Academy of Business Strategy News and Gossip.

ACM in Delft, Netherlands said: Thank you Kalai.

I appreciate your kindness to share with me your thoughts about the course. I did choose this programme, as you did, due to the practical orientation.
What I don’t understand is the ‘silence’ around The ABS; there is a site Top.consultat.com where there are lot of debates/discussions about different consultancy firms, but it is like a taboo, no question is answered about the Academy or associate…

I agree as well with you about MBA, for example at Open University. I have a friend and several colleagues deeply disappointed by the courses there. They got very expensive papers as diplomas and no more than that.

Anyhow I wish you good luck with your studies and, if you don't mind, we may keep in touch; sharing ideas and useful thoughts is always beneficial.

Dear ACM,

After looking at the some of the course material and in particular the How to Study Guide, it does shed a little more light on the course itself. In a way as explained earlier I was feeling isolated, however, I am going to look at this course optimistically and take it as development on my end.

It will be a pleasure to keep in contact with you as we work through this course.

With regard to the abuse posted on the Top Consultant Forum, there are further threads after 2006 to suggest that although the integrity of the organization was challenged concrete proof was needed in order to validate those claims.

I contacted Tony Restell from Top Consultant on Tuesday and asked him to furnish proof, if he had anything available and I have no response as yet.

The way I look at it is that most of us have taken on the course, the fees are paid and we have an entire course to work through. We could decide to debate this to no end but there's no refunds available. I would suggest, place the doubts aside for now and work with what you have.

ABS in Watford, United Kingdom said: You see Andy, I hear where you are coming and if it helps, in my interview process and the discussions I had with the principal of ABS, lead me to believe that they are not particulalry interested in becoming a large nor famous business school for that matter. Not interested in mainstream business development of that size one would think. They (the principal and 4 others) have their own consulting practice UK/USA and the ABS happens to be an particular interest to one of the partners who feels he can share his experience through a training school, hence ABS. Why all the hush hush, who knows, it gets some people intrigued and I think after seeing the course material, it's just too much to be fictitious, so I shall troll my next two years going through the various aspects, I also share one of the other members views, which is; if nothing else it's a great learning experience.

I guess you are right. If nothing It s a remarkable learning experience and it s an added value to one`s CV.

Kalai Naidoo in London, United Kingdom said: Dear ACM,

After looking at the some of the course material and in particular the How to Study Guide, it does shed a little more light on the course itself. In a way as explained earlier I was feeling isolated, however, I am going to look at this course optimistically and take it as development on my end.

It will be a pleasure to keep in contact with you as we work through this course.

Thank you Kalai for your answer.
I agree with you, it is necessary more time to view and review the course materials.

My question was to earlier taking into account the time you had to read the course materials.
I think your positive attitude is very good and then learning is never late and never enough. And always it pays the bill.
Certainly I would love to keep contact with you and share my learning experiences.

Best of luck ACM

To All,

Referring to the taboo around the ABS it is intriguing and that makes me even more curious to go on. I did also a lot of search on the internet, asked opinions of friends and colleagues about this course and the ABS. The points of views are almost on the same line, meaning that I should go for a more recognized educational Academy. These opinions are not exactly in line with my own. While I fully endorse the education role, I am against its mass approach and routine. The ABS has a very unique system of educating people how to do business and that is based on candidate core skills and of course motivation and determination to succeed. And for that I must appreciate The ABS has designed a very good selection process.

I did had the interview with the principal of the Academy and I did like the way they started this business namely not because of an acute need of money. They put passion in it and that one can feel, from his presentation and I felt also during the interview. The fact that they don't want to disclose their former/actual clients & students contact information, I fully understand. And that indeed, can lead, as it is the case here, for some of the forum participants, to the decision of not enrolling in the programme.
This behaviour of ABS of denying prospective students request on this matter apparently contradicts the business rule, namely one should do EVERYTING to attract clients ( read prospective students ). It is clear that the founders of ABS dont live from this business.
Their site is very professional and I should say it has an intelligent design. Well all this effort for not encouraging students to come / makes no sense. Trying to solve the puzzle, in my opinion this attitude is, in a way the last part of their selecting process.
I stop here wishing to all members of the forum good luck in all you do and I do apology for these too many lines and if not in accord with others members points of view. ACM

Hi Kalai and Anuj,

I too have joined the CPC and would like your views on the ABS?

