Ask the UM MBA

Theme for August 2010 - Data Presentation

2010-08-24T01:07:00.000+08:00

I've decided to highlight some interesting resources for you all. Hopefully they help you in your presentation as well as your viva presentation later on.

Theme for August 2010 - Data Presentation

Last month Hans Rosling, the Swedish global health professor, statician and sword swallower released a desktop version of Gapminder World, his mesmerizing data visualization tool. Named one of Foreign Policy's top 100 global thinkers in 2009, the information design visionary co-founded Gapminder.org with his son and daughter-in-law aiming to make the world's most important trends accessible and digestible to global leaders, policy makers and the general public. The software they developed, Trendalyzer, (acquired by Google in 2007) translates static numbers into dynamic, interactive bubbles moving through time. The desktop version of Gapminder, which is still in beta, allows you to create and present graphs without an Internet connection.

You won't comprehend the full power of Gapminder unless you watch at least one of Rosling's TED talks. His passion and style makes him a joy to watch. As TED notes, "With the drama and urgency of a sportscaster, statistics guru Hans Rosling debunks myths about the so-called 'developing world.'"
Prezi is the antithesis of the slide-to-slide PowerPoint style. Your presentations are mocked up on a large canvas, with bits of text, images, charts, and now videos embedded where you want them, and connected where it makes sense. You can set up a "path" to run through when giving a presentation, creating a kind of Disney-like rail ride through your points, but the real value comes when your audience has a question—zooming back to a point and expanding on it is easy and intuitive, and connecting two points doesn't require a slide hunt.

In short, once you tried Prezi, you wouldn't want to go back to PowerPoint Presentation.
Finally, all presenter should read Guy Kawasaki's 10/20/30 rule of presentation. Entertain your audience. After all, we love a good presentation such as the one given by Steve Jobs.

Now, go forth and impress the world.

For more resources, please visit Ask the UM MBA site

Good luck in your classes.

The most important subject…

2010-07-05T00:53:00.002+08:00

I wrote about some strategy for registering classes: here and here. Nonetheless, I realized that Research Methods in Business class has been severely neglected by most students.
This class teaches students how to conduct their research properly. It is also a prerequisite for doing thesis. Hence, it is often advised to students to take this class last. After all, most students tend to forget what they learnt immediately after the final exams.
However, I strongly suggest students to consider taking this class FIRST.
Why?
Because you will be able to apply its content almost immediately in other classes that require research skills & group projects.
And if you forget what you learnt? Well, you can always “sit-in” for the class again in the semester prior to your thesis to refresh your memories.
So, what do you think?

How to create questionnaires using Google Documents?

2010-06-29T00:23:00.003+08:00

Today, I’m going show you how to create questionnaires using Google Documents.
Why use Google Doc instead of sending attachment via email?
Compatibility:
Google Doc have no compatibility issues. Anyone with Internet connection are able to access it. Compared to file attachment, some companies do not use Microsoft Office, or the latest version.
Speed in data collection:
With Google Doc, when a respondent answered your questionnaires and click submit, the data is appended onto a spreadsheet directly. Compared to file attachment, you will need to compile and transfer the data. This may lead to error and mistakes.
So, moving on with how to create questionnaires with Google Docs.
Step 1:
Go to http://docs.google.com. I assume you have a Google account. Otherwise, please create one.

Step 2:
Click on Create New > Form.

*Note that you can also upload your existing files onto Google Docs.
Step 3:

Give it a good title. Make it interesting so that people WANT to participate in your questionnaires. “Man makes more money than woman” is definitely going to bring in much more traffic compared to a dull title like “Gender differences in Income”
Tell your recipients why they should help you to participate in this survey. Explain to them how you will safeguard their privacy, compile the data and maybe even advise a copy of the result to them.
This is where you start your questionnaires. Remember to write something in the help text. It helps to clarify your questions.
Select the second questions and move on. You can edit, copy and even delete the questions by clicking on the far right buttons.
View the published form (if you decide to share it)

Step 4:
When you are done, click on the “Email this form” on the top of the page.

