MBA YEARBOOK by The Robert Gordon University

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MBA ABERDEEN BUSINESS SCHOOL

Class of 2010

Chartered Management Institute

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CONTENTS

PAGE

Dean’s Message

The Aberdeen Business School MBA Faculty

Welcome to ourYearbook

Message from the Associate Dean

Memories of RGU’s MBA 2010 Cohort

The Course Leader Reflects

The MBA Journey - A Personal Classroom Reflection

Our Class Representatives

Meet the Class of 2010

Profiles of the 2010 MBA Cohort

Leadership Week and Business Simulation Weekends

MBA StudyTourTrip - Marseille & Aix-en-Provence

Consultancy Project Groups

MBA Regatta - RGU DreamTeam 2010

RGU Ambassador

Social Events Photographs

Farewell Message

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Dean’s Message Aberdeen Business School

I’d like to take this opportunity to celebrate the success of our MBA programme and our MBA graduates. We are proud to offer a globally renowned MBA programme which has recently been reaccredited (2009) by the Association of MBAs (AMBA) for five years. In order to maintain that accreditation we rely upon a diverse international student cohort of highly motivated and experienced managers who bring their experience into the classroom to share with their peers. We are constantly reviewing programme content and delivery modes to ensure that the qualification remains valid and relevant to today’s management challenges. Our graduates can be confident they have a qualification that is recognised by industry and which will contribute significantly to their personal and professional development. 2010 is our forty-fifth anniversary year and an important one for Aberdeen Business School. We were very proud recently to recognise our high profile industry supporters and sponsors at a special lunch to celebrate the School’s ranking by the Guardian newspaper at 15th of the 118 business schools in the United Kingdom. By way of introduction to this yearbook I thought it useful to outline the history of Aberdeen Business School, a faculty within the Robert Gordon University.The University is one of the UK's 'new universities'. Although recently established, the institution can trace its roots back to 1731 when Aberdeen merchant and benefactor Robert Gordon bequeathed his estate to build a residential school for boys. In 1903 Robert Gordon'sTechnical College was formed to bring together a range of adult education activities in Aberdeen. It was redesignated Robert Gordon's Institute ofTechnology in 1965 and was awarded university status in 1992. Throughout its history Robert Gordon University has had very strong links with industry and the professions, and Aberdeen Business School has sought consistently to achieve professional accreditations wherever these apply. We want our graduates to be recognised as great employees and future industry leaders. Aberdeen Business School is one of the leading providers of management and professional education in Scotland.The School is business-facing and our strong links with industry, commerce and the public sector enable us to ensure that our courses remain practical yet innovative, and offer students the very best learning experience available. Robert Gordon University is renowned for its vocational focus and has one of the strongest graduate employment records of any UK university. Robert Gordon University has been named by TheTimes Good University Guide, for the third year running, as the Best Modern University in the UK, and was recently voted the Scottish University of the Year by both The Times and Sunday Times. These are fantastic accolades and will hopefully help our graduates to secure the best employment opportunities in the future. Finally I would again like to congratulate all our MBA graduates on their achievements with Aberdeen Business School. I wish you all every success in the next steps of your career.

Best wishes Rita Marcella Dean of Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University

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The Aberdeen Business School MBA Faculty

Prof. Rita Marcella Dean, Aberdeen Business School

Prof. Ken Russell Associate Dean

Allan Scott MBA Director

Phil Burge MBA Course Leader & Lecturer

Prof. Dennis Tourish Leadership, Communication & Change

Senga Briggs Senior Lecturer, Project Management

Prof. Bill Donaldson Marketing Decisions

Andrew Turnbull Marketing Decisions

Dr. Leon Moller Oil & Gas Contract Law

Dr. Farooq Ahmad Corporate Finance

Alex Mackay Financial Decision Making

John Taylor Human Resource Management

Dr. Rosalind Rae Operations Management

Dr. Ian Phillips Oil & Gas Management

Anne Stevenson Human Resource Management

Dr Emmanuelle Rey-Marmonier

Bryan McNay Operations Management

David Gibbon-Wood Business Economics

Dr Edward Ochieng Project Fundamentals

Langes Supramaniam Project Fundamentals

Change Management

Farid Ullah Launching a New Venture

Prof. Simon Lee Leadership, Communication & Change

Moira Bailey Human Resource Management

Ximing Ruan Project Fundamentals

OTHER FACULTY TUTORS INCLUDED Prof. Owen Hargie, Leadership, Communication & Change. Victoria Stewart, Launching a New Venture. Karen Lund, Financial Decision Making. Dr. Yvonne Turner, Strategic Management. Bill Sutherland, Strategic Management. Dr. David Jones, Change Management.

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Welcome to ourYearbook

Welcome to our yearbook, especially put-together to showcase the exceptional talents, unique experience and vivid personalities that made up the Aberdeen Business School MBA class of 2010. How time flies. It seems like only yesterday when thirty-two ambitious-looking young men and women met together for the first time in the MBA room ready to set off on a course that has turned out to be life-changing for every one of us. From day one it was clear that the class was going to be extraordinary. As an introduction to what you’ll go on to read, let me tell you about my colleagues’ expertise. Our class was made up of students who were following one of two linked courses—the core MBA or the MBA in Oil and Gas Management. As you flip through the pages of this book, you will be reading about graduates with a strong understanding of the key areas required by modern-day managers. In order to be effective in a wide range of roles, in industries and sectors across the globe, all graduates have studied business economics, change management, marketing management, human resource management, financial decision-making, operations management, strategic management, and leadership, communication and change. Every student, working in teams, has also carried out a three month real life consultancy project. But in addition to this, advanced expertise among the core MBA graduates includes international corporate finance, international marketing, project management and entrepreneurship. Graduates who took the oil and gas management route have a particular blend of general management and oil and gas management skills that you will find difficult to better anywhere in the world: specialist areas of expertise include petroleum economics, asset management and supply chain management. The Aberdeen Business School MBA has proven to be an incredible experience. The class of 2010 is a treasure for future employers.

Peter Essien BSc (Geology), MBA (Oil and Gas Management) p.essien@rgu.ac.uk 2010 Yearbook Editorial Team

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Message from the Associate Dean, Ken Russell to the class of 2010

Completing an MBA is a great achievement. An MBA is a unique combination of theory and practice that should support all graduates in the furtherance of their career. Part of that uniqueness comes from the graduates themselves due to their work experience and achievements. The sum total of the prior demonstrable achievements and how you as students engaged with your studies on the MBA is the thing that will set you apart from others. It is often said that an education helps you to find the answers to issues you have not yet encountered but which you will recognise when you have come across something similar before. Making the right response to any particular stimulus is important. Developing routine responses to matters that require routine solutions saves time and money. You also need to recognise when a creative response is required and ensure that you then act accordingly. We are facing the prospects of working longer due to the economic situation and with improvements in health care. The upside to this is that you will have longer to capitalise on your new knowledge, skills and ways of thinking gained from the MBA. The other side of the coin is that the world does not stop changing and it will be important to recognise that the MBA is really the start of your management education not the end. As part of the solution to your need for life-long learning I strongly suggest that you become active in our Alumni Association (see page 63). Not only will membership help you keep in touch with colleagues but it will provide a support network and opportunities to build on the MBA. I wish you all the very best in your future careers and please do stay in touch. Very best wishes

Prof. Ken Russell Associate Dean, Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University k.russell@rgu.ac.uk

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Memories of RGU’s MBA 2010 Cohort

It would be fair to say that it has been a tremendous year for the MBA. Your class is on track to have the highest academic performance for any full-time class. I probably see half of you more than you would like and the other half not as much as you expect. Despite this I spend a considerable amount of time developing the MBA’s reputation and ensuring the programme success. I would like to go through some of the key points in the year. On 3 July 2009, AMBA visited the Business School. After a few days of rigorous inspection we gained full accreditation for another five years with no conditions. However we did have a set of recommendations that we wanted to incorporate as soon as possible. The summer was spent developing the programme, participating in rankings and getting ready for your arrival. I visited University of Tulsa to continue developing our collaboration. I spent a week at the Offshore Europe biannual conference and exhibition making contacts and impressing upon senior managers within the oil industry that our MBA graduates cut the mustard. During Offshore Europe we set the ground work for MBA projects and speakers for the leadership week. You arrived in September and by the beginning of October I had the pleasure of getting to know you.TheTV adverts you produced in induction week were excellent and it was a close competition to identify a winner. I did discover it was the first time Peter Gibb had washed his hair (what there is of it!) in quite a few years. I must say my son has the same policy. In the following months I visited Australia, developed a new brochure, planned the recruitment visits and started to organise the leadership week. As a result of the visit to Australia the MBA has a collaborative agreement with Curtin University. I was very pleased to see that the first semester results were strong. A student left to return to India, another fell by the wayside, but we had two new arrivals, Musah and Adam both of whom integrated well. Musah was elected class representative for the Oil and Gas Management cohort. A few students commented on the competitiveness of the class and the need to get to know each other better. This is something we will hope to

address. Your class did a few group outings during the spring semester. Nikita was very keen for me to come paint-balling. In May the distance learning students and part-time students joined us on campus for the leadership week. This event gets bigger each year. I was told by a full-time student a few years ago that the event “is when the fulltime class realise they are not alone but are part of a big MBA”. The speakers did a tremendous job – and who knew you could have so much fun on a small piece of carpet? The strategic management simulation went as we expected. Success at the simulation needed good preparation, data analysis and decision-making within the team setting. Most of you went on the France trip where you realised the weather in Aberdeen is not that bad. We also had a team competing in a yachting regatta – team Kazakhstan, the ‘DreamTeam’ – coming twenty-ninth out of thirty-seven. During second semester the MBA faculty team visited fifteen overseas destinations to recruit students. I spent a week in the US speaking to oil and gas companies. The MBA yearbook team was formed with Peter Essien and Ameze taking the lead. I have been told that Ameze is a woman who can make things happen. Phil and I also recruited a good range of consultancy projects.The MBA projects really brought out the best in you. I am very proud of what you have achieved with your projects and your efforts continue to raise the reputation of the MBA. I want to thank Phil for his efforts in making your MBA journey the success it was. I wish you all good luck for the future. We will miss you, so please keep in touch.

Allan Scott MBA Director, Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University a.scott@rgu.ac.uk

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The Course Leader Reflects

For a Course Leader the end of a course invokes mixed feelings: intense pleasure that the class has been successful and some sadness that the shared journey is over. There is also anticipation that a new class is due to start its own journey. Observing MBA students during their time with us is always interesting and, surprisingly perhaps, very similar year on year. We see great enthusiasm and motivation during induction and the early part of the first semester; we see competitiveness between class members in the form of vying for faculty attention or competing for assessment grades; we see students becoming more self aware as they deal with the stresses and challenges of an MBA; and at some stage we see students realising that they have been through a valuable experience which has transformed them and set them up for changes in their career path. As a teacher of strategy, and the consultancy project mentor, I am always delighted to see students appreciate and get to grips with the depth and breadth of both the MBA and the demands of leadership and management. This is a transformation that is worth the journey. Be proud of your achievements and remember that the MBA is a step forward; it now all depends on how you apply yourselves. Good luck wherever your life and career may take you.

Phil Burge Full Time Course Leader, Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University p.m.burge@rgu.ac.uk

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The MBA Journey A Personal Classroom Reflection

In induction week they told us we were ‘going on a journey’—that the ABS MBA Programme was going to move us to a place we couldn’t yet imagine. I am writing to you from that place at the ‘end’ of the journey. For a full twelve-month-year just over thirty of us have shared this journey full time. We are the class of 2010. One or two of us stepped off the trail along the way— personal circumstances perhaps trading their passes for other MBA courses, part-time or on-line—and a couple more came in the other way, joining us en route. We have been a diverse troupe of classmates, rich culturally and professionally, all different in our experiences and outlooks, our skills and knowledge. When we assembled in Aberdeen from every inhabited continent of the world (save the antipodes) our backgrounds spanned industries and sectors. We came from energy, manufacturing, ICT, finance and the media, private business, government and the voluntary sector. So we brought with us on our journey a wealth of experience and understanding. Our classroom was an exchange of ideas—an ongoing veritable ‘Platonic dialogue’ of business administration—led by our teachers certainly, but sustained by all of us together. As Stacey, one teacher not physically in our classroom, might say, our learning came about in our ordinary conversations and by our diverse intentions. Among us travellers I sense a strong feeling of kinship has grown up over the year as we shared the experience together of moving through the ABS MBA landscape.The time we have spent together and the discussions we have had will stay with us in our memories until our dying days. And that feeling of connection, of course, extends to the guides, porters and guards who helped us along the way—our fine teachers. We have made new friends on the journey: we have learned new respect for others; and earned new respect for ourselves.

We have been shown some amazing sights along the way. Our academic itinerary has served up a panoply of intellectual wonder. Of course we have gained a sound and broad knowledge of the administration of business and organisation; we have studied the many disciplines of management and mastered the tools of analysis and decision-making. But more and deeper than that, we have been shown that the world of work is a richer and more complex place than previously we had thought; we learned to listen, see, feel, think and respond with greater wisdom; we have come to understand the difficulty and inherent paradoxes in strategic action; we have become better managers and leaders (and followers) than we were before. The ABS MBA journey has by no means been an easy one. I think none of us in the class would pretend otherwise. We have suffered metaphorical cuts and blisters and endured real exhaustion; felt disillusionment and disorientation, at times got lost; we may each along the trail, in the dark of forest midnight, have considered turning back. Our journey has stretched and tested us; but indeed it has delivered us, as promised, to somewhere new. And here we are. So where is this place to which our journey has brought us? Whither destination MBA? It turns out I cannot say. We now see and understand that the course’s end and graduation is no destination; it is a milestone—and one different for each of us—in the longer journey that is our individual life and work.The MBA journey begins with the course, but doesn’t end with it. Our ABS MBA is the single first step from which now begins—as Lao-tzu puts it—our life journey of a thousand miles. The best of luck to all of us.