Hi all
I have applied for CPC by chance and I had the pleasant surprise to find that ABS accepted me for a scholarship in Dec. 2007 with a start date on 1st of March 2008. At the beginning I did not know what to do. My family, my friends and colleagues told me that the programme sounds too good to be true and they advised me to think twice before I do any action. I consider my self as a down to earth person and I have always taken the right decision, so I decided to think positive and to accept the ABS offer. Of course, I had my doubts but somehow I found the strength to get the money in time and to hope I did well. Now, I am very curious to find how the courses and the projects will be like, who will be my tutor, when I will be assigned with the AABS...
I think we always consider that the best things happen to others and not to us... In my opinion we should start with seeing the full half of the glass and to go on with our feelings and hopes. As a conclusion, I think that the self confidence and the positive thinking will help us to achieve more than what we expect from ABS. Miha

Hi AJ...

You wouldn't happen to be the same AJ that was implementing a CPC service with BMW about 2 years ago would you by any chance?

Hi Paul

Guilty as charged..

If my memory serves me well, you must be the Paul K who was working as an Associate for me at the time. If so, have you graduated as a CPC yet?

AJ

Good to hear from you again AJ.

Yes, I finally graduated as a CPC four weeks ago...phew! I see that you have enrolled upon DPC now. You must have waited a while after CPC before doing so, whereas most CPC graduates seem to go straight into DPC now. Was there a reason for your delay? I would also be interested in learning more about how you are finding DPC?

Thanks AJ.

Paul

Many congratulations Paul, I'm delighted for you. You have always been positive throughout and fully deserve it.

DPC has changed somewhat over the years. I think that the Academy originally intended for CPC graduates to enrol on DPC about 5 years after graduation. However in reality all CPCs tended to enrol almost immediately, probably because there is too much to lose! Anyway the programme was re-designed as a result about 5 years ago to take this into account.

On paper DPC looks much harder than CPC, probably because it takes 5 years to complete (it coincides with the 5 years that it takes to implement your service). In reality however I am finding it much easier, probably because my client base is already established now and so is my service. It is always easier when you are not working and studying under pressure and I hate having to make things up as you go along. DPC focuses upon maintaining your clients and continuous service improvement so it ensures that you remain ahead of the game. This is probably why CPCs tend to go straight into it now I imagine.

Do you plan to enrol on DPC Paul?

Message for Paul K in Oxford...

Congratulations from me too Paul. I am hoping to graduate in the next few months if all goes well and I was wondering how you selected your first clients upon graduation. I have worked with pretty much the same client partners all of the way through CPC and they have all been really helpful. I would love to keep all 10 of them but this appears to be discouraged. How did you choose your five Paul?

Thank you in advance for your guidance...

Paul K in Oxford, United Kingdom said: AJ

Good to hear from you again AJ.

Yes, I finally graduated as a CPC four weeks ago...phew! I see that you have enrolled upon DPC now. You must have waited a while after CPC before doing so, whereas most CPC graduates seem to go straight into DPC now. Was there a reason for your delay? I would also be interested in learning more about how you are finding DPC?

Thanks AJ.

Hi Paul,

Nice to see your comments and very helpful.

How was your journey throught out the CPC programme? I am really excited to know how long does it take and how many hours you have actually spent every week to complete the course.

Look forward to your reply
Anuj

Hi Anuj,

Is there a problem ....? you didnt reply to my earlier comment, even though you seem to be answering Paul.....?

Hi Fakir,

In one of my previous emails I have written that Its just two weeks that I have received my courier and studying the preliminary analysis course manual. This seems to be well organised and informative for me as I am an MBA not management consultant.

I have registered myself for the associate and still awating inquiry from clients as ABS says that they receive 150 inquiry every month and they have 100 consultants at any time.

Above are two things one is theoritical prespective and another is commitment from ABS. Under such circumstances I feel any decision would be an early to comment on ABS.

However I am trying to get information from the people who have successfully completed their CPC programme.

Please stay in touch and keep writing to get more people and their views on ABS as going to hepl all of us.

Anuj

AJ
Thanks AJ.
Yes, I have already booked my place on DPC, cannot afford not to really...however I have given myself 6 months grace to refresh my batteries. Thanks for your comments re- DPC, most helpful.

Larry Mac
Thanks Larry Mac.
I found that I knew which five clients I was going to work with well before graduation. I suppose it is the ones that you establish the best relationships with, the ones who put the most effort into supporting you and the ones who are chasing the hardest. I think if you were to try to manage more than five, overall quality would probably suffer. It takes a long time to establish credibility with clients, but I would imagine that you could lose it in five minutes! Be selective...

