Dear Students, It is a particular pleasure for us to introduce the 2014-2015 Yearbook. We have had so many excellent participants in our programs this year: motivated, passionate and very concerned about the bigger societal issues and the role of various organizations in these. MSM’s mission is to work together for better global management and you have helped us fulfil this mission in 2014-2015 through your critical engagement with your lecturers and fellow students. This year has also been a remarkable one for MSM as we undertook many program and organizational innovations - and got nominated in the process for AMBA’s Innovation Award. This reflects that we are concerned about the relevance and the quality of our education and that our students remain firmly our prime concern. Therefore it is great that you have chosen MSM. We trust that your newfound knowledge and qualification will serve you in your subsequent endeavors. As our alumni and alumnae, you are now part of the MSM family. The facts and figures you have learned about management and business will be outdated in a short time. But the approach to life and personal joy will hopefully be of support to you for much longer. Thank you for coming to MSM. We look forward to staying in touch with you. In the future we want to learn from you.

1. 2 0Y RE 1 5A

3. From the Board of Directors
Dear Students,
It is a particular pleasure for us to introduce the 2014-2015 Yearbook.
We have had so many excellent participants in our programs this year:
motivated, passionate and very concerned about the bigger societal issues
and the role of various organizations in these. MSM’s mission is to work
together for better global management and you have helped us fulfil this
mission in 2014-2015 through your critical engagement with your lecturers
and fellow students.
This year has also been a remarkable one for MSM as we undertook many
program and organizational innovations - and got nominated in the process
for AMBA’s Innovation Award.This reflects that we are concerned about the
relevance and the quality of our education and that our students remain
firmly our prime concern.Therefore it is great that you have chosen MSM.
We trust that your newfound knowledge and qualification will serve you in
your subsequent endeavors.
As our alumni and alumnae, you are now part of the MSM family.The facts
and figures you have learned about management and business will be
outdated in a short time. But the approach to life and personal joy will
hopefully be of support to you for much longer. Thank you for coming to
MSM.We look forward to staying in touch with you. In the future we want to
learn from you.
Prof.Wim A. Naudé, PhD
Dean Director
Director Research
Ms. Kati Kovacs, MPA
Associate Dean for Quality Assurance
and Services
Ms. Amy Wang, MBA
Associate Dean for International Relations
and Innovations
Prof. dr. Aad van Mourik
Director Education
Mr. Meinhard Gans, MSc
Director International Projects
and Consultancies
Ms. Chantal Muyrers
Senior Manager Finance
Mrs. Marion Rutten-Klerckx, MA
Senior Manager Human Resources
and Legal Affairs
Ms. Angelique Dijk
Executive Secretary to the Directors

4. Dr. Boris Blumberg
Lecturer in Global Corporate Strategy and in Research Methods
A challenging,demanding and insightful journey has reached its
final destination named “Graduation”. It was a pleasure to be a
tiny part in your MBA journey - I appreciate our discussions,the
diversity of experiences and backgrounds and the many smiles
that you brought to class.You have shown what you are able to
accomplish and I congratulate you with your MBA diploma.
My sincere wish is that you will use the MBA experiences,the
knowledge and the skills gained to realize your dreams and to
make this world a better place for everybody.
Frans Boumans, MSc, MBA
Lecturer in Investment Banking
New financing models in a changing world are needed since the
credit crisis started seven years ago.What the world needs are
not only different banks but also new financing models such as
crowd funding,bank unions,peer-to-peer and family lending,and
so on.We need to develop microfinance to the next phase of
growth and sustainability. And last but not least to change the
banking industry.With your MBA you can make the difference,
also for the financial world.The MBA program provided you with
knowledge and improved your competencies in order to help and
advise others in making better choices.The investment returns of
your MBA are various and numerous.You worked hard,you
achieved your goal,and you earned your return. So now…You
have plenty of time… no assignments with deadlines from your
professors anymore…Life ahead of you,back to business as usual
or something new,it is up to you again. I am sure you are ready to
move on,to make the right choices. I wish you all the best in good
health and happiness!
David J. Dingli, MBA, MPhil
Assistant Professor Operations Management
Dear students, as future business leaders you will be faced with
many challenges. I hope that your time at MSM has equipped
you with a global mindset. Business leaders of tomorrow must be
globally competitive and require new perspectives on business and
leadership.For those of you who plan to become entrepreneurs and
launch the business ideas you presented to me in class (EMBA2013)
I wish you every success.To the MSc MME class,you are now ready
to lead technical teams as you have mastered the art of combining
management and technology. Good luck to you all.
Stuart Dixon, PhD
Lecturer Global Corporate Strategy / Academic Coordinator
Global MBA programs
Teaching in the residential MBA program is always a lot of fun,and
this year was no exception. MBA31,you were a lively group.You
were eager to learn,eager to challenge,eager to discuss but also
eager to have fun.The atmosphere was great.The slightly smaller
group meant that interaction increased,leading to livelier classes,
deeper discussions and high quality of learning. MBA31,you were
a pleasure to teach and made my job considerably easier and a lot
more fun! I wish you all the best in your future endeavors,I’m sure
you will all pursue them with the same enthusiasm as your
studies! Good luck!
From the professors

5. Prof. Dr. Matthias Fifka
Lecturer in Global Responsibility and Ethics
Dear students of MBA31, it has been a wonderful and
exciting week with you! Thank you for the lively participation
in class and the vivid discussions! I wish you nothing but the
best for your private and business life. Concerning the latter,
always remember: It is less important how you spend the
money that you make, what is important is how you make it.
All the best!
Prof. Geert Heling, PhD
Professor of Organizational Behavior
Working with you was really a joy; so many faces, so many
different cultural backgrounds, so many promising talents. I
am convinced that your professional and personal life will
benefit from what we have dealt with during the lectures.
You know the saying ‘change is a constant factor in life’.
So all of us we will move on, in whatever direction life will
take us. But, as we are connected now as members of the
growing global MSM community, we will stay in touch with
each other.Wishing you all the best!
Prof. R. Jayashankar
Lecturer in Corporate Restructuring
The eclectic MBA31 batch got down to the brass tacks of
Corporate Restructuring across the globe from Ecuador to the
subcontinent.There was never a dull moment with the group.
The animated debates and the whole hearted participation
left lasting impressions. I wish the participants all the best as
they try to make headway with their careers back in their
home countries. It is needless to add that they will emerge
triumphant and buck the trend amidst the challenges posed
by the global meltdown.
Dr. Stephanie Jones
Associate Professor, Organizational Behavior
MBA31 brought the usual diversity and energy to the
corridors of MSM. Life is very quiet without them.This year I
did not teach all of the students but those with whom I
interacted brought very special qualities to the group. One in
particular (he knows who he is) brought a spiritual dimension
to the pursuit of business which I saw as a great contribution
to MSM’s unique cultural mix.There is not one way of looking
at the world. If ever we might forget that, our students will
put us right.When they come to MSM they start on a journey.
There are calms and storms on the way.They know they have
to weather them - it’s all a question of attitude.The learning
process is tough, but as we know - what doesn’t kill us makes
us stronger... (Nietzsche)

