watching movies, walking andjogging, playing with my childrenLanguages: English, Kazakh, Russian



Carlo Andrea PALOMBO [email protected]

Career History

2007 - 2009Senior AnalystCVA spa, (Energy sector)Aosta, ITALY

• Responsible for firm and investment valuation in the energy sector.

• Responsible for report writing and training of new staff.

• Provided analysis and support for policy makers in the energy sector.

2003 - 2007ManagerAosta Valley Parliament (Regional Parliament)Aosta, ITALY

• In charge of relations with French-speaking countries and the Italian Parliament.

• Responsible for the organisation of political meetings, report writing and public relations.

2000 - 2003JournalistTake srl (Journalism)

Aosta, ITALY

• Responsible for economic and local community pages. Local correspondent for the national television broadcaster (RAI).

Qualifications


2009Master In Energy FinancePoiltecnico di MilanoMilano, ITALY

2003 - 2007Degree in Economic Science and BusinessManagement Universita’ della Valle d’AostaAosta, ITALY

2000 - 2002Professional Journalism CertificateChartered Institute of JournalistsRome, ITALY

MBA Experience

During my MBA I could effectively work with people withdifferent background and cultures. I have improved myleadership and team work skills, as well as deepened myknowledge in areas like petroleum economics and oil andgas management. The application of strategicmanagement theory, learnt in the module, in thesimulation game and on the consultancy project, hasbeen really valuable and has given me a betterawareness of holistic approaches to the subject.

Additional InformationForeign languages and cultures: Fluent in Italian, Frenchand English, intermediate RussianInterests: Reading, sailing and hiking

Professional MembershipMember of the Association of MBAs (AMBA)Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Member of the Italian Mountaineering Club (CAI)Member of the Italian Professional JournalistsChartered Institute

ITALIAN

An Italian citizen, who grew up in a bilingual (Italian and French) region,Aosta Valley, possesses broad international study experience and canspeak four languages. This reflects an inborn passion for foreign culturesand the ability to deal with cultural diversity. Over two years experiencein investment evaluation in the energy sector and four years managerialexperience in regional Government. Currently seeking to continue acareer in the energy sector.

Key Competences: Finance and Marketing

35


36

Yerlan [email protected]

KAZAKH

A performance-oriented, focused team player with a disciplinedprofessional attitude and strong technical and business acumen,offering five years experience in production enhancementengineering (fracturing and acidising). Proactive, with stronganalytical and communication skills. Adept at multi-tasking and verycapable of handling challenging situations effectively.

Key Competences: Production Enhancement Engineering,Drilling & Well Completions

Career History

2004 - 2009 Field Engineer In Fracturing & AcidizingHalliburton Oil and Gas Service Company AlibekMola Oil & Gas field,Aktobe region, KAZAKHSTAN

• Provided technical and operational expertise to external customer in a professional manner.

• Run and assisted in delivery of fracturing, acidising and cementing services with high pressure equipment.

• Conducted acid washing (pickling), matrix acidising and fracture acidising with mechanical diversion techniques (PPI packer, RTTS and RBP packers, ball sealers - biodegradable and resin coated balls).

• Prepared pre-job proposals, executed real-time and post job treatment analysis.

• Ensured quality control on the well site during rig-up/down of equipment, also before, during and after pumping.

• Ensured quality control for proper mixing chemicals and additives in acidising jobs.

• Interpreted logging data (i.e. gamma ray, spontaneous potential, porosity, resistivity and neutron density logs).

• Ran safety meetings on the well site before and after the jobs; and participated in development programme to accelerate learning process for field crew on/off campus (I-Learn Programs).

Qualifications


2004 - 2005Certificate of Production Enhancement EngineeringHalliburton Technical Excellence CenterKuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

1999 - 2004BEng (hons) Machinery & Equipment of Oil & GasIndustriesKazakh National Technical University Almaty City, KAZAKHSTAN

MBA Experience

In taught subjects such as strategic management,business economics and change management, the MBAhas given me an understanding of complex businessenvironments. Having an oil and gas background with anoil and gas engineering degree, I elected to study MBAsubjects such as oil and gas management, oil and gascontract law, petroleum economics and assetmanagement. The MBA equipped me with an extensiveand practical knowledge of oil and gas businesses that Iintend to implement in Kazakhstan to develop its oil andgas industry. Truly, the MBA has made a pricelesscontribution to my development as a future leader in theoil and gas industry.

Additional InformationLanguages: Kazakh, English, Russian (fluent)



Emmanuel G [email protected]

Career History

2007- present dayResearch and Business Development OfficerTanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC)Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA

• Full operational responsibility for downstream issuesrelated to Mnazi Bay Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) in the southern part of Tanzania, as a Downstream Liaison Manager for the project, ensuring that the PSA is conformed to, as agreed between the parties.

2005 - 2007 Production Team Leader and, subsequently, Production Unit ManagerCoca Cola Sabco TanzaniaDar es Salaam, TANZANIA

• Responsible for all aspects of production scheduling and controls of the plant with outstanding achievement–not only in terms of numbers, but also of the people aspect of management (leadership) which was given maximum priority.

Additional InformationLinkedIn: Emmanuel SimonInterests: Body fitness, reading and social eventsLanguages: English, Swahili


TANZANIAN

A results-oriented, energetic and confident professional who thoroughlyunderstands how to apply managerial and leadership skills in thebusiness environment. With an engineering background and technicalknow how, managerial and leadership skills enabled me to move up theladder from production team leader to production unit manager withCoca Cola Sabco Tanzania within two years. Changed career into oil andgas industry, with three years experience in research and businessdevelopment with a national oil company. Commercially astute and astrong communicator who consistently gains and maintains client buy-in, and team motivation, throughout the design and implementation ofchange programmes and ongoing business management. Lookingforward to employing a combination of engineering acumen and thebusiness insights from MBA Oil and Gas Management plus work-relatedexperiences to help create value in the corporate world at strategic level.

Key Competences: Operation Management, Project Management,Business Development, Market Research

37

Qualifications


2000 - 2004BSc Chemical & Process Engineering Business University of Dar es Salaam Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA

MBA Experience

The MBA course has developed me as a professional inareas including; project management, leadership,thinking critically and strategically in the business arena,embracing change management and how to go abouteffecting change.


38

Usman [email protected]

NIGERIAN

A motivated, directed individual with the ability to manage complexprojects from concept to fully operational status. An organised, drivenand detail-directed problem-solver. A goal-oriented individual withstrong leadership capabilities with eight years varied oil and gasexperience, progressing to Deputy Project Manager level, includingthree years green field development project management and fouryears major project management.

