All you out there ... I am back at LUMS and it is at full boom now! doesn't take much time see! After a round of course test runs, I have finally decided the 5 rings I am going to jump through in the first half of the 3rd semester! One of these is Managing Organization Politics (MOP) by our beloved Dr. Farzad!
As usual, he swept us away by his way of reasoning in defining what POLITICS is! Long story short, whenever human choices are involved, the phenomenon of politics occurs! Whatever we do, think without having been directed by the unquestionable is ranked amongst the political acts! Whether right or wrong, formal or informal, evil or virtue, nice or bad, its POLITICAL and you are a POLITICIAN ;)
Showing posts with label LUMS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LUMS. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
LUMS - Avoiding LPs
Well, sorry to say, but there is no proven way to absolutely avoid LPs, because one thing that may work for one person, may get the other person the perfectly opposite result ; guess one ingredient is always random - LUCK!
Anyways, still there are guidelines (unofficial) ... sticking to which you may get yourself through
Anyways, still there are guidelines (unofficial) ... sticking to which you may get yourself through
- Slow and steady wins the race! Yes, be the tortoise in the marathon against LP! Study regularly. Don't leave too much for the end. The best thing about LUMS for me is that there is not tension of the exams, 'cause not much remains till then!
- Talk now, think later! is the motto to stick to! I have seen people along with me that they start thinking on an argument but the discussion is so fast that by the time they reach an answer, the class has moved on! In the first semester (at least 1st semester), try to speak your mind as quickly as possible. With practice, you'll learn to think quick as well
- The best form of defense is offense! You need to defend yourself from LPs, so be aggressive upfront! Go for CPs right from the word go!
- Lastly, study hard but study smart! Don't want no donkeys you see!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
First Annual Report of LUMS MBA 2009 Ltd
The first annual result for the year 2007-08 was announced for LUMS MBA 2009 Ltd. It was a mixed outcome ... with more weight on the gloomy side! According to the initial report, downsizing was done by the amount of 7, which is obviously horrifying. Some action might be taken to appease the situation but nothing can be claimed upfront. All are requested to pray that somehow the layoffs can be reduced, if not completely eliminated!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
LUMS - The grading PHENOMENON
At LUMS ... its all about survival and the benchmark to compare against is ... of course ... grades! The good thing about LUMS is that ... two years is the maximum time you can spend in the MBA Program ... within two years ... the outcome is either you have the degree or you don't! I wish and hope that no one ends up with the latter!
LUMS MBA follows a relative grading scheme, so, to come out to the top doesn't just require you to do good, but better than others - and yes, the competition is cutthroat! There are 5 relative grades and two absolute ones; D, HP, P+, P, P-, LP, U! [D = Distinction; H = High; L = Low; P = Pass; U = Unsatisfactory!] D & U are the absolute grades; rest are relative! Approximately, top 10% of the class fall in HP and lowest 10% fall in LP! I think 15% of the people just below HP fall in P+ and 15% just above LP fall in P-; Rest sit pretty with a "P"! There are going to be two sections A and B and these relative levels are within one section - so, if a guy in the other section is doing better than you, it ain't going to affect your health! I am not sure how to get the absolute grades, but one important thing you should know is that U = 2 LPs! why is this important? Well, each semester has 5 full courses; The reason I attached a stereotype "full" with courses is that sometimes, instead of one course throughout the semester, you get to learn (lol ... yeah LEARN :P) two courses, each subject spanning half of the semester! Anyways, the total is 10 full courses in one year! Now, here's the catch! You are allowed at max 4 LPs in one year! If you are somehow able to cross that boundary, then start packing up your things! (by the way, LP in a half course is counted as HALF LP)! So, how do you like that for a grading system! See, it has its vice and virtues - Even if you do your best, you could still end up with an LP; but on the upside, even if you like sucked the whole semester, you can still avoid an LP! Interesting ... isn't it!
In the next post, I'll tell you a few ways to avoid an LP (not guaranteed ways of course - nothing in life is certain mate!)