Anuj
It is difficult to say really Anuj. I worked on the basis of 12 hours per week, but some weeks I contributed much more than this and I suppose some weeks I contributed less. There is a very powerful driver throughout the course though so motivation should never be a problem. I completed within the designated two years anyway (just). I am reasonably methodical by nature and I just tend to take one step at a time so I think that this helps. The programme is without question the most difficult thing I have ever done, but the reward is tangible and is certainly well worth the effort. I am not sure I could honestly say the same about my MBA, which cost me four times as much!

Larry Mac
Hey Larry...if you don't mind me asking, what is your service and are all of your client partners located in Boston?

Hi everyone!

I would like to know if anyone of you who has just started with the ABS has their associate registration completed? And if so could tell me if you are receiving inquiries from potential clients for short-term projects?
One last question does someone has their access code to the course material advertised on the website of the ABS? ( There are some sections where a password and an I.D are required to get access)

Andy Crag

I suggest that if you need a user name or password for anything that you should apply through the front door Andy and not through the back door. You certainly shouldn't be asking students on internet forums to provide you with their user name and password.

This is highly unethical Andy.

I agree entirely...it looks like our Mr Crag is trying to obtain a free copy of the programme information, when most of us have paid for the privelege. Shame on you Andy!!!

Larry Mac
I have just started CPC. The programme looks extremely well thought out and I am very excited, but obviously nervous as well. Can you offer any guidance or tips for getting started?

Iam sorry, you all misunderstood me. I was asking if you have received your access code and ID just to be sure that there is really something in that section.My only concern is their credibility...I just want someone to tell me "yes I do have my access codes and ID" or "No there are no passwords or IDs as advertised on the website"... I don't want you to provide me with these courses. They belong to you. It is just a concern that I have and I would like someone to enlighten me before I really enroll upon this programme. Once again Im not asking for a copy of the programme. I just want to know if some of you have their password and ID information, as it is advertised on their website...
I beleive this is something that anyone who wants to enroll but needs more info would do...

Hi Andy,

From my experience if you contact the Academy, they issue you with a password and username in order to access certain areas of the website. The CPC Administrative Secretary normally does this.

Paul,

Great! I am going through the preliminary guide and finding it quite involving.

Regarding the Association assignment that I have not yet received but for clarification did you have the assignment through out your course period and the time mentioned I suppose exclues associate assignment.How much time associate assignment takes?

Please suggest.

Thanks in advance

Anuj

Andy Crag

Honestly Andy...you clearly have serious reassurance issues here, because you are constantly appear to be asking the same questions about credibility and nothing else. There are plenty of students here on this forum who are already studying, so I think that you can safely assume that they have in fact actually received their courses. I would stongly advise you not to enrol (although I seriously doubt whether the Academy would have offered you a position on the programme in the first place)...then you will have nothing at all to worry about and we won't have to pander to your persistent and tedious paranoia...

I am also personally not convinced that we misunderstood you!

Anuj

I only undertook one Associate assignment through the Academy with BMW, but it did last 17 months though. It think that it is down to luck whether you receive anything because the Academy does not find assignments for Associates, it is up to clients to determine whether they want to outsource something to you, but if you ae lucky then Associate assignments are well wothwhile. It is really good experience, in my case I was directly responsible to AJ and learnt a lot from him. The money is good too!

AJ
Iam sorry but i will have to tell you that Iam talking to students from ABS. This is a forum to exchange ideas, ask fro advices and much more... If you have a problem with that, then I suggest you not read or even bother answering my questions.
For someone who works as a CPC and is undertaking a DPC training programme, I wonder how can you have time left to spend on this forum unless Indeed.com is one of your long term clients...For someone who supports the ABS policy, I finally find that you could have been more than available to answer propspective students inquiries...
I didn't mean to be disrespectful to you but you were to me in the first place.
And to answer your question, I was contacted by the ABS for a position without even applying for it. Believe it or not I have nothing to prove you as Iam not dealing with you, but once again with new students from the ABS on a forum that was designed for it. So the "I think "WE" did not misunderstand you" in your comment has no sense as you were not involved in this anwser... Don't bother answering to this comment, you will save both our time, especially yours as you should have things more important to deal with (I hope so for you)...If not feel free to chat on Indeed.com...

Regards

AJ,

I must say thank you for your help in responding all of us and giving us feedback. Fortunately you have completed CPC 8 years back and seems best information available in LONDON that is why I made request to get in touch, because I am also in LONDON.

This interaction/MEETING would really help lot of cpc candidates who have already started their CPC programme.Because of this reason I made request to you in my earlier emails.

You will appreciate our concern and I presume you might have undergone similar kind of situation.