6. Terry Kakeeto-Aelen
Lecturer International Marketing and Service Management /
Assistant Professor in Marketing
Teaching the International Marketing and Service
Management elective to the MBA31 students specializing
in International Business (IB) was for me both an elevating
and humbling experience.The group was small but very
multi-cultural, practical and highly enthusiastic.This paved
the way for lively, one-to-one discussions and the sharing of
exciting global service experiences with one another.
Although there was a lot to be covered within a very short
period, everyone exhibited exceptionally high energy levels
throughout the lecture week. I take this opportunity to
congratulate each one of you for having reached this all too
important milestone. I wish you a lot of success in all your
future academic endeavors and other vital areas of your
life’s journey.
Prof. Luc Keuleneer
Lecturer in Finance in International Markets
Teaching for MBA31 at MSM was a great experience for me!
Having such an interesting and international MBA-group of
very motivated people in the room is rather exceptional for a
lecturer. Challenging questions made the teaching for me
unforgettable. I have no doubt that this group is going to
make it! All the best!!
Dr. Stefanie Kleimeier
Associate Professor of Finance
Dear MBA31 students in the Accounting and Finance Specialization,
my course “Portfolio Management”presented you with a
challenging subject:You had to link abstract statistical measures
to financial theories and ultimately to economic reality. And all of
that in a very short time:from the basics of risk and return to
evaluating international portfolios in just four days.Throughout
the course,I was impressed by your dedication and hard work.You
were motivated in class and when working on the projects after
class. It was indeed a pleasure to teach you! I hope that the skills
that you learned and knowledge that you acquired are valuable to
you when you return to your home countries. I wish you all the
best for the future.
Joris Stadhouders
Lecturer Global Supply Chain Management / Assistant Professor
of Management Information Systems
You have been successfully participating,during a vibrant
academic year,in an outstanding MBA class.You demonstrated
great interest in the challenging topics of Global Supply Chain
Management.You worked very well in teams,analyzing and
discussing cases,and presenting them.The class demonstrated
high level of involvement and willingness to listen to each and
everyone’s point of view.That is probably the best way to learn.
I felt privileged to lecture the GSCM course to your class. In
return, I trust that your memories of MSM will be good.
With great confidence I can say that I expect you to do well
in the future. Congratulations with your achievements!

7. Jakomijn van Wijk,PhD
Assistant Professor Sustainable Business
ISI-impacts scores, APA-standards and paraphrasing,
summarizing and quoting rules... I guess there are much
better ways to start your MBA experience. Nevertheless,
I hope that you reflect on your thesis trajectory as an
inspiring intellectual journey in which you have learned a
lot not only about your thesis topic, but also about managing
a one-year research project, including your supervisor,
thinking analytically and writing academically. I truly enjoyed
teaching you research methodology and coordinating the
thesis trajectory in general. It was great to see how some
vague and fuzzy initial research ideas evolved into solid
empirical studies with not only theoretical, but also
managerial implications for the organizations and industries
you have studied. It was great meeting you and I wish you all
the best in your future career and personal life.

8. learned how to put the theory into practice and experienced
what it’s like to work together with different cultures. I’ve
gotten to know you as an enthusiastic, motivated and rather
quiet group.
And now, almost one year later you will leave MSM many
experiences richer and of course a lot wiser.You will take with
you new friendships and a knowledge that reaches so much
further than what was taught during the many lecture hours.
It’s all the ingredients of the pressure cooker that make this
an experience you will never forget and I’m convinced this
will help you in your future careers.
It was a true pleasure and privilege getting to know you and
working with you. I wish you all the best in your careers and
personal life. Congratulations!
From the staff
Karen Tromp
Education Operation Officer - MBA
It seems like yesterday that you all arrived at MSM, not knowing
what to expect in a country so different from home. During the
first two weeks you started to get to know each other during
the Learning Styles sessions and the Workshop Carousel and
got to experience what team work is all about. And there was
also time for fun; shooting the International Music Video with
you was a great experience. It was so much fun watching you
riding a bike for the first time and eating raw herring!
But the famous pressure cooker was waiting for you! Starting
off slowly with Managing Cultural Diversity the pressure
quickly built up with courses like Accounting and Economics
and remained at top level until the very last exam day.
You struggled through exams and group assignments,

9. become very close in a very short period of time and lifelong
global friendships had arisen. It was always hard to say
goodbye! We hope that you will carry the knowledge you have
gained at MSM in your backpack, not only the knowledge and
skills you have learned from our lecturers and textbooks, but
especially the knowledge you have learned from each other.
We hope that all of this will contribute to your own empower-
ment and to the support of your organization.
Oliver Olson (Head of Enrollment Management), Ellen Narinx
(Senior Officer Student Affairs and Career),Cathelijn Gilissen,
Astrid Delhaas (Admissions Officer),Denise Dupont (Alumni &
Education Officer)
Enrollment Management: Admissions, Student Affairs, Career
Center & Alumni Office
Dear MBA31 Students, first, congratulations on successfully
completing your MBA program! You have been with us for
some time now.We got to know you through email and phone
contact.There was a lot of exchange of information before we
could welcome you all here in Maastricht.We enjoyed
interacting with such a diverse group of participants.You not
only learned a lot at MSM and from each other but we also
learned from you.We hope that you enjoyed studying and
living in Maastricht,The Netherlands. As you now become
MSM alumni we ask you to please stay in touch with us.We
would love to know how you are doing. Good luck with all your
endeavors and we hope that you will have a nice welcome
back home.Warmest regards!
Dolores McIntyre
Education Operations Officer - Executive MBA
It is my pleasure to congratulate you on your excellent
achievement. Over the past 24 months I have had the
privilege to get to know you during your visits to MSM,
I experienced you as an eager and enthusiastic group of
students who worked hard, showed tremendous energy,
dedication and endurance in order to complete your MBA
studies and all this on top of the added pressures of holding
down full time jobs.Your team spirit and motivation got you
through your numerous assignments, exams and prepared
you for your Master Thesis. I wish you all the best in your
future endeavors and hope you apply all the knowledge and
skills you have learned during your journey at MSM.
Manon Souren
Education Operations Officer - Executive Programs
Participants of the Executive Programs 2014-2015, you flew to
Maastricht from all around the world. For some of you it was
the first time visiting the Netherlands or even Europe.We
“knew”each other a little bit, because of the many email
messages we exchanged before your arrival but it was always
exciting to meet you in person on Monday morning during
breakfast and match your faces to your names! Every group
was different but it was always a pleasure having you here in
Maastricht. At the beginning of each course, individuals
coming from different parts of the world entered the class
room. At the closing ceremony, we witnessed a group that had

10. Erik Bartels
Procurement Officer
Dear participants, congratulations for your hard work.
Good performance and efforts during the year 2014 - 2015
have paid off to complete this MBA31 program. I have been
working at MSM for 19 years and it remains surprising to
me how fast all these diverse nationalities with their unique
character adapt so easily to the Dutch- and particularly
MSM- culture and especially to the other students in our
rooms, courses and programs. I still learn a lot from this
experience, wishing that it would be like this all over the
world. It would make life for all human beings much more
peaceful. For the MBA31 class, I will remember all your
activities that MSM or you planned and joined, especially
the making of the video clip; the photo reportages of the
work visit to EU Brussels and the city of Brussels itself;
the fine food fair with Mayor Onno Hoes from Maastricht;
the profile pictures for business purposes and for the
Yearbook and the many photo shoots of you together with
the guest lecturers who enriched you with their knowledge.
It will be in my memories for ever. And not to forget your big
and cheerful smiles even after a though exam. It shows that
MSM is one big family which is still growing and growing.
I wish you all a successful, happy and most of all a healthy
future, both in business and in your private life! Godspeed to
all of you.
Arsenio Kranenburg
Facility Officer
Dear participants,first of all congratulations for your hard work
and successful completion of your first-class degree.Today
marks an important day in your lives. It is the beginning of
a new journey. I hope you will continue building bridges
between different cultures and continue to create a world
with understanding and cooperation for the benefit of your
respective societies and the world community. Good luck
and wishing you all the best.
Iris Weijenberg
Information Center
Dear students of MBA31, congratulations! One year of hard
work is over and you are going home, carrying an MBA degree
in your suitcase. But more importantly, you gained a lot of
knowledge and experience. Knowledge which you can use in
your job and knowledge which you can transfer to the
organizations in your country. I will remember MBA31 as a
very friendly, quiet group. I enjoyed the moments I spent with
you in the Information Office. From the first introduction to
the lectures about literature review and referencing to the
individual requests for help on how to find the key articles for
an assignment or for your thesis.The lively group discussions,
tired faces around deadlines and nervous students before the
thesis defense are also part of my memories. I want to thank
you for all the “Thank you’s”I received from you. It was a
great pleasure working with all of you and I wish you a very
successful, healthy and wonderful future. Keep in touch!

