Monday, November 29, 2010

I Finally Completed My CBA Program....I Feel Great !!!

Chartered Association of Business Administrators

I was one of those who were given the privilege/opportunity to take the CBA Program at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City.  Thanks to my American boss who nominated me to attend such a great program. After a long period of studying and taking various examinations, I am happy to announce I finally finished my Chartered Business Administration Program ! Yehey ! Next move will be to apply for my license/International Certification signifying achievement of globally recognized qualification. This is not going to be easy as there are requirements to consider my application.  I have to pass all the CBA examinations and submit all case studies that were given to us.

With my classmates at the Asian Institute of Management with our Professor, Dr. Aliza D. Racelis (Middle, short hair).  She is teaching Strategic Management/General Management and Organization. I'm at row two third from left.

This is me at the entrance of our classroom

Me and Christine Marie Dolotallas-Bernardo with our Human Resources Management professor, Dr. Marivic Caparas

Attendees from SunPower with Professor, Dr. Marivic Caparas.  From right, Fernando Boyon, Florence Chen, Me ~ Elvie Mesiona, Dr. Caparas, John Ferrer, Marvin Santos, Sharie Pelayo, Jonasis Anos-Victolero
Brief but full of substance ! That is how I described the Chartered Business Administration Program that I attended.  I finished a degree in Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Business Management and the program has given me greater depth in the following areas : Human Resources,  Leadership, Marketing, Accounting & Finance, Information Technology and General Management Organization.  The learnings I gained from the highly motivational, well-experienced and professional speakers who are mostly professors from top universities teaching MBA has built my competence and has given me more confidence in my work.   There are so many things to explore in business administration side for the business to succeed and the CBA Program will definitely give you some preparatory tools to make you succeed in your endeavors. 
Christine Marie Dolotallas and  Me ~ Elvie

The CBA program is a graduate-level professional certification based on an MBA curriculum. It is a certification program that focuses on validating one's skills in business management. The CBA designation is awarded to individuals who meet the eligibility requirements and pass the CBA examination.

Receiving my Certificate of Completion from our Strategic Management professor, Dr. Aliza Racelis last November 27, 2010

The Chartered Business Administrator (CBA) program, being a management certification program that focuses on skills and applications, is designed to complement existing specialty certifications (CPA, CFA, CFC, CMA, RFP, CAT etc.), to validate a business manager's practical knowledge and skills, and to act as an efficient preparatory tool for MBA program. The program is structured as a mini-MBA program that prepares the candidate to become a successful manager in the global business community.

With my office colleagues at SunPower

The ladies from SunPower : From left, Jonasis Anos-Victolero, Christine Marie Dolotallas-Bernardo, Me ~ Elvie, Catherine Rivera-Olpindo, Florence Chen and Sharie Pelayo


WACKY SHOTS !
More Power to SunPower !

At the core of the CBA certification is its examination. The CBA Exam covers essential areas in business management such as Business Strategy, Accounting, Finance, Information Technology, Marketing Management, and Human Resource Management.

CBA Program Syllabus


Sessions 1-2: Management of Human Resource
(Professor : Dr. Marivic Caparas)

■ Human Resource Development

■ Personnel Selection and Development Needs

■ Employee Performance and Retention Management

■ Allocation of Work

■ Employee Benefits and Compensations

■ Hyper Wage and Minimum Wage Issues

■ Work Life Balance

Session 2 : Leadership Management
(Professor : Suzan C. Bigay

Session 3: Strategic Marketing
(Professor : Karen de Asis)

■ Overview of The Discipline of Marketing and Strategy: Why and What

■ Moving From Marketing as an Expense into Marketing as an

Investment

■ Branding as Investment

■ Building Brand that Lasts for Generations

■ Case Study


Session 4: Managing Information Resources
(Marthyn Cuan)

■ Information System

■ Database Management

■ Purpose of Information Systems in Business organizations

■ Business Applications of Information System

■ Human and Ethical Issues

■ Case Study


Session 5: Managerial Global Economics

■ Its Not Just about Forecasting

■ Cycles in Your Sector of the Economy

■ How to Anticipate Recessions and Downturns

■ Inflations: Recession Triggers and Profit Squeezes

■ Planning for a Downturn: Vulnerability and Flexibility

■ The Early Warning System: Radar for Business

■ Managing Through the Business Cycle

■ Foreign Economic Cycles: The Extra Worries of the Overseas

Manager

■ Regional Economic Cycles: Your Local Economy

■ Industry Cycles: Be prepared for Trouble in Your Sector of the

Economy

■ Economies and the Stock Market

■ Offshoring, Smartsourcing and Outsourcing


Sessions 6-7: Managing Financial Resources
(Professor : Joselito Florendo)

