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Edwin Tan Hock Lai
Class of 2018
Master of Science in Engineering Business Management,
Coventry University
School of Postgraduate Studies
Edwin Tan is a graduate from the Coventry University Master Science in Engineering Business Management. An assistant manager in the ship-building industry, Edwin worked hard to achieve stellar results throughout his Master’s degree studies, and topped the class of 2018.
When selecting from a wide range of postgraduate and Master’s degree programmes available, Edwin shared that he chose the MSc in Engineering Business Management for a range of reasons, saying that “the modules are relevant in my field of work, the pace of learning is well spread, and classes are conducted on alternate weekends which helps with my work commitments as well as family time.”
“The MSc in Engineering Business Management programme certainly enriched my knowledge in various areas such as quality management, lean six sigma, making financial decisions and project management.”
The relevant choice for engineers who manage
Edwin was attracted to the specialised modules offered by the MSc in Engineering Business Management, aimed at equipping engineers with the management knowledge and skills needed for engineering leadership, as the subjects covered many of his job areas.
He explained that “the MSc in Engineering Business Management programme certainly enriched my knowledge in various areas such as quality management, lean six sigma, making financial decisions and project management. The knowledge I gain in these areas helps me perform my scope of work better and I’m confident that it will enrich my career moving forward.”
“The knowledge I learnt…allowed me to better assist the company in pertaining to meeting ISO requirements, and adding value to the company”
Learning skills and knowledge that add value
Once he started the programme, Edwin picked up knowledge that was immediately relevant and applicable to his assistant manager role involving continuous improvement at a major shipyard, adding value to the company and improving his performance as an employee.
Edwin shared an example on the knowledge he gained and actively used from the Management of Quality module. “My company was looking to upgrade on ISO standards. The knowledge I learnt from the module on the various ISO standards including environmental quality allowed me to better assist the company in pertaining to meeting ISO requirements, and adding value to the company.”
The other example Edwin shared was from the Financial Decision Making and Risk Analysis module, sharing that “the knowledge I gained from the module helped to cover my previous shortfall in the lack of financial knowledge, and I learnt to determine and advice my company and subcontractors if the returns from the potential investment in a project is good enough.”
“Going to school is not just about studying hard and getting the results, it’s about what you can learn and apply to enrich your life. With this thought in mind, the results will follow.”
Managing time for work, study, and family life
Being a happily married husband and father of two children, Edwin feels that he needs to consistently balance the needs of his wife, children, career, and personal development. “The class timings are well spread out, and planned on alternate weekends, allowing me to plan my time.” Edwin recounted.
Edwin then emphasised the need for time management, saying “its about time management, knowing when to spend time with your family, work, and the time you can cater your assignments and assessments.”
Ultimately, Edwin also advises current and prospective students to also stay focused on the objectives of learning, reminding everyone that “Going to school is not just about studying hard and getting the results, it’s about what you can learn and apply to enrich your life. With this thought in mind, the results will follow.”
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