Key Competences: Civil Engineering, Project Management, FinancialAnalysis of Business Plans, Strategic Management

Career History

2008 - 2009Deputy Project ManagerLemna Energy Resources Oil & Gas Lagos. NIGERIA

• Project A: POOC Ovade-Ogharefe Gas Plant Project.

2007 - 2008Senior Project Engineer

• Project C: Calabar Jetty and Depot Pipeline Project.Responsible for the preparation of technical specifications for the project and preliminary drawings and tentative design for the initial cost estimate for bid submission.

2006 - 2007Project EngineerProjects

• Project A: POOC Ovade-Ogharefe Gas Plant Project.• Project B: Sunshine Refinery Project, Conceptualisation.

• Project C: Calabar Jetty and Depot Pipeline Project.

2003 - 2005Building EngineerHyundai Heavy Industry Oil & GasLagos, NIGERIA

• Project: Bonny Technical Intergrated Project.Responsible for preparation of work tasks, resourcingand duration of individual tasks.

• Responsible for the preparation of construction procedures for new building and equipment foundation works.

2002 - 2003Civil EngineerPort-Harcourt Refining CompanyOil & GasPort-Harcourt, NIGERIA

Qualifications


1998 - 2002BEng Civil EngineeringUniversity of BeninEdo-State, NIGERIA

1995 - 1997OND Civil EngineeringFederal Polytechnic AuchiEdo-State, NIGERIA

MBA Experience

The MBA programme has been a cherished experienceand given momentum to both my key strengths in oil andgas investment appraisal; greater understanding ofstrategic management of various business portfolios andhow best to sharpen my inherent leadership skills andqualities. The MBA has allowed me to expand on myconsultancy skills by conducting research for Accenture.The consultancy team considered the best potentialalternative on contracting strategy for the UKCSdecommissioning market, and the positive effects on theUKCS supply chain. The consultancy project has been arewarding experience which I will remember for alifetime.

Additional InformationInterests:Tennis, reading, travelling, football Languages: English and Edo



PATRICK KANYINDIZUE [email protected]

Career History

2006 - 2009Product Implementation Manager First City Monument Bank Lagos, NIGERIA

FCMB is one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous whollyowned financial services group, ranked amongst thetop 10 banks in Nigeria with 150 branches.

• Played a pivotal role in the migration implementationand management of the integration between FCMBs,electronic platform and customers’ in-house systemsfrom legacy to the new electronic banking platform.

• Supervised and managed the bank’s public sector government (PSG) collections, maintained excellent relationship between corporate customers and relationship managers across the bank’s branches.

• Provided cash management solutions and products to corporate banking customers, which resulted in the bank’s performance optimisation in the customers’ total value chain.

• Implemented business models in collaboration with the bank’s telecommunication service providers that led to increased revenue through optimised product and service delivery.

2005 - 2006OperationsAll States Trust Bank (Now Ecobank) Yenagoa, NIGERIA• Tellering, maintenance of teller register, transactions call over and daily expense accounting.

2004 - 2005Auditing Anthony Ononye & Co Chartered Accountants Lagos, NIGERIA

A privately owned company, providing value-addedfinancial services in consultancy, taxation and auditing.• Preparation and analysis of expense schedules.• Preparation of bank reconciliation statements, vouching of source document and expense receipt during audit.

Qualifications


2009PGCE International Business Aberdeen Business SchoolRobert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

2003BSc (hons) EconomicsEdo State University, Ekpoma, NIGERIA

1999Professional Journalism CertificateEdo State University, Ekpoma, NIGERIA

MBA Experience

The MBA programme, which is a short but highlyintensive course, culminated as a learning experiencethat will last a lifetime. The course created an enablingenvironment for further learning and development, andwas an ideal opportunity to network and reinforce selfawareness. Gains of the formative year include; ability totranscend the discipline boundaries of discipline-dependent programmes, a forum to interrelate in a richand diverse cross-cultural settings, improved leadershipand team management skills, analytical, critical andstrategic management skills.

Additional InformationLinkedIn: Patrick UtiInterests: Playing chess, reading, watching movies andlistening to musicLanguages: English, French, Hausa and Ibo

Professional MembershipMember of the Association of MBAs (AMBA)Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)Member of the Member Nigerian Institute ofManagementInstitute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria (ICEN)

NIGERIAN

A self-motivated, resourceful and dynamic professional with stronginterpersonal and people skills with five years experience in banking,finance and accounting in the financial services industry. A highlymotivated, dependable and dedicated team player, passionate aboutachieving set targets. Skillful and experienced in working and managingmultifaceted, culturally diverse, and cross-functional teams. Culturallypassionate about getting it right the first time every time.

Key Competences: Business Development Management,Consultancy, CRM, Accounting

39


40

Eugene [email protected]

NIGERIAN

An ambitious, hardworking and goal-oriented professional. A highinitiative personality, with the ability to learn and adapt quickly tochange. Able to work with own initiative, as well as productively withina team, balancing work approach well with that of others, both within amulticultural and multi professional environment. Accustomed toworking well in fast-paced customer-driven environments, deliveringtimely, first-class business services to target objectives. Viewingadditional responsibilities and challenges as opportunities. Enjoysworking within a challenging business operation environment whereothers think it is impossible, but where risk management, creativity,strategic thinking and continuous self development are encouraged.

Key Competences: Engineering Site Investigation, Business FinancialAppraisals, Risk Management

Career History

2010Business Consultant Senergy Ltd. Aberdeen, UK

• Developed a business and investment plan model (BIPM) for the commercialisation of oil and gas asset.

• Researched and evaluated the BIPM market potential as tools for entrance into new markets and business portfolio expansion.

2003 - 2009 Head Of Relationship MarketingFirst Bank Nigeria Plc. Benin-City, NIGERIA

Responsible for building and managing excellentbusiness client relationships.• Undertook risk analysis and capital investment appraisal with small to medium scale (SME) businessinvestment proposals on bank client. Managed all operational procedures for the investment.

2002 - 2003 Site EngineerThe Design Consultancy. Benin-City, NIGERIA

• Responsible for basic investigation of all proposed building construction sites for geophysical soil properties, and recommend suitability for construction work based on soil properties findings; investigating groundwater aquifer properties for possible contamination, and recommending suitability of site for subsurface water borehole drilling.

• Amplitude data extraction from geophones and master curves interpretation techniques for analysis and interpreting structure maps to determine subsurface lithological conformance and structural properties.

