The spice Island

Destinations: Zanzibar

Time of year travelled: September  

Weather: Hot and humid

Visa: Not required (for South Africans)

How to get there from Johannesburg: Direct with Mango Airlines

Zanzibar is a tropical island off the east coast of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. The island is home to a small population of majority Muslims. As soon as you arrive, you realised how simple the island is – making a line of 50 people overflows outside the airport :)

Local transportation is still mainly horse and carts; however, the big resorts have their air-conditioned mini vans and busses. The infrastructure is third world and locals live in simple huts and houses.

The resorts are all world class, including the one we stayed at – Hideaway at Nungwi. We have been fortunate to travel to many islands and beaches over these last few years and the beach at Nungwi in Zanzibar is probably the best we have ever seen or swam in. Clear blue and turquoise waters, white, soft sand and awesome sunsets will await you in Zanzibar!

If you happen to get enough of the beach, the spice tour is a nice distraction from the serenity of the ocean. Please also visit Stone Town, which compares to the old streets of Madinah!

If you haven’t visited Zanzibar as yet, get it on your bucket list and go soon!

Safe travels 

…Me 

Reputation and Responsibility Challenge

The final assignment for stage 2 of the MBA was one of the toughest challenges to date. I spent a lot of time reading and re-reading the content and material during the assignment to ensure I was grasping the concepts and models correctly. It is an assignment that required a lot of surveys, interviews and discussions before putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Overall, I think this is an assignment that brings together a lot of elements from other modules and allows the student to fully appreciate the importance of building and maintaining good reputations. 

...ME

Can’t get enough of Thailand

Destinations: Bangkok and Krabi   

Time of year traveled: February  

Weather: Hot and lovely

Visa: Not required (for South Africans)

How to get there from Johannesburg: Via Dubai with Emirates

Day 1: Arriving in Bangkok, we were greeted by thousands of people queuing up and passport control. The lines looked they carried on forever. Luckily, the security guards move parents with little kids to the priority line and we were soon on our way to the hotel. If you thought the airport queues were busy, the traffic is on another level. We stayed at the LiT Bangkok, which is an excellent hotel close to the MBK and Siam malls. We spent our first day at the said malls looking for bargains on clothing!

Day 2: We started our day with a foot massage at the hotel spa, whilst my daughter played in the lovely hotel pool. I explored the local streets on my way to the Friday prayers. After prayers, we tried our nerves on the local tuk tuk, before walking the length of 2 football fields across the various malls.

Day 3: Today’s theme was all about fun fun fun. Ww visited the local Kidzania entertainment centre which was a highlight for my daughter. She loved “working”, earning money and then blasting it at all the cool spots at Kidzania. Check out their website to find out more about this unique concept! That evening, we visited Asiatique, an upmarket waterfront with loads of quaint stores and a giant wheel.

Day 4: We say goodbye to Bangkok (for now) and catch a short flight to the island of Krabi. We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Ao Nang, which is a good place to explore the numerous islands of the province. The hotel itself is great for kids, with slides and water showers.

Day 5: We head out to Reiligh beach, which is about 30 minutes from Ao Nang. You can easily book your return tickets at any of the boat stations on the beach. The beach was awesome, with enough places to get a tan, relax and enjoy the calm waters. The island is quite small so we took an adventure walk right around. The other side of the island has an amazing cave where swimming is an absolute must.

Day 6: This was relaxation day, sipping mocktails at the pools and enjoying the sun and water. We took a taxi into town, where you can find halaal food and loads of place to shop.

Day 7: We decided to catch another boat ride to another postcard perfect island – this time PODA Island. Turquoise waters, white sand and slightly bigger waves, this island is a must for anyone who appreciates Gods beauty.

Day 8: We moved to another hotel on the quieter side of the island. The Sheraton Krabi is built on a large estate with ample space to relax and have fun. Surrounded by lush greenery and direct access to a semi private beach, this place is perfect to just get away from it all. Sadly, the hotel was closed just after we left, but I believe a new group bought it over.

Day 9: My daughter spent most of the day at the hotel’s kids club whilst we enjoyed the amazing pool at the hotel.