■ Executive Accounting

■ Role of Accounting Information

■ Functions of Controllership

■ Basic Accounting Process, Concepts and Principles

■ Analysis and Use of Financial Statements

■ Profitability, Efficiency, Solvency, Liquidity and Du Pont Method

■ Corporate Finance

■ Time Value of Money

■ Capital Budgeting (NPV and IRR)


Sessions 8-9: Strategy and Organization
(Professor : Dr. Aliza Racelis)

Course Objective. From this "basic strategy course", the participant shall (1) begin to be "strategy-savvy", with basic tools and techniques at his/her fingertips; (2) learn to integrate strategic decision making with the use of accounting information, as well as with tools from Human Resources, Marketing, and Technology; and (3) acquire essential "strategy-making" skills that are useful for other courses or purposes.

Session 1 (Module I):

■ Module Ia – The Strategy Process. Strategy as Plan. Strategy as

Pattern. Strategy as Position. Strategy as Perspective. Interrelating

the Ps.

■ Module Ib – Linking Strategy with Accounting, Marketing & Human

Resources. Managing Resources, Activities, and People. Strategic

Cost Management and the Value Chain.

■ Module Ic – Visioning and Assessment. The Business Vision &

Mission. Evaluation of External Environment. Evaluation of Internal

Capabilities.

■ Module Id – Strategies in Action. Financial vs. Strategic Objectives.

Long-term Objectives. "Managerial Myopia". The "Balanced

ScoreCard". Types of Strategies (Porter's Model of Generic

Strategies, Vertical Integration Strategies, Intensive Strategies,

Diversification Strategies,Defensive Strategies). The Delta Model.

Session 2 (Module II):

■ Module IIa – Strategy Analysis and Choice. Formulating Functional

Strategies. Formulating Business Unit (BU) Strategies. Formulating

Corporate/Global Strategy.

■ Module IIb – Strategy Implementation: Management and Operations

Issues. Marketing, Finance/Accounting, R&D, and MIS Issues.

■ Module IIc – Strategy Review, Evaluation and Control.

■ Module IId – Integration: Organizational Processes. Decision-Making

vs. Sense-Making. Organizational Culture.

It feels great to finish our CBA Progam !!!

Asian Institute of Management Lobby


Tuesday, November 23, 2010

UNILAB Run United 2 Fun Run


Christine and Me ~ Elvie

Unilab Run United 2 (3rd Leg of the RunRio Trilogy) scheduled this weekend  from November 20-21, 2010 at the Fort Bonifacio, Global City was one of the most anticipated running event of the year ~ The biggest of 2010.  It is was a two day running event with 4 categories for each event day.

November 20 – 500m (For kids 5-8 yrs old and 9-12 yrs old / 3K / 10K / 21K
November 21 – 500m (For kids 5-8 yrs old and 9-12 yrs old / 5K / 15K / 32K
 
The Unilab Run United 2 Singlet Design

This is my singlet and bib number

The Unilab Run United 2 Fun Run was for me the most well organized event that I have attended since I started running in July, 2010.   It was one of the biggest fun run event of the year and the organizers really did a great job for a super organized event.  I salute you !!!

The countdown to Gun Start, the sky is still dark.... 5k runners were all excited !

Just me after crossing the Finish Line (courtesy of my father)

My friend and office colleague, Christine Marie Dolotallas-Bernardo were supposed to join the 10k category.  However,  it was scheduled on a Saturday, November 20th and we have our CBA Program class every Saturday so ended up joining the 5K category on Nov. 21, 2010 (Sunday)

Me ~ Elvie and Christine after the 5k run.  We look like we just got out of our beds.

From left : Me ~ Elvie, Christine and Sarah

From left : Sarah, Ivy Dolotallas, Me and Christine Marie Dolotallas-Bernardo.  Red bib is 5k runner and the lavander bib is 15 k runner

Waiting for our turn at the Photo booth

The Unilab Run United 2 Fun Run was organized as a family event and they set-up three (3) cool sections called Unilab Active Health Villages consisting of the following :

The wide area of the Unilab Run United 2 venue

Me and Ivy at the Entrance of the three (3) Unilab Active Health Villages

1.  Active Kids Section

This is the kids play zone and participants who are joining the Fun Run can drop off their kids/nephews/nieces, etc.  at this section before gun start or even after the run and get them into a healthy and active lifestyle in a fun and enjoyable way. Consult with pediatricians on healthcare, nutrition, and physical activity that's right for your active kids.

