Maureen had been comparing offers from different business schools before finally choosing to study at University of Bedfordshire. She found that “the course content was comparable to some of the other high status business schools and incorporated modules which would meet [her] needs.” The fact that the Bedfordshire Business School was local to her has also influenced her decision.

The course which she enrolled on was the UK’s first women’s only Master of Business Administration for developing businesses by supported learning. The programme ran between 2005 and 2007 and has won a national award from one of the UK’s largest network organisations for businesswomen. The women’s only MBA was especially relevant as Maureen had set up her own business in 2000.

Before starting the MBA Maureen has gained a degree in occupational health nursing and set up her own business in this field. She recalls the time when she applied knowledge from the course in her workplace: “I implemented an Operations Management Performance Management tool, which customers have appreciated and undoubtedly enhanced the service given.”

The Bedfordshire Executive MBA is created with a working and ambitious business person in mind which is why the workshops take place during the weekends. Our students combine working and studying in their busy lives; this was also the case with Maureen. Her idea was to apply the knowledge gained during the study in her business in order develop the company as she progressed on the course. “Also, it was ensuring work was restricted to work time and course work dedicated to the evenings, late nights and weekends.”

Asked what she liked most about the course, Maureen said: “I’ve enjoyed the learning experiences from fellow students on the course and realising that equally I had knowledge and experiences that I could share. The comradeship was also invaluable.”

The MBA has led Maureen to helping and advising individuals and groups in business start-ups and enabled her to analyse and critically evaluate materials situations more efficiently. Having completed the course she continues to work on her business and hopes to build other businesses in the future.

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