For Tyrone Peters, studying the MBA (Technology and Digital Strategy) is not about following the latest technology trend. It is about learning how to bring together business, people and technology to make better decisions.
Tyrone is a Principal Architect at a global software-as-a-service company. He works with customers and partners to understand their strategic objectives and how technology can help accelerate them.
Building technology leadership capability for a changing landscape
Against a backdrop of disruption across the technology industry, Tyrone wanted a broader set of theories and frameworks to strengthen his approach.
鈥淚t is not only about what AI can do for a business,鈥 he says. 鈥淚t is also about what is needed from an organisational standpoint, not just a technology standpoint.鈥
The decision was not driven solely by promotion. Tyrone wanted to invest in capability that would remain valuable as roles, organisations and technologies changed.
鈥淚t is a bit like going to the gym,鈥 he says. 鈥淵ou put in the effort and you get stronger. I wanted something I had more control over that would keep building my capability.鈥
Flexible online study designed for working professionals
The online delivery has made postgraduate study possible alongside full-time work, family life, school board responsibilities and community volunteering.
For Tyrone, the flexibility has been important but so has the quality of the learning experience.
鈥淚t is actually very immersive,鈥 he says. 鈥淵ou are not sitting there watching someone read from a PowerPoint.鈥
The program combines readings, concise videos, interactive activities and case-based discussion. Students prepare before class, form their own views and arrive ready to contribute.
鈥淵ou need to pace yourself, but the flexibility means you can fit the learning around work and family.鈥
You need to pace yourself, but the flexibility means you can fit the learning around work and family.
Tyrone Peters
Applying MBA learning to real-world challenges
One semester into the program, Tyrone is already using the learning. In one unit, he explored how blockchain, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and augmented reality could support education. Another unit challenged him to step back from the technology and first understand stakeholder motivations and the broader consequences of a proposed solution.
鈥淒on鈥檛 jump straight to a technology solution,鈥 he says. 鈥淭ake the time to understand the real challenges people are facing, the nuances and what will actually help them move forward.鈥
Learning alongside experienced professionals across industries
The fastest return has come from the cohort. Students from health, not-for-profit and other sectors bring perspectives Tyrone would not always encounter professionally.
鈥淓ach week I see something that impresses me,鈥 he says. 鈥淭he different ways people solve problems and present their ideas make every discussion richer.鈥
For those wondering whether the program will deliver value quickly, Tyrone鈥檚 experience suggests the return begins well before graduation.
鈥淭his is not about learning technology for technology鈥檚 sake. It is about understanding how to bring together business, people and technology to make better decisions in a changing world.鈥