LUMS MBA follows a relative grading scheme, so, to come out to the top doesn't just require you to do good, but better than others - and yes, the competition is cutthroat! There are 5 relative grades and two absolute ones; D, HP, P+, P, P-, LP, U! [D = Distinction; H = High; L = Low; P = Pass; U = Unsatisfactory!] D & U are the absolute grades; rest are relative! Approximately, top 10% of the class fall in HP and lowest 10% fall in LP! I think 15% of the people just below HP fall in P+ and 15% just above LP fall in P-; Rest sit pretty with a "P"! There are going to be two sections A and B and these relative levels are within one section - so, if a guy in the other section is doing better than you, it ain't going to affect your health! I am not sure how to get the absolute grades, but one important thing you should know is that U = 2 LPs! why is this important? Well, each semester has 5 full courses; The reason I attached a stereotype "full" with courses is that sometimes, instead of one course throughout the semester, you get to learn (lol ... yeah LEARN :P) two courses, each subject spanning half of the semester! Anyways, the total is 10 full courses in one year! Now, here's the catch! You are allowed at max 4 LPs in one year! If you are somehow able to cross that boundary, then start packing up your things! (by the way, LP in a half course is counted as HALF LP)! So, how do you like that for a grading system! See, it has its vice and virtues - Even if you do your best, you could still end up with an LP; but on the upside, even if you like sucked the whole semester, you can still avoid an LP! Interesting ... isn't it!
In the next post, I'll tell you a few ways to avoid an LP (not guaranteed ways of course - nothing in life is certain mate!)
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Life @ LUMS - Initial Days
I am a real fan of the day I have spent @ LUMS ... uptil now! I cherish every moment! Though, it wasn't like a ride on a ferry by any means ... atleast not in the beginning. I have told you people a bit about the times during SOP. Let me just ease this a little for you! YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT A THING! being tense ain't going to help the cause.
When we started, we were like, come on, how tough can it be?!? We have done assignments before; we have given exams before; How different can LUMS be? But, SOP had set a whole new standard! raised the bar to right up there!! We thought, ok, it took us to complete the assignments about 2-3 hours before, how bad can it be ... maybe twice as much time. Well guess what, yes, just about twice as much time, BUT, for every single course! SOP is like a whole semester squeezed into a week's time! For those, who are already familiar with Statistics and Accounting (only the basics), and decent with the office applications shouldn't find this time very tough! for others, all I can say is GOOD LUCK :-D!! But hey, just enjoy the time before you come here - don't be a nerd and think about preps before coming here - trust me it ain't worth it! CHILL is the keyword here! Don't worry about your being rusty and existing lax habits .. it'll all be fixed in its own time! Human beings are an amazing creature - if you don't know this yet, you will definitely realized it soon! So brace yourselves to behold the evolution then!! Chao!
ps. but you do need to brush up your speaking skills! so if there is a shell you live in ... its high time that you get out of it now!
When we started, we were like, come on, how tough can it be?!? We have done assignments before; we have given exams before; How different can LUMS be? But, SOP had set a whole new standard! raised the bar to right up there!! We thought, ok, it took us to complete the assignments about 2-3 hours before, how bad can it be ... maybe twice as much time. Well guess what, yes, just about twice as much time, BUT, for every single course! SOP is like a whole semester squeezed into a week's time! For those, who are already familiar with Statistics and Accounting (only the basics), and decent with the office applications shouldn't find this time very tough! for others, all I can say is GOOD LUCK :-D!! But hey, just enjoy the time before you come here - don't be a nerd and think about preps before coming here - trust me it ain't worth it! CHILL is the keyword here! Don't worry about your being rusty and existing lax habits .. it'll all be fixed in its own time! Human beings are an amazing creature - if you don't know this yet, you will definitely realized it soon! So brace yourselves to behold the evolution then!! Chao!
ps. but you do need to brush up your speaking skills! so if there is a shell you live in ... its high time that you get out of it now!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
SOP (Sleepless, Overloaded Perdition)
To all you folks out there, who are going to start their 2-year drill in LUMS MBA program, WELCOME!!! One year into the MBA program in LUMS, I feel I am eligible to share some of the jewels that would help you get through the times in the early period of your, hopefully successful, stay in LUMS. I wish and hope that all of you are able to take away what you came for here! Come 11th August, 2008, I am sure that you'll all be excited ... but for the next 10-11 days, its going to be ugly - so brace yourselves up!
- During the SOPs [see the title :) ] ... you people will barely have any sleep, so to offset that lack of energy source, be sure to find yourselves an alternative. I used to take in a lot of junk food and pastries ... just to keep the ball rolling!
- The key to success is not just to work hard, but work smart! Remember, a donkey is good only when it comes to pulling carts, even then it requires a beacon! You people are supposed to be "Global Leader", you not only need to direct yourselves, but the world (and yes, this is what you are going to hear during the whole of your MBA program :P)
- Lastly, NO CHEATING!!!
Now, I don't want to give away all of it as it won't be fair to you people, 'cuz you know what "Life is a meal best served uncertain!"