Peter Gibb MBA Class of 2010 petergibb@mac.com

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Our Class Representatives The Core MBA student experience really began at the start of the second semester when we began gathering as a smaller group for our specific module electives. It quickly became clear that as a unit we would thrive when each individual added his or her opinion and experience into any discussion we were having. In some cases we were able to make the impossible a reality because of our collective power and determination, while in other cases the power of an individual contribution shifted the learning of the group to a higher level. Throughout all, it was obvious that we each developed a sense of responsibility for the success of our new colleagues and friends and these new relationships were a major highlight. A second highlight for the Core MBA group’s year was the Corporate Finance module taught by Dr. Farooq Ahmad. The levels of engagement and group learning which took place during this module were arguably the most noteworthy of the programme. When coupled with Dr. Ahmad’s evident passion for teaching, every student, regardless of prior finance experience or education, came away with a new confidence in their ability to function competently within this area. As we each move back into the world of work we go armed with a year of solid educational experience and a year’s worth of personal and professional relationships. We will also take with us a confidence in our ability to face, and overcome, the complex challenges of the corporate world, both as entrepreneurs and professional managers. Shane Mark MBA Core Class Representative shane.mark@gmail.com

Let me commence with a big ‘congratulations’ to the MBA Oil & Gas Management class of 2010. Graduating from the Robert Gordon University this year both weaves us into an eligible history and makes us part of the future of leadership, not just in the oil & gas industry but also in the public realm as well. The MBA Class of 2010 has overcome many challenges. The last fourteen months have been a rigorous calendar of exams, coursework, deadlines and finely balanced extensions. Sometimes we may have doubted what we were doing: we may have wondered at the relevance of modules we were taking, or the use of lectures we were attending, or the sense of coursework or exams we were writing. But every moment of it was necessary—whether we appreciate it already or not. Every moment of bonding, of mentorship, of mistakes and learning, both in and outside the MBA room, has been part of what we have received. Some of the bonds we have formed here will remain for the rest of our lives. We have all had the opportunity to be exposed to new ideas, which we may have gone on to share, or not. Every student has had the opportunity to defend their own ideas, and explore and test those of others.The result hopefully has been the strengthening of the good, and the reassessment of that which did not stand up to scrutiny and evidence. All of this was for a reason: and the leaving of RGU is the beginning of that reason. As we go back to our place of work and different countries— Canada, Ghana, Italy, Nigeria, Russia, Tanzania, Kazakhstan, the United States, the United Kingdom, or wherever—we go with optimism. We hope to add value to the legacy handed to us; so that future generations will pride themselves as they in turn stand on our shoulders. We will be heirs to the social and economic structures around us. The fate of millions of people may be in our hands as we make our contributions to decisions that will affect what we hand on to our own heirs. Musah Mohammed MBA Oil & Gas Class Representative musahm@live.co.uk

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Meet the students

CLASS OF 2010 Adam Abdul-Karim

George Addy-Morton

Abhay Agarwal

Awodeji Awodiji

Rasak Awudulai

Gabriel Bujulu

Fariza Choltanova

Adrian Day

Mukhammedali Deribssaliyev

Peter Essien

Peter Gibb

Okechukwu Ijeoma

Bauyrzhan Ilyassov

Ameze Iyere

Stoianka Jordanova

Ashish Kumar

Victor Maples

Shane Mark

Namsi Mchombu

Musah Mohammed

Amirzhan Ospanov

Carlo Andrea Palombo

Yerlan Sarbassov

Emmanuel G Simon

Usman Suleman

Partick Kanyindizue Uti

Eugene Uwagie-Ero

Read the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; individual profiles on the following pages Tushar Vikas Phatak

Nikita Zhelobov

MBA Students studio portraits by

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GHANAIAN A highly skilled professional with an oil and gas management background. Possessing eight years management experience across several disciplines in business development, accounting and finance, project management and human resource management. Seeking to pursue a career in commercial, risk and asset management within the oil and gas sector. Key Competences: Entrepreneurship, Banking & Finance, Business Development

Adam ABDUL-KARIM adamxy9@yahoo.com

Career History

Qualifications

2010 Management Consultant Prodrill Energy Solutions Limited Aberdeen, UK

2009 - 2010 MBA Oil & Gas Management (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

• Developed strategies to assist the company in implementing an internationalisation strategy. • Reviewed operational risks and challenges the company might face in regions with E&P activities. • Developed an efficient commercialisation model. 2004 - 2009 Mirak Construction Ltd London, UK • Developed and implemented business strategies on construction recruitment. • Built a solid relationship with existing clients resulting in a repeat business rate of about 98%. • Responsible for strategic decision making with regards to improving the general performance of the company. 2002 - 2004 Financial Controller Gabriel & Associates Chartered Accountants London, UK

1996 - 2000 BSc Administration Banking & Finance Option University of Ghana Business School Accra, GHANA

MBA Experience Overall, the MBA course was fantastic. The learning experience was overwhelming as it trained us on how to assess issues from different perspectives and synthesise theory with practice. The confidence-building aspect cannot be overlooked. After completing the course, I am more confident and ready to lead and contribute at the strategic level in any work environment.

• Managed payroll, control accounts, VAT administration, monthly management account, year rent processes and business development.

Additional Information

Professional Membership

LinkedIn: Adam Abdul Karim Voluntary Activities: Patron for Save The Forest in Ghana Interests: Golf, football, swimming, reading and watching movies Languages: English, Arabic, Hausa, Akan, Dagbomba

Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Member of the Institute of Assets Management (IAM)

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GHANAIAN Over ten years experience in the metal (aluminium) industry mainly in financial reporting, payables, budget and strategic planning. The latter part was spent on appraising and evaluating projects aimed at vertical integration as well as securing energy and finance for the smelter. Had a stint with service companies in various finance and accounting roles. Also worked as a consultant for various SMEs in Ghana. Aspire to combine this practical experience with the knowledge gained from the MBA to help companies create and add value to their business. Up to date knowledge of IFRS. Cross practical knowledge of both UK and US GAAP, with strong competencies in ERP systems, numerals and advance computer skills. Aim to actively participate in the energy and upstream oil and gas industry in developing economies at a strategic level. Key Competences: Financial Analysis, Accounting, Strategic Business Planning

George ADDY-MORTON gaddymorton@yahoo.com

Career History

Qualifications

2008 Country Finance Manager Allan Dick Ghana Limited (Ghanaian subsidiary of a UK - based global group providing communications infrastructure solutions) Accra, GHANA

2009 - 2010 MBA Oil & Gas Management (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

• In charge of the finance and accounting team, providing financial and management information for decision making, contracts and bids. • Responsible for strategic planning, budgeting and cash flows.

1991 - 1994 BSc (hons) Accounting University of Ghana Business School Accra, GHANA

MBA Experience 2000 - 2008 Financial Analyst and Senior Accountant Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO) (Formerly a subsidiary of ALCOA and KAISER, USA) Accra, GHANA • Financially appraised, and analysed projects aimed at full integration in the aluminium smelter; bauxite mining, alumina refinery, securing energy and finance for the project. • In charge of multi-currency payables and financial reporting, ensuring financial statements comply with national and international regulations and standards.

RGU’s MBA programme was very practical in its approach and teaching methods. It complemented my competent numeracy skills along with further developing my critical thinking and strategic decision making tools. It has also reinforced my communication and presentation skills. The interdisciplinary, diverse and multicultural nature of the class has enabled me to build a strong network across the globe. The MBA has also helped in developing my leadership skills and team working spirit.

Additional Information

Professional Membership

LinkedIn: George Addy-Morton

Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICA)

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INDIAN A performance-oriented, focused team player with a disciplined professional attitude and strong business and financial acumen, offering over ten years experience in financial analysis, planning and decision support with extensive knowledge of management accounts reporting and international trade. Proactive with strong analytical and communication skills. Adept at multi-tasking and capable of handling challenging situations effectively. Key Competences: Finance, Accounting, International Trade

Abhay AGARWAL hiabhay@hotmail.com

Career History

Qualifications

2002 - 2009 Corporate Finance Manager Dana Group Conglomerate Automotive, Aviation, FMCG, Steel Lagos, NIGERIA

2009 - 2010 MBA (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

• • • • • •

1998 B Com (hons) University of Mumbai, Mumbai, INDIA

Management reporting of financials. Supervised group financial operations. Assisted finance director in strategic decisions Managed budgeting process. Supervised international trade operations. Liaised with local and International banks to secure financing.

1998 - 2002 Accountant IMS Ship Management Ltd Shipping Crew Management, Mumbai, INDIA • • • • •

Book keeping and finalisation of accounts. Preparation of cost and financial statements. Assisted financial controller in communications. Disbursed salaries to crew members worldwide. Liaised with principals in Italy for weekly disbursement and movement of crews.

Diploma in Software Engineering Aptech Computer Education, Mumbai, INDIA

MBA Experience Going back to school was worth it simply because it shook up my life and got me to try new things. It was a good thing for a meticulous person like me to get some exposure to business theory and the way the world works. I have also met some great people, and overall the culture of the programme was a good fit. The course gave me a chance to relate with others, reflect on myself as an individual to know where my key strengths lie and where improvements are needed. I was particularly interested in corporate finance and strategy which have sharpened my skills by cultivating valuable analytical, critical thinking and strategic decision-making abilities. In addition this has allowed me to relate those skills to real work experiences. For me my whole experience has really been about making good decisions quickly with limited information.

Additional Information

Professional Membership

LinkedIn: Abhay Agarwal Interests: Enjoys soft music, playing and watching sports and PlayStation Languages: English, Hindi and Marathi

Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

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NIGERIAN An ambitious and performance-driven achiever with five years experience in business development, finance and B2B marketing gained across the oil and gas and financial services industries. My aim is to make a positive impact on the Nigerian oil and gas industry aided by the knowledge and experience gained from my MBA in Oil and Gas Management. Key Competences: Business Development, Finance, Credit Risk Management, Relationship Management

Ayodeji AWODIJI dejiawodiji@yahoo.com Career History

Qualifications

2008 - 2009 Head, Consumer Banking Oceanic Bank Plc Financial Services, Lagos Zone Lagos, NIGERIA

2009 - 2010 MBA Oil & Gas Management (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

• Managed treasury activities and risk assets of major oil and gas companies. • Managed the entire sales cycle including developing and implementing marketing plans. • Proactively developed new business through strategic prospecting and B2B marketing. • Compiled weekly reports for executive management highlighting branch achievements against set targets while recommending remedial strategies in the event of a negative variance. • Performed environmental scanning and competitor analysis in order to determine market positioning and increase market share. • Responsible for customer service, CRM and the coordination of transaction banking activities of multinational oil and gas companies.

2001 - 2005 BSc Finance University of Lagos Lagos, NIGERIA

Additional Information

Professional Membership

LinkedIn: Deji Awodiji Interests: Good music, playing pool and interesting company

Member of the Association of MBA (AMBA) Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIB) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

MBA Experience Gains from the MBA include improved leadership skills, team work, research skills, relationship management and effective communication, analytical, critical thinking and writing skills. My consultancy project was particularly valuable as it advanced my knowledge of the UKCS. Furthermore, I gained valuable exposure to the industry while working in concert with Accenture and Decomm Northsea, to produce ground breaking research on supply chain capabilities and contractual philosophies for decommissioning in the UKCS. The leadership week was also very rewarding with insightful lectures from captains of industry and decent networking opportunities. Thus improving self awareness and a better understanding of emotional intelligence have prepared me for leadership challenges ahead.

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GHANAIAN An ambitious, dynamic and resourceful person with seven years experience varying in the education, communications, local government, public sectors, and a brief stint in the oil and gas sector. Aim for a challenging career in the public or private sectors, either in communications, marketing, human resource development or business development outfits of any organisation globally. Key Competences: Public-Private Partnership (PPP), CSR, Public Procurement, Local Government

Career History 2009 Human Resource Manager West African Petroleum Company Ltd (WAPCO) Accra, GHANA 2005 - 2009 Municipal Chief Executive (Mayor) Public Service. City of Kintampo, GHANA • Acted as political and administrative head of a municipality with a population of 150,000. • Provided managerial responsibilities to more than 40 line departments, 80 core staff and 200 allied employees. 2003 - 2005 Research Officer Office of the President of the Republic of Ghana Public Service. Accra, GHANA

Razak AWUDULAI awudrazak@yahoo.co.uk Qualifications 2009 - 2010 MBA Oil & Gas Management (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK 1998 - 2002 Bachelor of Education Arts (hons) Education, English University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, GHANA 2007 Certificate in Public Sector Management & Governance Institute for Public-Private Partnerships. Washington, USA

Experience with Public Boards and Committees 2007 - 2009 • Vice President – National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG) 2005 - 2009 • Chairman – Kintampo Municipal Security Committee, Statutory Planning Committee, Education Oversight Committee, Executive Committee and Health Committee 2003 • Member/Secretary – Committee for the Review of Youth Policy 2002 • Member – University of Cape Coast Residence and Library Boards 2001 – 2002 • National Secretary – National of Ghana Students (NUGS)

Additional Information LinkedIn: Awud Razak Voluntary Activities: National health insurance scheme. Pro-poor programmes and youth development Interests: Soccer enthusiast, table tennis, reading, drama, boxing

Certificate in Public Procurement & Management Public Procurement Authority, GHANA

MBA Experience Undertaking the MBA Oil and Gas programme is a value addition to my experience. It is also a tremendous milestone both in my academic pursuits and providing the needed impetus in enhancing my managerial capabilities. For me, the programme could best be described as a complete ‘experience’. Meeting people of diverse cultures and nationalities has not only been an enjoyable experience of learning but also of socialisation and networking. I have equally enhanced my analytical and critical thinking processes. There is no doubt that the MBA programme has further enhanced my leadership and team building skills as well as strategic decisionmaking abilities.

Languages: English, Hausa, Twi, Fante, Dagbani, Mo/Deg

Professional Membership Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Member of Society of Petroleum Engineers, UK (SPE)

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TANZANIAN More than fifteen years experience in oil and gas business. Experience ranges from exploration, appraisal, development, production and utilisation of oil and gas. Skilled in pipeline right of way acquisition, pipeline design, pipeline construction, well test design, well test data analysis and interpretation. Also familiar with low pressure gas distribution for industrial and domestic use. Key Competences: Reservoir Engineering, Management, Project Management

Gabriel Njunwa BUJULU gbujulu@hotmail.com

Career History

Qualifications

2004 - 2009 Principal Petroleum Engineer Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) (National Oil Company) Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA.

