Riz’s Rotman Blog

Classes are over for Q3. Earlier this week we did a “simulation” assignment in Strategy. Basically, it’s a computer program that simulates the job of trying to sell the idea of Six Sigma to an organization. You have various tactics you can apply and you have to try and get the executives/top management on board. It was kind of fun to do and once you figure out the underlying algorithm it becomes easy to predict what to do and how to sell your idea in the organization—I guess that’s the learning point; learn the “algorithm” of the organization then you can sell you idea… So gather information!

Studying always sucks but at least this quarter we have a break in the middle of exams rather than 4 or 5 exams back-to-back-to-back-to…

Interesting tidbit: When I start getting bored in class I start to doodle on my notes. This is great in two ways:

1. It’s entertaining to look at. Apparently boredom yields creativity.
2. I know when I stopped paying attention in class and know that I have to read the book for this section.

I recently interviewed for a job with RIM. It sounds like a really cool job but they are hiring from schools all across North-America and competition sounds stiff. I’ll let you know what happens.

After exams I’m heading for a little vacation (as shown on my personal blog). It should be a good time and I’ll snap lots of pictures to post. After the trip I have to start up the job search again…

Anyways, enough procrastination… on to watching star-trek.

• The workload this quarter is a lot lower that last quarter.
• I don’t have a job yet.
• I’m a little worried about exams (in a week). I don’t even know what I’ve learned this quarter. Problem…
• I think ate some bad chicken for dinner, my tummy hurts a bit.
• I’m taking a vacation to some place warm during reading week.
• Description of the assignment this quarter:
  • MCV:
    • Challenge 1: Figure out how to fix the Kitchen Aid Cook for the Cure program
    • Challenge 2: Figure out how to help RBC connect with a younger generation (18 to 35 years old).
    • Homework: Figuring out the “value” of a customer and how much money you should spend on advertising etc. to acquire a customer.
  • Strategy:
    • Group Assignment: How to redesign Acer’s org structure to balance innovation and control.
    • Individual Assignment:Haven’t gotten it yet.
  • Finance:
    • Group Assignment 1/2: Valuing Microsoft/Amazon.
    • Individual Assignment: Random questions including valuation and theory.
  • Managerial Accounting
    • Group Assignment: A very painful reading assignment about a case.
  • Macro Econ
    • No Assignments, just 2 quizzes.

I recently felt like coding up a quick application to automate some tasks on my laptop. And I had some trouble remembering a lot of little things that geeks need to do…

All this b-school has made my kung-fu weak. Need to practice…