Thursday, July 17, 2008
LUMS Interview – An Actual Script
I thought I should come up with some lighter text on this blog ... so here I recount the process of getting into LUMS ... (the subject on which this experiment of admission process was conducted is me). This could also be a head-start for all you wanna-LUMS MBAs out there!
It all began with an intention of getting into LUMS, for that initially, I attended an open session by LUMS in Karachi @ AKU. This sort of a session is held in major cities of Pakistan and maybe in UAE as well. After finalizing the decision of getting into LUMS, I went through the process of registering for the LUMS test (LMAT in my case). One can also attempt GMAT, but LMAT was due early so I thought of giving a go at a test, which is not very heavy on my pocket (around Rs. 1500/- as opposed to Rs. 15,000/- for GMAT), btw, both are equally acceptable! After giving the test, you need to forget that you ever gave a test ... yes ... they take a longgggg time to come back to you with results ... like I gave my LMAT on 18th November, 2006 and got the result on 18th January, 2007 (come to think of it ... A WHOLE YEAR WENT BY :P).
Anyways, the wait wasn't over, infact it had just begun! After the result, I again forgot all about it, then out of the blue, I got an interview call to be conducted on 18th April, 2007 (you can do the math ... they really test your patience!) Interviews were held in Sheraton and were generally 20-25 minutes long. I immortalized (oh yeah!) my interview ... check it out below ....
Following story is the how my interview for LUMS MBA went about. Before I dive into the actual script, let me give you brief overview about my academics and my job experience to set the context right.
Name: Muhammad Mohtashim Jangda
Masters: n/a
Bachelors: BS (CS) from Department of Computer Science, University of Karachi
Bachelors CGPA: 3.75
Intermediate: F.Sc from Adamjee Government Science College
Intermediate Percentage: 83%
Matriculate: S,Sc from Gulistan S.A.L School
Matriculate Percentage: 83%
LMAT Score: 800/800
Work Experience: 1 yr 5 month at the time of interview @ KalSoft Pvt. Ltd
Experience Notables: Have completed an on-site implementation in Dubai, with Microsoft, as a Consultant plus have conducted several training all over Pakistan and abroad
And here it goes; By the way, the script will be in the ME, THEM format. The sentences might not be exact.
I entered the room and was ushered to be seated
ME
Thank You
I handed over to them my file after being asked for it
THEM
You have a very immaculate academic career and your Graduation GPA is very good. What was your ranking overall in the department?
ME
Thanks, well, I ranked 5th in my Batch
THEM
So, tell us about your Job at KalSoft
ME
I have been in KalSoft from December, 2005. I joined immediately after the exams of the final semester. I have been a part of the product development team of DeXpert – a workflow automation solution. I have also conducted trainings on behalf of Microsoft in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. I recently completed a successful project with Microsoft Gulf in Dubai. The project was to gather requirements and deploy a Microsoft server solution, called Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, customize the solution and conduct end user trainings as part of a solution deliverable
THEM
What do you think was most important part of your project?
ME
Requirement gathering was the most important part of our project and we spent about a month in the same
THEM
Isn’t implementation important?
ME
Well, its not just about installing the solution and going home; its all about molding the product, customizing it so that it fulfils the needs of the end user, which can only be known by requirement gathering. So, I believe requirement gathering is the most important phase in a successful project
THEM
What was their requirement?
ME
Basically, they required document management solution, plus they wanted to automate a few of their business processes.
THEM
What was the project development approach?
ME
Sorry sir, I don’t get what you mean
THEM
Like spiral model ….
ME
Oh that, well, we followed the water fall model?
THEM
Why?
ME
Actually, timeline was short and, so couldn’t really adopt an iterative approach, so all the requirements were taken at once and once the requirements were base lined, then we implemented the solution and did the customization with UAT etc.
THEM
Was it an on-site project?
ME
Yes, it was. Actually, the Dubai office of our company doesn’t have consultant, only sales team is there. Whenever a consultant is required, it asks the back office to provide one
THEM
When a project could be on-site and when can if it be done off-site?
ME
Requirement gathering has to be on-site, but the development can be done off-site, as it doesn’t require much interaction with the client.
THEM
For this project, who were your competitors?
ME
I think Vertscape and PDSR had the competency for the same
THEM
So, why do you think KalSoft was chosen?
ME
Greater number of client references
THEM
And?
ME
More competent in this sort of solution, we are Microsoft Gold Partner in Information worker
solutions
THEM
And what else?