Qualifications


1997 - 2001BSc Geology (NAGAM Accredited)Delta Sate University Abraka, NIGERIA

MBA Experience

Developed high calibre transferable skills in analysis andthe ability to apply relevant business knowledge tosolving complex problems through critical evaluation.Gained additional knowledge relevant to work experienceand an understanding of the core business areas of theMBA such as finance, economics, human resources,business strategy, as well as core specialised areas of oiland gas management such as petroleum economics andasset management. I have come to understand how keycritical attributes such as leadership skills,communication, teamwork, relationship and timemanagement translate into good working environments.My MBA experience has significantly enhanced myanalytical, critical and strategic decision making skills.

Additional InformationLinkedIn: Eugene U-EroInterests: Football, tennis, reading, travelling, internetsurfing, software application & installationLanguages: English and Bini



Tushar VIKAS [email protected]

Career History

2007- 2009Assistant Project ArchitectUNITED Architects Mumbai, INDIA

• Consultation for projects, technical as well as management expertise, offered customised solutionsfor client, budget control, PDS monitoring.

2005- 2007Junior Project Architect JTCPL Interiors. Mumbai, INDIA

• Efficient project control, conflict management control, operational controls. PDS monitoring.

2004 - 2005Junior ArchitectJumeira Eng Consultancy Dubai, UAE

• Approval consultant for housing complexes, private villas for mid-sized clients.

2003 - 2004InternShashi Deshkmukh, Architects Mumbai, INDIA

• Carried out residential architectural projects.

Additional InformationLinkedIn:Tushar PhatakPrizes/Awards: 1st prizes in many school drawingcompetitions held on a state level Voluntary Activities: Responsible for bringingawareness campaign for polio funded by own schoolInterests:Watching football, fond of metal core, love

metal, rap genre songs, travelling placesLanguages: English, Hindi, Marathi

Professional MembershipMember of the Association of MBAs (AMBA)Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)Member of the Council of Architecture (COA)

INDIAN

An architect with five years architectural project experience ofmanaging a team of 100 employees on-site. Extremely proficient inmanaging teams, leading and motivating them to achieving goals.Possesses a great understanding of ambiguity surroundingmanagement principles. Efficient and technically competent inhandling project situations as they arrive. Interested in working inmultinational management consultancy, preferably in real estate, butnot limited to the construction industry. Aspiring to move into generalmanagement consultancy, with focus towards marketing and strategy.

Key Competences: Operations, Project, Conflict Management

41

Qualifications


1998 - 2004B.Arch Architecture – First Class HonoursMumbai UniversityMumbai, INDIA

MBA Experience

Better understanding of management tools in a broadercontext. Better understanding of conflict management,using soft skills approach and models from the course.Larger exposure in terms of interacting with differentcultures, gaining insights into other ways of thinking.

Key modules, strategic management, leadership,business economics, change management and projectfundamentals were particularly useful modules and haveenabled me to gain a deeper understanding of businessprinciples, and effectively integrate theory with practice.


Nikita [email protected]

RUSSIAN

Even though I am of Russian nationality, I consider myself as aninternational citizen because I grew up and worked both in Russia andGermany, studied in the UK and have travelled to more than thirtycountries around the world. Career-wise I have worked as a businessconsultant for Ernst & Young in Moscow for the energy advisory group,consulting oil & gas companies in the Russian Federation andKazakhstan. I plan to continue to work in this domain.

Key Competences: Consulting, Persuading, Delegating

Career History

2006 - 2009Senior ConsultantErnst & YoungBusiness Advisory ServicesMoscow, RUSSIA.

• Development of strategic management and budgeting systems for major national companies.

• Leading for a task force responsible for trust advisoryof a major Kazakh organisation.

2005 - 2006Assistant ManagerMarseille-Kliniken AG Healthcare ManagementHamburg, GERMANY.

• Responsible for international construction and development projects in Russia and Kazakhstan.

• Financial advisory and transition assistance for a Hospital in Bueren, Germany during a takeover.

Qualifications


2002 - 2005BSc Business ManagementUniversity of SurreyGuildford, UK

MBA Experience

The MBA is a once in a lifetime opportunity to developskills and broaden and deepen knowledge in a safe andhelpful environment. In addition, the course helped meto develop my leadership and teamwork qualities notonly through regular group work but also through eventssuch as the Leadership Week, Business Simulation Gameand MBA Regatta organised by RGU. Most importantly,I have met interesting people and made close friendswho have become an integral part of my life.

Additional InformationLanguages: German, Russian, EnglishInterests: Scuba diving, sailing, gardening andcooking


42


scottishuniversityof the year 2011The Sunday Times

Best modernUniversity inthe UKThe Times GoodUniversity Guide 2011

43


Each year a highlight of the Strategic Managementmodule and the MBA Course is the Business SimulationGame (BSG) weekends which sandwich the LeadershipWeek (part of the Leadership, Communication andChange Module). The BSG weekends test the MBAstudents’ abilities to function as part of a team in acompetitive environment, to grapple with thecomplexities of strategic management and deal withemotional highs and lows. At the beginning of everyMBA cohorts’ time with us we emphasise the need todevelop the skills necessary to cope with ambiguity anduncertainty. The BSG both tests the student’s theoreticalunderstanding and also gives them the opportunity todevelop these skills in a safe environment. Being highlycompetitive and motivated people, the frisson ofcompetition adds further to the experience – everyonewants to do well at least and try to "win". Inter cohortrivalry is intense, and perhaps inflamed by thefacilitators! We have also seen over the last few years thatstudents’ strategic decision making is affected by theirown values even when making decisions within thesimulated environment. The BSG allows students to bringtogether all that they have learnt, challenges theirunderstanding of the theory they have learnt and is atesting environment.

Leadership Weekand BusinessSimulation Weekends

44

The Leadership Week brings together all the various MBAcohorts, full time, part time and distance learning. Theweek is an opportunity to hear from practitioners andsenior managers from a range of industries andprofessions, as well as acclaimed academics in the fieldof leadership, about the practice of leadership andchange management. We observe that often the storiestold by these practitioners conflict with the theoreticalmodels. For students, the scope for critical thinking,taking the useful from both theory and practice andreflecting on their own leadership story is an immenselyvaluable experience.

Taken together, the BSG weekends and the LeadershipWeek are an intense nine days which culminate thetaught element of the MBA Course.

Phil BurgeMBA Course Leader

Interim financial results test the teams' abilities

to grasp, critically analyse and respond to the

BSG's emerging business environment


45

The business simulation exercise highlighted the

importance of the financial performance of an organisation

and the realisation of competing in the real world.

The key learning of the exercise in my opinion however,

was participating in the decision making processes within

the team.