2009 - 2010 MBA Oil & Gas Management (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

• Produced data analysis, reservoir monitoring reservoir simulation studies.

1985 Petroleum Engineering Imperial College London, UK

1996 - 2004 Senior Petroleum Engineer TPDC. Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA • Gas to electricity project involvement as an engineer from project inception to commissioning and start up. • Supervision of other gas development projects. 1986 - 1996 TPDC Engineer Trainee/Petroleum Engineer TPDC. Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA • Participated in drilling activities, well testing and test data analysis, reservoir studies, formation evaluation and gas utilisation studies. • Involved in feasibility study for gas utilisation options in fertiliser production or power generation; assisted a production engineer in planning and implementation of gas well testing that involved two onshore wells and three offshore wells. • Supervised Norwegian funded project in the oil and gas sector in Tanzania.

1982 BSc Physics, Mathematics and Geology University of Dar es Salaam Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA

MBA Experience Gains from the MBA include improved leadership and management skills, team work, communication, analytical and critical thinking and strategic decision making skills. I enjoyed Oil and Gas Management, Project Fundamentals and Petroleum Economics modules: they helped improve my skill and confidence in both management and decision making, complementing my established technical background.

Additional Information

Professional Membership

Interests: Reading, watching gymnastics, playing football, lawn and table tennis

Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Member of the Engineers Registration Board (ERB - T ) Member of the Geological Society of Tanzania (GST – T) Member of the Institution of Engineers Tanzania (IET - T) Member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)

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KAZAKH I am a proactive and enthusiastic individual, and a quick learner. I am always looking for opportunities to improve the business, from cost savings to sharing ideas and skills to helping colleagues better themselves. I believe that personal interaction and team cooperation within a working environment achieves better results faster. In developing throughout my career, I aspire to be a finance manager with a large, multi-national corporation. Key Competences: Finance, Accounting, ERP

Fariza CHOLTANOVA Farizka@gmail.com

Career History 2007 - 2009 Management Accountant Halliburton (Oilfield Services Company) Aktau, KAZAKHSTAN A leading worldwide oilfield services company, where I worked for the Baroid product service line the largest service in Kazakhstan with annual turnover of $60 million. • Primary functions involved management reporting and budgeting for the Caspian operations • Monitored cost control and expenditure, verifying inventories and accounts reconciliations • Knowledgeable on SAP and various ERP tools. • Organised voluntary training courses for co-workers in SAP and Excel to help improve their skills. 2005 - 2007 Cost Controller ErSai Caspian Contractor (Drilling & Construction) Aktau, KAZAKHSTAN Kazakh joint-venture of SaiPem, a large company involved in oil & gas drilling and construction, and lead contractor for the giant Kashagan oil field.

Qualifications 2009 - 2010 MBA (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK 2003 - 2006 MBA Finance & Accounting KIMEP Almaty, KAZAKHSTAN 1999 - 2003 Bachelor (hons) International Economics KIMEP Kazakh Economic University Almaty, KAZAKHSTAN

MBA Experience

• Worked as Cost Controller on the various local projects, encompassing project budgeting and reporting, monitoring project procurement and status reports to customers. • Initiated various strategies and followed to implementation.

I found the MBA experience very helpful in reassessing myself, and I strongly believe it will direct me to improve my qualities and capabilities. The course helped me broaden my view of the global nature of business, of different cultures and backgrounds, and the complexities they bring to decision-making in the business environment. I believe that the deeper understanding of business fundamentals will benefit me throughout my career.

Additional Information

Professional Membership

LinkedIn: Fariza Choltanova Interests: : I enjoy team sports, particularly volleyball. In addition, I like to travel and experience other cultures

Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

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BRITISH A focused professional with commercial business background possessing strategic thinking and analytical skills; with a strong desire to achieve and readily adapt to change in environments. Experience at managerial level in commercial cost engineering in the construction and oil & gas industries. Aim to become a prominent business development manager and professional for a major oil and gas operator, where I can move further up the value chain within the industry as well as broaden my knowledge and understanding at business level. Key Competences: Commercial Cost Management, Construction Engineering, Project Management

ADRIAN DAY adrianday80@hotmail.com

Career History

Qualifications

2008 - 2009 Commercial Cost Engineer Canadian Natural Resources Contract, Aberdeen, UK

2009 - 2010 MBA Oil & Gas Management (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

• Acted as the financial and commercial focal point for the Canadian Natural Resources contract. • First point of contact for the project and reported to the operations and regional commercial managers. • Responsible for liaising with offshore platform representatives and client accounting departments to provide accurate and prompt monthly period valuations, including combined costing for labour, plant and materials across four distinct North Sea assets. 2006 - 2007 Assistant Commercial Manager Mailing Products Limited Essex, UK • Reporting to commercial manager, acted as commercial support to various internal group and external client contracts from initial construction phase through to completion. • Assisted project managers in their day-to-day running of projects through updating latest design amendments and modifications to drawings on project planning database. • Solely responsible for management of various subcontracts, ensured parties complied with their contractual obligations and met between the company and clients to perform dispute resolution when necessary to ensure prompt payment.

2002 - 2006 BSc (hons) Financial & Project Management In Construction Nottingham Trent University Nottingham, UK

MBA Experience Enrolling on the Oil and Gas MBA at the Robert Gordon University has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life. The course has broadened my mind and outlook to business and management. It has given me a sense of achievement and accomplishment that I will be able to take back to the workplace and use to enhance my career. The interaction of teamwork during the course has been fantastic with the multi-cultural and multidisciplined dimension; it has really taught me about effective organisational behaviour and how to operate successfully as a team. I believe the Robert Gordon MBA develops well-rounded and robust individuals who are ready for management and future achievement.

Additional Information

Professional Membership

Linked In: Adrian Day Interests: Boxing, scuba-diving, cooking, travelling and exploring new cultures

Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)

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KAZAKH Specialist in B2B financing including the brokering of borrowing and the negotiation and delivery of guarantees. Introduction and implementation of balanced scorecard system with project management skills. Key Competences: Finance, Balanced Scorecard & Project Management

Mukhammedali DERBISSALIYEV m.derbissaliyev@rgu.ac.uk Career History

Qualifications

2007 - present day First Category Manager Strategic Development Department KazMunayGas Joint-Stock National Company Vertically Diversified National Oil & Gas company Astana, KAZAKSTHAN

2009 - 2010 MBA Oil & Gas Management (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

• Managing of balanced scorecard system. • Implementation and appraisal of the forecast of subsidiary companies’ activities. 2002 - 2007 Senior Manager Economic Analysis Department KazTrasOil Joint-Stock Company Oil Transportation Astana, KAZAKSTHAN • Responsible for the company’s development programme for the intermediate period. • Developed strategy realisation plans and introduced the balanced score-card system to the company. • Awarded by the CEO for priceless contribution to company's profitability.

2000 - 2002 Master of Sciences in Economics Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Almaty, KAZAKSTHAN 1995 - 2000 Bachelor Degree in Economics Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Almaty, KAZAKSTHAN 1985 - 1995 School Leaving Certificate Republican Special School for Physics & Mathematics for talented children named after Zhautykov Almaty, KAZAKSTHAN

MBA Experience The MBA Oil and Gas Management course helped me to improve and enhance my managerial skills and knowledge.

Additional Information

Professional Membership

Interests: Skiing, fishing and travel Languages: Kazakh, English and Russian Awards: CEO Award for priceless contribution to company’s profitability

Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

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NIGERIAN A highly motivated, ambitious and result-oriented professional. Possesses strong analytical and creative thinking skills gained from over five years varied experience in the financial service industry, relationship management, marketing and business development. Seeking challenging opportunities in the commercial and or business development section of a dynamic global organisation where opportunities for career growth and development exist. Key Competences: Business Development, Consultancy, Business Analysis, Operations & Process Analysis

Peter ESSIEN

Career History

petaessien@yahoo.com 2010 Business Development Consultant (MBA Project) Senergy Limited, Aberdeen, UK • Review current competences of the company in line with current market demands. • Develop new portfolio consistent with current trend in the industry and changing client demands. • Research the marketability and viability of the new service in different potential markets/regions. • Develop and recommend appropriate strategy for implementation of newly developed service. 2008 - 2009 Relationship Manager, Energy Team 2, Energy Group Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, NIGERIA 2008 - 2009 • Reviewing credit applications from clients. • Relationship management for top clients. 2006 - 2008 Assistant Banking Officer – International Payment Unit Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, NIGERIA • Responsible for processing foreign inflows and outflows for bank customers using the SWIFT network alliance software. • Preparation of monthly report for regulatory bodies.

2003 - 2004 Business Development Analyst – Oil and Gas Team Cube Relations Ltd. Port Harcourt, River State, NIGERIA • Developing and facilitating the proposal process for the company, carrying out market survey on related clients company’s product and services.

Qualifications 2009 - 2010 MBA Oil & Gas Management (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK 1999 - 2003 BSc (hons) Geology University of Benin, Edo State, NIGERIA

MBA Experience

2004 - 2005 Corps Liaison Officer National Youth Service Corps Aniocha North Local Gov., Issele-Uku, Delta State

The MBA programme has been a worthwhile experience for me. It has afforded me the opportunity to develop key managerial and leadership skills needed to succeed in today’s business environment. I have also learnt how to apply academic theory to solving practical day-to-day problems as a manager/business leader. From the different aspects of the MBA programme I have been able to cultivate and develop valuable analytical, critical thinking, and strategic decision-making skills. I have also learnt to adopt different leadership styles in various contexts. In summary I am a better person than I was academically and otherwise prior to my MBA. It has been a worthwhile investment.

Additional Information

Professional Membership

LinkedIn: Peter Essien Languages: English, basic French, Yoruba, Ibibio Interests: Playing cricket, football, travelling and socialising Volunteer Activities: Robert Gordon University Student Ambassador

Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)

2005 - 2006 Junior Geologist Channel Energy Limited, Lagos, NIGERIA • Preparation of correlation panels and determining marker beds. • Geo-environment analyses and reservoir evaluation.

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BRITISH A manager and administrator working most recently at board level in the UK and international voluntary sectors. Core skill is the drawing out of common or corporate purpose, the design of the necessary institutional means and processes for achieving that, and then making it happen on an on-going, growing, daily basis. Working style is thorough, participatory, creative and effective. Successfully managed and implemented a broad variety of projects, processes and situations (including organisations and businesses, work environments and building projects), budgets of all sorts, processes of corporate strategy and institutional change, revenue projects such as research programmes, communications and media relations, policy development and events. A top level manager and leader seeking fresh challenges in new fields. Key Competences: Managing

PETER GIBB petergibb@mac.com

Career History 2010 Management Consultant Advising on commercialisation of non-operational assets at RAF Lossiemouth—the UK’s busiest fast-jet base. 2005 - 2009 General Secretary the IU. London, UK Elected executive head of a global NGO with ECOSOC status at the United Nations. 2002 - 2009 Editor Land & Liberty. London, UK 2005 - 2007 Company Secretary Henry George Foundation (GB Ltd). London, UK 2002 - 2005 Chief Executive Henry George Foundation (GB Ltd) Edinburgh & London, UK Chief executive officer accountable to the board for all aspects of the charity’s activities.

Qualifications 2009 - 2010 MBA (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK 1989 Post-Graduate Diploma in Advanced Architectural Studies Scott Sutherland School of Architecture, Aberdeen, UK 1986 BSc (hons) Architecture Scott Sutherland School of Architecture, Aberdeen, UK

MBA Experience MBA elective specialisations—strategic management, corporate financial management, project management, entrepreneurship. MBA consultancy project: RAF Lossiemouth—prospects for enterprise, partnership and development.

2002 - 2005 Member of Council Scottish Civic Forum. Glasgow, UK 1997 - 2002 Executive Director (founding) Land Reform Scotland. Cullen, UK 1990 - 1997 Principal Peter Robertson Gibb Architect. Cullen, UK

Additional Information

Professional Membership

LinkedIn: Peter Gibb Languages: English, French (intermediate) Interests: Reading (especially modern American literature), gardening (edible landscapes), films, carpentry and music

Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Registered Architect, Architects Registration Board (ARB) Press Card Accredited Member, National Union of Journalists (NUJ)

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NIGERIAN A multi-skilled AMBA accredited Oil and Gas MBA graduate with ten years of varied experience in oil and gas transactions, contract negotiations, marketing, finance, business development, market development consulting, strategy, mergers & acquisitions, retail, consumer and corporate banking. Key Competences: Marketing, Finance, Business Development, Business Negotiations, Market Development Consulting, Strategy, Banking

Career History 2010 Management Consultant ADTI - A division of Transocean A Turnkey Drilling Company based in Aberdeen, UK • Designed and developed ADTI business model and strategic framework for market penetration. Analysed commercial and operational considerations and risks for ADTI to successfully gain market entry into Norwegian oil and gas industry. 2001 - 2009 Assistant Manager & Head of Marketing, Consumer, Retail & Corporate Banking Zenith Bank Plc. Bayelsa, NIGERIA • Developed the branch’s marketing game plan in line with the division’s objectives and ensured its implementation and achievement in a proactive and timely manner. • Ensured efficient and effective relationship. management of the existing and potential customers in our market segment towards capturing new businesses and deepening existing relationship • Drove and supervised the dynamics of the monthly performance review (MPR) process and ensured timely preparation and rendition of the branch’s various reports. • Involved in strategic decision-making process of the branch with regards to improving the general services condition of the organisation, particularly with strong emphasis on excellent customer service delivery. • Supervised the work of subordinates/team members. • Ensured timely rendition of returns to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in addition to monitoring internal regulatory compliance as the head of the operation. 2000 - 2001 Deputy General Manager, Business Development Ultra-Teach Engineering Services Oil and Gas Servicing Company Port-Harcourt, NIGERIA

Okechukwu IJEOMAH m Ijeomah.okechukwu@yahoo.co

• Delivered a wide ranging ’solutions portfolio’ whilst building partnerships, earning trust, prospecting, networking, negotiating contract terms and enhancing host community relationships. • Handled company logistics and maintained social responsibility with the host community.

