Michèle Routley

MBA student testimonial

I completed my OU MBA in Technology Management in September 2008, having studied part-time since May 2005. I started at the OU studying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Technology Management, which consisted of two modules (T840 – technology management and T882 - supply chain innovation, strategy and management). I planned to get this in six months, studying both modules simultaneously. I had wanted to study for an executive MBA at another institution, but at that time I had not been working for long enough to meet their entrance requirements. So I decided to undertake the PGC, and after six months I would know if I could cope with studying as well as working full-time. I would also then be eligible for the other MBA programme.

Within two months of starting, I was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism – a condition which, amongst other things, was affecting my memory. I needed two operations and took the decision to withdraw from T882. Once recovered, I completed T840 in the original six months, and started again on T882. By this time I had learnt that the flexibility of the OU course meant that I could get ahead, fall behind, catch-up, etc. which fitted very well with all the travel required with my job. By now I was also convinced that the Technology Management MBA was the one for me, rather than the straightforward business MBA offered by the other institution. I could implement the learning on a day-to-day basis in my job as project manager in a research and technology organisation. As such, I made my application for the Business MBA course at the OU.

The timing of the modules could not have been better for me. I took on B713 (fundamentals of senior management) just as I was promoted to section manager and had to get to grips with all the concepts on the course within my job. It was great to get academic and practical depth at this stage.

I finished the MBA with T846 and T842: technology strategy – my favourite! Mid-way through the project I left the organisation I was working for and set up as The Technology Manager – as an Independent Consultant. I was fortunate that my ex-employer allowed me to complete the project, which was based on their core research strategy.

I can say that the tutor support, particularly on T882, T846 and T842 was fantastic. With project-based assignments, I never took the easy option (I worked for a service organisation and most published literature is based around manufacturing), but once my tutors saw they couldn’t dissuade me from a difficult path, they pulled out all the stops to ensure I had what I needed to do a good job. Something must have worked because I graduated in May 2009 with distinction!

I don’t think I would have set up my own business if I hadn’t undertaken the OU MBA course and I certainly wouldn’t have had many of the opportunities I do now. As well as my own consultancy, I also work part-time as a research associate for the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Technology Management. Also, this year I will be going to Hong Kong Polytechnic University as a Visiting Associate Professor to deliver lectures on their MSc in Technology Management. 

It wasn’t all easy by any means. I learnt that I never should have tried to combine two modules with a full-time job (quite apart from being ill). There were many late nights/early mornings and some high stress moments when IT issues made it look like assignments wouldn’t be submitted. All in all though, I met some wonderful people, benefited from extremely generous tutors, pursued a subject I love and changed my career path completely.

I’m a bit busy with the different roles I’m balancing at present, but when things quieten down, I often wonder what other course I could take up next.