MSP - We had a couple of guys (actually one guy and one gal) come over from Thoughtworks and explain the Mingle tool to us. Either the prof must have thought that we (being the lazy bums that we are) wouldn't be exploring the tool, or he thought spread the word about tools like Mingle. In any case, it was a pretty good thing to do... they took the class with aplomb! Sometimes, I wonder what's going through their mind. The fact that they're talking at IIMB to a bunch of apparently "high-value" students (information asymmetry at its best), must definitely want to make them ask for a promotion or hike at office. Or maybe they have loftier achievements in life, and are hopefully not truly living out the delusions that I have.
The next session was about Software Testing. The prof took us on a recap of the readings of the day, and before we knew it, the class was over. But throughout, I couldnt help thinking that he was pulling a Trojan Horse on us. He was still quite hung up on metrics, and how that should define how we run our projects. I wouldn't be surprised if we one day saw a paper that explains the exact way to estimate project, complete with the dels and the phis.
LOC - The first day was a pure discussion on how to handle the difficult parts of running a company - the restructuring effort, and how you would communicate the message to the others in the company. We pulled out all the plugs on compassion and ethics, etc. in this one.
The next session, surprisingly, skips my mind. I briefly recollect something about how the company should handle the transition after delivering bad news like job losses and continuing by tracking the changes implemented in the system.
Anyway, after the class - feedback forms were distributed. Now, this is a little out of the standard protocol. We all remember that just before / after the last class, survey forms are brought in to give feedback on the subject and the prof. This is typically added with applause. Those who like the guy will give a standing ovation, those who dont think the same will politely acknowledge his hard work.
In any case, our prof was pretty good - and when giving the standing ovation by the majority, a simple smile came on his face, and he reciprocated by acknowledging it lightly. It feels good when you make someone else happy, his smile was worth it.
PM - We spoke about brand management. I really dont remember any ahaah moments from this. But in session 2, we had the former director in a large apparel brand come and talk to us about the role of a brand manager. While everything went fine, sometimes you still feel like sometihng's missing. That's what it felt like. Oh well... quarter's almost done.
And even after all the classes, all the students could be seen scurrying towards the EB lounge to put the starting touches on their assignments. Too bad that we had the Eximius fest running at the same time. The only slot we could attend was the Panel Discussion on Going Green. A few interesting personalities, and you enjoy listening to what they have to say. Kind of reminds you that talking from a position of power, isn't that easy to imagine. You really have to see it, to understand it.
I'm way too sleepy too. I think I remember four rambles in this post. And the eternal question rises again: What did I drag myself into?
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