Qualifications 2009 - 2010 MBA Oil & Gas Management (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK 1994 - 1999 BSc (hons) Accounting University of Port Harcourt Port Harcourt, NIGERIA

MBA Experience The gains from this MBA programme include improved leadership skills, teamwork, improved communication skills, analytical skills and strategic decision-making skills. The trip to France was the zenith of my MBA learning and achievement. The programme gave me the opportunity to meet Europe’s brightest minds in the fields of strategy, finance and merger and acquisition. It further revealed to me that in change management, stakeholder analysis is the sure key to successful implementation of strategies in any organisation or society at large.

• Responsible for winning profitable new business inline with company objectives.

Additional Information

Professional Membership

LinkedIn: Okechukwu Ijeomah

Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Member of the Institute of Assets Management (IAM)

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KAZAKH An oil & gas service infrastructure manager with nine years of experience. Key Competences: Finance, Offshore Oil & Gas Service

Bauyrzhan Ilyassov baur0402@mail.ru Career History

Qualifications

2001 - present day Deputy Director - Infrastructure Management KazMunayGas National Oil Company Astana, KAZAKHSTAN

2009 - 2010 MBA Oil & Gas Management (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

• Deputy Director of infrastructure projects department. Accountable for infrastructural projects’ management and managing affiliated service companies. Participation in the development of state programmes in oil & gas industry.

1992 - 1997 BSc (hons) International Business State Karaganda University Karaganda, KAZAKHSTAN

2001 - 2002 Manager – Budget Management Kazakhoil National Oil Company Astana, KAZAKHSTAN

MBA Experience

• Accountable for finance administration of joint ventures created by the company, i.e. formation and control of their budgets and financial activity analysis.

First of all, thanks to the MBA programme, I developed valuable facets in my personality such as creative and critical thinking. Furthermore, I strengthened my leadership skills, team work and communication ability as well as strategic decision-making skills. Finally, I met and made a lot of intelligent and talented friends from the course.

1996 - 2001 Chief - Corporate Finance Department Kazakhmys Copper Corporation. Dzhesgasgan, KAZAKHSTAN • Chief of finance department with the right of the first signature. Accountability for the work with financial institutes, trade contracts monitoring in terms of payment, corporate budget monitoring, fund raising and investing, foreign exchange management including currency risks' hedging and treasury operations.

Additional Information

Professional Membership

Interests: Sailing Languages: English, Kazakh, Russian

Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

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BRITISH/NIGERIAN An exceptional, inclusive leader and team-player, with twelve years international experience in consulting and customer services across industries. Adept at creating successful group dynamics with proven records of excellent implementation, organisational and operational skills. Results-orientated, motivated and creative professional experience in building and working within multifaceted, crossfunctional and cultural teams. Passionate about leveraging on these skills to create value in a dynamic organisation in a strategic role. Key Competences: Leadership, Operations, ERP, Project Management, Accounting

Career History

Ameze IYERE aodaro@yahoo.com

2003 - present day Senior Support Consultant Industrial & Financial Systems ERP Consulting Services. Bucks, UK A world leading provider of component-based business software that provides solutions for agile businesses, with a £2.6 billion SKr turnover in 2009. • Managed customer support services, ensuring quality control in release management processes for programming teams of thirty developers across six business functions. • Successfully developed, localised and implemented graduate support service training packages. 2002 - 2003 Senior Technical Consultant Pyramid Consulting – IT Product & Services Dublin, IRELAND • Involved in the successful implementation of IFS across a number of Pyramid Consulting clients. 2002 Technical Finance Consultant MTN South Africa Ltd & MTN Lagos Nigeria Centurion, SOUTH AFRICA & Lagos, NIGERIA. • Involved in market expansion into South Africa and Nigeria, the fastest growing communications markets in Africa. • Spearheaded the successful implementation of BACS transfer processing from various Nigerian banking systems into IFS by converting business requirements and further enhancing the integrity of data transferred. 1998 - 2002 ERP Migration Consultant – IFSUK Bucks, UK • Successfully implemented and managed migrations from legacy systems to IFS for a number of customers across industries.

Additional InformatioN LinkedIn: Ameze Iyere Leadership: Leader of a ten-woman investment club, Head of database team Languages: English, French, Hausa, Yoruba, Edo Interests: Enjoy travelling, badminton, classical music and jogging 3 miles per day

Qualifications 2009 - 2010 MBA (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK 1993 - 1997 BSc (hons) Business Information Systems London Metropolitan University London, UK

MBA Experience The MBA as whole has been tough. It has also been a year well spent with worthwhile learning experiences. With clarity only hindsight can provide, my confidence, business acumen, key strengths and capabilities have been identified and weaknesses checked. Furthermore the course has enabled me to cultivate valuable analytical, critical thinking and strategic decision-making skills. Soft skills such as communication, leadership, change management and teamwork have enhanced my abilities to work in a synergised environment alongside peers. The MBA has granted me the opportunity to apply knowledge to practical cases and to understand the role that the skills gained play in creating value in organisations. I have been privileged to network and establish valuable relationships with a cohort of intelligent, talented and well-rounded individuals from diverse cultures, with expertise and experience in both academia and industry. The knowledge and experience gained from the MBA will definitely make a difference in my life personally and professionally in any business environment.

Volunteer Activities: Youth mentor, Secretary to record label, implemented charity database

Professional Membership Student of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

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BULGARIAN Aiming to achieve a healthy balance between personal and professional life. Looking forward to applying the MBA-gained knowledge in my home country. Key Competences: Operations, Sales & Customer Service

Stoianka JORDANOVA stojord@gmail.com

Career History

Qualifications

2006 - 2009 General Manager Art Home Bulgaria EOOD (Interior and exterior design studio; import of and trade in furniture, lighting and interior accessories) Varna, BULGARIA

2009 - 2010 MBA (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

• Project sales and after-sale service: prospecting, targeting, negotiating with and selling to new project clients, personalised customer service. • Projects/operations: planning, coordination and implementation of turn-key interior design projects. Organisation of import and trade; attendance at international trade fairs; research of, and negotiations and ordering with suppliers; coordination of transport and customs operations. • Human resources: staff recruitment and training; daily organisation and coordination of the firm’s showroom and designer teams.

Additional Information Interests: Proficient user of Bulgarian and English (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English – grade A), advanced user of Russian, beginners’ level of German Awards: Awarded an MBA Scholarship Team Player: Effectively worked in teams in Bulgaria,

2001 - 2005 BBA in Hotel Management International College-Albena, BULGARIA & Hoge Hotelschool Maastricht, the NETHERLANDS

MBA Experience The MBA course helped me expand my horizons to an international level, improve my leadership and strategic decision-making skills, and gain cross-cultural understanding.

the Netherlands, Germany, and Greece, taking positions from intern to manager. Appreciates the importance of team synergy as team member and leader

Professional Membership Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

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INDIAN Assistant HR Manager with four years experience in recruitment consulting. My objective is to stimulate the development of people to be their best in order to meet the needs of the organisation. To further design and implement strategic people processes and systems that create an empowered organisation, with a culture which is focused on people and result-oriented performance which provides sustainable competitive edge to the organisation. Key Competences: HR, Recruitment, Operations, Sales Marketing

Ashish KUMAR ashish.gandas@gmail.com Career History

Qualifications

2004 - 2008 Assistant Human Resource Manager Vacancy Voyage Manpower Resource Solutions Provider New Delhi, INDIA

2009 - 2010 MBA (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

Leading executive search firm since 2003. Focus on complete manpower solutions - executive search, head hunting, temporary staffing and corporate training, with professionals experienced in carrying out objective recruitment assignments.

2004 - 2008 BCA (IT) Business Information Systems Indira Gandhi National Open University New Delhi, INDIA

• Managed, monitored and trained team members to ensure best performance. • Monitored staff performance and attendance activities. • Provided basic counselling to staff on performance related obstacles. • Performed detailed study of job profiles as well as evaluating and interviewing prospective candidates for the client. • Coordinated with clients in order to understand their man-power needs, and taking feedback on the quality of the candidates sent for interviews. • Coordinated staff recruitment and selection processes to ensure that timely, organised and comprehensive procedures are used to hire staff. • Scheduled, organised and participated in applicant interviews.

MBA Experience For me, the MBA from RGU has bought the stability for which I was looking. I feel that I am more consistent and firm in taking complex decisions, whether confronting them in my professional or personal life. The analytical and critical thinking approach has had a great impact on my learning. The concept of the France study trip, and holding classes and seminars in such a reputable foreign university as IAE Aix, was outstanding. There, on discussing the skills of leaders in organisations, and the different schools of thought from academics, I understood the qualities of leadership from different perspectives. Back in Aberdeen, the business simulation exercise highlighted the importance of the financial performance of an organisation and the realisation of competing in the real world. The key learning of the exercise, in my opinion, however, was participating in the decision-making processes within the team. Finally, on completion of the MBA, I look forward to more complex work situations where I can deliver the knowledge gained to making decisions within the organisation.

Additional Information

Professional Membership

LinkedIn: Ashish Gandas Languages: English and Hindi Interests: Reading, playing basketball and driving heavy machines

Member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

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NIGERIAN A motivated, analytical and creative professional with proven leadership and negotiation skills gained primarily within the upstream oil & gas industry and voluntary services. Good manager of diverse view-points whilst working in teams. Exhibits an enthusiasm to learn and expansive experience to deliver best-in-class performance in a bid to meet organisational objectives. A creative, results-orientated gogetter, who thrives under pressure and challenging environments. Seeks opportunities to use existing skills to add value in a strategic role. Key Competences: IT, Conflict Resolution

Victor MAPLES vumaples@gmail.com Career History

Qualifications

1998 - 2009 Maintenance Analyst Mobil Producing Nigeria (Subsidiary of ExxonMobil) Akwa Ibom, NIGERIA

2009 - 2010 MBA Oil & Gas Management (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

Various job engagements leading to active involvements in exploration and production projects with responsibilities including but not limited to:

1991 - 1997 BSc Computer Science University Of Uyo Akwa Ibom, NIGERIA

• Preparation and implementation of maintenance turnover completion packages (TCPs), whilst assisting the contractor to develop inspection and test plans (ITPs). • Checking and verifying contractors QA/QC project documentation, ensuring installation integrity and documentation prerequisites are in place. • Assisting vendors in developing and producing precommissioning and commissioning procedures.

MBA Experience Being part of an organisation ranked second in the Fortune 500, a wealth of technical experience has been acquired over the years. However an MBA in Oil & Gas Management from an institution with strong ties to the energy industry has not only proven to be an intellectual pursuit but has gone a long way to broaden my global business acumen. This combined experience has developed me into a 360˚ employee, an asset for any employer. ABS also earned me the opportunity to consult for Accenture on decommissioning as it affects the UKCS supply chain. This industry-shaping project had been a rewarding experience, and its success during the stakeholder seminars confirmed the knowledge I have gained from the MBA.

Additional Information

Professional Membership

LinkedIn: Victor Maples Interests: Playing chess, scrabble, travelling and football Languages: English, Ekid & Mandarin

Member - Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member - Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) Member - Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Member - Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Member - Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSMP)

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BARBADIAN/CANADIAN Aiming to become a strategic business advisor to senior decision makers by combining MBA knowledge with past management experience and future management opportunities in a variety of industries. Also wish to develop consultancy experience in an organisation where individual contributions matter and where the environment prepares employees to take advantage of future opportunities. Key Competences: Leadership, Sales & Marketing

Shane MARK shane.mark@gmail.com Career History

Qualifications

2003 - 2009 Vice President of Sales and Service R. L. Mark & Company Ltd Document Management Company St. Michael, BARBADOS

2009 - 2010 MBA (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

Primarily responsible for business development, structural redesign and daily management of the sales and service departments. Also included direct contributions as part of the executive leadership team, supplier negotiations and premier account management. Highlights:

1999 - 2003 BSc Broadcasting John Brown University Arkanas, USA

MBA Experience • Updated the training structure for the service department which increased departmental qualification by over 50% and decreased overdue scheduled service times, from over 40% to less than 10%. • Redesigned and implemented a new sales department structure which stabilised supplies sales and encouraged incremental growth of 10% per quarter. • Implemented new sales commission structure to reduce financial pressure whilst demanding performance.

Gains from the MBA include improved leadership skills, team work, communication, analytical and critical thinking and strategic decision making skills. One of the most rewarding experiences was the consultancy project which allowed engagement with a local social enterprise in order to help develop a sustainable business strategy. This was both mentally stimulating due to its complexity and personally rewarding since positive results are directly linked to the ongoing well-being of some members of Aberdeen’s disabled community.

Additional Information

Professional Membership

LinkedIn: Shane Mark Newlywed Husband – still enjoying making the bed, vacuuming and washing dirty dishes without delay Interests: Former Member of Barbados National Football Team Leadership: Former Captain of the National Under-23 Football Team

Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

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TANZANIAN Coming from a multi-cultural background, I regard myself as an extremely forward thinking individual. Having had experience working in Botswana, Namibia and the UK, I believe that I bring to any management position an abounding and versatile personality. A charismatic and highly motivated leader, in possession of marketing communications and brand management experience developed through a combination of interpersonal skills and commercial acumen, fuelled by a passion to succeed. With over four years professional experience, my key strengths are excellent people management skills, a strong team-working ability, analytical and creative problem-solving with meticulous attention to detail and the enthusiasm to learn. Seeking opportunities with internationally established organisations where the experience and skills will be gained and professional development encouraged.

Namsi K Mchombu

Key Competences: Marketing Communications, Brand Management, Operations

Career History

Qualifications

2008 - 2009 Marketing Communications Executive LAD Marketing Consultancy Marketing Communications, Conference & Event Management. Aberdeen, UK

2009 - 2010 MBA (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

• Managed client brands, through the implementation, development of marketing strategies; and divisions of long-term marketing campaigns. • Responsible for liaising with business to business and consumer clients in a wide variety of industries, including oil and gas, multimedia, tourism and local charities. • Managed the execution of various event management duties in relation to respective clients, which included oil and gas industry exhibitions and conferences to corporate networking functions.

