Graduate Diploma in Business Administration Program (GDBA)

Self-Evaluation and Educational Objectives:

Please type your responses to each of the questions. Try to make your answers concise
but complete (no more than 200 words per response).
NAME: Catalin Bujoreanu
1. How did you hear about the GDBA Program (please be specific)?
I was discussing my desire to proceed to postgraduate education with work colleagues.
One colleague brought up the GDBA program and how it helped him lighten the SFU PT
MBA course load. He recommended the GDBA to me as it was a good program to
determine if an MBA is right for you. We continued discussing postgraduate educational
options and he offered send me further information. I receive the information, costs, etc.
and did further research. I attended an information session and spoke with an Advisor.
2. Why have you decided to apply for the GDBA Program?
I would like to continue education towards an MBA. I am applying for the SFU GDBA
because I would like to experience what a Masters education has to offer in terms of
learning environment, but I would like to try a lighter load rather than committing the 2year MBA program. The GDBA program will allow me to determine if my experience and
maturity are at correct stages to engage in an MBA program. The GDBA allows the
option to progress directly to a 2-year PT MBA with a reduced course load, and would
better enable me to manage my work and education life balance.
3. Why is this the right time for you to undertake the GDBA Program?
I have chosen to pursue a career in Project Management, and am working towards the
experience necessary to pursue certification. As I gain work experience in Project
Management, I would like to engage in postgraduate education. This is correct time for
me to pursue the GDBA because I enjoy my career, and would like to invest in myself to
become better at it and learn about areas that my experience has not taught me. I am
also at a stage in my life where I still have a few years before starting a family, and can
dedicate the time for education.
4. The GDBA is an intensive on-line program. What do you expect to be the
greatest challenges associated with taking part in this program?
I expect that the greatest challenges associated with taking an intensive on-line program
is to keep on top of the participation required. I have taken on-line educational courses

throughout my undergrad which were discussion heavy and required high participation. I
was able to pass this struggle by creating a schedule and adhering to it, just as if I had to
be in a classroom. The participation requirement also required me to stay on top of the
reading, and I did not fall behind the course schedule.
5. How do you plan to deal with those challenges?
Based on my past experiences with on-line programs, I have gained the skills and tools
to manage these challenges. I will schedule time for myself to study and for coursework.
I will also create task lists to follow weekly, or as per the course requirements. I plan to
buffer additional time in my schedule in the first semester as I become reacquainted with
studying and course work.
6. Describe your three most important accomplishments, at least two of which are in
your professional experience.
My most important professional work accomplishment is the successful completion of a
PeopleSoft ERP system HR transfer. This project was part of a larger project in which
my current employer (BCCSS), separated from an existing organization, Provincial
Health Services Authority. This projects outcome was the creation of a new corporate
entity, and ERP instance.
Another recent accomplishment, is the initiation of a series of departmental projects to
create capacity for new initiatives and work. The projects involve systems and process
reengineering and automation. The project continues, but has created $110,000 of
savings in the 6 months since initiation.
Lastly, an accomplishment that is extremely important to me is regarding my health and
personal life. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes since the age of 12, and have
struggled with the strict regimen and discipline required to properly manage my blood
glucose levels. As I became older, I was able to use my gym and fitness life help me
manage my diabetes. I now make healthy food choices, exercise daily, and have
absolute control of my diabetes. I feel good overall, and can enjoy my life normally.
7. How will you contribute to the on-line learning environment?
I will contribute to the on-line learnings environment by sharing my thoughts and ideas. I
hope to engage with colleagues to learn better and from one another. I will bring my
unique work and life experience and share what is applicable with others. I will
contribute to the on-line learning community by continually asking questions and
challenging myself and others.
8. Are there gaps in your existing skills and knowledge that affect your productivity and
job satisfaction, which have lead you to seek this degree?
Yes. Although I believe I am effective and productive in my duties, I would like to
challenge myself to perform better by continuing my education. I know that experience
will also mold me to a more efficient worker, but I would like to learn how to think
differently and analyze from a management point of reference.
9. How will this educational experience benefit you and your organization?
This educational experience will benefit me and my organization in several ways. I will
gain new skills and knowledge from the GDBA program which will be applied to work
while taking the program. I look forward to applying what I learn online to the workplace.

I will also be able to gain a more holistic business view to my organization and the work I
am apart of. The program will challenge me to perform more efficiently and effectively,
benefiting my organization, and increasing my career advancement opportunities.
10. What do you think are the three most relevant issues in todays business
environment?
The innovation required to be able to achieve more with less. In todays environment,
resources are becoming scarce, and the market more competitive. Businesses must
become more efficient at doing what they already do or risk being outsourced or out
performed. I work in Healthcare and these are the driving factors behind the
organization I work in. BCCSS is a consolidation of BC health related services brought
together to achieve cost reduction and increase efficiencies.
Integrity. There are pressures to cut corners, information, or make immoral decisions in
order to achieve success. Many large companies achieve large success, yet still
succumb to the temptations and make unethical decisions. With social media, and the
easy access to information today, companies are under the watch of anyone and
everyone, and can easily tarnish their reputations.
Employee retention. If employers are able to sell the vision of their business to
employees, both parties receive benefits. Employees are more efficient if they are happy,
and as a result productivity raises. As the cost of replacing an employee includes a
training and a loss in productive time, employers should minimize staff turnover and
invest in their human capital. Employees value more than just a wage, including a
positive work environment, the company culture, and a good leader.
11. If you think your post-secondary grades do not accurately reflect your abilities,
please indicate why.
n/a