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 Name John Purcell
Programme: MBA, Graduate School of Management, La Trobe University.
Universities previously attended: Monash University (1979), La Trobe (2003), and Swinburne University (1986).
Degree obtained: Master of Business Administration (2005).
Current Studies: Doctor of Philosophy, Graduate School of Management, La Trobe University (2006).
Career History
John Purcell lives in Melbourne, Australia and has worked as an accountant and auditor, (CPA), for over twenty years in the public sector, aviation and banking & insurance industries. He completed the MBA in 2005, enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy program at the GSM in 2006, and was appointed head of an internal audit unit in a prestigious accounting services organisation in 2007.
Why La Trobe
I looked at various distance education masters programmes that were available, but wanted the face to face interaction of lectures and seminars. I wanted the knowledge synergies that come from student contact with highly qualified academics who also had extensive professional and life experiences. What attracted me were the flexible 4 term entry points per year allowing students to study on a part-time basis, giving them the opportunity to vary the number of units they chose to study per term, providing a study-work-life balance. International students at the GSM provide diverse learning perspectives, especially in subjects like International Business Environment where an understanding of business techniques, culture and values in countries operating in global markets is critical to effective management.
The Learning Experience
The MBA's seven compulsory units provide the foundation for the rest of the programme. Being an accountant, I wanted to increase my knowledge of business strategies and management practices. On completion of the seven compulsory units I chose from a wide selection of units to increase my knowledge and understanding of E-Commerce, Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, Intellectual Property, Management and Information Management Systems.
The content of the material is relevant and current, and the academic staff are able to guide you, but not spoon feed you! The GSM is located adjacent to the main University campus, providing a real ?post-graduate student community' environment. The learning experience is rigorous, but not gruelling, assessment varies but may include group work, presentations, exams and case studies. Commitment, tenacity and self-disciple to complete the readings and assessment tasks over 10 weeks are required.
Towards the end of the MBA, the opportunity to go to the Burgundy School of Business, Dijon, France to complete a two unit research project relating to Business in Europe is available. Part-time students are encouraged to go, providing an international perspective to their MBA. I took the option of studying a 2 unit research project and experienced the vividness that comes from research. Two academics provided me with mentoring and academic supervision and demanded excellence. The Library has a wonderful interlibrary loan service where I could request up to 100 articles/books as an MBA student (free), for materials that I could not source from the University's extensive Library collection. The speed of delivery of the books, or photocopies of articles especially when they were sourced from libraries in Europe or the United States, was impressive.
Group Spirit
I worked in a number of syndicates, with full and part-time students from different professional and cultural backgrounds adding a richness and a roundedness' to the La Trobe MBA experience. Working with students from various countries in Asia, Europe, India, North and South America, I consider has expanded my business knowledge and made me a better manager and person.
Was it worth it?
The MBA experience was extremely satisfying, providing a contrast to my undergraduate days, with adults wanting to learn and to share their professional experiences and because my profession requires continuous professional development, the MBA was the natural progression. My employment prospects flourished at the conclusion of the program, when I joined an accounting services organisation in 2007.
The Future
I have a continuing association with the GSM as a part-time doctoral student. Because of the MBA, I have the ability to practise the analytical skill-sets which are valued in the commercial world. To those thinking of an MBA, and are prepared to put in the effort and the time commitment, I would say Go for the La Trobe Difference!
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