2006 - 2007 MSc Corporate Communications & Public Affairs (CIPR Accredited) Aberdeen Business School, RGU, Aberdeen, UK

2007 Assistant to Head of Sales & Marketing Aberdeen Performing Arts Charitable Trust – Theatre. Aberdeen, UK • Responsible for the provision of technical and administration support to the marketing team, along with acting as the main communication point for enquiries from suppliers and clients, involved with performance contracts and a number of creative activities. 2004 - 2006 Media Liaisons Officer Saatchi & Saatchi Namibia Windhoek, NAMIBIA • Responsible for the monitoring of creative expenditure and analysing potential cost savings on various client campaigns.

Additional Information

nmchombu@yahoo.com

LinkedIn: Namsi Mchombu Leadership: Head news compiler on community radio station, co-ordinated dance class for school children Languages: English, basic French, conversational German, Swahili, Afrikaans, Setswana. Interests: Dance (Latin), avid reader, travel, jogging, planning and executing ad hoc social events

2002 - 2005 BA (hons) Media Studies & Industrial Psychology University of Namibia Windhoek, NAMIBIA

MBA Experience In all, the MBA experience has been a transformative journey for me. Naturally I had my perceptions of the challenges ahead, yet throughout the programme I came to realise that those challenges extended to much more than just the mere business experience I sought, but transcended into the emotional and intellectual intelligence that one has to apply within dynamic multicultural settings. I can positively say that the opportunity afforded to me, through various interactions with my colleagues, through the accumulation of the theoretical underpinnings gained – in regards to leadership, strategy, corporate finance – has increased my ambition of entering the business world, aware of the type of leader I will be. In addition, undertaking a milestone project in the oil and gas industry has enhanced my understanding of business acumen as I go into the world of management with the knowledge and confidence that I will be an effective African business leader.

Volunteer Activities: Humanitarian aid facilitator to local NGOs in Namibia

Professional Membership Member - Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member - Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Member - Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Member - Grampian Public Relations Group (GPRG)

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GHANAIAN A young Chartered Accountant and MBA Oil and Gas Management graduate aspiring to contribute strong quantitative, analytical, and risk management skills, leadership and strategic management capabilities and experience to the success of a dynamic and forward thinking organisation in which individual skills and talents are harnessed to achieve business objectives. Outstanding working knowledge of energy E&P economics, IFRSs, Combined Code and SOX. Key Competences: Finance, Tax, Leadership & Strategic Management, Energy Economics, Asset Management

Musah MOHAMMED musahm@live.co.uk Career History

Qualifications

2010 RGU MBA Management Consultant Prodrill Energy Resource Solutions Energy Resourcing Aberdeen. UK

2009 - 2010 MBA Oil & Gas Management (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

• Formulated an internationalisation strategy for Prodrill, an Aberdeen based Energy Resources Solutions Company.

2005 - 2008 Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) London College of Accountancy London, UK

2007 - 2010 Management Accountant Daler-Rowney Ltd. Manufacturing Bracknell, UK

1996 - 2000 BSc Administration | Accounting Option University of Ghana Business School Accra, GHANA

• Prepared and consolidated financial statements; responsible for treasury management, budgeting, and communications with shareholders, HMRC, and banks.

MBA Experience

2003 - 2006 Assistant Financial Controller Nike Group of Companies Hospitality Bracknell, UK • Responsible for income audit, recruitment & training, and attending and chairing management and strategy meetings.

I have had the best experience of my life so far during the course of the MBA studies. My ambition to pursue a career in the energy industry has been greatly enhanced. The content of the modules, the diversity of the cohort, the teaching methods which encouraged teamwork, analytical and creative thinking, and the leadership week amongst other MBA experiences have shaped me into a ‘Level 5’ leader.

2000 - 2003 Financial Accountant ScanCom Ltd (Now MTN Ghana) Telecommunications Accra, GHANA • Assisted the preparation of annual accounts and revenue management.

Additional Information

Professional Membership

LinkedIn: Musah Mohammed Voluntary Activities: Treasurer of Bracknell Forest Voluntary Association Interests: Enjoy playing football, jogging, reading current affairs journals Languages: English, Arabic, Hausa, Akan, Tem and Ga

Member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

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KAZAKH An accomplished and articulate leader with twelve years experience in strategic leadership roles within the financial and economic functions of a national oil company and its subsidiary. Possesses excellent negotiating, relationship and people management skills that ensure stakeholder buy-in. A results-orientated individual who has successfully driven and delivered high performance projects, with a reputation for exceeding targets whilst maintaining budgets. Key Competences: Accounting, Financial & Economic Analysis

Amirzhan OSPANOV Amirzhan2008@gmail.com Career History

Qualifications

2007 - 2009 Deputy Director Business Planning & Economic Analysis Department, KazMunayGas JCS National Oil Company Astana, KAZAKHSTAN

2009 - 2010 MBA Oil & Gas Management (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

â&#x20AC;˘ Management of work to inspect and analyse business plans of KazMunayGas subsidiary companies; planning methodology work.

1993 - 1998 BSc (hons) Accounting & Audit Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Almaty, KAZAKHSTAN

2006 - 2007 Deputy Director, Director of the Planning & Corporate Finance, Financial Director KazTransOil JCS NC Astana, KAZAKHSTAN

1995 - 2000 Bachelor Degree in Economics Agrarian University Astana, KAZAKHSTAN

2004 - 2006 Senior Manager of Budgeting, Indicative Planning & Economic Analysis Department KazMunayGas JCS NC Astana, KAZAKHSTAN 2000 - 2004 Ministry of Finance State Property and Privatisation Committee Leading Specialist, Head of Analytical Section, Deputy and Head of Methodology Department Astana, KAZAKHSTAN 1998 - 2000 Teacher Agrarian University Astana, KAZAKHSTAN

MBA Experience When I applied to study on the MBA programme, I expected just to refresh my knowledge and skills. However, at the end of the programme, after the business simulation exercise and leadership week, my attitudes and values changed, not only towards to my job and career, but also towards life. Now I understand that in order to succeed it is not enough to gain knowledge and skills for oneself. One needs to also consider how to encourage and develop oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s subordinates in order to encourage fruitful teamwork and establish mutually beneficial relationships. Gains from the MBA include improved leadership skills, team work, research skills, relationship management, effective communication, analytical, critical thinking skills and improved writing skills. Looking forward to applying the experience and knowledge gained from the MBA within the workplace, organisation and industry.

Additional Information

Professional Membership

LinkedIn: Amirzhan Ospanov Interests: Reading, watching movies, walking and jogging, playing with my children Languages: English, Kazakh, Russian

Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

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ITALIAN An Italian citizen, who grew up in a bilingual (Italian and French) region, Aosta Valley, possesses broad international study experience and can speak four languages. This reflects an inborn passion for foreign cultures and the ability to deal with cultural diversity. Over two years experience in investment evaluation in the energy sector and four years managerial experience in regional Government. Currently seeking to continue a career in the energy sector. Key Competences: Finance and Marketing

Carlo Andrea PALOMBO pcarloandre@yahoo.it Career History

Qualifications

2007 - 2009 Senior Analyst CVA spa, (Energy sector) Aosta, ITALY

2009 - 2010 MBA Oil & Gas Management (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

• Responsible for firm and investment valuation in the energy sector. • Responsible for report writing and training of new staff. • Provided analysis and support for policy makers in the energy sector.

2009 Master In Energy Finance Poiltecnico di Milano Milano, ITALY

2003 - 2007 Manager Aosta Valley Parliament (Regional Parliament) Aosta, ITALY • In charge of relations with French-speaking countries and the Italian Parliament. • Responsible for the organisation of political meetings, report writing and public relations. 2000 - 2003 Journalist Take srl (Journalism)

2003 - 2007 Degree in Economic Science and Business Management Universita’ della Valle d’Aosta Aosta, ITALY 2000 - 2002 Professional Journalism Certificate Chartered Institute of Journalists Rome, ITALY

MBA Experience

Aosta, ITALY • Responsible for economic and local community pages. Local correspondent for the national television broadcaster (RAI).

During my MBA I could effectively work with people with different background and cultures. I have improved my leadership and team work skills, as well as deepened my knowledge in areas like petroleum economics and oil and gas management. The application of strategic management theory, learnt in the module, in the simulation game and on the consultancy project, has been really valuable and has given me a better awareness of holistic approaches to the subject.

Additional Information

Professional Membership

Foreign languages and cultures: Fluent in Italian, French and English, intermediate Russian Interests: Reading, sailing and hiking

Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Member of the Italian Mountaineering Club (CAI) Member of the Italian Professional Journalists Chartered Institute

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KAZAKH A performance-oriented, focused team player with a disciplined professional attitude and strong technical and business acumen, offering five years experience in production enhancement engineering (fracturing and acidising). Proactive, with strong analytical and communication skills. Adept at multi-tasking and very capable of handling challenging situations effectively. Key Competences: Production Enhancement Engineering, Drilling & Well Completions

Yerlan Sarbassov sarbassov_yerlan@mail.ru

Career History

Qualifications

2004 - 2009 Field Engineer In Fracturing & Acidizing Halliburton Oil and Gas Service Company AlibekMola Oil & Gas field, Aktobe region, KAZAKHSTAN

2009 - 2010 MBA Oil & Gas Management (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

• Provided technical and operational expertise to external customer in a professional manner. • Run and assisted in delivery of fracturing, acidising and cementing services with high pressure equipment. • Conducted acid washing (pickling), matrix acidising and fracture acidising with mechanical diversion techniques (PPI packer, RTTS and RBP packers, ball sealers - biodegradable and resin coated balls). • Prepared pre-job proposals, executed real-time and post job treatment analysis. • Ensured quality control on the well site during rigup/down of equipment, also before, during and after pumping. • Ensured quality control for proper mixing chemicals and additives in acidising jobs. • Interpreted logging data (i.e. gamma ray, spontaneous potential, porosity, resistivity and neutron density logs). • Ran safety meetings on the well site before and after the jobs; and participated in development programme to accelerate learning process for field crew on/off campus (I-Learn Programs).

2004 - 2005 Certificate of Production Enhancement Engineering Halliburton Technical Excellence Center Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

Additional Information

Professional Membership

Languages: Kazakh, English, Russian (fluent)

Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

1999 - 2004 BEng (hons) Machinery & Equipment of Oil & Gas Industries Kazakh National Technical University Almaty City, KAZAKHSTAN

MBA Experience In taught subjects such as strategic management, business economics and change management, the MBA has given me an understanding of complex business environments. Having an oil and gas background with an oil and gas engineering degree, I elected to study MBA subjects such as oil and gas management, oil and gas contract law, petroleum economics and asset management. The MBA equipped me with an extensive and practical knowledge of oil and gas businesses that I intend to implement in Kazakhstan to develop its oil and gas industry. Truly, the MBA has made a priceless contribution to my development as a future leader in the oil and gas industry.

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TANZANIAN A results-oriented, energetic and confident professional who thoroughly understands how to apply managerial and leadership skills in the business environment. With an engineering background and technical know how, managerial and leadership skills enabled me to move up the ladder from production team leader to production unit manager with Coca Cola Sabco Tanzania within two years. Changed career into oil and gas industry, with three years experience in research and business development with a national oil company. Commercially astute and a strong communicator who consistently gains and maintains client buyin, and team motivation, throughout the design and implementation of change programmes and ongoing business management. Looking forward to employing a combination of engineering acumen and the business insights from MBA Oil and Gas Management plus work-related experiences to help create value in the corporate world at strategic level. Key Competences: Operation Management, Project Management, Business Development, Market Research

Emmanuel G SIMON e.g.simon@rgu.ac.uk

Career History

Qualifications

2007- present day Research and Business Development Officer Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA

2009 - 2010 MBA Oil & Gas Management (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

• Full operational responsibility for downstream issues related to Mnazi Bay Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) in the southern part of Tanzania, as a Downstream Liaison Manager for the project, ensuring that the PSA is conformed to, as agreed between the parties. 2005 - 2007 Production Team Leader and, subsequently, Production Unit Manager Coca Cola Sabco Tanzania Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA • Responsible for all aspects of production scheduling and controls of the plant with outstanding achievement–not only in terms of numbers, but also of the people aspect of management (leadership) which was given maximum priority.

2000 - 2004 BSc Chemical & Process Engineering Business University of Dar es Salaam Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA

MBA Experience The MBA course has developed me as a professional in areas including; project management, leadership, thinking critically and strategically in the business arena, embracing change management and how to go about effecting change.

Additional Information

Professional Membership

LinkedIn: Emmanuel Simon Interests: Body fitness, reading and social events Languages: English, Swahili

Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

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NIGERIAN A motivated, directed individual with the ability to manage complex projects from concept to fully operational status. An organised, driven and detail-directed problem-solver. A goal-oriented individual with strong leadership capabilities with eight years varied oil and gas experience, progressing to Deputy Project Manager level, including three years green field development project management and four years major project management. Key Competences: Civil Engineering, Project Management, Financial Analysis of Business Plans, Strategic Management

Career History 2008 - 2009 Deputy Project Manager Lemna Energy Resources Oil & Gas Lagos. NIGERIA

Usman SULEMAN uscivil@yahoo.com Qualifications

• Project A: POOC Ovade-Ogharefe Gas Plant Project. 2007 - 2008 Senior Project Engineer • Project C: Calabar Jetty and Depot Pipeline Project. Responsible for the preparation of technical specifications for the project and preliminary drawings and tentative design for the initial cost estimate for bid submission. 2006 - 2007 Project Engineer Projects • Project A: POOC Ovade-Ogharefe Gas Plant Project. • Project B: Sunshine Refinery Project, Conceptualisation. • Project C: Calabar Jetty and Depot Pipeline Project. 2003 - 2005 Building Engineer Hyundai Heavy Industry Oil & Gas Lagos, NIGERIA • Project: Bonny Technical Intergrated Project. Responsible for preparation of work tasks, resourcing and duration of individual tasks. • Responsible for the preparation of construction procedures for new building and equipment foundation works. 2002 - 2003 Civil Engineer Port-Harcourt Refining Company Oil & Gas Port-Harcourt, NIGERIA

2009 - 2010 MBA Oil & Gas Management (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK 1998 - 2002 BEng Civil Engineering University of Benin Edo-State, NIGERIA 1995 - 1997 OND Civil Engineering Federal Polytechnic Auchi Edo-State, NIGERIA

MBA Experience The MBA programme has been a cherished experience and given momentum to both my key strengths in oil and gas investment appraisal; greater understanding of strategic management of various business portfolios and how best to sharpen my inherent leadership skills and qualities. The MBA has allowed me to expand on my consultancy skills by conducting research for Accenture. The consultancy team considered the best potential alternative on contracting strategy for the UKCS decommissioning market, and the positive effects on the UKCS supply chain. The consultancy project has been a rewarding experience which I will remember for a lifetime.