11. Maud de By, Sueli Brodin, Mariëlle Daemen, Paula Kolfschoten
Communications Office
Dear MBA31 students, dear friends,
“Cause you’re a sky, you’re a sky full of stars”
Those are the words that come to mind when we at the MSM
communications office think of you, and for us, this song by
Coldplay will forever bring to our minds the cheerful video
clip that we made with you at the start of your MBA journey at
MSM, as you enthusiastically discovered your new surroundings
in the city of Maastricht.You all danced, sang and laughed in
front of another important star, the big red star of Maastricht.
We shared many more memorable moments this year, such as
the international dinner in November, where you gave your
guests the chance to taste fabulous dishes from your respective
countries, or the New Year PechaKucha celebration, where you
inspired us with your heartfelt presentations, and our lively
Carnival party, to mention but a few.The spirit of comradery
created during these events at MSM and also during the many
extracurricular activities that you undertook, such as the trips
you made together throughout the Netherlands and Europe is
undoubtedly what helped you keep up with the fast pace and
intense rhythm of your MBA studies. It is also what will
maintain the feeling of connection after you return to your
respective homes and responsibilities. During our group lunch
sessions, we very much appreciated the feedback you gave us
about the importance of personal recommendations and word
of mouth communication in promoting our programs abroad.
This confirmed once again your immense value for our School,
not only as students but also as future alumni and hopefully
ambassadors.
Quoting Coldplay’s song again, we trust that your experience
at MSM “will light up the path”to success!
Our best wishes to you all!

12. B AM 3 1

14. From the Academic Coordinator MBA31
I am always sad to say goodbye to graduating students. “Partir c’est mourir un peu,”
as the French say, and this accurately describes what I feel when students go back to their
own countries. Saying goodbye on the other hand also fills me with pride: I am proud of the
fact that so many of you made it until the end, proud that you are MSM alumni, and proud
already of the great things that many of you will do for your home countries and finally
proud and grateful that I have been one of your professors.
You have a year behind you of very hard work, with deadlines almost every week and with
exams at least once a month. As for me, I enjoyed working with you very much, especially as
you bore our Moodle experiments with great dignity and with no complaints. I enjoyed
reading all your theses and learned a lot about your topics, countries and cultures. I hope
that when you go back to your countries and meet your old friends and relatives, you will
gradually start to realize how much a year at MSM has changed you. Hopefully you will have
made friends on all continents, and hopefully you will stay in touch. Finally, we hope that you
have learned things that will make a difference to your personal lives and future careers.
Time has passed by very quickly and the year has now come to an end. I am not going to
wish you farewell, because a farewell sounds so final, as if we will never see each other again
and will forget about each other. I say goodbye hoping, expecting, that you will come back
one day and that you do not forget MSM!
Prof. Aad van Mourik, PhD
Director Education
Professor of Economics

15. From the Class Representatives MBA31
Dear all,
Participating in the Maastricht MBA program at MSM has been an awesome experience that has caused
a paradigm shift in our lives.We have been metamorphosed in our thinking and we are ready to
contribute towards providing practical solutions to the world.The course offerings and sequencing at
MSM are meticulously executed by world class professors who have a massive wealth of knowledge
and skills.The learning environment at MSM is very stimulating and enabling so that co-creation and
innovation are encouraged.The interaction with students from diverse cultures,backgrounds and
experiences has also been a valuable and rare experience and to have been given the opportunity to lead
this group has been an honor and a wonderful leadership experience. My approach to issues has been
broadened. I have realized that everyone is so different and yet the same in so many ways!Working with
the MSM staff was very inspiring and it was incredible to receive latitude from them to organize events
at a high level involving Maastricht University and the Mayor of Maastricht City. In retrospect,I would
love to register my heartfelt thankfulness to my Lord and Savior- Jesus Christ (my God),family and friends,
the MSM faculty and staff,the MBA31 group,Nuffic,the Netherlands government and last but not least,
the Zambian government for the love and support rendered.Yours Faithfully
Dear all,
A year ago we all embarked on a journey that would change our lives,people from 22 countries came
together in one place to start this new adventure together.The MBA program has been a unique and
valuable experience where all of us have been transformed and our mindset has been changed. It has
been quite a journey,one that I have enjoyed enormously;it has been exciting,cathartic,enlightening
and at some points even a bit frustrating. It has been a time of personal discovery as well as very
insightful with regards to not only business but the understanding of different people. It has been a
tough balancing act between all the assignments,presentations,case discussions and the final thesis.
However,I believe that now that I look back at everything,the challenge has been definitely worth it!
I want to thank all of the MSM faculty,staff and everyone who has made this past year an even more
enriching experience. Finally,to all my MBA31 friends I feel honored to have been given the possibility to
represent my class for the last part of the program. Don’t ever forget that the most valuable thing that I
am taking from this experience apart from the academic part,is the pleasure of having met each one of
you and proudly calling you my family. I hope the MBA is only the starting point of our journey. MSM is
really the place where the world meets! All the best!
Mutende Musonda
Zambia
Corporate Strategy
and Economic Policy
Olga Paez
Ecuador
Corporate Strategy and
Economic Policy

16. Aarti Kalpoe
Suriname, Corporate Strategy and Economic Policy
Studying at MSM was an enriching experience. New ideas and concepts helped me to see beyond what
I perceived to be limiting. Being part of an international class representing almost all continents was a
true revelation. MSM is the cradle of some very important lessons learned in life such as “if you can
dream it, you can do it”and “all creation is co-creation”… therefore I hope that after this MBA experience
each one of us is inspired to create such an environment and succeed in living his or her dreams.
“There is nothing like a dream to create the future”- Victor Hugo
Alejandra Salazar Santos
Colombia, International Business
This year was definitely special and unique for me. I had the opportunity to meet amazing people and
discover the world in just one classroom. I had lecturers who inspired me to make a positive change in
the world and friends who made me feel always at home.The multicultural environment along with a
collaborative and friendly atmosphere, made this experience one of the best of my life!
Armina Serwenda
Tanzania, Accounting and Finance
I am grateful to NUFFIC and MSM for giving the opportunity to study a world class MBA, experience a
wonderful multicultural environment and enjoy life in Europe. Studying at MSM has been one of the
best parts of life. In the beginning, it seemed like a struggle, but at the end of the day, we can smell the
wonderful fragrance of success in our study.
Ana Paez
Ecuador, Corporate Strategy and Economic Policy
For me, the MBA is a milestone on my journey as I go after something greater for my life.This has been a
journey of self-discovery where the pressure revealed my strengths and weaknesses which allowed me to
reach new heights. I will never forget the year I spent in the Netherlands in which I found great friends
and learned so much from people from all over the world.
Students MBA31

17. Anton Tarigan
Indonesia, Corporate Strategy and Economic Policy
It was a great experience to be part of the MBA31 class, meeting people from the other side of the world
and trying to deal with different cultural backgrounds. It was not easy task to deal with all the “pressure
cooking”process, loaded with all the assignments and exams, but overall it was a great experience to be a
part of this program.The MBA program was challenging and demanding because it was completely
different from regular MBA programs in my country. I did learn a lot in here, not just the academic part, but
also self-management and communication skills. I believe all the things I studied here are very useful for the
development of my future career.
Balasz Kleeberg
Hungary, Accounting and Finance
Maastricht is a unique place to live and meet with people from all around the world.Thanks to great
professors and fellow students my knowledge in accounting and finance was broadened and my personal
and management skills were further developed. I’m really happy that I had the chance to be a part of this
international community and I hope that after our graduation we will stay in touch and meet frequently
either in Europe or in any other continent.
Benjamin Musonda
Zambia, Corporate Strategy and Economic Policy
Coming to do my MBA in Maastricht was a dream come true, and the time I spent in the Netherlands
exceeded my expectations: the high quality of the program, the healthy lifestyle of biking, the warm Dutch
people, the amazing MBA31 class, the supportive MSM staff and the world class professors, made me wiser
and grow in a lot more other dimensions. I connected with Maastricht in many unique ways, and if I have to
relive the choosing of where I would have loved to study, I would choose MSM all over again! Though
staying away from my family was a big challenge at first, I quickly adapted and the experience made me
grow closer. I thank God for making me go through these precious moments.
Brighton Mavhusa
Zimbabwe, Accounting & Finance
New experiences always come along with equal measures of anticipation and trepidation.The best way to
make the most of, and enjoy these experiences, is to immerse into them. I would like to think this is what I,
along with my MBA31 fellow students did during our time in Maastricht, from cycling almost everywhere, to
making “frietjes”my staple (although without the mayonnaise).While indeed the reason we all made it to
Maastricht was to further our education in our own individual quests, as the time of our departure draws
close, we will leave with a wealth of memories, relationships and definite life-long friendships.