Recently,I got in touch with one of the candidate who is currently CPC student and started in 2005 and very unhappy with ABS and has not got any associate assignment. I didnot want to base my decision only on this guy experience because you are another person who has given different feedback to us and some more through this forum.

Thanks once again and I am eagerly looking forward to your reply and think others would also appreciate.

Kind regards

Anuj

Paul K in Oxford, United Kingdom said: Anuj

I only undertook one Associate assignment through the Academy with BMW, but it did last 17 months though. It think that it is down to luck whether you receive anything because the Academy does not find assignments for Associates, it is up to clients to determine whether they want to outsource something to you, but if you ae lucky then Associate assignments are well wothwhile. It is really good experience, in my case I was directly responsible to AJ and learnt a lot from him. The money is good too!

Thanks Paul,

anuj

Andy Crag

Thank you Andy. You have really just confirmed the point that I was making however. If I am wrong of course, please do point out anything positive or indeed productive in your postings. I am sure that everyone here has learnt a great deal from your incisive contributions...given that fact that you are not even a student with the Academy, I am not exactly sure what credence you expect people to attach to your unqualified assumptions! There are plenty of postings from people here who are students and who subsequently have qualified opinions.

I am also capable of deciding for myself whether to chat on indeed.com but thank you for your valued permission.

AJ

I agree entirely with your comments re- Andy Crag AJ...it is becoming boring!

Hi Anuj

Unfortunately it is not really my job to meet other students with a view towards providing them with reassurance Anuj. This is the very reason why ABS implemented its client and student testimonial policies several years ago... I travel extensively as my client base is international and while I am happy to post the odd comment here as and when I have the time, I have no desire to conduct student meetings. I am sure you understand.

If you have questions concerning the programme, shouldn't you be directing them towards the Academy?

Louise
Just take one step at a time Louise. The tutorial support provided is really excellent but you will only get out of it what you put into it. Once you have an outline plan for your service things really start to take shape.

Paul
A variation of Strategic Alliance Management Paul...10 client partners...4 in Boston...4 in the tri-state area and 2 in Chicago.

Graduation...two months to go!

AJ/Paul K/Larry Mac

Hey guys...It is good to see some positive use of internet forums for a change.

I graduated as a CPC in Sep 07 and have enrolled on DPC to commence from Sep 08. However everything has gone precisely to plan with my client portfolio so far and everyone seems happy (I'm touching wood) and I was wondering about delaying DPC for a further 12 months or so to gain more experience with the service first. Do any of you have any thoughts on this?

Many thanks.

If it helps I graduated with the Academy of Business Strategy as a CFS and work for a well known global software development company here in NYC (I am not a consultant). They must be employing something between 5 or 6 ABS services here to my knowledge, possibly more.

Hope this helps.

AJ
Thatwill be my last comment to you. Just wanted to say you are welcome there's no,need to thank me for that. You definitely have a lot of time to spend on Indeed.com...Like half of your day or even more...

Andy

For once I agree with you entirely...Unfortunately I spend approximately 10 hours per day on my computer and I made the mistake of ticking the indeed.com box which forwards me updated comments as soon as they have been made. Well I have learnt my lesson now and I have subsequently now unticked this box!

Excuse me if I am somewhat protective towards the Academy Andy but I personally believe that I have a lot to be thankful for. CPC was a lifechanging experience for me.

Hello

I graduated as a CES and DES at the Academy (I am not a consultant either).

The Academy is a terrific little company, a real gem. I thoroughly enjoyed my learning experience and my employer can't speak highly enough of them. In a world where globalisation is dominated by mergers and acquisitions and giants competing for market share, it is a breath of fresh air to see a small niche company doing business for so long on an international scale.
Long may they continue. It is more business schools like this that we need.

I hope this proves to be of assistance.

Dear AJ,

With regard to the comments posted and the argument that ensued thereafter, please put it aside.

There are quite a few of us that have benefitted from your encouragement and guidance towards the Academy. I can see that that it is personal to you and that was exactly what I was looking for. It's obvious that you've benefiited greatly from this. Please don't stop contributing due to one person's view.

I do understand that you are extremely busy and appreciate even more the fact that you interrupt your schedule by replying to those of us on the forum.

I totally respect the fact that you don't want to meet with students. On reflection, I realise that you are trying to steer us in the same direction as the Academy is doing. Dependancy should be focussed on the designated channels. I would appreciate if you can, from time to time shed some light on issues that we are facing.

Kalai

Kalai

Very well said Kalai.

