Personal Perspective Paper

Personal Perspective Paper - MBA 500

At the University of Phoenix (UOP), there is an array of learning tools and valuable resources to assist students in their completion of the Masters of Business Administration program. Some of the tools provided include rEsource, Learning Teams, and problem-based learning. Such tools provide students with an avenue to gain knowledge and techniques to be utilized outside the classroom and in real life situations.

The Value of rEsource

rEsource is UOP's online center that provides all coursework through the eCampus website. The MBA program, as well as many other programs offered by UOP, are designed and geared toward the working adult. In today's working environment, many companies conduct business electronically. Being able to access information and communicate via the web, i.e. e-mail, is an essential part of running and maintaining a successful business. UOP's rEsource takes those less experienced with the information highway and introduces and compels them to jump into the technological age.

There is no need to purchase traditional textbooks with rEsource. Readings can be viewed as an online document or downloaded and printed for easy reference and portability. rEsource not only provides the reading materials of the course, but also supplements, such as learning objectives and assessments to help tie and clarify the student's understanding of the material. With rEsource, students are able to view the big picture of the course or break it down week-by-week at their convenience. All the tools needed to succeed are available at one's fingertips.

The Value of Learning Teams

Not all people are created equal when it comes to learning or studying techniques. People from different walks of life and cultures have different approaches and different methods. With a learning team, these elements are pulled together to form a small, collaborative group to focus on a central issue or idea throughout the course. Learning to work effectively in teams will help strengthen a student's development and contribute to their excellence in the classroom and the office.

The value of learning teams has been recognized as a fundamental tool for developing "team effectiveness skills" (University of Phoenix [UOP], 2005). Organizations seek adaptability, flexibility, and team competence from their employees. UOP has identified this concept and implemented it into their MBA program as a gateway to a student's success.

By working in teams, the workload is distributed amongst team members. Each member is assigned a role or part according to his/her strengths, creating a more effective effort and approach to the issues at hand. In addition, being part of a collaborative effort prepares and exposes students to conflict; how to recognize it and how to handle it. Learning teams emulate real life. Members would understand that not everyone has the same schedule and everyone works at a different pace. One learns to work around life. Understanding each other's commitments and what each other can contribute, will fortify and develop