We are going into the kids section and check it out

With  Ceelin, Vitamin for kids mascot. He is so cute and huggable !

The big balloon at the Active Kids Section

Kid's work at the Active Kids Village.  Cute !!!

At the kid's play zone... I'm holding Manny Pacquiao's Alaxan FR print ad.  Alaxan is manufactured by Unilab

The kids play zone brings out the kid in you... Me and Christine enjoying it !

There was a long line at the 5k Photo Wall so Christine and I ended having our photo taken at the kid's 500 M Photo wall

Another area for the kids at the Kids' Zone... Go, go, go little boy, you are almost at the top

One of the products of the Unilab for kids


2. Active Adult Section

Freshen-up and cool down after crossing the finish line. This section provides various diagnostic stations and consultations with medical experts on improving your health and fitness levels. Get some practical tips from running coaches and fitness trainers to level up on your active lifestyle.

We are going to the Active Adults Village behind us

Rest Nest, A freshen-up station for men and women.  This is great ! They set-up a place  for us to cool down and freshen-up.

Women used the Rest Nest to wash their faces and freshen-up.  Unilab provided some facial wash, mouth wash, cologne, powder, lotion and others. At the Rest Nest entrance, you will get some refreshments.  This is cool !

3. Active Seniors Section

Re-energize! Get your vital signs checked and find out how you can lead an active and healthy life throughout the prime of your life.

The Active Seniors Village

With my office colleague, Leo Briones who joined the 32 k category

Get a massage after the run at the Active Seniors Section

These guys are availing of the free massage

Other attractions and games were prepared for the participants such as the following :

Manny Pacquiao endorsing the Alaxan FR

Manny "Pac Man" Pacquiao vs. Antonio "Tornado" Margarito... Go Manny !!!  he, he, he

Testing your strength

Lining up for the games and win cool prizes

Bye ! See you next run !


The huge Unilab Stage
Unilab Run United 2 Fun Run is for the benefit of Gawad Kalusugan and Hero Foundation

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Our Favorite Saturday Hang-Out ....Starbucks Coffeehouse

Starbucks Coffeehouse Logo

Since I started attending the Chartered Business Administration Program (CBA) at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati,  it's been part of my schedule to pass by the Starbucks Coffeehouse located near Don Bosco School in Makati with my friend and office colleague, Christine Marie Dolotallas-Bernardo  who is also in the same program. Our class normally starts at 8:30 AM every Saturday  and most of the time we arrive in Makati at around 7:30 AM so it has become a regular thing for us to take our breakfast at Starbucks, talk and review whenever we have an examination. I do not consider myself as a regular coffee drinker or  a coffee addict.  In fact I only drink coffee once or twice a week. I prefer cold drinks like juices and other cold beverages in the morning which I can also find at Starbucks. 

Me and Christine at Starbucks

Starbucks Corporation  is an international coffee and coffeehouse chain based in Seattle Washington.  It was opened on March 30, 1971 by three partners: English teacher Jerry Baldwin, history teacher Zev Siegl, and writer Gordon Bowker. The three were inspired by entrepreneur Alfred Peet (whom they knew personally) to sell high-quality coffee beans and equipment.  Starbucks is now the largest coffeehouse company, the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world and it is present in more than 55 countries

Starbucks Mission Statement :
To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.

Starbucks is passionately sourcing the finest coffee beans, roasting them with great care, and improving the lives of people who grow them.

Starbucks sells drip brewed coffee, espresso-based hot drinks, other hot and cold drinks, coffee beans, salads, hot and cold sandwiches and panini, pastries, snacks.

I love Starbucks' freshly baked pastries and sandwiches... Deliciouso ! Yummilicious !

Starbucks also sells mugs and tumblers and there is a variety to choose from

It feels so homey here... Don't you think Christine ?

The interior of the Starbucks branch near Don Bosco, Makati

A cute wall painting

The homey ambiance at the coffee shop



I think Christine wanted to take a nap inside the coffee shop

 Whenever I see Starbucks, it reminds me of my American boss.  He is a coffee lover and loves Starbucks...