Ashish Kumar

MBA 2010

““

Laugh or cry, BSG laid bare the linksbetween team strategy and financial

performance

Leadership week is as much aboutunderstanding followership

Teams worked together to solve practical problems

presented to them by expert leadership facilitators


The MBA trip to Aix-en-Provence was a very goodoccasion for the students to measure their learning andexpose themselves to a multidisciplinary approach ofmanagement, in a different educational context. Ourhosts were IAE, the Graduate School of Management. Thespeakers were of excellent quality and encouraged manychallenging, sometimes provocative, debates. Thesessions, including some ethical aspects of conductingbusiness and a comprehensive approach to businessmanagement, provided a very good closure to the MBAstudy programme. The nature of the week's engagementwas very complementary to the students' subsequentundertaking – with its much more focused aspect – theirfinal consultancy project. It was also of course a goodopportunity to network with a group of French MBAstudents.

Both the quality and the dynamism of our MBA studentshave been underlined by the lecturers and the students ofthe French MBA cohorts attending the workshop. Thespirit of camaraderie experienced during the trip willundoubtedly reinforce a community of active alumni!

Dr Emmanuelle Rey-MarmonierMBA Online Course [email protected]

MBA Study TripMarseilleAix-en-Provence

46

The trip to France was the zenith of my MBA

learning and achievement. The programme gave me

the opportunity to meet some of the brightest minds

in Europe in the fields of strategy, finance, and

merger and acquisition.

Okechukwu IjeomahMBA Oil & Gas Management

[email protected]

“ “

Clouds over the continent were blown away

by a week of hot debate

Asish, Shane and Abhay at Charles deGaulle Airport, en route to Marseille

This is the way we conduct our mergers:M&A gaming in the IAE mulberry grove

Students noticed a change from Aberdeen weather


47


It has been a great pleasure to collaborate with the RGUMBA students over the course of 2010 on theirdecommissioning research. The output produced hasbeen insightful and extremely well received within theindustry, both at the workshop held in Aberdeen inSeptember, and latterly at the Oil and Gas UK Workshopin Dunblane.

These were both attended by key figures from theindustry. Feedback on the research acclaimed its clarityof thought and the way in which it significantly advancedthe thinking on some of the key issues faced bycontractors and operators alike as they contemplate thedecommissioning challenge. This work will be crucialover the coming years as the decommissioning marketexperiences significant growth. The students’ researchwill make a significant contribution to shaping thisemerging North Sea market.

This exposure has also greatly helped Accenture andRGU to be seen as spearheading the progress of thedecommissioning agenda. There is significant appetitewithin the industry for us to continue to shape thisthinking over the coming years. This also has the verypositive effect of advancing Accenture’s managementconsulting brand in Aberdeen. These succeses are in nosmall measure due to the efforts and professionalapproach of the MBA students, who should each feelproud of their achievements in 2010.

Accenture

Consultancy Project Group

Accenture

48

Team members Adrian and Mukhammedali

The MBA had allowed me to expand on my

consultancy skills, by conducting research for

Accenture on the best potential alternative on

contracting strategy for the UKCS decommissioning

market and the positive effects on the UKCS supply

chain. This consultancy project has been a rewarding

experience that I will cherish for a lifetime.

Usman SulemanMBA Oil & Gas Management 2010

“

“

(left to right, back) Usman Suleman, Razak Awadulai,

Mukhammedali Deribssaliyev; (front) Adrian Day,

Ayodeji Awodiji, Emmanuel Simon

(*Absent Victor Maples)


49

ACCENTURE TEAM

The consultancy project is the high point of the MBA atRGU. It provides students with the opportunity to applythe skills and knowledge gained during the course,coupled with previous experience, in the resolution ofreal strategic problems for eminent external clients. Ourgroup was the largest MBA consultancy team this year, ateam of seven unique individuals with backgroundsvarying from engineering to finance and politics. Thediversity of the group was our key strength but alsoprovided challenges in terms of group dynamics. Theteam had to leverage on its strengths and overcome itschallenges in order to deliver a successful project to theclient. Accenture is one of the biggest consultancy firmsin the world with a large footprint across the global oiland gas industry.

Our consultancy project analysed the readiness of theUKCS decommissioning supply chain with a specialemphasis on developing alternative contracting modelsand strategies which encourage collaboration. The project

was a tremendous developmental experience for theteam in terms of exposure and cultivating ourconsultancy skills. We also had the unique opportunityof presenting our work to a workshop organised by RGU,Decom North Sea and Accenture, where our findingswere discussed and validated by industry professionals.Based on the success of the workshop we were invitedto make a presentation at the Offshore Decommissioningconference organised by Oil and Gas UK and DecomNorth Sea. Our presentation was well received and hasnow been uploaded to the websites of Oil and Gas UKand Decom North Sea as a reference point for alternativecontracting models in the decommissioning landscape.We are indeed proud of our contributions in shaping thenascent decommissioning market in the UKCS. Wereceived personal commendation letters from the CEO ofDeomm North Sea in recognition of the impact of ourresearch to the industry. Needless to say, our clientsAccenture were very pleased as well. We look forward tosubsequent MBA cohorts building on, and carryingforward, this research.

The Accenture Consultancy Team

The Accenture Consultancy Team with (third left) Luca Corradi(Accenture), (fourth left) Jeremy Cresswell (Editor, Press &Journal Energy), (sixth left) Brian Nixon (CEO Decom North Sea)and (right) Allan Scott.


The Prodrill Consultancy Team: (left to right)

Adam Abdul-Karim, Namsi Mchombu, Ameze Iyere,

Musah Mohammed

Prodrill Energy Resources Solutions is a UK-based,international drilling and well engineering consultancy.Due to the diverse locations of drilling explorationprojects worldwide, Prodrill supplies highly experiencedconsultants across the globe. As part of its overallinternational growth strategy, post management buy-outin 2009, the directors wanted to consider the rightlocation for an international office to support an everexpanding range of global clients. Prodrill believed thiswas an ideal consultancy project and was delighted whenthe Robert Gordon University MBA programme studentsaccepted the assignment.

Prodrill has been delighted to work with a project teamfrom the MBA programme. The team of students whoselected our project come from varied sectoralbackgrounds including finance, marketing andcommerce, and we felt this would be very beneficial tohelp achieve the project objectives and deadlines. The oiland gas industry is very diverse and the drilling sector isextremely challenging and unpredictable at times, so weknew from the offset that the project would have keychallenges for the students. They needed to gain a veryquick understanding of our market, and understand thecomplexities of placing people, looking at the legal,financial, commercial, and operational challenges thatwould occur, following the expansion of our businessoverseas.