ME
And well, I think (smiling) our sales team also did well in convincing Microsoft.
THEM
(also smiling) ok; What are the last three books you have read?
ME
In the Line of Fire by Mr. Musharraf, Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and another book of Sherlock Holmes, I can’t remember the name
THEM
So, do you agree with Musharraf’s point of view?
ME
Yes, partially I do
THEM
Why?
ME
Pakistan has grown a lot financially in his tenure, which I think is very worthwhile, that is why
THEM
(pointing towards the white board) What is the second gradient in the graph on the board?
ME
I pointed towards a place on the curve, where it was parallel to x-axis (thinking maybe second gradient is the 2nd place starting from zero, where gradient is zero)
THEM
No, I think you got us wrong, second gradient is the d2x/dy2, now tell
ME
(replying immediately) Sir, I cant recall
THEM
Try to remember, take you time
ME
(waiting for a 5 seconds) Sorry sir, cant seem to recall
THEM
Ok, let us give you a hint, it’s the rate of change of change
ME
Ah yes, it’s here (pointing towards a portion on the graph)
THEM
And Why?
ME
Because, the graph is increasing at a constant rate
THEM
OK. If the trade is opened between Pakistan and India, would it be beneficial to Pakistan?
ME
Yes, it would be
THEM
Why?
ME
Well, I believe the quality of product is better in Pakistan as compared to India, and since quality prevails, so I think we can capture the market easily
THEM
Any other reason?
ME
Hmm, the cost of trading will be reduce and other trade overheads, like if we are importing something from like Middle East, we can save time and money if we import it from India
THEM
You are doing so well in you field, why do you want to do an MBA?
ME
I want to be involved in the bigger picture, I want to understand the operations of the company better and I believe MBA will help me develop these skills even more
THEM
Where do you think is the room of improvement in your company?
ME
I believe Project Management and HR is something my company should improve on
THEM
OK, thanks Mr. Mohtashim
ME
Sir, I have one question
THEM
What?
ME
Till when should I expect a response?
THEM
Well (thinking) 2-3 weeks maybe, why (smiling)?
ME
(Smiling) Sir, I’ll be curious
and I exited the room [with a smile on my face .. so that people waiting for their turn wont't get depressed :) ]
After that ... I didn't have to wait that long, the status was updated online within 2-3 days and the party was on! Then came the time, we started our SOP (summer orientation program) ... but let me keep that part a mystery ... atleast for a while :)
peace out!!
It all began with an intention of getting into LUMS, for that initially, I attended an open session by LUMS in Karachi @ AKU. This sort of a session is held in major cities of Pakistan and maybe in UAE as well. After finalizing the decision of getting into LUMS, I went through the process of registering for the LUMS test (LMAT in my case). One can also attempt GMAT, but LMAT was due early so I thought of giving a go at a test, which is not very heavy on my pocket (around Rs. 1500/- as opposed to Rs. 15,000/- for GMAT), btw, both are equally acceptable! After giving the test, you need to forget that you ever gave a test ... yes ... they take a longgggg time to come back to you with results ... like I gave my LMAT on 18th November, 2006 and got the result on 18th January, 2007 (come to think of it ... A WHOLE YEAR WENT BY :P).
Anyways, the wait wasn't over, infact it had just begun! After the result, I again forgot all about it, then out of the blue, I got an interview call to be conducted on 18th April, 2007 (you can do the math ... they really test your patience!) Interviews were held in Sheraton and were generally 20-25 minutes long. I immortalized (oh yeah!) my interview ... check it out below ....
Following story is the how my interview for LUMS MBA went about. Before I dive into the actual script, let me give you brief overview about my academics and my job experience to set the context right.
Name: Muhammad Mohtashim Jangda
Masters: n/a
Bachelors: BS (CS) from Department of Computer Science, University of Karachi
Bachelors CGPA: 3.75
Intermediate: F.Sc from Adamjee Government Science College
Intermediate Percentage: 83%
Matriculate: S,Sc from Gulistan S.A.L School
Matriculate Percentage: 83%
LMAT Score: 800/800
Work Experience: 1 yr 5 month at the time of interview @ KalSoft Pvt. Ltd
Experience Notables: Have completed an on-site implementation in Dubai, with Microsoft, as a Consultant plus have conducted several training all over Pakistan and abroad
And here it goes; By the way, the script will be in the ME, THEM format. The sentences might not be exact.
I entered the room and was ushered to be seated
ME
Thank You
I handed over to them my file after being asked for it
THEM
You have a very immaculate academic career and your Graduation GPA is very good. What was your ranking overall in the department?
