Global MBA Testimonials

The process of creating value through work-integrated learning is extraordinary. It shifts the primary learning experience from the confines of academic institutions to the actual workplaces of our students. This transformation leads to an unparalleled sense of purpose, as it transitions skills training from theoretical teaching to the invaluable experience gained on the job.

Additionally, work-integration redirects the traditional focus of study from analysis to practical implementation. It is the act of implementation that has the power to bring about real change in the world. This new approach enables students to realize their potential in effecting positive changes within their work environments.

We invite you to explore the remarkable feedback from some of our students who have been willing to openly share their experiences of creating genuine value in their workplaces.

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Tatenda Makuni
Tatenda Makuni, Executive Director at Introcane Enterprises, Harare, Zimbabwe
Linkedin: Tatenda Makuni

08.2021

What I have learnt during the analysis is that a good acid test ratio doesn‘t necessarily mean all is well especially if the time to collect the trade receivables is long. The organization might fail to meet its short-term current liabilities as a result putting the organisation in a bad financial position.

I also learnt that maybe the medical business is not a very lucrative business to invest in if one is looking to make short term gains. The profits are lower, maybe due to the type of expertise that is usually associated with high expenses incurred paying the critical skills involved. I also noted the importance of reducing the time to collect as it is crucial to maintain a healthy cashflow to keep the business going. I also learnt the importance of keeping financial records as it gives a picture of the business which is a good point of reference when approaching investors as well as when making future financial projections.

Personally, I have learnt the importance of cash in hand. While we will have customers who pay later in most businesses it is important that those payments are collected in time to avoid business failure. It is not enough to offer a services and brag about making sales whilst those sales only remain figures that remain unpaid.
Financial Accounting
Linda Shininge
Linda Shininge, Section Head: Contact Center and Quality Assurance at City of Windhoek, Windhoek, Namibia
Linkedin: Linda Shininge

07.2021

This assignment created immense value for me especially for my workplace, I work in the customer service environment and by understand a holistic view of an organisation can assist me by ensuring that we come up with aligned strategies, risks and opportunities and how these influence our strategic objectives and illustrate our impact and sustainable value creation.
Financial Accounting
Miranda Khumalo
Miranda Khumalo, PARTNER at Atherstone and Cook, HARARE, Zimbabwe
Linkedin: Miranda Khumalo

07.2021

I will certainly be able to use the teachings from this course in advising clients, particularly in mergers and acquisitions transactions and in tax assessments. Financial training will give me an added advantage. Every significant transaction or matter has a financial impact for a client. Anticipating, understanding and highlighting potential issues to clients will be of great value.

I also wish to use this training internally in the firm. I will be able to help the managing partner with interpreting the firm’s financial statements and proposing suggestions or ways of improving our operations.
Financial Accounting
Miranda Khumalo
Miranda Khumalo, PARTNER at Atherstone and Cook, HARARE, Zimbabwe
Linkedin: Miranda Khumalo

07.2021

The residential was absolutely superb. The content was extremely informative and delivered in a way that a person without a financial background could easily follow. I particularly enjoyed the visual illustrations, through the games and case studies. Thank you Janos ILLESSY and IBR Institute of International Business Relations
Finance Intensive
Cosmas  Zvikaramba
Cosmas Zvikaramba, Market and Operational Risk Manager at ZB Financial Holdings, Harare, Zimbabwe
Linkedin: Cosmas  Zvikaramba

07.2021

The suite of tools (i.e. case studies, games, simple models, group work and subject matter expertise) used during the virtual financial management residential period opened a new world for me with regards to business administration. Indeed, what a memorable way of learning financial management to us non finance managers and I greatly appreciate this Global MBA program.
Finance Intensive
Martha Bhunu
Martha Bhunu, Associate Director at Standard Chartered Bank, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Linkedin: Martha Bhunu

07.2021

The Finance Residential was indeed the definition of new ways of learning. I could have never imagined that an online residential could be so interactive and captivating. I can safely say that the delivery of the sessions was exceptional. I am no longer afraid of numbers after I learnt accounting using a board game. Thank you IBR for proving that there is no better way to learn and Prof Janos for a job well done
Finance Intensive
Japhet Zoraunye
Japhet Zoraunye, Research And Development Engineer at Stamicarbon, Sittard, Limburg, Netherlands
Linkedin: Japhet Zoraunye

07.2021

Great experience learning the basics of financial accounting and management accounting. I am now able to look at things from a different perspective. Thanks Prof Janos for simplifying the principles
Finance Intensive
Itayi Marufu
Itayi Marufu, Concentrator Manager at Bindura Nickel Corporation, Bindura, Zimbabwe
Linkedin: Itayi Marufu

07.2021

Wonderful time, participating in an online residential exceeded my expectations. Well done Prof and IBR team
Finance Intensive
Lindelwe  Manyawu
Lindelwe Manyawu, Executive Assistant to the Chairman at The Vumba Trust, Harare, Zimbabwe
Linkedin: Lindelwe  Manyawu

07.2021

Thoroughly enjoyed it. I found the residential very informative and the topics generated interesting and thought provoking discussions. A massive thank you to Professor Illessy for being so patient with us.
Finance Intensive
Mmakgomo Maubane
Mmakgomo Maubane, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer - Africa & Middle East at Zutari South Africa, Mahikeng, South African Republic
Linkedin: Mmakgomo Maubane

07.2021

Enjoyed this week-long experience of learning and discovery. Financial accounting demystified. Great effort delivering this online IBR Institute of International Business Relations. Kudos to Prof Janos!