So, how does it looks like when you mailed it out? Notice that there is 2 methods for your respondent to act.

They can either click on the links to be directed to Google Docs
or they can answer the questionnaire directly in their email (if it is supported by their email clients).

Step 5:
So, after they have answered, what do you have to do? Simple. you can check their responses LIVE! via 2 methods:
Below is what it looks like in Summary Mode
or you can view your result in Spreadsheet Mode
Did you noticed anything interesting? The data is automatically appended onto the spreadsheet! You do not need to do double work. Every time somebody responded to your questionnaire, it is automatically added at the bottom of the spreadsheet for you!
Hopefully you find this little “tutorials” helpful in your assignment/thesis. Good luck.

Do you have materials on Advanced Corporate Finance and Marketing Mgmt?

2009-07-12T15:56:00.002+08:00

Image via Wikipedia

Thanks for the sharing. It will help me a lot in next semester for the Capital Market.
BTW please could you also share the past year questions as well (Capital Market)? Do you have any materials for Advanced Corporate Finance and Marketing Management? I am taking these subjects in current semester. Thanks.
The UM MBA says:
I’m glad that you find my sites interesting.
To access past year exam questions,

First, you need to register an account with UM’s library. (If you haven’t done so)
Then, proceed to http://www.umlib.um.edu.my/ and login.
You should be forwarded to http://www.diglib.um.edu.my/interaktif/SQL-bin/interaktif.asp. Here, you may browse the directory for past year papers. (it can be found here –> http://202.185.97.87/umexams/). However, take note that this site may be down. So, don’t wait till the last minute to visit and try to visit on regular intervals. The site is working just not reliable.

For Advanced Corporate Finance, I strongly recommend you to run through Damodaran’s site at http://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar/
His 2009 webcast is here. His notes can also be found there. (WARNING though. His classes is several times more detailed than what you’ll experienced. So be prepared to be overwhelmed. It’s very educational though.)
As for Marketing Management, I strongly recommend www.marketingprofs.com and www.bnet.com.
You may also want to consider sites below to supplement your classes.
www.dshort.com (Daily updated graphs)
www.investopedia.com (It’s a great sites to learn about financial world)

I’m planning to take 4 subjects. Can I manage it?

2009-07-09T20:34:00.003+08:00

Image via Wikipedia

Hi, thanks for this great site. This is my second semester and I have failed 2 subjects last semester (Accounting and Marketing) and my CGPA was < 3. Now I'm planning to take 4 subject (Accounting, Marketing, Ethics, and Economic). Is it okay or not, since I'm a full time student.
I need your advice about the subjects that I'm planning to take. Thanks in advance for your help.
The UM MBA says :
Truthfully, only you can answer this well. Can you cope with it? Everything in life is a struggle.

"Winning is an attitude.”
- Sylvester Stallone in Driven

In addition, failing is never easy.

"Everyone falls down. It's just how fast you get up that counts."
- Sylvester Stallone in Driven

Therefore, did you know WHY you failed? Have you taken steps to remedy it?
In MBA, beside learning the academic materials, you also learn many other skills. For example, you’ll learn :

Time Management (Discipline) - (I used www.rmilk.com on daily basis)
People skills (Office politic) – especially when you’re working in groups. In the working world, you can’t go complain to your boss about your colleague now can you?
Prioritization (Sacrifice)
Ability to read ALOT and VERY FAST. (Check out www.spreeder.com)
Analytical skills (Think)
Ability to function well with very few hour of sleeps.
Stamina - MBA is a marathon, not a 100m sprint. Prepare yourself accordingly

To assist you in your classes, I would recommend these site to you as supplemental materials.

www.marketingprofs.com
www.bnet.com
www.ted.com
http://1979journal.blogspot.com (This is my personal blog – Check the list on bottom right for all the free resources.)
www.investopedia.com

“…I can only show you the door. You're the one that has to walk through it.”
- The Matrix

Where can I get supplement materials for the classes?

2009-07-08T23:43:00.001+08:00

Image via Wikipedia

I understand that searching for these information can be quite stressful especially if you’re not Internet savvy. Therefore, I’ve created a second site solely to compile all the resources I have been collecting over the years. I like to invite you The Internet is Free site. They are all FREE!!! (what a nice word).