Day 10: We hired a private boat to take us to a few islands – we visited Hong Island and many untouched beaches … a perfect beach day out for us!

Day 11: We say farewell to Krabi and head back for 1 night in Bangkok before returning home.

Thailand is an amazing destination that I would not hesitate returning to soon!  

…Me 

Strategic Marketing Challenge

Topic – Branding has always intrigued me and I guess I wanted to analyse brand value, changing brands and the effect it has on the organisation

Analyzing the issues - I conducted an analysis on a ‘top 10’ banking brand that could be leaving the African continent, its impact on brand conscious customers and employees,  the  challenge of re-branding the company and ensuring it can support the company’s strategy. An analysis was conducted on internal and external factors, followed by identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This led to defining a new marketing proposition aimed at improving the brand’s positive equity.

Implementing the strategy – This required a detail look at costs and risks, however, with careful management, the benefits of increased brand awareness and loyalty, new competitive advantage, higher revenues and expansion opportunities can be achieved, allowing the group to meet its strategic objectives.

My reflections: 

I could not believe how complex and interesting marketing could be. It was one of the only subjects to date that could bring together all the other modules into one coherent assignment

Planning and marketing strategy are so important to organisations

 Will this strategy be executed? The company is already in this movie and even though everything is quite confidential, I think it will be a positive outcome for the company.  

Tough assignment but well worth the effort ... 

2 more to go for 2016 … :)

…ME 

International Business Challenge

Topic - Working for a large multinational corporation, with astronomical internal shared services costs, I decided to base my topic on the challenge of outsourcing this capability.

Analyzing the issues - I conducted an analysis on potential locations, where my company could engage in Offshoring of Technology Shared Services for software development, testing and system maintenance and support, to ensure the company reduces costs, supports the strategy, and accesses the required skills.

Summarizing the analysis & option selected – The analysis and evaluation concluded that India and Mauritius were suitable offshore destinations. An in depth analysis of entry modes, showed that captive offshoring was not suitable, due to substantial capital investment and management administration required. This ruled out Mauritius. A strategic partnership option did not score well against the offshore outsourcing option especially considering the potential cultural distance and liability of foreignness disadvantages. Based on this, the preferred option selected was offshore outsourcing contracts with outsourcing companies in India.

Critical reflection of selected option - With this option, the company could keep the shared services environment stable, close the skills gaps, and allow its profit centres to focus on the business strategy.

My reflections

• I really found this assignment challenge interesting and motivating. I loved learning about the various outsourcing and offshoring concepts.
• Gaining insights into the various countries proved very valuable as I could relate this back into the organisation.
• Once again, I made contact with an offshoring expert (within the company) and once again I was not given any assistance
• Will this strategy be executed? I really see this assignment as the one that my company can implement due to the massive changes happening in the organisation at present, and cost cutting being a crucial driver for success.

Overall, this was a fantastic assignment and one that I am deeply proud of 

...Me

Strategy Challenge

Strategy Challenge

1.     Selecting a topic was initially quite a challenge. I looked at project management issues and people and culture issues facing the firm. After some guidance for the professor, I decided to look at something that has a huge impact on the firm – Revenues. By keeping the topic wide, I was able to analyse all the issues that were leading to pedestrian revenue growth. This included digital disruption, innovation, customer journey etc.

2.     Analysing the issues. I spent a lot of time on this part of the challenge. The main reason for me was to gain insights and lots of it. I did a lot of research within the industry (from reputable business and academic websites) to interviewing key senior stakeholders in the firm. Each one gave me great insight into the issues, however, my thoughts and analysis were still “all over the place”. A chat to the Chief of Staff of the biggest division in the bank, started directing my analysis into the boundaries of the firm – competitors, customers and internal strengths. The more whys I asked, the clearer the need to understand the customer became

3.     Summarising the analysis – once I had collated all the analysis and placed it in a PowerPoint format, I was ready to share with a few stakeholders and senior managers. Some of the analysis, proved what they had believed, some of it was not new to them and some was insightful to them. I suggested we work together to come up with the options , which took us some time as I had to go through my entire analysis process and ensure we still were working towards the challenge highlighted.

