Ansgar Cordier

MBA student testimonial

An MBA for Non-profit Management
Interview with Open University student and private sector development consultant, Ansgar Cordier ~ Translated from German

Anyone who believes that an MBA is only useful for finance professionals is mistaken. Most MBA graduates are drawn to consulting. Studies show almost every second international MBA graduate works in the consulting world (FT) and, in Germany it is 70% (Staufenbiel). Many graduates find employment outside of the finance sector in the consumer goods industry or IT and, increasingly, in non-governmental interest groups, non-profit or government-related organisations. These are political, religious, charitable, economic or socially committed organisations whose activities are directed not for profit, but to the common good. But even non-profit organisations need to adapt their core business strategies in an appropriate and targeted manner. Cost coverage and long-term security of an organisation are as important in non-profit management as the focus on change management, leadership and sustainability. A good MBA program will offer a generalised management study with the core disciplines in strategy, leadership, marketing, finance and innovation and is aimed at profit and non-profit professionals.

Ansgar Cordier from Mannheim has established a reputation as a freelance consultant and trainer in the International Development Cooperation. He has nearly completed his MBA with The Open University Business School, which offers its triple-accredited MBA exclusively in supported distance learning.

Cordier's work life and his professional career are equally exciting. Cordier who grew up in Leipzig was not allowed to study in the former GDR regime. Instead of studying, he trained to become a welder. After the collapse of the GDR he qualified as an IHK examined bank clerk and then did a Master`s degree at the University of Leipzig in History, Communication and French. He speaks English, French, Spanish, Arabic and Farsi. He works for associations, government agencies and organisations and provides development aid and business management. He operates in Afghanistan, Yemen, Georgia, United Arab Emirates, Sudan and Libya.

During the interview the Business School student explains why his MBA studies taught him a better way of structured problem solving, how he gained improved critical viewpoints against economic gurus and why his exchanges with his international fellow students made him think outside the box.

Mr. Cordier, what is your profession?

I work as a freelance consultant in development aid and as a trainer for intercultural communication. During my studies, the Middle East has fascinated me. After my Master`s degree, I worked at the University of Tübingen in the Economic Research Centre and  Middle Eastern Business History in Aleppo / Syria and managed the documentation from private archives of Syrian trade dynasties. After many years of working for German chambers and business associations, I started to work in third-world co-operations and work today mainly in developing new businesses. I also help independent entrepreneurs and business associations in creating new businesses.

Why do you think that the OU MBA is particularly useful for professionals in non-profit organisations?

It was important for me to acquire broad management knowledge. Since the development sector is usually far away from the commercial business, I was very interested in a study that focuses on sustainable profitability. However, what was surprising is that the OU MBA programme contains an amazing number of components for the non-profit sector. In addition, many fellow students are working in this sector. This has had a positive impact on the content of the tutorials and residential schools.

Why did you choose an Open University MBA?

When I was part of a German aid project in Yemen, a colleague brought the OU MBA to my attention. For some time before I thought about a postgraduate university degree, because I wanted to expand my business and management skills. The MBA from the OU appeared to be the best of all programmes I saw, in terms of accreditation, the structure of good teaching materials and integration of professional practice.

Mr. Razizulzai, board member of the Federation of Afghan Craftsmen and Traders (FACT) with Ansgar Cordier at the Sarobi Reservoir near Kabul

What impressed you during your studies?

The MBA curriculum is structured very richly: first students will get a comprehensive overview of all the different management theories. Then the programme will "force" the student to review the learned theories' practicality for your own work context. You have to deal intensively with models and reflect upon those critically. The learning effect, which is especially visible in the Tutor Marked Assessments, is thus increased. The OU is, even if you're like me - mainly participating in tutorials in Germany, very international. Whether in the virtual tutorials, or in the multi-day Residential Schools, through my fellow students from many countries, I experienced other work environments and challenges. In the interactive group work, I learned very different cultural approaches, which I personally found very rewarding. People with other educational and work backgrounds exposed me to different perspectives. This helped me to solve certain problems in my own work many times.

Have you studied whilst abroad? Was the "portable" format of the course helpful?

I started with the OU MBA when I lived and worked in Yemen. Therefore, the flexible format of distance learning was ideal as I could pursue all the activities and tutorials online. Since I still work abroad a lot and I rarely have a continuous work routine, the OU approach fits well for me.

Which element of the MBA programme did you personally find especially helpful for your activities?

An OU MBA helps you to collaborate and work better with people. This means to manage resources more effectively. This is found particularly in the stakeholder approach. It is less to do with doing something "right", but to negotiate effectively with people and their sometimes conflicting interests, while not losing sight of the strategic goals and pursuing your ethical principles. For this, the Strategy module was very helpful.

When you look back on your almost completed MBA study: what is the most useful for your work in development aid?

I found it especially useful that all the models make my work easier by providing a structured approach to problems that go beyond "common sense". You also develop a more critical view towards gurus and their opinions, and question them. And last but not least: no fear of figures! The Financial Strategy module was the most comprehensive in terms of the content, and also the most crucial.

Do you feel better prepared having studied course content, for certain business processes and strategies in the non-profit sector?

Yes, and I really regret not starting my OU MBA earlier. Many challenges and problems, especially in negotiating with stakeholders groups I could have approached with more confidence. Furthermore the MBA helped once again to demystify the topic of management.

How did you arrange your study, the work abroad and the family life?

It was not always easy! I have spent at least some of each weekend at my desk, while my family was able to enjoy their leisure time outside. Also for the tutorials I spent a weekend away every three months, but the time investment was worth it.

Ansgar Cordier in Western Afghanistan with (left to right) a craftsman from Herat, the President of the National Federation FACT craftsman and a GIZ staff [German Developing Agency] from Kabul