Prodrill Energy Resource Solutions

At the commencement of the project the team appointeda project leader who communicated with us on a regularbasis providing project updates and directing keyquestions as the project developed. The students werealso very visual in their approach; working from ouroffices in Aberdeen they held regular progress meetingswith the management and directors.

Over a twelve week period they got to know us and ourbusiness, as well as the global drilling arena. Theynarrowed down their initial starting point ofapproximately fifty countries across numerous regions,to four countries in four regions. This was the basis oftheir recommendation in their final presentation to ourboard of directors in September 2010. They focused onthe project brief and did not lose sight of our objectives– to open an office (or offices) in an international locationoffering key commercial and operational benefits, withthe financial advantages being a key consideration. Theboard is currently reviewing the project team’srecommendations for implementation of an internationaloffice structure during 2011.

The Directors of Prodrill would like to thank the MBAprogramme team for their interest and dedication to theproject. We wish Ameze Iyere, Namsi Mchombu, AdamAbdul-Karim and Musah Mohammed success in theirfuture careers.

Louise WoodManaging DirectorProdrill

50


The exposure I have received was not limited to

the core MBA programme I undertook. I also had the

opportunity to undertake a milestone consultancy

project in the oil and gas management sphere and this

has truly enhanced my understanding of business.

I am going into the world of management with the

knowledge and confidence that makes me an effective

African business leader.

Namsi Mchombu MBA

[email protected]

““

The Prodrill team with (rear) Bryan McNay,at Prodrill’s office

Prodrill Team with (centre) Lousie Wood(Prodrill’s Managing Director)

Prodrill Team

As the Prodrill team, we were tasked with developing aninternationalisation strategy for the company, which tookinto consideration the anticipation of growth withinspecific regions in the oil and gas industry. We wererequired to provide options, recommendations and animplementation plan, which Prodrill could use to expandinternationally. A choice of country options whichconsidered a number of commercial and operationallyviable factors, as well as a strategic framework in whichthey could incorporate, was presented to the client.

Overall, the consultancy project has given us the ability toconsolidate and apply all the knowledge gainedthroughout our programme, and focus on adding valuefor our client. We were able to effectively implement ouracquired knowledge from the application of subjects suchas business economics, strategy, corporate finance,entrepreneurship, and project management.

From a team dynamics perspective, we were made up ofindividuals who came from the two different strands ofthe MBA programme, namely MBA core and MBA Oiland Gas. In addition, considering that our MBA cohortstudents were 90% men, our team offered an equal mixof men and women. Furthermore, the synergy and team

dynamics were crowned with the diverse expertise ofaccounting, finance, marketing and IT – all relevant forthe project.

Finally we would like to acknowledge Prodrill’smanagement and staff, which has helped to ensure thesuccess of this project. We are very grateful for Prodrill’ssupport of the consultancy team and also for theirsponsorship of this MBA 2010 Yearbook. We hope ourwork leaves a lasting mark with the company, and thatour recommendations may be implemented in the nearfuture.

The Prodrill Consultancy Team

51


After a successful Robert Gordon University MBA projectin 2009, Senergy has supervised a second project in 2010.

Senergy is a diversified energy consultancy, projectmanagement, software development and trainingcompany, working across the oil and gas and renewableenergy sectors with offices around the globe. Through therelationship we have developed with RGU and its MBAcourse leaders and students, we have seen considerablevalue added to each of Senergy, the University and thestudents themselves.

In 2009, MBA student Kambiz Bidad assisted Senergy indeveloping a market entry strategy to take the Senergyoffering into new regions. This project informed our ownactivities and led to a far deeper understanding andawareness of the issues we would face. On conclusion ofthe project we felt that Kambiz would be a valuableaddition to our team and he continues to work withSenergy as a key employee in the area of competitiveadvantage.

As a result of the success of the 2009 project, Senergyhas supervised a team of three RGU MBA students in2010, Gabriel Bujulu, Peter Essien and Eugene Uwagie-Ero. This team has investigated an emerging businessopportunity for Senergy – asset commercialisation.Senergy already offers asset development services, butasset commercialisation is a variation of this, wherefinance is considered much earlier in the process. Itconcentrates on moving proven undeveloped reserves(PUD) – usually economically marginal or with technicaldifficulties – to a sanction case, with finance approved.

In this case, the scope of the project has been anexcellent fit for the MBA team; two of the team havingboth technical and banking experience, and the third,team leader Gabriel, having significant projectdevelopment experience.

The team embarked on the project soon after Senergy’sagreement of the terms of reference. The group wasasked to explore the various aspects of assetcommercialisation in the UK, and then select another oneor two geographical oil and gas regions with analogousPUD. Nigeria and Kazakhstan were subsequently chosenas regions which satisfied Senergy’s criteria for businessgrowth potential.


Senergy

During the supervision process there was excellentdialogue between the team and me as businesssupervisor. The level of questioning from the team wasastute, helping to frame the competitive difference of ourapproach with greater clarity. In return, the businessexperience of Senergy has helped the team maintain theproject in a context that would be commercially viable,improving the credibility and usability of the final report.

Throughout the project, Senergy was pleased to find thatthe team uncovered and articulated information that wasnew and valuable to us and their studies. In particular,understanding the process in which the governments ofNigeria and Kazakhstan deal with the licensing of PUDhas resulted in business opportunities for Senergy.Equally, the students were also honest enough to statewhere they thought Senergy’s capability neededstrengthened to compete in some markets, and offeredoptions for where to improve. Finally, they looked atoptions for where Senergy could improve profit marginson our asset commercialisation service.

The technical and commercial focus of the RGU MBA isan excellent fit with Senergy. As a business, Senergy hasa strong commitment to technical excellence andsustainable global growth — both for our company andfor the energy industry as a whole. As Senergy builds itsbusiness in Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere, inputfrom projects such as the 2009 and 2010 RGU MBA isproving invaluable. Senergy hopes to continue to buildon the good relationship with RGU already generated,and we are delighted to maintain contact with thosestudents with whom we have already worked.

Senergy looks forward to implementing the findings fromthis year’s project into the business while we speculateover what may result from the 2011 programme.

Ian WilliamsonDirector of Operations www.senergyworld.com

52


The Senergy Consultancy Team: (left to right)Eugene Uwagie-Ero, Peter Essien, Gabriel Bujulu

Senergy Team

The MBA programme at Aberdeen Business School is notcomplete without the consultancy project. In fact theproject could be described as the climax of the MBAprogramme at RGU. For the management consultancyteam with Senergy Group Limited it was a wonderfulexperience.