18. Diego Razzeto
Peru, Corporate Strategy and Economic Policy
During this year in Maastricht I have had great experiences and met wonderful people.
Eleftheria Sitara
Greece, International Business
There is a quote saying that “time is not measured by the passing of years, but by what one does, what one
feels and what one achieves”. If it is so, my past year in MSM was equal to a decade full of experiences.
Thinking of what I did, I would recall the various courses, exams and projects, which sharpened my business
skills and knowledge.Thinking of what I felt, I would focus on the inspiring sessions of multicultural
teamwork, the friendships I developed and the wisdom born by fellows totally different with each other.
Therefore, thinking of what I achieved, my progress both as a person and as a professional is what will
finally define my path in the years to come. All the best!
Emmanuel Balele
Tanzania, Accounting & Finance
Success has always been a main goal in my life and in order to fulfill this goal I knew it was essential for me
to not only enter a field that I am passionate for, but to further my skills and knowledge in the area of
Financial Management and Control .MSM became the perfect place to fulfill my dream as the program went
beyond my expectations in every way. Everything is so well packaged-the content, the faculty, facilities and
support. It was a nice experience, one that transformed my way of thinking working with a diverse
classroom.The professors are overwhelmingly good and passionate about what they do. People came from
a wide range of industries, from all over the world. I hadn’t expected how important the other participants
would be to the overall experience.The caliber of the group really impressed me.They were all brilliant
thinkers who approached the cases from different angles.This has made my stay at MSM among the most
memorable times of my life.
Gustavo Neves
Brazil, International Business
I am a more confident business leader, a trainer, and a coach because of my MBA at MSM.

19. James Bamwete
Uganda, Corporate Strategy and Economic Policy
Studying in Europe is an opportunity to see the developed world if you come from an underdeveloped country
like Uganda. Above all the Netherlands is a peculiar place with nice people ever willing to help. I experienced the
European Union thanks to a “ticket”that enabled me to move around Europe freely without any border checks,
all of this facilitated by the Netherlands Government.This is anchored in the high technology in communication
and security. Africa could emulate this as a stepping stone to development.
MSM is at the center of my stay in Europe with its “pressure cooker”that made me believe that a book of
600 pages can be read and thoroughly understood in one week to pass the examinations.This instills a spirit of
hard work with a feeling that nothing is impossible;All that is required is strategy and diving deeper into issues.
At the top is the cultural diversity at MSM which allows to learn how to live with people.There is a saying in
many corners of the world:“Never trust anyone”,but in Europe trust is postulated in many things,especially
the culture of not lying,and this keeps the systems together.
Leki Tshering
Bhutan, Accounting and Finance
Dear Nuffic/MSM/Professors, I can’t believe I am graduating! I’m so excited and wanted to stop and tell you
how I much appreciate your help throughout the year.You were patient, inspirational, actually made my
time fun, although the study days were so stressful, yet very rewarding.Thanking you.
Mahendra Subedi
India, Corporate Strategy and Economic Policy
MSM is a perfect place for quality education, diverse cultural exposure and global connections. Being with
students from many countries and working in intercultural groups is very enriching. Apart from the business
subjects, MSM also teaches to manage time and self-discipline indirectly through its tight schedules, vast
curriculum and workshops.The skills developed, knowledge acquired, and the network built at MSM will
certainly help me contribute positively in the fields of development and human rights in my future career.
Together with renowned faculty members, the well trained, friendly and caring staff make the year spent
at MSM definitely the most memorable time of my life.
Michael Topf Scaramone
Peru, Corporate Strategy and Economic Policy
I made extraordinary friends, got involved in magnificent projects and learned invaluable lessons. Amazing
personal, social and academic experience!

20. Mohamad Zaarour
Lebanon, International Business
I’d rather say little about my MBA experience or maybe better to leave this space blank as no words can
express the ‘out of the box’journey!
Mutende Musonda
Zambia, Corporate Strategy and Economic Policy
Studying at MSM has been an enriching experience academically, professionally and socially. I have seen
that paying attention, having the right attitude and being pragmatic are probably the three most important
factors in the process of learning and staying on course in the MBA program. I have learned to work
productively even under pressure and I have become more adept at handling increasing levels of responsibility.
I have also learned to be more flexible, tolerant and to be a better team player within diverse groups.The
case studies, exposure to industry, the thesis research process, the unique Dutch culture, the temperate
climate, traveling within the EU, making new friends and being able to participate in various activities and
share my experiences have formed the climax of my experiences at MSM.
Nomindari Batkhuyag
Mongolia, Accounting and Finance
I was extremely excited to come to MSM and the experience has been interesting. I have grown both
academically and socially during this short period of time. In the process I struggled to continue the program,
but I survived thanks to my colleagues of the MBA31 group. I learned from them, laughed with them and
shared my life with them. I am very grateful for MSM for allowing me to meet these amazing people.
Olanike Ojo
Nigeria, Corporate Strategy and Economic Policy
My study at MSM was challenging, interesting and rewarding. Learning in a class of people from different
nationalities and culture, times of sleepless night trying to meet deadlines, group study sessions with my
classmates who have been a wonderful family, the weather, are experiences that will forever be cherished in
my heart. I have learned about strategies of being a good policy maker and to think outside of the box which
is a requirement to excel in the changing global business environment. I give all the glory to God Almighty
for it is by his grace that I am victorious.With God, determination and hard work, the sky is the starting point.

21. Olga Paez
Ecuador, Corporate Strategy and Economic Policy
The MBA at MSM has been a life-changing experience in which all my assumptions about life, business,
family but most importantly about myself have changed, I discovered my strengths, celebrated my limitations
and rose to the challenge. It has been a whirlwind of a learning experience in which I fostered friendships
that will last a life time and learned about cultures from all over the world. I feel so fortunate to have been
able to spend time with such a lovely and diverse group of people.Thank you all for making this year
unforgettable.
Oluwabunmi Folowosele
Nigeria, Corporate Strategy and Economic Policy
I give God the glory for seeing me through this program and making my dream come true. I would like to
thank Nuffic and MSM for being nice, creative and for granting me the opportunity to experience the world
of diversity throughout the academic year. It has really been a year full of excitements, encouragement,
taking all things into account and diving deep in our intellectual paradigm.
Rebecca Freda Namagga
Uganda, Accounting and Finance
While at MSM I loved everything I saw,the people,lectures,the diversity in class and the Maastricht community.
In particular,the diversity changed my way of thinking and the way I operate. Having studied and networked
with high flyers of today’s business environment from all over the world,I am now ready for the next chapter.
Sibongile Chaipa
Zimbabwe, Accounting and Finance
MSM equipped me with various life experiences not only from an academic but also from a professional and
social perspective. It enriched me with various skills including time management, stress management and
how to prioritize things. However the program was very challenging, full of pressure, sleepless nights and
demanded every minute of the year`s time. I appreciate the good work from the MSM staff, who created an
enabling learning environment. I feel honored to have such people around me. Besides coming from various
cultural backgrounds, MBA31 students were like one family. I thank them for their support.