Additional Information

Professional Membership

Interests:Tennis, reading, travelling, football Languages: English and Edo

Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)

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NIGERIAN A self-motivated, resourceful and dynamic professional with strong interpersonal and people skills with five years experience in banking, finance and accounting in the financial services industry. A highly motivated, dependable and dedicated team player, passionate about achieving set targets. Skillful and experienced in working and managing multifaceted, culturally diverse, and cross-functional teams. Culturally passionate about getting it right the first time every time. Key Competences: Business Development Management, Consultancy, CRM, Accounting

Career History

PATRICK KANYINDIZUE UTI patrickuti@yahoo.com

2006 - 2009 Product Implementation Manager First City Monument Bank Lagos, NIGERIA FCMB is one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous wholly owned financial services group, ranked amongst the top 10 banks in Nigeria with 150 branches.

Qualifications

• Played a pivotal role in the migration implementation and management of the integration between FCMBs, electronic platform and customers’ in-house systems from legacy to the new electronic banking platform. • Supervised and managed the bank’s public sector government (PSG) collections, maintained excellent relationship between corporate customers and relationship managers across the bank’s branches. • Provided cash management solutions and products to corporate banking customers, which resulted in the bank’s performance optimisation in the customers’ total value chain. • Implemented business models in collaboration with the bank’s telecommunication service providers that led to increased revenue through optimised product and service delivery.

2009 - 2010 MBA (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

2005 - 2006 Operations All States Trust Bank (Now Ecobank) Yenagoa, NIGERIA • Tellering, maintenance of teller register, transactions call over and daily expense accounting. 2004 - 2005 Auditing Anthony Ononye & Co Chartered Accountants Lagos, NIGERIA A privately owned company, providing value-added financial services in consultancy, taxation and auditing. • Preparation and analysis of expense schedules. • Preparation of bank reconciliation statements, vouching of source document and expense receipt during audit.

2009 PGCE International Business Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK 2003 BSc (hons) Economics Edo State University, Ekpoma, NIGERIA 1999 Professional Journalism Certificate Edo State University, Ekpoma, NIGERIA

MBA Experience The MBA programme, which is a short but highly intensive course, culminated as a learning experience that will last a lifetime. The course created an enabling environment for further learning and development, and was an ideal opportunity to network and reinforce self awareness. Gains of the formative year include; ability to transcend the discipline boundaries of disciplinedependent programmes, a forum to interrelate in a rich and diverse cross-cultural settings, improved leadership and team management skills, analytical, critical and strategic management skills.

Additional Information

Professional Membership

LinkedIn: Patrick Uti Interests: Playing chess, reading, watching movies and listening to music Languages: English, French, Hausa and Ibo

Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Member of the Member Nigerian Institute of Management Institute of Chartered Economists of Nigeria (ICEN)

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NIGERIAN An ambitious, hardworking and goal-oriented professional. A high initiative personality, with the ability to learn and adapt quickly to change. Able to work with own initiative, as well as productively within a team, balancing work approach well with that of others, both within a multicultural and multi professional environment. Accustomed to working well in fast-paced customer-driven environments, delivering timely, first-class business services to target objectives. Viewing additional responsibilities and challenges as opportunities. Enjoys working within a challenging business operation environment where others think it is impossible, but where risk management, creativity, strategic thinking and continuous self development are encouraged. Key Competences: Engineering Site Investigation, Business Financial Appraisals, Risk Management

Eugene UWAGIE-ERO euero24@yahoo.com

Career History 2010 Business Consultant Senergy Ltd. Aberdeen, UK • Developed a business and investment plan model (BIPM) for the commercialisation of oil and gas asset. • Researched and evaluated the BIPM market potential as tools for entrance into new markets and business portfolio expansion. 2003 - 2009 Head Of Relationship Marketing First Bank Nigeria Plc. Benin-City, NIGERIA Responsible for building and managing excellent business client relationships. • Undertook risk analysis and capital investment appraisal with small to medium scale (SME) business investment proposals on bank client. Managed all operational procedures for the investment. 2002 - 2003 Site Engineer The Design Consultancy. Benin-City, NIGERIA • Responsible for basic investigation of all proposed building construction sites for geophysical soil properties, and recommend suitability for construction work based on soil properties findings; investigating groundwater aquifer properties for possible contamination, and recommending suitability of site for subsurface water borehole drilling. • Amplitude data extraction from geophones and master curves interpretation techniques for analysis and interpreting structure maps to determine subsurface lithological conformance and structural properties.

Qualifications 2009 - 2010 MBA Oil & Gas Management (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK 1997 - 2001 BSc Geology (NAGAM Accredited) Delta Sate University Abraka, NIGERIA

MBA Experience Developed high calibre transferable skills in analysis and the ability to apply relevant business knowledge to solving complex problems through critical evaluation. Gained additional knowledge relevant to work experience and an understanding of the core business areas of the MBA such as finance, economics, human resources, business strategy, as well as core specialised areas of oil and gas management such as petroleum economics and asset management. I have come to understand how key critical attributes such as leadership skills, communication, teamwork, relationship and time management translate into good working environments. My MBA experience has significantly enhanced my analytical, critical and strategic decision making skills.

Additional Information

Professional Membership

LinkedIn: Eugene U-Ero Interests: Football, tennis, reading, travelling, internet surfing, software application & installation Languages: English and Bini

Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)

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INDIAN An architect with five years architectural project experience of managing a team of 100 employees on-site. Extremely proficient in managing teams, leading and motivating them to achieving goals. Possesses a great understanding of ambiguity surrounding management principles. Efficient and technically competent in handling project situations as they arrive. Interested in working in multinational management consultancy, preferably in real estate, but not limited to the construction industry. Aspiring to move into general management consultancy, with focus towards marketing and strategy. Key Competences: Operations, Project, Conflict Management

Tushar VIKAS PHATAK phatak.tushar@yahoo.co.uk Career History

Qualifications

2007- 2009 Assistant Project Architect UNITED Architects Mumbai, INDIA

2009 - 2010 MBA (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

• Consultation for projects, technical as well as management expertise, offered customised solutions for client, budget control, PDS monitoring. 2005- 2007 Junior Project Architect JTCPL Interiors. Mumbai, INDIA • Efficient project control, conflict management control, operational controls. PDS monitoring. 2004 - 2005 Junior Architect Jumeira Eng Consultancy Dubai, UAE • Approval consultant for housing complexes, private villas for mid-sized clients. 2003 - 2004 Intern Shashi Deshkmukh, Architects Mumbai, INDIA

1998 - 2004 B.Arch Architecture – First Class Honours Mumbai University Mumbai, INDIA

MBA Experience Better understanding of management tools in a broader context. Better understanding of conflict management, using soft skills approach and models from the course. Larger exposure in terms of interacting with different cultures, gaining insights into other ways of thinking. Key modules, strategic management, leadership, business economics, change management and project fundamentals were particularly useful modules and have enabled me to gain a deeper understanding of business principles, and effectively integrate theory with practice.

• Carried out residential architectural projects.

Additional Information LinkedIn:Tushar Phatak Prizes/Awards: 1st prizes in many school drawing competitions held on a state level Voluntary Activities: Responsible for bringing awareness campaign for polio funded by own school Interests: Watching football, fond of metal core, love

metal, rap genre songs, travelling places Languages: English, Hindi, Marathi

Professional Membership Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Member of the Council of Architecture (COA)

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RUSSIAN Even though I am of Russian nationality, I consider myself as an international citizen because I grew up and worked both in Russia and Germany, studied in the UK and have travelled to more than thirty countries around the world. Career-wise I have worked as a business consultant for Ernst & Young in Moscow for the energy advisory group, consulting oil & gas companies in the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan. I plan to continue to work in this domain. Key Competences: Consulting, Persuading, Delegating

Nikita ZHELOBOV zhelobov@gmail.com Career History

Qualifications

2006 - 2009 Senior Consultant Ernst & Young Business Advisory Services Moscow, RUSSIA.

2009 - 2010 MBA Oil & Gas Management (AMBA Accredited) Aberdeen Business School Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK

• Development of strategic management and budgeting systems for major national companies. • Leading for a task force responsible for trust advisory of a major Kazakh organisation.

2002 - 2005 BSc Business Management University of Surrey Guildford, UK

2005 - 2006 Assistant Manager Marseille-Kliniken AG Healthcare Management Hamburg, GERMANY. • Responsible for international construction and development projects in Russia and Kazakhstan. • Financial advisory and transition assistance for a Hospital in Bueren, Germany during a takeover.

MBA Experience The MBA is a once in a lifetime opportunity to develop skills and broaden and deepen knowledge in a safe and helpful environment. In addition, the course helped me to develop my leadership and teamwork qualities not only through regular group work but also through events such as the Leadership Week, Business Simulation Game and MBA Regatta organised by RGU. Most importantly, I have met interesting people and made close friends who have become an integral part of my life.

Additional Information

Professional Membership

Languages: German, Russian, English Interests: Scuba diving, sailing, gardening and cooking

Member of the Association of MBAs (AMBA) Member of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

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scottish university of the year 2011 The Sunday Times

Best modern University in the UK The Times Good University Guide 2011

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Leadership Week and Business Simulation Weekends Each year a highlight of the Strategic Management module and the MBA Course is the Business Simulation Game (BSG) weekends which sandwich the Leadership Week (part of the Leadership, Communication and Change Module). The BSG weekends test the MBA students’ abilities to function as part of a team in a competitive environment, to grapple with the complexities of strategic management and deal with emotional highs and lows. At the beginning of every MBA cohorts’ time with us we emphasise the need to develop the skills necessary to cope with ambiguity and uncertainty. The BSG both tests the student’s theoretical understanding and also gives them the opportunity to develop these skills in a safe environment. Being highly competitive and motivated people, the frisson of competition adds further to the experience – everyone wants to do well at least and try to "win". Inter cohort rivalry is intense, and perhaps inflamed by the facilitators! We have also seen over the last few years that students’ strategic decision making is affected by their own values even when making decisions within the simulated environment. The BSG allows students to bring together all that they have learnt, challenges their understanding of the theory they have learnt and is a testing environment.

teams' abilities Interim financial results test the ond to the resp and yse anal ally to grasp, critic ronment BSG's emerging business envi

The Leadership Week brings together all the various MBA cohorts, full time, part time and distance learning. The week is an opportunity to hear from practitioners and senior managers from a range of industries and professions, as well as acclaimed academics in the field of leadership, about the practice of leadership and change management. We observe that often the stories told by these practitioners conflict with the theoretical models. For students, the scope for critical thinking, taking the useful from both theory and practice and reflecting on their own leadership story is an immensely valuable experience. Taken together, the BSG weekends and the Leadership Week are an intense nine days which culminate the taught element of the MBA Course. Phil Burge MBA Course Leader

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Leadership week is as much abou t understanding followership

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

e practical problems Teams worked together to solv ership facilitators lead rt expe by them to d ente pres

The business simulation exercise highlighted the

importance of the financial performance of an organisation and the realisation of competing in the real world.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

The key learning of the exercise in my opinion however, was participating in the decision making processes within the team.

Ashish Kumar MBA 2010

Laugh or cry, BSG laid bare the links between team strategy and financial performance

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MBA Study Trip

Marseille Aix-en-Provence

“

The trip to France was the zenith of my MBA

“

The MBA trip to Aix-en-Provence was a very good occasion for the students to measure their learning and expose themselves to a multidisciplinary approach of management, in a different educational context. Our hosts were IAE, the Graduate School of Management. The speakers were of excellent quality and encouraged many challenging, sometimes provocative, debates. The sessions, including some ethical aspects of conducting business and a comprehensive approach to business management, provided a very good closure to the MBA study programme. The nature of the week's engagement was very complementary to the students' subsequent undertaking – with its much more focused aspect – their final consultancy project. It was also of course a good opportunity to network with a group of French MBA students.

Asish, Shane and Abhay at Cha rles de Gaulle Airport, en route to Mar seille

learning and achievement. The programme gave me the opportunity to meet some of the brightest minds in Europe in the fields of strategy, finance, and merger and acquisition.

Okechukwu Ijeomah MBA Oil & Gas Management s.o.ijeomah@rgu.ac.uk

Both the quality and the dynamism of our MBA students have been underlined by the lecturers and the students of the French MBA cohorts attending the workshop. The spirit of camaraderie experienced during the trip will undoubtedly reinforce a community of active alumni! Dr Emmanuelle Rey-Marmonier MBA Online Course Leader e.rey@rgu.ac.uk

This is the way we conduct our mergers: M&A gaming in the IAE mulberr y grove

blown away Clouds over the continent were by a week of hot debate Students noticed a change from Aberdeen weather

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Consultancy Project Group

Accenture

It has been a great pleasure to collaborate with the RGU MBA students over the course of 2010 on their decommissioning research. The output produced has been insightful and extremely well received within the industry, both at the workshop held in Aberdeen in September, and latterly at the Oil and Gas UK Workshop in Dunblane. These were both attended by key figures from the industry. Feedback on the research acclaimed its clarity of thought and the way in which it significantly advanced the thinking on some of the key issues faced by contractors and operators alike as they contemplate the decommissioning challenge. This work will be crucial over the coming years as the decommissioning market experiences significant growth. The students’ research will make a significant contribution to shaping this emerging North Sea market. This exposure has also greatly helped Accenture and RGU to be seen as spearheading the progress of the decommissioning agenda. There is significant appetite within the industry for us to continue to shape this thinking over the coming years. This also has the very positive effect of advancing Accenture’s management consulting brand in Aberdeen. These succeses are in no small measure due to the efforts and professional approach of the MBA students, who should each feel proud of their achievements in 2010.