Our project was essentially to review a new businessopportunity – asset commercialisation – which Senergywas planning to add to its portfolio. The Director ofOperations wanted an outsider’s perspective on theviability and marketability of this proposed service in theUK oil and gas industry and any other market that theteam deemed suitable. After various meetings with theDirector of Operations, Ian Williamson, the parties agreedto extend the research to review the West African(Nigerian) and Caspian (Kazakhstan) markets.

The three month consultancy project was characterisedby research, in-depth study, and various meetings withSenergy’s project coordinator, industry professionals andrepresentatives of national oil companies of the countriesunder review. These meetings afforded the team theopportunity to understand clearly the technical andfinancial demand for the deployment of an assetcommercialisation service in the selected regions. It alsoprovided the opportunity to research the potentialcustomers for this service and for the intelligence theresearch assembled. At the end of the three monthproject, the team presented its report to members of the

Senergy board including the Director of Operations, theVP Europe and Africa, the Director of Engineering and theDirector of Subsurface. Also in attendance was the MBAProgramme Director, Allan Scott.

The team’s research and recommendations to Senergyare a valuable contribution. This is expressed in thetestimonial written by the company to the AberdeenBusiness School faculty board.

The Senergy Consultancy Team

53

Senergy Consultancy Team with Ian Williamson and Allan ScottSenergy Project Team presentation - Ian Williamson(Director of Operations, Senergy) and Allan Scott


The ADTI Consultancy Team: (left to right)Okey Ijeomah, George Addy-Morton,

Yerlan Sarbassov

ADTI takes great pleasure in having been able to supportOkey Ijeomah, Yerlan Sarbassov and George Addy-Morton with their final MBA consultancy project. Okey,George and Yerlan demonstrated that they were up to thechallenge set by ADTI which was to “develop businessmodel options and explore the requirements needed forADTI to enter the Norwegian market”. This projectallowed the consultancy team to apply the knowledge,skills and understanding gained from the taught elementof RGU's MBA programme in an applied businesscontext.

Throughout the project the team demonstrated theirleadership skills, strong individual characteristics,integrity, initiative, drive and readiness to excel amidnumerous pressures. This involved having open andconstructive dialogue with all members of the ADTImanagement team and adapting to ADTI’s busy workschedule, while ensuring deadlines were met in adisciplined manner.

Going forward, ADTI would like to wish Okey, Yerlan andGeorge every success in the next chapter of their careers.Judging by the professional standards shown throughoutthe project ADTI is confident that all three will indeedmake valued contributions for their future employers.

ADTI

Consultancy Project groupApplied DrillingTechnologyInternational (ADTI)

ADTI TEAM

It was a privilege working with ADTI, a division ofTransocean. ADTI’s uniqueness as the world’s premierturnkey drilling contractor provided an importantinterface to the global oil and gas industry. The projectafforded us an opportunity to apply various strategictools in a practical sense, thus enabling us to test someof the theories and models learnt during the MBAprogramme.

The project was mutually beneficial to the parties; webenefitted from a better understanding of therelationships that underpin the industry’s supply chainand value chain from a practical perspective; and inreturn we were also able to provide useful information toinform ADTI’s market development and growth strategiesto enable the company unlock its full potential.

The consultancy project – which combines research andconsultancy – is without doubt an essential element ofthe RGU MBA programme. It certainly provides usefulnetworking opportunities with industry players. Theresearch exposes students to the technical material andresources available, thus helping to build the students’potential in future research and consultancy.

We thank ADTI for the opportunity to work with thecompany and we hope this mutually beneficial friendshipwith RGU will continue.

The ADTI Consultancy Team

54


PSN and Glencraft were delighted to work with the RGUMBA team to undertake this critical business report.Shane, Abhay, Fariza and Stoianka worked veryefficiently to develop and produce a comprehensive, wellresearched and, most importantly, useful report that isbeing used to shape the strategic direction of theGlencraft business. From initial engagement to thesuperb final delivery of findings, this team is a hugecredit to the RGU MBA programme.

Duncan SkinnerCFO of PSN and Director of Glencraft


PSN and Glencraft

One of the most rewarding experiences

was the consultancy project which allowed

engagement with a local social enterprise to

help it develop a sustainable business strategy.

This was both mentally stimulating due to its

complexity and personally rewarding since

positive results are directly linked to the

ongoing well-being of members of Aberdeen’s

disabled community.

Shane MarkMBA

[email protected]

“

“

The PSN Consultancy Team: (left to right)

Shane Mark, Stoianka Jordanova, Fariza Choltanova,

Abhay Agarwal

55

PSN team

The consultancy project was perhaps the most significantlearning opportunity of the entire MBA programme as itallowed the thinking processes acquired during theprogramme to be tested, explored, and applied inappropriate and sometimes inappropriate ways. Parallelwith this process was an emotional intelligence learningcurve with feelings ranging from uncertainty andoptimism at the outset, to frustration and disappointmentin the midst of the project, to clarity and completesuccess at the end.

The project for PSN, which involved developing amarketing strategy for Glencraft Aberdeen Ltd, a localsocial enterprise, gave the group a great sense ofpurpose. We were not only putting together a solidbusiness plan which would improve performance. Werecognised also that our work could directly improve thelives of the blind and disabled Glencraft employees byproviding them with a sustainable business to work for.It was truly a project which had significance beyondsimply a good educational experience, and the grouplooks forward to seeing a successful and sustainableGlencraft in the future.

The PSN Consultancy Team


The SPEX Consultancy Team: (left to right) NikitaZhelobov, Amirzhan Ospanov, Carlo Andrea Palombo,Bauyrzhan Ilyassov

I am extremely delighted with the high quality of workdone by the Robert Gordon University’s MBA projectteam for Spex Services. A key component of the RGUteam was their inter-disciplinary and inter-cultural mix –of students from Russia, Kazakhstan and Italy. This mix ofstudents and their capabilities was invaluable and gave aunique understanding of the oil and gas sector inKazakhstan. The team reached out to an impressivenetwork of sources for primary research and carried outdetailed analysis of the market opportunities for SpexServices. The RGU team’s project recommendations havehad a high impact on our market positioning strategy forKazakhstan and beyond. We will use this report as ablueprint for Spex Services future strategy in other areasaround the world.