22. Wassim Abdel Nour
Syria, Corporate Strategy and Economic Policy
Seven billion people in more than 200 countries and I had the privilege of meeting you. Each one of you was
a window to a different world. Proud to have all of you MBA31 students.
Yosief Iyassu
Eritrea, Accounting and Finance
Studying at MSM was a great learning experience for me. In addition to the lectures in the classroom, the
exchange of ideas and experiences with lecturers and classmates enriches one’s perspective. Participating in
the MBA program unlocked so much potential in me. It gave me the drive and confidence to come this far
and beyond. I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the MSM community for the quality education
and global experience, and I also wish to say thank you to all my MBA31 fellow classmates for the enriching
experience of sharing, the friendship, the understanding, the community, the optimism and the unity.
God bless you all.

24. M B AE 3 51 10 02 2-

26. From the Academic Coordinator
Dear EMBA Graduates,
Congratulations, two years of hard labor has borne its fruits! During these years, you probably
had little time to reflect, shuttling between work, Maastricht, Cologne and Shanghai, but now
you can look back and hopefully you will realize how during your time at MSM you have grown
and changed your points of view.You came in as strangers, and you have grown into a group,
you are part of MSM and CBS now. Being part of these networks should help you profession-
ally, so we hope you keep in touch with each other, with other alumni, and with us: so please
do keep us informed about your further plans, growth and career. We wish you lots of success!
Vincent Feltkamp, PhD
Academic Coordinator EMBA
Assistant Professor of
Management Information
Systems
Management Information
Systems

27. Adrian Arechiga
USA
Two years of intense schedules, projects, courses and exams and now a new road lies ahead, one where you
can apply all of the insights and leanings we all shared. Although it was challenging, it is very rewarding to
look back at all that we have accomplished and all the new challenges we will now be able to tackle with
greater confidence and knowledge.We were fortunate enough to have a very diverse group of individuals in
this cohort leading to very broad perspectives and gaining insights no text book can teach. I wish all my
colleagues a bright and successful future!
Alexandra Niedenhoff
Germany
For me,the best thing about studying was to listen to the lectures. It felt like going to the movies from morning
till night,as I was delighted by most subjects. Although I had been working in the field of economy and business
administration for years,some topics were new to me.I enjoyed it very much!The integrated view on sustainability
aspects opened my eyes and showed me a world of business opportunities. Studies end like pregnancies:At last
you‘re just so glad it‘s over! It took a lot of effort,but it will hopefully be worth every hour we put into it!
Daniel Thormann
Germany
Doing an Executive MBA is challenging, but I never knew how much it can be to do it besides a full-time job
and a family. Now I know and I don’t regret it. During the last two years I’ve learned a lot about management,
leadership, sustainability, cultural diversity and much more, but also that regression analysis can be a pain.
And I know which huge self-management capacities are inside me.Very important: It was amazing to study
in such diverse class. I meet wonderful fellow students from all over the world and I hope we will stay in
touch. First reunion: Moscow 2016?!! I’m looking forward...
Dimitri Daniels
Belgium
Stretching your limits, broadening your cultural horizon and having loads of fun summarize two years of
EMBA study! It was a great experience and a lot of new friendships were created.
Students Executive MBA 2013-2015

28. Emil Sadigov
Azerbaijan
After working in marketing for several years without any educational background in economics, management
nor marketing, I decided to support my on-the-job learning experience with theory and relevant education.
The MBA program significantly increased my understanding of business, broadened my vision on global
trends and taught me additional skills in management. However, one of things I enjoyed the most was our
extreme diverse group - with representatives from 11 countries from Chile to China who blended a lot of fun
into the hard learning process.
Haroon Sadiq
Pakistan
I can never forget the month of September of 2013 when I came to Maastricht to start the EMBA program.
I came in with high hopes of learning new and exciting things. Being an engineer, I was never sure if I would
be able to comprehend business studies and I actually had to study really hard in the beginning.Two years
later and I can’t believe it is all over. It was a great learning experience and the studies really broadened my
thinking and knowledge. I am excited to see what the future holds for me. I met some excellent people and
made friends for life.
Mo Liu
China
I think it was the right decision for me to study this EMBA course after 11 years of working. It will be helpful
to re-organize my future career. Meeting my EMBA classmates from 11 countries was an exciting experience
in sharing different cultures and cooperating in an international climate.
Ramjee Rana
Nepal
It was a wonderful moment of my life to be part of a multinational and multicultural student body.Time
moves so fast when you have a good experience such as spending time with a girlfriend or on a vacation in
your favorite place. It was like yesterday, but now it is almost time to say “good bye”. It was my privilege to
be part of MSM/CBS. Each module was packed with valuable experience and knowledge.The last module
was by far the best, not only because of the topic on cultural diversity and leadership, but also to get to
know your colleagues. Now, I have wonderful life long college ending memories. At last, thank you for all
my colleagues, the CBS/MSM management team and the lecturers.

29. Ricardo Parra Huerta
Chili
In doing an MBA we take a lot of things for granted, that we will somehow manage with the difficult balance
of study, work and personal life; or that an MBA will help us in landing a better job, etc.The truth to me is that
this MBA has been a very extenuating experience of self-discovery, to learn about my limitations and potential,
and in this aspect I’m grateful for all the people I met along the way, and all the experiences we shared.
Roland Löwe
Germany
Studying with our very international EMBA group including more than 13 nationalities and a large variety of
industry backgrounds was highly appreciated. I was pleased to have the opportunity to share experiences
with professionals from different backgrounds. Next to the valuable academic update from our lectures I
would like to highlight the insights we have received on sustainability in business life. Hopefully we will all
manage to stay in contact and meet each other on a regular basis.
Serkan Sezek
Germany
“The Village People”,this is how my friends called my EMBA group referring to the diversity of cultures and
accents. Learning things about the culture of every fellow student and building up some lasting friendships was
a lot of fun. Proceeding with the courses and getting insight into many different business areas was interesting.
The courses were intense but I enjoyed developing my skills and mastering the courses with my fellow students.
I’m looking forward to staying in touch with them.Village People, I wish you all the best for the future!
Stephan Timm
Germany
Two years have passed by now and I will leave MSM & CBS having met a lot of interesting people and
having had awesome experiences during the program. Doing an Executive MBA was an enormous
challenge for us all - pushing ourselves beyond limits. Sometimes we felt exhausted; sometimes we felt
frustration and a lot of pressure to meet our own expectations in particular while preparing for the next
exams or writing demanding course assignments. But in the very end, we all have made it! And we all
can be proud of what we have achieved! I am very thankful that I was part of the program, for all what
we have learned and for all the support coming from the lecturers, the supervisors, the supporting staff,
but also from family, friends and colleagues!

