The Gazette 1991

GAZETTE

NOVEMBER 1991

An MBA - A Competitive Advantage Muiris O'Ceidigh was the

several useful skills such as the ability to give a presentation using computer graphics, how to compile a corporate analysis for a Chief Executive, training in team work and group dynamics. An MBA programme has many benefits for a commercial lawyer. It enables him to have full financial competency and additionally an ap- preciation of where an enterprise is endeavouring to get strategically. However, an MBA programme should not be undertaken lightly as

it requires up to 70 hours work per week and at times can be exceed- ingly stressful, but the disadvanta- ges are far outweighed by the benefits in terms of personal development. Muiris works Jor A & L Goodbody, Solicitors. He has lectured in commercial law at Galway Regional Technical College, and at the Sorbonne University in Paris. He has several publications in the com- mercial law area. •

winner of the J.P. O'Reilly memorial Fund Scholarship in 1990. In this article he highlights the benefits of an MBA to lawyers. An MBA or a Masters Degree in Business Administration is gen- erally regarded as a premium quali- fication in business undertaken by people with 5 or more years business experience and who have a primary degree. The competition for places in MBA programmes is intense with many people com- peting for very few places. What an MBA involves: Following the award of the J.P. O'Reilly Memorial prize in commercial law, Muiris O'Ceidigh was accepted for an MBA at Trinity College Dublin. MBAs are also offered at UCD, UCG, University of Limerick and DCU. However, the Trinity MBA is unique in that it offers hands on experience at an executive level in a major cor- poration, in this case, Avonmore Foods pic. Two such experience- related activities are undertaken during the course of the prog- ramme. The other one which he undertook was with a captive insurance management company operating in the International Financial Services Centre. Both these projects and in particular the company project enable one to use the analytical skills instilled during the initial part of the programme. There are many modules offered during the course of the prog- ramme; these include modules of financial analysis, corporate fin- ance, corporate strategy and general management. The Trinity MBA places a high emphasis on an understanding of corporate stra- tegy. During the course of the programme one analyses several major international corporations from a financial and strategic point of view and spends many hours considering the financial and strategic alternatives open to the company for the future. During the course of the programme one gains 360

The J.P. O'Reilly Memorial Fund Founded by Dr. A.J.F. O'Reilly to honour the memory of his late father, the Fund provides a Scholarship of £10,000 to contribute towards the cost of attendance at a full-time or part-time MBA course. The Fund seeks to promote knowledge of commercial law and corporate finance among young Irish solicitors. The award - which may be apportioned among candidates - is by competition, open to all apprentices and solicitors qualified within the last ten years who satisfy entry requirements (see below) for an approved MBA course, whether at home or abroad. The competition will have two tiers: (1) An essay of between 3,000 and 5,000 words in a commercial law subject chosen by the candidate; (2) a panel interview which will assess the background interests, motivation and potential of selected essayists. Applications to participate to be made not later than 6 January, 1992; and essays should be submitted by the 28 January, 1992. The successful candidate is expected to commence the study programme in Autumn, 1992. Telephone or write to Professor L. G. Sweeney, Director of Training, Law Society, Blackhall Place, Dublin 7. Tel: 710711. MBA Requirements These are threefold: - normally a primary degree, commonly with first or second class honours or an approved professional qualification, - work experience at an acceptable level of responsibility over a period of three, four or five years depending on the institute and the candidate's other qualifications, - a passing grade in the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). The GMAT is internationally recognised and can be taken in centres in all countries. Information is available from: Graduate Management Admission Test, Educational Testing Service, CN6103 Princeton NJ 08541 - 6103, USA.