Feel free to contribute them as well if you have any.

How should I register for my classes?

2009-07-08T22:57:00.001+08:00

I'm taking specialization in General Management. I would like to complete all the lectures in 2 years time (PART TIME). Is it possible?

That means:
Year 1 Sem 1    = 3 subjects
Year 1 Sem 2    = 3 subjects
Year 1 Special   = 2 subjects
Year 2 Sem 1    = 3 subjects
Year 2 Sem 2    = 3 subjects
Year 2 Special   = 1 subjects
Total : 15 subjects
Then Year 3 Sem 1 = Thesis (6 credit hours)
Can this be possible?

THE UM MBA SAYS:

First of all, you need to differentiate between Academic year and Calendar year. Based on your suggestion, you will graduate in August of Year 4 (since the convocation for graduation is in every August).

Overall, I think your selection is ok. However, you need to be careful in terms of the subjects that you want to register (Remember that special semester is usually reserved for elective subjects only).

Being a generalist, you actually have more selections in choosing your elective subjects. However, if you come across an electives subjects that you like, by all means, do grab it as soon as it appears. Depending on its popularity, it may not be offered for several semester to come.

Good Luck in your pursue of MBA degree.

Can you share notes with me for …?

2009-07-02T22:02:00.003+08:00

Image via CrunchBase

Since last semester, I have been creating Google Sites for my classes. Most of the class notes and supplementary information are all located there. Feel free to browse through them. The sites are:-

What classes should I choose?

2009-07-02T00:31:00.002+08:00

Registration is today. I am a bit overwhelmed by the choices available. What would you suggest?

The UM MBA says:

The academic year is divided into 3 semesters. Semester 1 (July to November), Semester 2 (December to April) and Special Semester (May to June). For further confirmation, check the handbook here.

There are no core subjects being offered during Special Semester. Only limited elective subjects are taught during Special Semester though.

Thus, during the main semester (1 & 2), almost all the core subjects will be offered. However, it is the elective subjects that are more elusive. These subjects may be postponed to another semester if:-

there are too few students applying for it
there are no lecturer available to teach the subject

Due to the above reasons, you may sometime find yourself having to wait for a long time before the class is available again. A good example is the Merger & Acquisition course. It was not available for a few semesters. When it does appear, the class was only limited to only 20 students during the special semester. (However, I believe the UM GSB has responded to the demands and increased the frequency for this popular class).

My suggestion is this:-

Do you know the “area of concentration” you would like to pursue?
If you know already knows, then you should start try to outline your courses so that you’ll be able to graduate in August. (All convocation will be held in August).
Or are you exploring your options?
If you’re still undecided, I will suggest that you take up the core courses first. You’ll meet up with people from various background during these courses. Seek their advise. Don’t be afraid to switch your “area of concentration”. The pursue of knowledge is more important than a piece of paper.
Take the elective courses you wanted the moment they’re available. Mixed it in with a few core subjects so that you’ll still have some left to take during the special semester.
In addition, spread out the calculation subjects, reading & research subjects and Group Project subjects. These tend to change every semester depending on the lecturers but I think you can ask around to have a good idea.

BE WISE AND RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR DECISION. I AM NOT LIABLE FOR YOUR DECISION.

FAQs

2009-07-01T23:22:00.005+08:00

Are you a UM MBA graduate?
Yes.
Can I really ask you anything?
Sure! However, I can’t promise you that they’ll all be answered. I’ll try my best to reply them all. The worst you will get is probably “No Comment”.
Why are you doing this?
I realized that I enjoy answering questions. Also, I find myself learning more as I answer these questions.
Do you charge money for these “services”? If you’re willing to pay me, I don’t mind. After all, we live in a world of demand and supply. I accept Paypal, Visa, MasterCard, Coupons, Vouchers, Precious metals and of course, Cash!
Why don't I see my questions here?
I will only post questions that are unique and adds value to the site. Also, it could be that I'm short on time. I'll get around to it... shortly.