RICS/RIBA sponsorship winner Thompson Kapapa is on course to set up his own firm having won a 拢6,000 scholarship to study for an MBA at Manchester Business School. But combining study with a day job and family life, Kapapa is beginning to recognise he has his work cut out

I always thought that one day I would study for an MBA. This thought is now a reality. Having just handed in my first assignment in supply chain management, I must say I enjoyed doing it, despite losing two weeks of sleep. But that's the effort I will have to put in to achieve my goal.

My study routine never goes to plan as my son kicks me in the back while I'm trying to understand an 鈥榓ccrued revenue' and my daughter is crying because I've not read her a story. However, surprisingly, if I'm not getting anywhere with my work, looking after the kids is relaxing and recharges my batteries. I'm trying to get the study timetable into my routine, although after a few years not studying I am finding it hard.

There have not been many 鈥榤ajor' sacrifices - I work around my kids, work and my wife. At work I use my lunch hour to read a few journals for my assignments and leave work late having had an extra half hour to get as much information for the assignments as I can.

The modules themselves are challenging, particularly financial management. I thought that after reading the first chapter I could do anyone's accounts. Then I tried one of the exercises and got it completely wrong. That's the challenge I am facing.

It is also exciting having read an assignment and having no idea where to start - the best thing is to get a good mark, which can highlight how much you have to put in to maintain that standard.

My study routine never goes to plan as my son kicks me in the back while I鈥檓 trying to understand an 鈥榓ccrued revenue鈥�

My first assignment was on supply chain management, and so, being a construction professional, my supply chain strategy was based on a construction company. I think it went well.

The financial management assignment is due in the next few days. The reading material uses Marks & Spencer's accounts so it's an eye-opener to see how they are analysed, for example comparing what the numbers give you with any research you can find on the company.

At the moment I am trying to fit my job to what I am learning but will I be able to thread what I'm learning into my job? I'll have to wait and see.

Thompson Kapapa is a QS at contractor John Doyle

Source

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