Distance Learning Case Study - Mike Smith

WO2 Mike Smith, 38, Adjutant General's Corps (Staff and Personnel Services)

(AGC(SPS)) deployed to Afghanistan earlier this year. He had to adapt quickly to his new environment as he continued to study for his Open University Business School (OUBS) Master of Business Administration (MBA) in a tent lit by a single bulb.

Working with a small Army manpower planning unit - 'making sure we have the right number of people to do the right jobs; career management on a strategic level' - he had no qualifications when he 'joined the Armed Forces directly from school. I started off with the Royal Engineers and I have since seen service in four continents. Studying the MBA was a challenge I set for myself, as well as it being an investment in my future. I really wanted to know if I could do it.'

The OUBS has over 800 students graduating this year, and Smith will be among next year's crop. For many people, the OU's flexibility is an important issue. Study is through distance learning, which means that people can study wherever and whenever they want, and combine studies with work and family life - vital for Service people. He was able to hotmail his last two assignments to his tutor from Kabul.

'It wasn't always easy; there were times when I thought, "Will it ever end?" I met a lot of people along the way who inspired me and it gave me the confidence to continue. Whilst studying I developed a lot of good friends, I made friends inside the Services and outside. My bosses were very encouraging and supportive.'

Like other MBA graduates he believes that his qualification has led to his current assignment; a number are also convinced that it has resulted in promotions.

'My MBA is directly responsible for my new job,' Smith says. 'I feel that I learnt the theory and I am now putting it into practice. A day doesn't go by when I am not making references to the course - to Knowledge Management, for instance.

'I hope to become a human resources manager when I leave the Forces in two years' time. I am currently doing a professional human resource qualification with the support of my new boss. I wholeheartedly recommend studying with Open University - it really changes your outlook on life and your opinion of yourself. I am not the same person and I don't see the world in the same way as before I completed my MBA.'

Mike continued to study for his OU MBA in a tent lit by a single bulb

For many people, the OU's flexibility is an important issue

My MBA is directly responsible for my new job