Date: 29 October 2008 01:41:16
Last lecture last night: and a great evening. We had a guest lecturer who had worked on a global IT project for Nestlé, which was fascinating to hear about. While I work for a much smaller company, the principles can still apply I believe, and there truly were some fascinating insights. We also had three presentations from fellow students, all emphasising the human side of IT and Project Management: an interest of mine. All very different and equally fascinating and interesting.
I received my second assignment back for the subject, the one that I eventually titled "Project Management and Culture: The benefits and opportunities of culturally-diverse teams in virtual global projects outweigh challenges presented." I received 32/35, which filled with me great joy indeed -- thanks and praise be to God. In a comment that will surprise and shock you all, I am sure, the marker commented that I "need to be a bit more concise." :) Depending on my class contribution mark, I could be looking at a mark of above 90 -- though I believe I am guaranteed a High Distinction anyway based on my assignments. We shall see.
I have been busy finalising my travel plans. I got up at 5:30 this morning, an hour or so earlier than usual, to call Air New Zealand and try and organise my North American Air Pass, which will save me some money on flights. Two hours later, after a great deal of work by the helpful and friendly consultant Mario, confirmation for two out of the seven sectors still had not arrived so I shall find out tomorrow if I can get the flights I want. I have also booked my accommodation, tours, and the bus and train trips from the various airports to my accommodation, and back again.
I will, depsite the ever-falling Australian dollar [we've gone from 95 US cents to 60 US cents, and then to 65 US cents, in less than a month], go for a little luxury; I will be staying within Yellowstone National Park and will be staying at the village in the Grand Canyon near the rim [I'll bore you all with more details in the coming days]. I must complement, and I am sending off e-mails to the companies concerned, everyone I have spoken to. They have all been very helpful, honest and met my needs [and my decreasing budget!] rather than trying to sell expensive options. Advice on alternate options has been given, such as other companies who can assist me getting there or places to stay near airports if I need an overnight stay before heading off for an early flight: nothing has seen like too much trouble for them. It is taking me a while to get all this sorted, as I have organised and am booking it all myself, but it has been an absolute joy given the people I have had the pleasure of speaking with.
Bring on December 2!