Working with the team of four graduate students fromthe RGU MBA programme has been a superb experiencefor us here at Spex Services. Not only did they takedirection well, but they did not need much of it. That wasvery important to us as a small but rapidly growingcompany, because we are busy, limited in resources, andfocused on executing our own plan. The team wascharacterised by diligence, coordination, dedication and


SPEX Services

consideration. They were highly motivated, and executedthe engagement in a timely and professional manner. Thefinal presentation was of the very highest standard andconveyed the report succinctly. We hope to be able towork again with RGU project teams in the future. As aformer student of the MBA programme, I was delightedto see that the calibre of student involved in the projectwas of the very highest standard and I’m convinced it isreflective of the high teaching standards of the RGUBusiness School.

I would have no hesitation in recommending the RGUMBA project team for consultancy work as they offer anexclusive insight into current business strategies that arefit for any company regardless of size.

John FoxCommercial DirectorSPEX Services Limited

Nikita Zhelobov negotiating and persuading at

the team’s St. Andrews Street project room

56


The SPEX consultancy team with Gavin Drummond (SPEXManaging Director) and John Fox (Director of Operations),(2nd and 4th from left)

spex team

In summer 2010, Amirzhan, Bauyrzhan, Nikita and Carloformed our team to take on this consultancy project aspart of their MBA programme. Our project client wasSPEX Services Limited, an independent, privately ownedcompany that can offer to their clients a track record ofmore than 150 years of explosives expertise. Its divisionsinclude field services, consultancy, training andcompetence, explosive disposal, manufacturing ofspecialist explosive products, sales, and a specialprojects division. The organisation offers “best in classproducts” and positions itself as “the premier source ofspecialty explosives services, pipe recovery andabandonment technologies in the oil servicesmarketplace”. The company can call on a team of subjectmatter experts and core competencies for the use ofexplosives and other energetic materials on land and insub-sea operations all around the globe.

The aim of the project was to assist SPEX in their plans toexpand to new geographical markets and in theintroduction of new product and service solutions as themain drivers for healthy business growth. One suchprospective market is Kazakhstan which is currentlyranked ninth world-wide in terms of oil reserves. Hence,the goal of the project was to research, analyse and putforward recommendations for business developmentopportunities for SPEX in the Kazakh market.

During the course of the project, the team worked inclose cooperation with the client and this provided thefoundation of the project. The cooperation wasprofessional, highly engaging and, generally, a superbexperience for the entire team. The idea that our outputcan help the company with its future strategy andbusiness model motivated us, united the team during theentire course of the project and, finally, led to successfulproject deliverables.

Looking back to the MBA 2010 experience, we believe thatour project with SPEX Services was definitely thehighlight of the year. We are grateful to SPEX for givingus this opportunity. The experience has been ofenormous value for us in terms of teamwork, dedication,knowledge and, foremost, friendship not just betweenthe team members – but also with the great peopleat SPEX.

The SPEX Consultancy Team

Carlo Andrea Palombo at the team’s St. Andrews Street project room

57


A Royal Air Force GR4 TornadoA partnership agreement between RAF Lossiemouth andRobert Gordon University served as the basis for a one-man consultancy project that looked atcommercialisation at the Morayshire airbase. Situatedsixty miles northwest of Aberdeen, on the southern coastof the Moray Firth, RAF Lossiemouth is the largest andbusiest fast-jet base in the Royal Air Force. The base ishome to four squadrons of Tornado GR4, a Sea Kinghelicopter search & rescue flight, and various operational,logistic and administrative support units. RAFLossiemouth employs 2,800 military and civilianpersonnel.

The project’s objective was to assist RAF Lossiemouthmaximise use of its non-operational assets. The project’sfirst concern was the broad consideration of the needs ofthe station and the achievement of value for money in theuse of public funds. But the project also sought tosupport the station’s community engagement policy,promote the development of sustainable non-publicincome streams for the station, and search foropportunities for nominal contributions to governmentdepartment carbon targets, through off-setting. Theproject assessed RAF Lossiemouth’s non-operationalassets, and developed tools and put forward proposalsfor the better use of the station’s capacity and capabilities,both internally, and by the local civil and businesscommunities and other stakeholders.

The project emerged as a proactive and innovativeinitiative within a demanding new political and macro-economic environment. The year’s election of the newConservative UK government heralded radical change inthe political relationship of citizen to government. In itsresponse to the national economic debt crisis, and itspursuit of its own ‘Big Society’ agenda, the governmentwas seeking to reconfigure, ‘from the bottom up’, therelationship between the private and the public sectors.In this context it was becoming obligatory for all bodiesin receipt of public funds to forensically examine theiractivities, devise creative new ways to motivate socialaction, deliver services and empower community, and topresent the case for their own ongoing public support.Previous government initiatives had, of course, soughtto modulate the relationship between government andbusiness. However in the present case, unprecedentedeconomic necessity, arguably, could drive greaterpolitical success and more profound change. The projectendeavoured to assist RAF Lossiemouth meet theincreasing expectations of its stakeholders.

Consultancy Project groupRAF Lossiemouth

The project applied the ‘military appreciation’ format ofanalysis and presentation. The military appreciation is thestandard tool used by armed forces worldwide fordecision-making, both on the battlefield and in thecommand room. It provided a familiar communicationformat for the client.

The project advanced five initiatives for consideration. Ofthose, the project recommended the immediateestablishment of ‘The Dambusters Club’, a military-stylediscipline fitness and training club with civilianmembership. (Dambusters Squadron is based atLossiemouth). Additionally, and prerequisite to thepursuit of any of the five initiatives, the projectrecommended the establishment of an RAF LossiemouthOffice for Enterprise, Partnership and Development.

In the event, the prosecution and delivery of the projectwere rendered problematic by ‘the elephant in the room’.The Government’s Strategic Defence and Security Reviewestablished a programme that fell parallel to the project’sown (which ran for three months through to October2010). For the sake of practicality, the project ignored thepotential impacts of the Review on the project. Howeverthe Review did provide the immediate official frame ofreference for change within the defence community: andit would become the immediate context within whichestablishments such as RAF Lossiemouth would berequired to justify expenditure and their use of bothoperational and non-operational assets.

As the consultancy project proceeded, ongoing leaks inthe national media forecast the closure of the base. Withone of its squadrons already on the frontline inAfghanistan, and a second packed and ready to go (andnow gone), operations were what counted. The projectploughed on regardless, as station morale wavered andthe client’s focus was drawn elsewhere—onto thenational and international stages. At the time ofpublication of this Yearbook the fate of RAF Lossiemouthremains hanging in the balance. The future of not onlythose who work at the base, but of the local and regionalcommunities that are economically and socially relianton the presence of the base—and with that, all prospectsfor enterprise, partnership and development at RAFLossiemouth—lies in the hands of the politicians.