Great experience learning the basics of financial accounting and management accounting. I am now able to look at things from a different perspective. Thanks Prof Janos for simplifying the principles
Finance Intensive
Leon Whyte
Leon Whyte, CSO/Co-Founder at SMC Ltd, Maidenhead, Germany
Linkedin: Leon Whyte

07.2021

It was a great week, good mix of virtual class room teaching sessions, group work and games. I thoroughly enjoyed it and feel empowered with knowledge in regards to the understanding and creation of financial balance sheets, P&L statements and a range of financial ratios. I would definitely recommend the IBR program to anyone considering undertaking their MBA.
Finance Intensive
Brian Chizodza
Brian Chizodza, Senior SAP Business Solution Consultant at Baraka Technology Group, Johannesburg, South African Republic
Linkedin: Brian Chizodza

07.2021

Thank you Prof Janos for a week long of insightful tools and methods managers can use to navigate and make informed decisions quickly and with precision. Despite the fact that this was an online delivery, it exceeded my expectations!!
Finance Intensive
Pride Gwaze
Pride Gwaze, Group Financial Manager at Vunani Limited, Johannesburg, South African Republic
Linkedin: Pride Gwaze

07.2021

I thoroughly enjoyed the residential. Coming from a financial background, I was really impressed with how informative, interactive and enlightening the sessions were. Thanks Prof Janos!
Finance Intensive
Linda Shininge
Linda Shininge, Section Head: Contact Center and Quality Assurance at City of Windhoek, Windhoek, Namibia
Linkedin: Linda Shininge

07.2021

Thank you Prof Janos for empowering us, the week was very interactive and informative , I appreciate everything and especially the new way of learning.Be blessed…
Finance Intensive
Vincent Bosha
Vincent Bosha, Sales Executive at Rainbow Tourism Group, Harare, Zimbabwe
Linkedin: Vincent Bosha

07.2021

This residential was challenging but Prof Janos made understanding finance a lot easier. Despite being online we managed to go through the content and also participate in group discussions. I have been empowered and ready to take on my next chapter in my career.
Finance Intensive
Tatenda Makuni
Tatenda Makuni, Executive Director at Introcane Enterprises, Harare, Zimbabwe
Linkedin: Tatenda Makuni

07.2021

One week with Proffessor Janos, empowered for a lifetime. It was all worth it. IBR is the institution to learn with.
Finance Intensive
Moreblessing Mutswiri
Moreblessing Mutswiri, Project Director at Sanning Foundation, Harare, Zimbabwe
Linkedin: Moreblessing Mutswiri

07.2021

The residential period was most insightful. I now have a much better understanding of the fundamentals of financial management which helps me to be prepared in a new world of connectivity and international business. This has hugely provided me with a foundation for making decisions along with the input of deep learning. Once again thank you Prof Janos for walking with us in this great journey.

IBR Institute of International Business Relations - is the place to be!
Finance Intensive
Moreblessing Mutswiri
Moreblessing Mutswiri, Project Director at Sanning Foundation, Harare, Zimbabwe
Linkedin: Moreblessing Mutswiri

06.2021

One thing that stands out to me at the end of this course is that church leadership training is often neglected and usually people survive on improvising most of the time or rather rely on the grace of God. I would like to believe that church has to be managed like a business to be effective.
Tasks and Tools of Effective Management
Moreblessing Mutswiri
Moreblessing Mutswiri, Project Director at Sanning Foundation, Harare, Zimbabwe
Linkedin: Moreblessing Mutswiri

05.2021

Whilst studying this course what was new to me was the patterns of cross-cultural business behavior and how they vary in different environments or continents compared to our local business behavior when it comes to doing business or negotiating business deals globally. I have learned and realized that, when one needs to get into the international markets, to negotiate any international business deal or relations, there are many ways to attain one’s desired results without provoking or misjudging others. Thus, avoid losing or delaying to conclude any business deal.

I have seen that confusion, serious disagreement, and frustrations may emerge simply because people with different business cultural behaviors have different assumptions during a business negotiation process. I have seen this with the experience we had when we were trying to do business and partnership negotiations with the Chinese suppliers and the Americans, respectively. Therefore, the new communication skills I have learned as described by Gesteland R.R. (2012:21) will help me to improve myself and our organization.

The course has also taught me to learn to accept and be patient with differences in cultures, especially when it comes to doing business internationally. After studying this course I have seen and related again to the personal experience we had with the Chinese supplier when we wanted to buy the packaging products for our organization. If we were not assisted and encouraged to be patient by the agent we eventually engaged, during the negotiating process, we might have ended up losing a supplier with the best products we were looking for. I believe what I have learned will help me to improve my patience to understand local business customs and practices of a particular country that we want to do business with as an organization, even if we do not engage a negotiator.
Cross-cultural Management
Michael Kavalata
Michael Kavalata, Senior Engineer at City Of Windhoek, Windhoek, Namibia

05.2021

The assignment is of great value to me and my organisation. Firstly, I never thought that the differences in people’s behaviour is due to culture, I had always though that this was due to idiosyncrasies. I now understand that the differences are caused due to norms and cultural differences.

I also never imagined that a simple misunderstanding which can be due to a body language can lead to promising deals to be cancelled. This assignment has therefore opened my mind up and enriched me with the skills of observing and studying the negotiating partner’s cultures in order to avoid misunderstanding that can lead to deals being spoiled. The assignment also made me learn about the different global business protocols and etiquette which comes in handy when doing business on an international level.

This has certainly added value to me personally by making me a better negotiator as I can now use this knowledge on my personal business as well as on the City of Windhoek to better the organisation as far as doing business across the borders is concerned.
The Nature of International Business