FOBS: Final thoughts

I chose this course to learn how strategy works, and how to go about it. Having no prior knowledge of this, I found the course to be highly informative and engaging. As mentioned earlier, this was by far the most interesting MOOC in my free MBA.

The format was excellent. The videos were of really good quality and, since they were studio-recorded, there was no distractions as compared to videos shot in a classroom setting. Once again, the videos were short and to the point, without seeming shallow or hurried, and this was appreciated. The reading material provided in chapter-by-chapter PDFs from the professor’s real textbook was good and concise. The strategy analysis provided a perfect opportunity to apply all that we had learned.

I, however, wasn’t too sure with the whole up vote/down vote system. Each class in my undergraduate degree had some points for participation; however, I felt that in an on-line class there shouldn’t be any points contributing to the grade awarded as many people, including myself, do not participate as much in the forums due to time constraints. Also, I felt that many people up-voted others so as to get them to up-vote them for the points only. Very few times did I feel that the post or comment deserved an up-vote. In a classroom setting at least a lecturer can determine the value of the contribution, but in an on-line setting, and especially an MOOC one, it is impossible.

Not participating in the forums cost me an 8% grade, but I did well in the other elements of the course and got my statement of accomplishment with an 84.2%.

Professor Lennox has a lot of energy and enthusiasm for the subject, and a great way of engaging students (which is a great feat, considering that it is an on-line course) and I would recommend this class to anyone who would like to learn the basics of business strategy.

If you have any thoughts or questions about this course or my review of it, please let me know in the comments section below.

Introduction to Marketing: Final thoughts

I chose this course to learn the academic theories of marketing and to see how they compare to the real-world. In my career I have been involved in marketing, and so wanted to compare the two.

I enjoyed the class immensely and felt that my knowledge of marketing had greatly improved.

The format was excellent.The presentation of the three modules by three different professors was a lovely change from the norm. The videos were of really good quality and, since they were studio-recorded, there was no distractions as compared to videos shot in a classroom setting. I cannot emphasize how much I also appreciated the length of the videos. These were short and to the point, without seeming shallow or hurried.

The quizzes were not too difficult since I managed to thoroughly cover the content and do some extra readings on the side. The final exam was slightly trickier, given the fact that it was all three weeks’ content being tested and that there was only one try. For me, the disappointing thing is that I missed a distinction grade by just one point.

I would recommend this class to anyone who would like to learn the basics of marketing.

If you have any thoughts or questions about this course or my review of it, please let me know in the comments section below.

The Entrepreneur Course: Final Thoughts

This class has been a case of mixed feelings, but has ended well.

My expectations before class:

• I want to learn how to turn an idea into a business, and how to evaluate what would be a viable and profitable business idea
• I want to garner more knowledge to help me avoid some traps I had encountered previously in trying to establish a business

My thoughts:

• I believe that Dr. Green knows his material very well and transmits his knowledge well. The classes are interesting; the course work not too strenuous.
• I like the fact that all the material was available from the beginning of the class.
• The class though felt like an introduction to entrepreneurship, rather than a relatively advanced course, as described in the course outline.
• I still feel that he could do a better job with the videos, in terms of length, as they are too long, and pre-recorded in a class, which didn’t jazz me too much.
• I am also curious to find out how they mark the essay questions.

All in all, I would recommend this class to anyone who would like to learn the basics of entrepreneurship.

If you have any thoughts or questions about this course or my review of it, please let me know in the comments section below.