4.     The options were listed – too few in hindsight – and were evaluated using criteria from Tovstiga (Strategy in Practice, 2015). One was selected, however, again, I should have shown in more detail in the assignment how the evaluation occurred between the senior manager and myself

5.      A critical reflection on the chosen option was completed.

Reactions:

1.     Initially, business units were not willing to share any information. This was frustrating ad demotivating. Here I was thinking that someone (aka me), would be welcomed into the business unit to analyse from a different perspective (MBA)  

2.     After some struggles, I realised that I had to use my network of contacts to get into senior manager’s diaries and had a short time to present my case.

3.     Only after my analysis was completed and summarised, did some managers start to take me seriously. A lot of the research I had conducted could have been validated a while ago if I had the “ears” of these senior managers.

4.     Nevertheless, it came together at the end and a few of the team members could provide me with some of their time to review, derive and select the options to manage the challenge

5.     Will this strategy be executed? Due to the massive changes happening in the organisation at present, I doubt that it will be done in totality but pockets of it have started but will not have the desired impact (as per the risks documented in the reflection part of the assignment)

Overall, this was a great learning experience, but really tough!!

... Me

Dessert Adventures

Time of year traveled: December 

Weather: Warm during the days and cold in the evenings 

Visa: Approximately $100 per person (for South Africans)

How to get there from Johannesburg: Direct with SAA to Abu Dhabi International Airport 


Day 1: 

Abu Dhabi airport is not as modern or efficient as Dubai, but we managed to get out within an hour. We took a taxi from the airport to Yas Island, where we stayed at the Yas Viceroy (check Tripadvisor for my review - member name: Riaz_Ali). Taxi cost was under 40 AED. We visited Yas Water World, one of the largest water parks in the middle east and one of the best (compared to Wild Wadi and Atlantis). Entrance is about 250 AED per person and you can use an entertainer voucher for discounts. The rides are awesome and a must for all adrenaline junkies. Food at the waterpark is expensive but good.  

Day 2: 
We spent our second day lazing by the hotel pool and taking a trip to the Yas Beach. The beach is beautiful and the hot water pool is a welcome relief from the cold winds that start around 3pm. Entrance to the Yas Beach is 100 AED per person, but free for Yas Island hotel guests. 



Day 3: 
Today, we made our way to the city center, visiting a few souks, malls and sights. The highlights for me included:



 Emirates Palace 

 Corniche walk 

 Marina Mall 

 Sheik Zayed Masjid


Day 4: 
We spent our morning at the Yas Mall, where some bargains can be sought. Food is plentiful. Make sure you try “Oh my buns”, “Which Wich” and “Chillies”. We took a taxi to Dubai, which is about an hour away from peaceful Abu Dhabi and costs approximately 200 AED. When arriving in Dubai, you are immediately greeted with large skyscrapers and flashy cars. Check in at the Double Tree Al Barsha was smooth (check Tripadvisor for my review - member name: Riaz_Ali). We spent the evening at the Global Village, which is a must for anyone who wants to experience the world in one place. 

Day 5: 

The highlight of any UAE trip is a dessert safari and this one was no exception. The pick-up was on time, dune bashing exhilarating and the food and entertainment just excellent. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the crazy dips on the dunes and the camel rides at the camp. 


Day 6: 
Kidzania is a fascinating concept that we checked out during our trip to Bangkok. We decided to give it another try and even though it’s still fun, we were disappointed by the lack of coordination of the Dubai franchise. We turned our frustration into joy when we took the Abra across the creek and visiting Meena Bazaar, Naif and Al Waseel Souks. 




Day 7: 
Our final day is a relaxing day. We did some shopping at the Ibn Battuta Mall and took a leisurely stroll on the Jumeirah Beach Walk. This was my fourth visit to Dubai and I think I am now over it. I prefer the quiet and serene time we spent in Abu Dhabi

Until the next adventure, keep travelling and enjoy life 

….Me

Exams Exams Exams

It’s hard to imagine that the first year of the MBA is nearing the end. The pressure and stress of the exams cannot be underestimated. It requires a lot of planning to ensure the time is used to its maximum.