30. Svetlana Kontarchuk
Russia
I am a strong believer of the fact that one should study to improve oneself in every way. Most of my
academic qualifications involve legal education and I know that I need to learn more if I hope to forge a path
into business waters. It is my belief that EMBA provides an excellent start for an ambitious business career.
It’s an immense opportunity to gain new experience and improve your intra-cultural communication skills
while working in multicultural group. Knowledge gained in classes is an invaluable source when it comes to
ascertaining and resolving business and corporate matters in the company where I work.
Hüseyin Cavga
Turkey
Valentina Wachter
Romania

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34. From the Academic Coordinator
Dear Students,
Following a two-year MSc program that combines engineering and management, and that
is taught at academic institutions in two European countries has proven to be an exciting
endeavor! Especially also when you are part of an international student group. After the
engineering year at RWTH in Aachen, Germany, you continued the program with manage-
ment courses at MSM in Maastricht in the second year.The schedule was tight, comprising
three-week course blocs that ended on the last Friday with an exam, leaving only a few days
for recovery and preparing for the new bloc. But the pressure enhanced study efficiency and
paid off.You all managed to pass the management courses. All lecturers liked working with
you and praised your performance.
Most of you are still (June 2015) involved in an internship assignment with a German or
Dutch enterprise before diving into the thesis research.We look forward to your final project
works.The world needs engineers who can bridge the technocratic and management worlds
in response to the ever changing needs of global business and of society.We are proud of
having had the opportunity to support you in further developing this global orientation.
All the best!
Jeroen van Wijk, PhD
Academic Coordinator MSc
programs
Associate Professor in Business
and Development

35. Amar Chikkappana Keshavamurthy
India
I am grateful to RWTH Aachen and MSM for giving me the opportunity to study in MME1. Being the part of
MME1 is a wonderful memory and it’s more like a family to me in my life. In the beginning, I was struggling
with cultural differences and also from the hectic subjects but when I look back now, all I can see is wonderful
memories, which made me successful in my career and also most importantly in being a better person.
Arjun Menon
India
A time had come in life where I had to make a decision to pursue my higher studies in RWTH Aachen University
and the Maastricht School of Management. Uncertain of the life I would have in Europe,I had set on my journey
and now I believe this was the best path I took when I was at the crossroads.The education I received from the
reputed universities of RWTH Aachen and MSM has brought a positive change and vibe in my life. Being a
student,with insatiable desire for knowledge,Aachen and Maastricht are the right places to be in.The umpteen
lifelong connections I have made with some amazing people in these cities are something that I will treasure
for a lifetime. I am indeed grateful to all those involved in such an effective learning experience on various
dimensions of life.
Ivy Yu-Wen Chen
Taiwan
Studying in Europe used to be an unimaginable and rare matter for me. I appreciate that having come to
Germany and Netherlands for my master degree. Not only have I strengthened my professional abilities, but
I also have gained much international soft skills.The program fitted my expectations which laid the
combination of management and engineering.With my former background of mechanical engineering, the
management skills and knowledge I obtained can help me have more possibilities in my further career plan.
I believe with no doubt that the experience of studying in RWTH and Maastricht will always remain an
unforgettable and irreplaceable part in my life.
Jay Doshi
India
To picture myself with a Master’s degree in Management and Engineering (MSc) gives me great pleasure.
I would surely have been missing something important in life, had it not been for the unique study
experience at RWTH Aachen University and Maastricht School of Management! Not only was the Master’s
program challenging and fun, the experience of studying at Aachen and Maastricht was marvelous. Being
involved in future technology and innovation, living in a culturally diverse community, learning to be
innovative and manage sustainably and so on. I learned ‘lessons for life’and made ‘friends for eternity’!
Students MME1

36. José de Jesús Magaña Ixta
Mexico
Studying at RWTH University and Maastricht School of Management has been the best experience I have ever
had. During all this time I have not just learned about academic topics, quite the opposite. I believe that the
most valuable aspects are all the life experiences that we had together as the MME family. It is really nice to
see that there are no boundaries between nationalities and I am sure that the friendships that we developed
will last forever.Thank you to both Universities for changing my mind and stimulate my team spirit, leadership
and managerial skills. I wish all my colleagues all the best in their professional and personal life.Thank you my
friends!!!
Miguel Alavez Zepeda
Mexico
It has been an honor, a privilege and a pleasure to be part of the MME1 program, not only because of the
high-end institutions that the RWTH Aachen and MSM are,but because of the high-quality people, classmates,
future colleagues, and friends who undertook this ineffable journey with me. It was a great multicultural
learning experience, and although there were some stumbles and setbacks, we always moved forward, not
as individuals but as a team. I am proud to say that I take with me the bad, the good and the best of each
experience and of the 20 hearts and minds who interchanged opinions, knowledge and experiences with me
during these two years, who made me grow, both personally and professionally. Although this journey has
ended, a new one starts and now I am even more prepared to embark on it thanks to all the skills, knowledge
and tools that I gained here.Thank you all! I wish you the best and stay in touch!
Mohamed El Danaf
Egypt
It was an exciting time with lots of unforgettable experiences,not only at professional level but also at
personal level.This was a result of the good collaboration between RWTH and MSM that gave wider exposure
to different cultural approaches as well as personal experiences.Thanks to MSM,RWTH and my classmates.
Mohit Bhavnagari
India
It will be difficult for me to find the right words to express my feelings about the wonderful experience at
MSM and RWTH University. I consider myself fortunate to be part of the MME program, which gave me a
diverse experience of two different universities and countries. It was a different experience and exposure
that I can get only once in the lifetime. I strongly believe that I have enhanced my managerial skills,
knowledge, team work and leadership skills. Besides the knowledge and skills that I obtained, I have made
contacts and friends for life. I want to thank all the people who made this journey memorable.

37. Narendra Kulkarni
India
Being a mechanical engineer and having worked in a manufacturing company before coming for the master’s
course, I was much more familiar with technical subjects. But MSM gave me a different view of looking towards
management modules. My interests in management courses started developing and gave rise to a manager within
an engineer.The combination between RWTH INTAC and MSM was very special in that it maintained the balance
of technical education and management education.This combination was strongly upheld by the industry as it
demands engineers who are good managers. I wholeheartedly thank RWTH INTAC and MSM think tanks who
created such a combination of modules under the course ‘Management and Engineering in Production systems.’
I wish both organizations the very best for their future. I feel overwhelmed and proud to be a part of both institutes.
Naveen Bangalore Prakash
India
Hurrah! We made it! Yes we did survive the 18 week ‘Pressure Cooker’! Six subjects with an exam and assignment
every three weeks,presentations and in class assignments almost every day! And the sense of accomplishment and
satisfaction at the end of it was truly great. For a lazy person like me, it was a great opportunity to discover my own
learning capability;the number of new things we learned in just one semester is truly incredible and this knowledge
will go a long way in building our careers. It was really a great experience indeed.Thanks to MSM and RWTH INTAC.
Preetish Rukkoji Rao
India
The three past semesters were a fulfilling experience in ways one too many. It was amazing to be a part of the
first MME batch, and I must say that I have made some friends for life. I learned a lot through the coursework
and from my interactions with the faculty and my classmates. As Aachen was home for most of us, I think we
missed out spending more time in Maastricht, which is one thing I wish to have done differently.Thank you to
everyone at RWTH INTAC and MSM for making this a wonderful experience.
Priyamvada Garimella
India
I have had so many wonderful experiences, met people from different countries and cultural backgrounds
these two years of my life.The MME program has been a complete learning experience which has also
widened my perspective of the world. As the first batch of students in this new program, we had a lot of
suggestions with the management of both RWTH and MSM who were always open for discussions.
I would like to thank the RWTH and MSM management for all their support and my batch-mates for all
the wonderful memories. I wish everyone the best of luck in all their future endeavors and hope we have a
reunion every year to relive all the old memories!