If this forum is to be of any productive use to anyone, then it is more positive and qualified comments that we need and less negative unqualified ones. From my experience most CPCs stay away from internet forums for precisely this reason. Let us encourage them to use it.

Please stay in touch AJ.

Larry Mac

Hi Larry,

Thank you. If you wouldn't mind answering, after looking at some of the modules etc that the Academy sent, any additional text books etc. we have to provide, am I right?
The work suggests that an extreme amount of work and research needs to be put in. Am I assuming correctly, that journals and other reference books in conjunction with past studies need to be used in order to do the project studies?

Hi All,

I am new to this forum and I am glad that a number of CPC students are posting and sharing their experiences. I recently enrolled in the Academy and will start in May 2008. I am looking forward to start the program as I am sure it is a challenging and rewarding journey.
After reading all the postings I would be interested if we can create an 'official forum' with CPC ONLY members where we can easily discuss and share our thoughts. The majority of DL MBAs offer like Forum Cafe where all the students post their comments and share ideas, problems and even additional reading material for us to improve our USP.
I am not aware if ABS have this similar setup but I am sure a 'non-public' forum will benefit from easing our queries and challenges that we will/might face during the two year program.
Look forward for your comments and let us make the best of the Internet in a safer way ;)
BR
MPM

MPM in United Kingdom said: Hi All,

I am new to this forum and I am glad that a number of CPC students are posting and sharing their experiences. I recently enrolled in the Academy and will start in May 2008. I am looking forward to start the program as I am sure it is a challenging and rewarding journey.
After reading all the postings I would be interested if we can create an 'official forum' with CPC ONLY members where we can easily discuss and share our thoughts. The majority of DL MBAs offer like Forum Cafe where all the students post their comments and share ideas, problems and even additional reading material for us to improve our USP.
I am not aware if ABS have this similar setup but I am sure a 'non-public' forum will benefit from easing our queries and challenges that we will/might face during the two year program.
Look forward for your comments and let us make the best of the Internet in a safer way ;)
BR
MPM

Dear MPM
This is a very good proposal and I would subscribe to a forum only for ABS students. I find it constructive and I welcome the idea. I think it is best to contact the ABS representatives and maybe, like you already mentioned, there is a dedicated forum or club and we should get the official approval from the Academy to attend to it or to start one. We will have the ABS as the main objective and it is fair to ask to Academy to approve an official site and maybe to have in the best case, their representatives online and advice for general matters.
Kind regards
Miha

Hi all!

Iam new on this forum. Iam a cpc student since February. I received my training pack at the beginning of March. It looks challenging.It's my first time as a distance learner. Glad to see that Iam not the only one having this concern. Ihaven't started working on it yet cause Iam still planning my timetable and I just got a job in NYC so Iam figuring out how Im gonna manage this I read through the guides they provided us with, and on the CD I found that I will have to work with Publisher, which Iam not familiar to. But it shoub be alright though... Is anyone in the same situation? By the way how does the registration as an associate work? Shall I send them an email? because I didn't get any information in relation to it in my pack?

Hope we'll share our Ideas and this forum will constructive for all of us.

thank you

Hi guys,

I just got offered the scholarship for the CPC and am really excited to be a part of ABS. However, I was wondering if the compensation scheme as mentioned in the ABS application brief was true to form?

Any other information from recent graduates or people who have experienced the program is highly appreciated!

Thanks guys

WC

Congratulations WC. Yes I just graduated as a CPC. Initial fees are based upon $4,000 per month per client after graduation. Over 5 clients that is $20,000 per month. You cannot graduate without achieving this because services are developed with clients during the programme. Hope this helps.

If it helps you guys asking about an official internet forum, this question has already been asked. The Academy does not subscribe to or endorse internet forums because they recommend that students use tutorial support as it was intended. There can be as much disinformation on internet forums as information and the concern was that it would cause confusion, misunderstanding and encourage plagarism.

I subscribe to several internet forums for different reasons and I find it useful as a switch off, a bit like reading the newspaper. But I have to say that I agree with the Academy on this one. When you are obtaining advice concerning CPC you need to be sure that it is qualified advice and the official line...

WC

Yes WC. I have recently graduated and earn 120k GBP from five clients. I also know two DPCs who are earning between 400k/500k GBP. The reason for this is because CPC/DPCs charge clients for the implmentation of their product, not for their time and this is how clients measure value. Remember that clients are only employing you for 1 day per month, so with my clients for example they are only paying me 2k GBP per month each which is peanuts to them. I think my clients would already value my service at much higher than this but I am being advised to be patient...