My tips for the exams:

• Take some time off work
• Start your study day early (4am) and complete 2 hour cycles with 30 minutes break between the cycles
• Don’t re-read everything. Prepare a 5 pager summary of each subject and use it to answer case studies
• Read the exam case studies carefully and don’t take anything for granted
• Meet up with your and other syndicate groups regularly to gain multiple perspectives
• Rest a lot before the exams

Hoping I make it

…Me 

Managing People

I wrote this blog a while ago, but only posting it now, due to the pressures of the exams and year-end work commitments. 

This was probably the most enjoyable subject for me this year. The readings were interesting, lectures engaging and group discussions fascinating. As a line manager, I was surprised to learn about the impact of the psychological contract on employee performance and how good recruitment and induction practices can help employees and managers in setting the expectations. It is apparent to me that breaches to the psychological contract, can seriously impact performance if employee engagement is negative.

I have also begun to appreciate the role that line manager’s play in the organisation and how good communication and involvement of employees can improve commitment and performance. I am grateful to work for a company whose performance management process measures fairly well against the best practices mentioned in the course material, although additional training to line managers is required.

I identified pragmatist as my preferred learning style (Honey and Mumford from Peter, 2015). This makes sense as my recommendations tend to be practical and realistic. As a line manager, good training, techniques and 'how to' guides will positively improve my impact on managing people. I do understand that my preferred learning style is different to others and I should seek to understand how others learn and manage accordingly.

With this assignment done and dusted, it was time to prepare for the 2015 Exams.

…ME 

A Beach Life

 

A Beach Life

It was great to get away for a few days to the idyllic and serene surroundings of Pointe Aux Piments in Mauritius. I was really struggling with lack of sleep due to stress regarding work and my studies. Feeling burnt out, I decided a beach life ... for a few days was required to revive the energy and get the juices flowing.

Jumping for joy

We spent 5 nights at the Beachcomber Le Victoria. This was my second visit to Le Victoria having visited here almost 10 years ago for our honeymoon. We travelled with our 5 year old daughter and hence got to experience the kid friendly areas of the resort

Welcome and arrival – Transfer from the airport to the resort was good and comfortable. The drive takes about 75 minutes (depending when you arrive). We arrived at 7pm. Check-in was smooth and quick. Nice refreshing drink and cool towel at arrival

Room – Rooms are quite large and spacious. They setup a sleeper couch for my daughter and still the room have enough space. Bathroom is well designed, with a large shower and double basin. We stayed on the first floor superior room overlooking the garden and beach. The towels are quite old and should be replaced. For a 4star superior, I was disappointed with the lack of amenities and complimentary water. The robes were dirty and needed replacement on arrival. The WiFi is good and free.

Clear sea water

Beach and Pool – Beach is lovely. Please do take beach shoes with as there is a lot of coral on the beach. Plenty of beach chairs and umbrellas available. Beach towels are also very old and need replacing. The beach staff are friendly and efficient. Pool is awesome – overlooking the beach. The kid’s pool area is small but we did not mind that.

Kids Club – Awesome kids club with enough activities to keep them busy and happy. The staff really go out of their way to care for the little ones.

Activities – Loads of free activities available including glass bottom boat, kayak, paddle boats, aqua aerobics and volleyball.

Food – Hotel caters for halaal during breakfast with separate halaal food stations. Large variety but can be improved with more yogurts and fruit. The hotel should also look at creating a kids atmosphere with kid friendly cutlery. Dinner was buffet with a great seafood and veggie selection. Drinks are ridiculously priced (over R30 for a can of coke).

Awesome Sunsets

Overall this is still a good hotel that needs to conduct a few improvements if it wants to maintain its “superior” status.

The highlights of the trip included: 

• Beautiful sunsets 
• Speed tube rides 
• Glass bottom boat tour
• Frisbee on the beach :) 
• Building sand castles 
• Watching people build sand crocs 

We did not visit the main towns of Port Louis or Grand Baie as we just needed the sea and sand :)

Croc Sand Castles

Counting down to the next trip إنشا الله 

 

...ME