“

Team members Adrian and Muk

hammedali

Accenture

The MBA had allowed me to expand on my

consultancy skills, by conducting research for Accenture on the best potential alternative on

“

contracting strategy for the UKCS decommissioning market and the positive effects on the UKCS supply chain. This consultancy project has been a rewarding experience that I will cherish for a lifetime.

Usman Suleman MBA Oil & Gas Management 2010

Awadulai, man Suleman, Razak (left to right, back) Us n Day, ria Ad nt) (fro v; liye ssa Mukhammedali Derib on Sim el nu Ayodeji Awodiji, Emma s) (*Absent Victor Maple

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ACCENTURE TEAM The consultancy project is the high point of the MBA at RGU. It provides students with the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge gained during the course, coupled with previous experience, in the resolution of real strategic problems for eminent external clients. Our group was the largest MBA consultancy team this year, a team of seven unique individuals with backgrounds varying from engineering to finance and politics. The diversity of the group was our key strength but also provided challenges in terms of group dynamics. The team had to leverage on its strengths and overcome its challenges in order to deliver a successful project to the client. Accenture is one of the biggest consultancy firms in the world with a large footprint across the global oil and gas industry. Our consultancy project analysed the readiness of the UKCS decommissioning supply chain with a special emphasis on developing alternative contracting models and strategies which encourage collaboration. The project

was a tremendous developmental experience for the team in terms of exposure and cultivating our consultancy skills. We also had the unique opportunity of presenting our work to a workshop organised by RGU, Decom North Sea and Accenture, where our findings were discussed and validated by industry professionals. Based on the success of the workshop we were invited to make a presentation at the Offshore Decommissioning conference organised by Oil and Gas UK and Decom North Sea. Our presentation was well received and has now been uploaded to the websites of Oil and Gas UK and Decom North Sea as a reference point for alternative contracting models in the decommissioning landscape. We are indeed proud of our contributions in shaping the nascent decommissioning market in the UKCS. We received personal commendation letters from the CEO of Deomm North Sea in recognition of the impact of our research to the industry. Needless to say, our clients Accenture were very pleased as well. We look forward to subsequent MBA cohorts building on, and carrying forward, this research. The Accenture Consultancy Team

The Accenture Consultancy Team with (third left) Luca Corradi (Accenture), (fourth left) Jeremy Cresswell (Editor, Press & Journal Energy), (sixth left) Brian Nixon (CEO Decom North Sea) and (right) Allan Scott.

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Consultancy Project Group

Prodrill Energy Resource Solutions

At the commencement of the project the team appointed a project leader who communicated with us on a regular basis providing project updates and directing key questions as the project developed. The students were also very visual in their approach; working from our offices in Aberdeen they held regular progress meetings with the management and directors.

(left to right) The Prodrill Consultancy Team: u, Ameze Iyere, omb Mch si Adam Abdul-Karim, Nam Musah Mohammed

Prodrill Energy Resources Solutions is a UK-based, international drilling and well engineering consultancy. Due to the diverse locations of drilling exploration projects worldwide, Prodrill supplies highly experienced consultants across the globe. As part of its overall international growth strategy, post management buy-out in 2009, the directors wanted to consider the right location for an international office to support an ever expanding range of global clients. Prodrill believed this was an ideal consultancy project and was delighted when the Robert Gordon University MBA programme students accepted the assignment. Prodrill has been delighted to work with a project team from the MBA programme. The team of students who selected our project come from varied sectoral backgrounds including finance, marketing and commerce, and we felt this would be very beneficial to help achieve the project objectives and deadlines. The oil and gas industry is very diverse and the drilling sector is extremely challenging and unpredictable at times, so we knew from the offset that the project would have key challenges for the students. They needed to gain a very quick understanding of our market, and understand the complexities of placing people, looking at the legal, financial, commercial, and operational challenges that would occur, following the expansion of our business overseas.

Over a twelve week period they got to know us and our business, as well as the global drilling arena. They narrowed down their initial starting point of approximately fifty countries across numerous regions, to four countries in four regions. This was the basis of their recommendation in their final presentation to our board of directors in September 2010. They focused on the project brief and did not lose sight of our objectives â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to open an office (or offices) in an international location offering key commercial and operational benefits, with the financial advantages being a key consideration. The board is currently reviewing the project teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recommendations for implementation of an international office structure during 2011. The Directors of Prodrill would like to thank the MBA programme team for their interest and dedication to the project. We wish Ameze Iyere, Namsi Mchombu, Adam Abdul-Karim and Musah Mohammed success in their future careers. Louise Wood Managing Director Prodrill

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Prodrill Team As the Prodrill team, we were tasked with developing an internationalisation strategy for the company, which took into consideration the anticipation of growth within specific regions in the oil and gas industry. We were required to provide options, recommendations and an implementation plan, which Prodrill could use to expand internationally. A choice of country options which considered a number of commercial and operationally viable factors, as well as a strategic framework in which they could incorporate, was presented to the client. Overall, the consultancy project has given us the ability to consolidate and apply all the knowledge gained throughout our programme, and focus on adding value for our client. We were able to effectively implement our acquired knowledge from the application of subjects such as business economics, strategy, corporate finance, entrepreneurship, and project management. From a team dynamics perspective, we were made up of individuals who came from the two different strands of the MBA programme, namely MBA core and MBA Oil and Gas. In addition, considering that our MBA cohort students were 90% men, our team offered an equal mix of men and women. Furthermore, the synergy and team

dynamics were crowned with the diverse expertise of accounting, finance, marketing and IT – all relevant for the project. Finally we would like to acknowledge Prodrill’s management and staff, which has helped to ensure the success of this project. We are very grateful for Prodrill’s support of the consultancy team and also for their sponsorship of this MBA 2010 Yearbook. We hope our work leaves a lasting mark with the company, and that our recommendations may be implemented in the near future. The Prodrill Consultancy Team

“

The exposure I have received was not limited to

the core MBA programme I undertook. I also had the opportunity to undertake a milestone consultancy project in the oil and gas management sphere and this

“

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has truly enhanced my understanding of business. I am going into the world of management with the knowledge and confidence that makes me an effective African business leader.

Namsi Mchombu MBA n.k.mchombu1@rgu.ac.uk

Prodrill Team with (centre) Lousie Wood (Prodrill’s Managing Director)

The Prodrill team with (rear) Brya n McNay, at Prodrill’s office

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Consultancy Project Group

Senergy After a successful Robert Gordon University MBA project in 2009, Senergy has supervised a second project in 2010. Senergy is a diversified energy consultancy, project management, software development and training company, working across the oil and gas and renewable energy sectors with offices around the globe. Through the relationship we have developed with RGU and its MBA course leaders and students, we have seen considerable value added to each of Senergy, the University and the students themselves. In 2009, MBA student Kambiz Bidad assisted Senergy in developing a market entry strategy to take the Senergy offering into new regions. This project informed our own activities and led to a far deeper understanding and awareness of the issues we would face. On conclusion of the project we felt that Kambiz would be a valuable addition to our team and he continues to work with Senergy as a key employee in the area of competitive advantage.

Throughout the project, Senergy was pleased to find that the team uncovered and articulated information that was new and valuable to us and their studies. In particular, understanding the process in which the governments of Nigeria and Kazakhstan deal with the licensing of PUD has resulted in business opportunities for Senergy. Equally, the students were also honest enough to state where they thought Senergy’s capability needed strengthened to compete in some markets, and offered options for where to improve. Finally, they looked at options for where Senergy could improve profit margins on our asset commercialisation service.

As a result of the success of the 2009 project, Senergy has supervised a team of three RGU MBA students in 2010, Gabriel Bujulu, Peter Essien and Eugene UwagieEro. This team has investigated an emerging business opportunity for Senergy – asset commercialisation. Senergy already offers asset development services, but asset commercialisation is a variation of this, where finance is considered much earlier in the process. It concentrates on moving proven undeveloped reserves (PUD) – usually economically marginal or with technical difficulties – to a sanction case, with finance approved.

The technical and commercial focus of the RGU MBA is an excellent fit with Senergy. As a business, Senergy has a strong commitment to technical excellence and sustainable global growth — both for our company and for the energy industry as a whole. As Senergy builds its business in Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere, input from projects such as the 2009 and 2010 RGU MBA is proving invaluable. Senergy hopes to continue to build on the good relationship with RGU already generated, and we are delighted to maintain contact with those students with whom we have already worked.

In this case, the scope of the project has been an excellent fit for the MBA team; two of the team having both technical and banking experience, and the third, team leader Gabriel, having significant project development experience.

Senergy looks forward to implementing the findings from this year’s project into the business while we speculate over what may result from the 2011 programme.

The team embarked on the project soon after Senergy’s agreement of the terms of reference. The group was asked to explore the various aspects of asset commercialisation in the UK, and then select another one or two geographical oil and gas regions with analogous PUD. Nigeria and Kazakhstan were subsequently chosen as regions which satisfied Senergy’s criteria for business growth potential.

During the supervision process there was excellent dialogue between the team and me as business supervisor. The level of questioning from the team was astute, helping to frame the competitive difference of our approach with greater clarity. In return, the business experience of Senergy has helped the team maintain the project in a context that would be commercially viable, improving the credibility and usability of the final report.

Ian Williamson Director of Operations www.senergyworld.com

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Senergy Team The MBA programme at Aberdeen Business School is not complete without the consultancy project. In fact the project could be described as the climax of the MBA programme at RGU. For the management consultancy team with Senergy Group Limited it was a wonderful experience. Our project was essentially to review a new business opportunity – asset commercialisation – which Senergy was planning to add to its portfolio. The Director of Operations wanted an outsider’s perspective on the viability and marketability of this proposed service in the UK oil and gas industry and any other market that the team deemed suitable. After various meetings with the Director of Operations, Ian Williamson, the parties agreed to extend the research to review the West African (Nigerian) and Caspian (Kazakhstan) markets. The three month consultancy project was characterised by research, in-depth study, and various meetings with Senergy’s project coordinator, industry professionals and representatives of national oil companies of the countries under review. These meetings afforded the team the opportunity to understand clearly the technical and financial demand for the deployment of an asset commercialisation service in the selected regions. It also provided the opportunity to research the potential customers for this service and for the intelligence the research assembled. At the end of the three month project, the team presented its report to members of the

Senergy Project Team presentation - Ian Williamson (Director of Operations, Senergy) and Allan Scott

The Senergy Consultancy Team: (left to right) Eugene Uwagie-Ero, Peter Essien, Gabriel Bujulu

Senergy board including the Director of Operations, the VP Europe and Africa, the Director of Engineering and the Director of Subsurface. Also in attendance was the MBA Programme Director, Allan Scott. The team’s research and recommendations to Senergy are a valuable contribution. This is expressed in the testimonial written by the company to the Aberdeen Business School faculty board. The Senergy Consultancy Team

Senergy Consultancy Team with Ian Williamson and Allan Scott

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Consultancy Project group

Applied Drilling Technology International (ADTI) ADTI takes great pleasure in having been able to support Okey Ijeomah, Yerlan Sarbassov and George AddyMorton with their final MBA consultancy project. Okey, George and Yerlan demonstrated that they were up to the challenge set by ADTI which was to “develop business model options and explore the requirements needed for ADTI to enter the Norwegian market”. This project allowed the consultancy team to apply the knowledge, skills and understanding gained from the taught element of RGU's MBA programme in an applied business context. Throughout the project the team demonstrated their leadership skills, strong individual characteristics, integrity, initiative, drive and readiness to excel amid numerous pressures. This involved having open and constructive dialogue with all members of the ADTI management team and adapting to ADTI’s busy work schedule, while ensuring deadlines were met in a disciplined manner. Going forward, ADTI would like to wish Okey, Yerlan and George every success in the next chapter of their careers. Judging by the professional standards shown throughout the project ADTI is confident that all three will indeed make valued contributions for their future employers. ADTI

ADTI TEAM It was a privilege working with ADTI, a division of Transocean. ADTI’s uniqueness as the world’s premier turnkey drilling contractor provided an important interface to the global oil and gas industry. The project afforded us an opportunity to apply various strategic tools in a practical sense, thus enabling us to test some of the theories and models learnt during the MBA programme. The project was mutually beneficial to the parties; we benefitted from a better understanding of the relationships that underpin the industry’s supply chain and value chain from a practical perspective; and in return we were also able to provide useful information to inform ADTI’s market development and growth strategies to enable the company unlock its full potential. The consultancy project – which combines research and consultancy – is without doubt an essential element of the RGU MBA programme. It certainly provides useful networking opportunities with industry players. The research exposes students to the technical material and resources available, thus helping to build the students’ potential in future research and consultancy.

The ADTI Consultancy Team: (left to right) Okey Ijeomah, George Addy-Morton, Yerlan Sarbassov

We thank ADTI for the opportunity to work with the company and we hope this mutually beneficial friendship with RGU will continue. The ADTI Consultancy Team

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Consultancy Project Group

PSN and Glencraft PSN team The consultancy project was perhaps the most significant learning opportunity of the entire MBA programme as it allowed the thinking processes acquired during the programme to be tested, explored, and applied in appropriate and sometimes inappropriate ways. Parallel with this process was an emotional intelligence learning curve with feelings ranging from uncertainty and optimism at the outset, to frustration and disappointment in the midst of the project, to clarity and complete success at the end.

PSN and Glencraft were delighted to work with the RGU MBA team to undertake this critical business report. Shane, Abhay, Fariza and Stoianka worked very efficiently to develop and produce a comprehensive, well researched and, most importantly, useful report that is being used to shape the strategic direction of the Glencraft business. From initial engagement to the superb final delivery of findings, this team is a huge credit to the RGU MBA programme. Duncan Skinner CFO of PSN and Director of Glencraft

The project for PSN, which involved developing a marketing strategy for Glencraft Aberdeen Ltd, a local social enterprise, gave the group a great sense of purpose. We were not only putting together a solid business plan which would improve performance. We recognised also that our work could directly improve the lives of the blind and disabled Glencraft employees by providing them with a sustainable business to work for. It was truly a project which had significance beyond simply a good educational experience, and the group looks forward to seeing a successful and sustainable Glencraft in the future.

