Analytical Thinking in Mbl

This paper analyses the thinking that is required for successful completion of the MBL programme. Rather than the undergrad way of simply understanding principles and grasping concepts, the MBL requires analytical application of these concepts to solve problems.

The very first assignment on project management requires that the students apply the principles of project management to their MBL 1 study and submit a project plan and demonstrate the effectiveness of such using an assignment that is due earlier than the project management one.

Students who have little or no experience in project management, tend to read up and understand the methodology on an academic and superficial level. They can understand the principles so easily and yet when it comes to the application of these principles to something as simple as MBL they experience a mental block.

The fundamental truth is that a shift in thinking is required. One needs to critically analyse the situation and determine which principle or concept applies here.

Similarly when it comes to answering case based questions students struggle to see which of the principles and concepts are at play. Even when they do recognize the principles and concepts, they very often only end up at the stage where they simply discuss them on a theoretical level. They can not go to the step of critically discussing such and then predicting the likely impact or consequences of those principles in the given scenario.

So how can this problem be overcome by the students. Training in analytical thinking and problem solving is one way. However students can help themselves by simply practicing practical based questions and discussing them in their groups. Ideal answers can also be requested from the lecturers so that students are able to identify the gaps in their thinking.

The SBL also needs to come with an intervention programme that focuses on assisting students to think analytically. This intervention