ME
Thanks, well, I ranked 5th in my Batch
THEM
So, tell us about your Job at KalSoft
ME
I have been in KalSoft from December, 2005. I joined immediately after the exams of the final semester. I have been a part of the product development team of DeXpert – a workflow automation solution. I have also conducted trainings on behalf of Microsoft in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. I recently completed a successful project with Microsoft Gulf in Dubai. The project was to gather requirements and deploy a Microsoft server solution, called Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, customize the solution and conduct end user trainings as part of a solution deliverable
THEM
What do you think was most important part of your project?
ME
Requirement gathering was the most important part of our project and we spent about a month in the same
THEM
Isn’t implementation important?
ME
Well, its not just about installing the solution and going home; its all about molding the product, customizing it so that it fulfils the needs of the end user, which can only be known by requirement gathering. So, I believe requirement gathering is the most important phase in a successful project
THEM
What was their requirement?
ME
Basically, they required document management solution, plus they wanted to automate a few of their business processes.
THEM
What was the project development approach?
ME
Sorry sir, I don’t get what you mean
THEM
Like spiral model ….
ME
Oh that, well, we followed the water fall model?
THEM
Why?
ME
Actually, timeline was short and, so couldn’t really adopt an iterative approach, so all the requirements were taken at once and once the requirements were base lined, then we implemented the solution and did the customization with UAT etc.
THEM
Was it an on-site project?
ME
Yes, it was. Actually, the Dubai office of our company doesn’t have consultant, only sales team is there. Whenever a consultant is required, it asks the back office to provide one
THEM
When a project could be on-site and when can if it be done off-site?
ME
Requirement gathering has to be on-site, but the development can be done off-site, as it doesn’t require much interaction with the client.
THEM
For this project, who were your competitors?
ME
I think Vertscape and PDSR had the competency for the same
THEM
So, why do you think KalSoft was chosen?
ME
Greater number of client references
THEM
And?
ME
More competent in this sort of solution, we are Microsoft Gold Partner in Information worker
solutions
THEM
And what else?
ME
And well, I think (smiling) our sales team also did well in convincing Microsoft.
THEM
(also smiling) ok; What are the last three books you have read?
ME
In the Line of Fire by Mr. Musharraf, Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and another book of Sherlock Holmes, I can’t remember the name
THEM
So, do you agree with Musharraf’s point of view?
ME
Yes, partially I do
THEM
Why?
ME
Pakistan has grown a lot financially in his tenure, which I think is very worthwhile, that is why
THEM
(pointing towards the white board) What is the second gradient in the graph on the board?
ME
I pointed towards a place on the curve, where it was parallel to x-axis (thinking maybe second gradient is the 2nd place starting from zero, where gradient is zero)
THEM
No, I think you got us wrong, second gradient is the d2x/dy2, now tell
ME
(replying immediately) Sir, I cant recall
THEM
Try to remember, take you time
ME
(waiting for a 5 seconds) Sorry sir, cant seem to recall
THEM
Ok, let us give you a hint, it’s the rate of change of change
ME
Ah yes, it’s here (pointing towards a portion on the graph)
THEM
And Why?
ME
Because, the graph is increasing at a constant rate
THEM
OK. If the trade is opened between Pakistan and India, would it be beneficial to Pakistan?
ME
Yes, it would be
THEM
Why?
ME
Well, I believe the quality of product is better in Pakistan as compared to India, and since quality prevails, so I think we can capture the market easily
THEM
Any other reason?
ME
Hmm, the cost of trading will be reduce and other trade overheads, like if we are importing something from like Middle East, we can save time and money if we import it from India
THEM
You are doing so well in you field, why do you want to do an MBA?
ME
I want to be involved in the bigger picture, I want to understand the operations of the company better and I believe MBA will help me develop these skills even more
THEM
Where do you think is the room of improvement in your company?
ME
I believe Project Management and HR is something my company should improve on
THEM
OK, thanks Mr. Mohtashim
ME
Sir, I have one question
THEM
What?
ME
Till when should I expect a response?
THEM
Well (thinking) 2-3 weeks maybe, why (smiling)?
ME
(Smiling) Sir, I’ll be curious
and I exited the room [with a smile on my face .. so that people waiting for their turn wont't get depressed :) ]
After that ... I didn't have to wait that long, the status was updated online within 2-3 days and the party was on! Then came the time, we started our SOP (summer orientation program) ... but let me keep that part a mystery ... atleast for a while :)
peace out!!
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