“

The PSN Consultancy Team

One of the most rewarding experiences

was the consultancy project which allowed engagement with a local social enterprise to help it develop a sustainable business strategy. This was both mentally stimulating due to its

“

right) The PSN Consultancy Team: (left to Choltanova, a Fariz a, anov Shane Mark, Stoianka Jord Abhay Agarwal

complexity and personally rewarding since positive results are directly linked to the ongoing well-being of members of Aberdeen’s disabled community.

Shane Mark MBA s.g.mark@rgu.ac.uk

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Consultancy Project Group

SPEX Services I am extremely delighted with the high quality of work done by the Robert Gordon University’s MBA project team for Spex Services. A key component of the RGU team was their inter-disciplinary and inter-cultural mix – of students from Russia, Kazakhstan and Italy. This mix of students and their capabilities was invaluable and gave a unique understanding of the oil and gas sector in Kazakhstan. The team reached out to an impressive network of sources for primary research and carried out detailed analysis of the market opportunities for Spex Services. The RGU team’s project recommendations have had a high impact on our market positioning strategy for Kazakhstan and beyond. We will use this report as a blueprint for Spex Services future strategy in other areas around the world.

consideration. They were highly motivated, and executed the engagement in a timely and professional manner. The final presentation was of the very highest standard and conveyed the report succinctly. We hope to be able to work again with RGU project teams in the future. As a former student of the MBA programme, I was delighted to see that the calibre of student involved in the project was of the very highest standard and I’m convinced it is reflective of the high teaching standards of the RGU Business School.

Working with the team of four graduate students from the RGU MBA programme has been a superb experience for us here at Spex Services. Not only did they take direction well, but they did not need much of it. That was very important to us as a small but rapidly growing company, because we are busy, limited in resources, and focused on executing our own plan. The team was characterised by diligence, coordination, dedication and

John Fox Commercial Director SPEX Services Limited

I would have no hesitation in recommending the RGU MBA project team for consultancy work as they offer an exclusive insight into current business strategies that are fit for any company regardless of size.

The SPEX Consultancy Team: (left to right) Nikita Zhelobov, Amirzhan Ospanov, Carlo Andrea Palombo, Bauyrzhan Ilyassov

persuading at Nikita Zhelobov negotiating and ect room proj et Stre the team’s St. Andrews

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spex team In summer 2010, Amirzhan, Bauyrzhan, Nikita and Carlo formed our team to take on this consultancy project as part of their MBA programme. Our project client was SPEX Services Limited, an independent, privately owned company that can offer to their clients a track record of more than 150 years of explosives expertise. Its divisions include field services, consultancy, training and competence, explosive disposal, manufacturing of specialist explosive products, sales, and a special projects division. The organisation offers “best in class products” and positions itself as “the premier source of specialty explosives services, pipe recovery and abandonment technologies in the oil services marketplace”. The company can call on a team of subject matter experts and core competencies for the use of explosives and other energetic materials on land and in sub-sea operations all around the globe. The aim of the project was to assist SPEX in their plans to expand to new geographical markets and in the introduction of new product and service solutions as the main drivers for healthy business growth. One such prospective market is Kazakhstan which is currently ranked ninth world-wide in terms of oil reserves. Hence, the goal of the project was to research, analyse and put forward recommendations for business development opportunities for SPEX in the Kazakh market.

The SPEX consultancy team with Gavin Drummond (SPEX Managing Director) and John Fox (Director of Operations), (2nd and 4th from left)

During the course of the project, the team worked in close cooperation with the client and this provided the foundation of the project. The cooperation was professional, highly engaging and, generally, a superb experience for the entire team. The idea that our output can help the company with its future strategy and business model motivated us, united the team during the entire course of the project and, finally, led to successful project deliverables. Looking back to the MBA 2010 experience, we believe that our project with SPEX Services was definitely the highlight of the year. We are grateful to SPEX for giving us this opportunity. The experience has been of enormous value for us in terms of teamwork, dedication, knowledge and, foremost, friendship not just between the team members – but also with the great people at SPEX. The SPEX Consultancy Team

Carlo Andrea Palombo at the team’s St. Andrews Street project room

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Consultancy Project group

RAF Lossiemouth A partnership agreement between RAF Lossiemouth and Robert Gordon University served as the basis for a oneman consultancy project that looked at commercialisation at the Morayshire airbase. Situated sixty miles northwest of Aberdeen, on the southern coast of the Moray Firth, RAF Lossiemouth is the largest and busiest fast-jet base in the Royal Air Force. The base is home to four squadrons of Tornado GR4, a Sea King helicopter search & rescue flight, and various operational, logistic and administrative support units. RAF Lossiemouth employs 2,800 military and civilian personnel. The project’s objective was to assist RAF Lossiemouth maximise use of its non-operational assets. The project’s first concern was the broad consideration of the needs of the station and the achievement of value for money in the use of public funds. But the project also sought to support the station’s community engagement policy, promote the development of sustainable non-public income streams for the station, and search for opportunities for nominal contributions to government department carbon targets, through off-setting. The project assessed RAF Lossiemouth’s non-operational assets, and developed tools and put forward proposals for the better use of the station’s capacity and capabilities, both internally, and by the local civil and business communities and other stakeholders. The project emerged as a proactive and innovative initiative within a demanding new political and macroeconomic environment. The year’s election of the new Conservative UK government heralded radical change in the political relationship of citizen to government. In its response to the national economic debt crisis, and its pursuit of its own ‘Big Society’ agenda, the government was seeking to reconfigure, ‘from the bottom up’, the relationship between the private and the public sectors. In this context it was becoming obligatory for all bodies in receipt of public funds to forensically examine their activities, devise creative new ways to motivate social action, deliver services and empower community, and to present the case for their own ongoing public support. Previous government initiatives had, of course, sought to modulate the relationship between government and business. However in the present case, unprecedented economic necessity, arguably, could drive greater political success and more profound change. The project endeavoured to assist RAF Lossiemouth meet the increasing expectations of its stakeholders.

A Royal Air Force GR4 Tornado

The project applied the ‘military appreciation’ format of analysis and presentation. The military appreciation is the standard tool used by armed forces worldwide for decision-making, both on the battlefield and in the command room. It provided a familiar communication format for the client. The project advanced five initiatives for consideration. Of those, the project recommended the immediate establishment of ‘The Dambusters Club’, a military-style discipline fitness and training club with civilian membership. (Dambusters Squadron is based at Lossiemouth). Additionally, and prerequisite to the pursuit of any of the five initiatives, the project recommended the establishment of an RAF Lossiemouth Office for Enterprise, Partnership and Development. In the event, the prosecution and delivery of the project were rendered problematic by ‘the elephant in the room’. The Government’s Strategic Defence and Security Review established a programme that fell parallel to the project’s own (which ran for three months through to October 2010). For the sake of practicality, the project ignored the potential impacts of the Review on the project. However the Review did provide the immediate official frame of reference for change within the defence community: and it would become the immediate context within which establishments such as RAF Lossiemouth would be required to justify expenditure and their use of both operational and non-operational assets. As the consultancy project proceeded, ongoing leaks in the national media forecast the closure of the base. With one of its squadrons already on the frontline in Afghanistan, and a second packed and ready to go (and now gone), operations were what counted. The project ploughed on regardless, as station morale wavered and the client’s focus was drawn elsewhere—onto the national and international stages. At the time of publication of this Yearbook the fate of RAF Lossiemouth remains hanging in the balance. The future of not only those who work at the base, but of the local and regional communities that are economically and socially reliant on the presence of the base—and with that, all prospects for enterprise, partnership and development at RAF Lossiemouth—lies in the hands of the politicians. The RAF Lossiemouth Consultancy Team

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Consultancy Project Group

Intelligent Home Systems Intelligent Home Systems (IHS) is an SME located in Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom, which provides smart home automation solutions. The company offers consultancy, professional and project management services to the commercial, educational and retail as well as residential sectors. Intelligent Home Systems specialises in intelligent automation services for heating, ventilation & air conditioning (HVAC), audio visual (AV), lighting, and security. IHS was facing the dilemma of the small company— saturation. As Managing Director of the company I was delighted when the team from Robert Gordon University elected to undertake a project to help the company build market expansion and develop a growth strategy. It was a great experience to work with such a fresh pool of talented management students. The team’s members came from the professional backgrounds of human resources and architecture. This was a different focus from the company’s own. So it was very important for the team to understand the business environment in which IHS was operating and how highly competitive its market was. Understanding all the key issues and areas of the business would allow them to focus on the question of growth. I was really impressed by the professionalism shown by the team. Regular meetings were held with staff and myself: progress was clear. By the end of the project the team understood the key areas in which IHS was operating. The step-by-step recommendation given by the team at its final presentation was excellent. We are looking forward to implementation in the near future. As Managing Director of IHS I would like to thank Ashish Kumar and Tushar Phatak for their interest in and dedication to the project and wish them an excellent future ahead. Ewan Smith Managing Director Intelligent Home Systems

The Intelligent Home Systems consultancy team: (left) Tushar Vikas Phatak, (righ t) Ashish Kumar

Intelligent home systems team The aim of the project was to provide Intelligent Home Systems with a sustainable business strategy. In order to achieve the aim we had to set some objectives to see that the team was going in the right direction. Setting these was one of the challenges for the team. As consultants, the roles and responsibilities of the team members were quite extensive: we were expected to operate across a wide variety of disciplines including marketing, financial and management controls, business strategy, e-business and operations, information technology, and supply-chain management. We can say that through this project we were able to put to use all the knowledge that we gained throughout the year on the RGU MBA programme. A varied knowledge of different subjects such as business economics, project management, finance, and others, helped us to put this project successfully in place. Working within the IHS group was a fabulous experience thanks to the dynamics between the professional backgrounds of the group members. We would like to thank Managing Director Ewan Smith and all the staff of IHS who supported us in the project and helped make it a success. We hope that our work will be able to help the company move beyond its current dilemma and into a new period of expansion. The IHS Team

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MBA Regatta RGU Dream Team 2010 In June 2010, and for the first time, the Robert Gordon University participated in an MBA Regatta competing with around forty other crews from various UK Universities. As the title suggests, teams were compiled from among MBA students, full-time, part-time and alumni. The goal of this event was not only to have fun and to learn sailing, but also to use the unique opportunity to meet MBA peers and to network. The event is organised by the Cranfield University. It provided a worthwhile experience and I would encourage students and the University to continue to participate. The RGU Dreamteam 2010 wishes all the best of luck to future MBA Regatta teams! Nikita Zhelobov MBA n.zhelobov@rgu.ac.uk

The RGU 'Dream Team' crew: (left to right) Almaz Zhalbyrov, Tom Paling, (rea r) Bauyrzhan Ilyassov, Peter Saunders, (kneeling) Talg at Temirzhanov, (back) Nikita Zhelobov, Tom Mas on

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RGU Ambassador Tamer F. Elewa, MBA Class of 2008 Aberdeen Business School graduate Tamer F Elewa (35) is appointed Regional Director of Human Resources – Middle and Near East regions, for Merck Serono, a global leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Merck Serono is part of the Merck Group, the oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company in the world.

Tamer says: “I focused on change management and organisational behaviour in my MBA. This equipped me to help the company manage the change process during the integration of two large and talented teams. I was then given the opportunity and challenge of leading the company’s human resources function in the region. I deal with a unique workforce coming from sixteen different countries and speaking more than eight languages. “In my role as an RGU Ambassador I encourage and support new students and help promote the University. I have been inspired by the quality of learning at Robert

Gordon University whilst studying for my masters and have decided to continue at doctoral level. My research will focus on employee engagement and cross cultural barriers. “The work will have a direct link with understanding and developing a competent engagement strategy for our employees. It will help my organisation become a better place to work in.”

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We worked hardâ&#x20AC;Ś and played hard tooâ&#x20AC;Ś

Team Success!

ly can't have the At least one of those students sure ent experience? required three year's managem

Plain sailing, rest, and the MBA programme (not the sort of caption you see every day)

ing Ashish and Victor catch the even down-town Aix

bus to

The MBA class as the dinner guests of the Rotary Club of Aberdeen Deeside

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MBA friendships are built on the solid foundation of shared hard expe rience...

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...and those friendships endure

Victor Maples with his MBA Bafta

Peters. Confusingly, the class had two t apar them tell d coul one No

Bauyrzhan and team ‘at the inter section’ of work and play Prodrill team at play at Cove Bay

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Farewell Message As leaders of tomorrow we will be confronted with tough decisions and dilemmas in organisations. How you communicate your arguments, the leadership characteristics you possess and your ability to proactively implement change from now on becomes of integral importance. Project management has played a vital role in the development of this yearbook. In delivering projects to time, cost and scope, fundamental to the success is involving stakeholders, persuasion, negotiation, enjoying good relationships and conflict management skills. Teamwork will always play an important role in any organisation. With social intelligence, synergy is absorbed and value is created within the business functions, units or teams. We cannot be experts in all areas, but we can expand on our strengths and ameliorate our weaknesses in order to get the best out of opportunities and threats that may appear in our environment. Whilst conflicts may arise that may be frustrating, endeavouring to work together as a group will get the best out of every team leader and team member. As we leave our footprints through the sands of time, we should always remember to be effective leaders who strive to create added value in whatever organisations we find ourselves. I wish each and every one of you the very best in all your future endeavours in both your professional and personal lives. Ameze Iyere 2010 Yearbook Editorial Team a.o.iyere@rgu.ac.uk

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MBA ABERDEEN BUSINESS SCHOOL

MBA Administration, Aberdeen Business School The Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Road , Aberdeen AB10 7QE Tel: +44 (0)1224 263836 / 01224 263852 Fax: +44 (0)1224 263838 Email: mba@rgu.ac.uk

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Class of 2010