The RAF Lossiemouth Consultancy Team58


Intelligent Home Systems (IHS) is an SME located inAberdeenshire, United Kingdom, which provides smarthome automation solutions. The company offersconsultancy, professional and project managementservices to the commercial, educational and retail as wellas residential sectors. Intelligent Home Systemsspecialises in intelligent automation services for heating,ventilation & air conditioning (HVAC), audio visual (AV),lighting, and security.

IHS was facing the dilemma of the small company—saturation. As Managing Director of the company I wasdelighted when the team from Robert Gordon Universityelected to undertake a project to help the company buildmarket expansion and develop a growth strategy. It wasa great experience to work with such a fresh pool oftalented management students. The team’s memberscame from the professional backgrounds of humanresources and architecture. This was a different focusfrom the company’s own. So it was very important for theteam to understand the business environment in whichIHS was operating and how highly competitive its marketwas. Understanding all the key issues and areas of thebusiness would allow them to focus on the question ofgrowth.

I was really impressed by the professionalism shown bythe team. Regular meetings were held with staff andmyself: progress was clear. By the end of the project theteam understood the key areas in which IHS wasoperating. The step-by-step recommendation given bythe team at its final presentation was excellent. We arelooking forward to implementation in the near future.

As Managing Director of IHS I would like to thank AshishKumar and Tushar Phatak for their interest in anddedication to the project and wish them an excellentfuture ahead.

Ewan SmithManaging DirectorIntelligent Home Systems


Intelligent Home Systems

59

Intelligent home systems team

The aim of the project was to provide Intelligent HomeSystems with a sustainable business strategy. In orderto achieve the aim we had to set some objectives to seethat the team was going in the right direction. Settingthese was one of the challenges for the team. Asconsultants, the roles and responsibilities of the teammembers were quite extensive: we were expected tooperate across a wide variety of disciplines includingmarketing, financial and management controls, businessstrategy, e-business and operations, informationtechnology, and supply-chain management.

We can say that through this project we were able to putto use all the knowledge that we gained throughout theyear on the RGU MBA programme. A varied knowledgeof different subjects such as business economics, projectmanagement, finance, and others, helped us to put thisproject successfully in place.

Working within the IHS group was a fabulous experiencethanks to the dynamics between the professionalbackgrounds of the group members. We would like tothank Managing Director Ewan Smith and all the staff ofIHS who supported us in the project and helped make ita success. We hope that our work will be able to help thecompany move beyond its current dilemma and into anew period of expansion.

The IHS Team

The Intelligent Home Systems consultancy team:(left) Tushar Vikas Phatak, (right) Ashish Kumar


60


61

The RGU 'Dream Team' crew: (left to right)Almaz Zhalbyrov, Tom Paling, (rear) Bauyrzhan Ilyassov,Peter Saunders, (kneeling) Talgat Temirzhanov,(back) Nikita Zhelobov, Tom Mason

In June 2010, and for the first time, the Robert GordonUniversity participated in an MBA Regatta competingwith around forty other crews from various UKUniversities. As the title suggests, teams were compiledfrom among MBA students, full-time, part-time andalumni. The goal of this event was not only to have funand to learn sailing, but also to use the uniqueopportunity to meet MBA peers and to network. Theevent is organised by the Cranfield University. Itprovided a worthwhile experience and I wouldencourage students and the University to continue toparticipate. The RGU Dreamteam 2010 wishes all thebest of luck to future MBA Regatta teams!

Nikita Zhelobov [email protected]

MBA RegattaRGU Dream Team 2010


Tamer says: “I focused on change management andorganisational behaviour in my MBA. This equipped meto help the company manage the change process duringthe integration of two large and talented teams. I wasthen given the opportunity and challenge of leading thecompany’s human resources function in the region. I dealwith a unique workforce coming from sixteen differentcountries and speaking more than eight languages.

“In my role as an RGU Ambassador I encourage andsupport new students and help promote the University. Ihave been inspired by the quality of learning at Robert

RGU AmbassadorTamer F. Elewa, MBA Class of 2008

Gordon University whilst studying for my masters andhave decided to continue at doctoral level. My researchwill focus on employee engagement and cross culturalbarriers.

“The work will have a direct link with understanding anddeveloping a competent engagement strategy for ouremployees. It will help my organisation become a betterplace to work in.”

Aberdeen Business School graduate Tamer F Elewa (35) is appointedRegional Director of Human Resources – Middle and Near East regions, forMerck Serono, a global leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing. MerckSerono is part of the Merck Group, the oldest pharmaceutical and chemicalcompany in the world.

62


63


We worked hard…and played hard too…

64

Team Success!

Ashish and Victor catch the evening bus to

down-town Aix

Plain sailing, rest, and the MBA programme(not the sort of caption you see every day)

At least one of those students surely can't have the

required three year's management experience?

The MBA class as the dinner guests of theRotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside


65

Confusingly, the class had two Peters.

No one could tell them apart

MBA friendships are built on the solidfoundation of shared hard experience...

Bauyrzhan and team ‘at the intersection’ ofwork and play

Victor Maples with his MBA Bafta

...and those friendships endure

Prodrill team at play at Cove Bay


As leaders of tomorrow we will be confronted with tough decisions and dilemmasin organisations. How you communicate your arguments, the leadershipcharacteristics you possess and your ability to proactively implement change fromnow on becomes of integral importance.

Project management has played a vital role in the development of this yearbook.In delivering projects to time, cost and scope, fundamental to the success isinvolving stakeholders, persuasion, negotiation, enjoying good relationships andconflict management skills.

Teamwork will always play an important role in any organisation. With socialintelligence, synergy is absorbed and value is created within the businessfunctions, units or teams. We cannot be experts in all areas, but we can expand onour strengths and ameliorate our weaknesses in order to get the best out ofopportunities and threats that may appear in our environment. Whilst conflicts mayarise that may be frustrating, endeavouring to work together as a group will get thebest out of every team leader and team member.

As we leave our footprints through the sands of time, we should always rememberto be effective leaders who strive to create added value in whatever organisationswe find ourselves.

I wish each and every one of you the very best in all your future endeavours inboth your professional and personal lives.

Ameze Iyere2010 Yearbook Editorial [email protected]

Farewell Message

66



MBA Administration, Aberdeen Business School The Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Road , Aberdeen AB10 7QE

Tel: +44 (0)1224 263836 / 01224 263852 Fax: +44 (0)1224 263838 Email: [email protected]

MBAABERDEEN BUSINESS SCHOOL

Class of 2010

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