The first workshop for the participants from Malta on the Henley MBA programme, which was recently held at Henley-on-Thames in the UK, was a means of touching base with Henley Business School and meeting up with fellow colleagues from around the world.

This year's intake from Malta consists of 21 managers and executives involved in manufacturing and service companies as well as a number of public service officials. There are four nationalities represented in the Malta cohort, and the average age of this year's participants is 34.

The workshop, which was attended by 62 programme participants from Malta, Germany and Ireland, was opened by Susan Rose, associate head for professional programmes. This was followed by a dinner during which Tony Downes, deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Reading, wished the participants a good start to their three-year learning journey.

During the starter workshop a total of 14 different nationalities were represented in the cohorts of students from the three countries. This global mix renders the Henley MBA international in terms of reach and networking opportunities. The Malta-based group were able to interact with the participants from the Germany and Ireland both during the workshop as well as during meal times and at the bar in the evenings.

Tim Osborn-Jones introduced the module of personal development after which the workshop moved on to the module of dynamics of management, with Nicola Swan and Trevor Long. The programme members were challenged to change their way of thinking about established management practices.

The starter workshop serves as the ideal springboard for further personal and professional development for the programme members. Lorenzo Mule Stagno, the programme director of the Malta-based Henley MBA, offered practical help and advice on the use of the online learning platform and how best to exploit the resources available on the Henley interactive e-learning environment.

During a session specifically designed for the Maltese cohort, Lorenzo coached the group in study methods and team-working skills. During the same session the programme were also addressed by Chris Dalton, programme director of the global MBA at Henley Business School. During his presentation he explained the change in name from 'distance learning' to 'flexible learning programme'. This change came about because the Henley MBA programme involves a blend of distance learning support and intensive locally-organised workshops.

Back in Malta, the programme members are already focusing on their first assignment and eager to put into practice what they are learning.

For more information on the Henley MBA, or DBA, e-mail local Henley MBA associates Allied Consultants on info@henleymalta.com.mt or phone on 2131 1326.