38. Ravali Dantalapalli
India
Two years back...The day I received my admission letter from RWTH Aachen University for the MME Program I was
overwhelmingly happy for it. I was given a well-arranged schedule for my upcoming two years which included a
management semester at the prestigious Maastricht School of Management where I got an opportunity to see
the world from a complete different perspective, a manager’s perspective. As an engineer by profession, it took me
some time to cope with the content of the subjects. Luckily I was guided by Prof. Jeroen van Wijk who helped me to
understand the subject and encouraged me when I was down. Six months at MSM taught me both qualitative and
quantitative lessons which will be useful for my career. I can never forget the way our course mentors and faculty
supported us in every situation to make us who we are today.
Shreyas Satish
India
Studying at MSM has been a great and enriching experience.I was able to develop a new perspective towards operations
and people management in an enterprise.The course work was thorough and the assignments encouraged us to push our
analytical and decision making abilities.Maastricht was a welcome change to my German way of life.The staff and profes-
sors were very supportive and I would like to thank everyone at MSM for the wonderful organization of the MME program.
Sumeet Aiholli
India
Namaste! It is true that nobody can stop time as I am on the verge of finishing my MSc and here I am sharing my
memorable experience at RWTH and MSM.I would like to begin by saying that I was blessed to get an opportunity to
study in a unique way i.e.,in two different countries with different cultures,different languages and both universities
being highly ranked. My two-year experience at two universities has been full of fun and hard work. My learning
experience at RWTH Aachen University was really good as I got to acquire in depth knowledge in engineering/
management subjects and I also got to learn the importance of planning and time management. My social life in
Germany was a really memorable one. I got to make new friends and we shared many good moments together
whether going to party,hiking,cycling etc. If we had any problem whether complicated or simple,the staff of RWTH
International Academy was always there to help us. Many thanks to them for making my journey so smooth that
I could concentrate on my studies. Now my sweet and very short experience at MSM has taught me a completely
new learning experience which we engineers are deprived of while studying, namely “NTPL”i.e., Networking,
Teamwork Perfection and Leadership. All the teaching and non-teaching staff at MSM were really friendly and were
always there to answer our questions. Many thanks to one and all. My social life at Maastricht is growing as I will
be shifting to Maastricht from Aachen in couple of days. I will be doing my internship here and hope to make
new friends and make my living a memorable one. In the end,my journey till now (with ups and downs) has been a
lifetime experience that helped me to discover myself and I will always cherish these moments in years to come.

39. Suproteek Chowdury
India
The experience of the semester at MSM was a wonderful one.The around ten bus trips per month from
Aachen to Maastricht for our small batch of 20 people (5 students in one car) made it a very different
experience from a normal semester, where we crossed over to another country for every class and could
compare and see the marked distinctions and similarities between the Dutch and German cultures, societies
and cities.The management lessons I learned were among my best in the MME master’s degree program
and they will help me throughout my professional life.The course helped us develop a lot of confidence and
group work skills and presentations which are necessary skills for a management student. Some of the
professors are among the best I have learned from ever. Especially Prof. Heling and Prof.Van Mourik will
remain my personal favorites! I thank and congratulate all our course coordination teams at both RWTH
and MSM especially Silke Jenssen and Prof.Van Wijk, for this wonderful experience.
Vibhav Joshi
India
Being part of the first MME program at RWTH Aachen and MSM was a great experience and a learning
curve.Through the fun times and the struggles, the memories created are irreplaceable. Besides education,
the experience of living alone in a foreign country was a big draw; and it did not disappoint. From searching
for a house, through buying my own groceries to considering friends as family, what I learned will remain
with me forever. I would like to express my gratitude to the academic and non-academic staff at RWTH
Aachen and MSM for their efforts.

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41. R A 4 510 02 2-1SM

42. From the Academic Coordinator Executive Programs
On behalf of the EP-team I would like to thank all participants in the Executive Programs for
their enthusiasm and commitment shown in our programs. It was a great pleasure working
with all of you.
The format of Executive Programs allows MSM to offer short, state-of-the-art training
programs and thereby informing on new themes, issues and developments. I hope you learned
a lot from our programs and enjoyed being in Maastricht with your fellow-participants.
We will keep you informed on new programs and hope to meet again.
Wishing you all the best!
Dr. Rita van Deuren
Academic Coordinator Executive
Programs

43. Research Methods and Skills (RMS) 2014
Hosting the RMS course is always an enriching occasion for us at MSM’s
research department.The RMS course 2014 was no exception in this regard.
The course kicked off in high spirits with 21 participants from 16 different
countries.This notably high degree of diversity in the group gave participants
the opportunity to share their unique experiences and thus positively
contributed to the group dynamics and total learning experience.
At the beginning of the course, participants were introduced to research
metho-dology with a special focus on three main research areas, namely how
to move from a research idea to a research question, how to do a meaningful
literature review and how to operationalize the variables of your study.
At the end of the course, participants were asked to submit their final
research proposals and to defend them convincingly before a team of experts
from the relevant research tracks.This was the real “eye opener”or “moment
of truth”as most participants realized that they had achieved so much
within a relatively short time.The course lasted for only three months but it
felt like six months for most participants because of its demanding nature.
However, looking backing to where it all began, many participants feel that
they made significant progress judging from the quality of the presentations
at the defense stage and the evaluation forms that were filled in.We would
like to congratulate each one of you upon having successfully completed the
course despite the “high pressure”you were exposed to.We hope that your
expectations were met and that you will be able to employ at least a part of
the knowledge that you gained in executing your job in your home country
more efficiently or in furthering your research career. For whichever future
career path you decide to take on, we wish you a lot of success with it.
The Research Team
Tugrakhanim Musayeva Azerbaijan
Tshering Lhamo Bhutan
Francois Ameguide Oloumou Cameroon
Zhiqiang Zhuang China
Moiz Mohammed India
Adha Sakti Indonesia
Arien Arianti Gunawan Indonesia
Carla Hapsari Indonesia
Dedi Muhammad Siddiq Indonesia
Rika Susanthi Erisman Indonesia
Amir Ghassem Shademan Ireland
Kholod Saleh Abdulnabi Aldosiry Iraq
Joy Naumwo Matwale Kenya
Eveline Wouterina Maria Hinfelaar Netherlands
Razaque Kayode Ogundeji Nigeria
William Molefe Boikhutso South Africa
Woranarin Imthap Thailand
Tonny Odokonyero Uganda
Hoai Anh Le Thi Vietnam
Luong Hanh La Vietnam
Lenganji Sikaona Zambia

44. It might become old but again, this year’s 2014 PDM group was remarkable!
As we embarked on this year’s program, there were familiar elements in the
curriculum: the distance education component that made you come prepared
to the Netherlands with your own problem tree and logical framework, the
combination of PCM methodology and skills workshops. But there were also
some new elements in the program,as MSM is dedicated to bringing in the latest
developments on the ground projects. Furthermore, you as a group of unique
individuals, brought your wonderful selves and with this, your own projects.
These projects,which were developed throughout the so-called “PDM integration
assignment”were very diverse this year: from the potato seed project in
Egypt, to the clean stove project in Ghana. From vulnerable communities
in Nigeria, to educating girls in Pakistan. And these are just four examples!
We as MSM trainers enjoyed working with you throughout the three weeks
of the program, and with many of you we still have contacts and receive
direct feedback on how your projects and course learning were implemented
at home. An example is the story of Michael, who shared his experiences on
the MSM website: www.msm.nl/clean-energy-for-education-and-health-
msms-executive-education-in-pdm-makes-an-impact/ and continues to
impress us with his ongoing effort to make the world a better place! The
intense discussions in class (remember the gender session?), the group work,
the exciting and buzzing “poster presentation”
session on the last course day and the closing
ceremony with music from all over the world
(followed by some dancing) all attested to the
unique 2014 PDM group spirit!
I wish you all the best of luck in your future,both
personally and professionally,and hope you keep
building your skills in this field,continue to share
your experiences with each other and MSM and in
this way,contribute to a wonderful community of
development professionals who can indeed,make
this world a better place. Keep in touch!
Mieke van Riet, MSc, MMgt
Program Manager
Samiullah Danish Afghanistan
Irine Elisabedashvili Georgia
Krisha Shrestha Nepal
Sandeep Upreati Nepal
Ndudi Bowei Nigeria
Uzma Umar Pakistan
Mahtab Zafar Pakistan
Milagros Autencio Philippines
Leonie Sampson South Africa
Ellen Boamah Ghana
Editruda Daulinge Tanzania
Waryoba Nyakuwa Tanzania
Fahima Rahal Algeria
Mona EL Kasier Egypt
Olimjon Bobokalonov Tajikistan
Michael Waiyaki Nganga Kenya
Project Identification, Development and Management: towards an Effective Project Cycle (PDM) 2014

45. Project Management (PM) 2014
Dear EP Project Management graduates,
After three months of intensive work, you worked your way through a case
study for UWC, and applied your gained knowledge during the trainings
and workshops in writing your Back Home Action Plan. Congratulations!
During these three months, you may have been too busy with courses,
assignments, UWC and BHAP plans, work (and social) visits, to reflect but
looking back now, hopefully you have realized how much you have grown
and changed your points of view during your time at MSM.You came in as
strangers from many countries, and you have grown into a group, you are
part of MSM now.
Being part of the MSM network should help you professionally, so we hope
you keep in touch with each other, with other alumni of MSM, and with
MSM itself: so please do keep us informed about your further plans,
implementations of BHAPs, and your career.
Vincent Feltkamp, PhD
Program Manager
Mr. Emmanuel Chileshe Zambia
Adegbenga Adedayo Nigeria
Temitope Ilori Nigeria
Lilian Ishengoma Tanzania
Ida Kafando Burkina Faso
Md Mazid Bangladesh
Michael Osei Nkrumah Ghana
Penjor Penjor Bhutan
Tamar Skhirtladze Georgia
Aleksandar Stankovski Macedonia
Augusta Umutoni Rwanda
Abrahim Al Basser Libya
Abulkasem Dububa Libya
Ziad Ettaib Libya
Jamal Bouhulia Libya

46. Dear participants,
Because of your motivation and eagerness to learn, it was such a pleasure to
have you in my class.What a wonderful time we’ve had during WEP 2014!
It was truly inspiring to share practices and experiences from different regions
and parts of the world and watch you create and develop powerful project
and business ideas. I’m sure that this has not only impacted on your own lives,
but has created opportunities for many other women entrepreneurs.
Your commitment to the economic empowerment of women and to
contributing to the development of your country is to be respected.
I wish you good luck in all your efforts and remember: keep in touch!
Saskia Vossenberg, MA
Program Manager
Abiola Olanike Crown Nigeria
Aderonke Funmi Abokede Nigeria
Arinola Titilayo Moshood Nigeria
Doaa Althalathini Palestinian Territories
Amina Javaid Pakistan
Naseem Ara Pakistan
Tshering Lhamo Bhutan
Jeanne D’Arc Busingye Rwanda
Nune Gabrielyan Armenia
Nisrine Rym Merouani Algeria
Ayesha Aslam Pakistan
Valeria del Carmen Bellettini Cedeño Ecuador
Women Entrepreneurship Promotion (WEP) 2014

47. The first edition of MSM’s Monitoring and Evaluation for Development Projects
(M&E4DEV) Executive Program took place in the nicest spring weather
Maastricht has had in years. Even though the sun was shining outside the
classroom,in the classroom the moods were sunny and bright when you as our
first batch of M&E4DEV participants, worked on building a monitoring and
evaluation system for a real project by applying the four pillars of an M&E
system: the logic model, indicators, the information flow of the system and
assumptions and risks. It was a wonderful week,in which you also socialized a
lot outside of class and got to know Maastricht to a tee including the new and
upcoming restaurants. Besides Rui Santos, lead trainer and initiator of the
program,guest lecturers from different fields made a contribution,of which our
own MSM MBA student Mahendra Subedi stood out the most in your eyes with
his inspiring presentation on the midday meal project in India. After an
intensive week it became clear that M&E in development projects remains a
challenging and dynamic field but the current developments are promising:
Efforts to collect more (and especially higher quality) data and making this data
available to a variety of actors (besides the donor community) such as civil
society, governments, beneficiaries and the media will replace the question
“Does aid matter?”by “How can aid matter even more”? I wish you all the best in
your future paths, wherever your next destination might be and again extend
the invitation to join forces and experiences with each other via the various
platforms. And don’t forget in the end: in the end, it’s all about biogas!
Mieke van Riet, MSc, MMgt
Program Manager
Rui Santos
Lead Trainer
Irene Lulu Mwoga Tanzania
Filipe Duarte Portugal
Tatiana dos Santos Diniz Portugal
Andrew Achille Nigeria
Hilda Galt United Kingdom
Christina Traini Italy
Garance Legrand France
Monther Farhan Iraq
Romane Theoleyre France
Mustafa Ali Hussein Iraq
Monitoring and Evaluation for Development Projects (M&E4DEV) 2015

48. Managing Sustainable Development (MSD) 2015
Being a program manager of the MSD 2015 course is a great experience, as
always.The group of 12 enthusiastic, eager to learn, open minded and above
everything passionate participants coming from different parts of the worlds
was remarkable. During the three week stay in Maastricht, they were
exploring the meaning of sustainable development - is it a phrase, a symbol,
a concept, a motivation, an outcome or is there another interpretation? Lively
discussions on various chapters of the 3P-s - environmental sustainability,
quantification of sustainability, global value chains, corporate social
responsibility and models of collaboration through partnerships, as well as
stakeholder dialog concepts helped you to practice the integration of
sustainability in the development of your own action plan. A number of very
interesting and innovative plans have been presented, and we hope to hear
more about their successful implementation very soon. It was great meeting
you, I hope you will continue following your heart and intuition and have a
great success in the future applying sustainable management practices.
Mirjana Stanisic, MA
Program Manager
De’Norraliana Ali Gryan Indonesia
Adnan Abu Al-Haija Jordan
Shireen Makarem Lebanon
Adel Yacoub Lebanon
Ben Abdelkrim Ben Moussa Tunesia
Manar Alaoui Hassani Atlas Morocco
Leila Akhmisse Morocco
Asmae Basalah Morocco
Addisu Molla Beyene Ethiopia
Omar Dadi Shajak Tanzania
Singhye Wangchuk Bhutan
Nila Pandian India

49. Management of Change for Organizational Transition (CM) 2015
This year’s CM program welcomed 12 participants from Australia, the Far East,
the Middle East, Africa and South America.This interesting variety of cultures
gave the class a special energy and team spirit. In order to get an idea of your
thoughts about the change process in your organization, we sent you an
inquiry before the start of the program.The answers were very clear.You all
had experienced some degree of frustration with the change process.
Comments varied from “The management did not fully support the process”’
to “There was a lack of adequate information from H&R before the start of
the process.”You described the lack of support from the top management as
the biggest threat to failure because it triggered excuses such as: we tried
that before…, we have different practices…, who do you think you are…, not
my department…
This information was shared with the lecturers before the start of the
program.This is the background against which you came to MSM, in the
hope to learn how to avoid or deal with these roadblocks and achieve a
successful change management process in your respective institute or
organization. The program was a solid mix of theory and real life situations
were ’soft’and ‘hard’issues of change were lively discussed.
We paid a work visit to the European Head office of Sabic in Sittard where we
were given an excellent presentation on how the company was managing
change from a traditional to a paperless organization with the Flex4all
concept.The key recommendation was “Do your homework before starting
the process, communicate your plan and only then start”. As a result less than
1% of the 550 employees left the company.
You all worked intensively and with enthusiasm on the integrating assign-
ment.This resulted in an excellent presentation of change management
proposals for four organizations.The lessons learned in the three-week
course were well incorporated in the plans. Again, the bottom line is: Before
you start the change process, do your homework, inform and communicate.
H&R should play a crucial role in the process.
I wish you success, luck and perseverance: do not give up. Remember that
change is necessary but do not let it be forced upon you.
Dorus Evekink
Program Manager
Mohamed Thoumi Morocco
Salah Abumregha Libya
Meiliani Indonesia
Katherina Patrisia Indonesia
Dimas Aryo Wicaksono Indonesia
Peter Kalinda Uganda
Edson Correia Mozambique
Stephen Baffoe Ghana
Rachel Kabeta Zambia
Pradeep Samantha Sri Lanka
Jennifer Kelly Australia
José Antonio Muñoz Quispe Peru

51. 2 0Y RE 1 5A
Endepolsdomein 150, 6229 EP Maastricht, the Netherlands
PO Box 1203, 6201 BE Maastricht, the Netherlands
T: +31 43 38 70 808, F: +31 43 38 70 802, E: info@msm.nl
www.msm.nl