Personal Details and Background

Q1: Can you please introduce yourself?

My name is Sidratul Muntaha Mou. I am from Dhaka, Bangladesh. I hold a Bachelor’s degree
in Business Administration from East West University with a CGPA of 3.10 and an MBA in
Human Resource Management from the University of Dhaka with a CGPA of 3.60. My
professional experience includes five years as a Human Resource Executive at Fargo Textile
Ltd., where I managed employee engagement, performance assessments, and training
programs. I also worked as a Student Counselor, assisting students with academic and
career planning. These roles have fueled my passion for management and research,
motivating me to pursue the MRes in Management at UCLan.

Q2: Can you tell us about your academic background?

I completed my Bachelor’s in Business Administration at East West University, where I

studied Organizational Behavior, Strategic Management, and Research Methods. I then
pursued an MBA in Human Resource Management at the University of Dhaka, achieving a
CGPA of 3.60. Both degrees strengthened my foundation in management and organizational
research.

Q3: What was your final year project/thesis about?

In my Bachelor’s thesis, titled “Women’s Entrepreneurship in SME in Online Business in

Bangladesh,”I explored the challenges and opportunities for women transitioning their
businesses online, focusing on digital literacy and financial inclusion. My MBA thesis,
“Employee Engagement Strategies in the Textile Industry,” analyzed HR practices' impact on
employee motivation and productivity. These projects honed my research and analytical
skills, aligning with my goal to conduct advanced research.

Previous Study and Work Experience

Q4: Can you explain any gaps in your education?

I utilized the gap between my undergraduate degree and MBA to gain work experience in
human resource management. This allowed me to apply academic knowledge in real-world
settings, develop essential professional skills, and prepare for further academic pursuits.

Q5: Do you have any work experience relevant to your MRes studies?

Yes, my roles as a Human Resource Executive and Student Counselor are highly relevant. At
Fargo Textile Ltd., I handled organizational policies, training programs, and performance
management. As a Student Counselor, I guided students in making informed decisions,
which required strong analytical and interpersonal skills, aligning closely with the research
focus of the MRes program.

Q6: How has your work experience prepared you for this MRes course?

My experience at Fargo Textile Ltd. gave me a solid foundation in data analysis, strategy
development, and workforce management, while my counseling role developed my
communication and advisory skills. These experiences have prepared me to approach the
research-intensive MRes curriculum with a practical perspective.

Q7: Why did you decide to return to study after working?

Through my work, I realized the importance of advanced research skills in addressing

complex management challenges. Returning to study will enable me to enhance my
research capabilities and contribute meaningfully to the field of management.

Q8: How do your previous studies relate to your chosen MRes program?

Courses such as Research Methods and Strategic Management in my undergraduate and

MBA studies align with the MRes modules like Advanced Research Methods and Critical
Issues in Business Research. My academic foundation has equipped me with the tools to
succeed in a research-focused environment.

Knowledge About the Course and Institution

Q9: Why did you choose this MRes course?

I chose the MRes in Management because of its focus on independent research, critical
analysis, and applied management studies. Unlike a taught master’s program, this course
emphasizes hands-on research, which aligns with my goal to deepen my expertise and
prepare for a potential PhD.

Q10: Why did you choose UCLan?

UCLan’s reputation for research excellence and its commitment to student development
attracted me. The university offers cutting-edge facilities, flexible learning options, and
experienced faculty. Its strong ties with industry provide practical exposure, making it the
ideal place for my academic journey.

Q11: Can you name any faculty members you are excited to work with and why?

I am keen to work with Dr. Huy Phan, whose expertise in business and management aligns
with my interests. His guidance will be invaluable for developing a robust research project.

Q12: What are the key modules in your course, and why are they important?

The modules include:

- Critical Issues in Business and Management Research: Provides tools to evaluate the
impact of business research on policy and practice.

- Research Methods: Equips students with core research skills for business contexts.

- Research Project: An opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to a practical problem.

Reasons for Studying in the UK

Q13: Why do you want to study in the UK instead of your home country or another country?

The UK is renowned for its world-class education system, with degrees recognized and
respected globally. Studying in the UK offers the perfect balance of academic rigor and
practical learning opportunities. UK universities, including UCLan, emphasize research,
innovation, and critical thinking, which are crucial for my academic and professional
development.

Unlike my home country, where research facilities and exposure to international

methodologies in management are limited, the UK provides cutting-edge infrastructure,
access to global networks, and exposure to diverse perspectives. Additionally, the UK
fosters an inclusive, multicultural environment that encourages cross-cultural
collaboration, preparing students like me for leadership roles in global organizations.

The shorter duration of master’s programs in the UK, typically one year, also allows
students to achieve the same level of qualification in less time compared to countries like
Canada or the USA. This makes the UK an ideal destination, reducing costs and enabling a
quicker transition to the workforce. Furthermore, the Graduate Route visa provides
opportunities to gain work experience post-graduation, adding significant value to my
career.

Q14: Have you considered studying in other countries? Why did you choose the UK?

Yes, I considered countries like Canada, the USA, and Australia for higher studies. While
these countries also offer excellent educational opportunities, the UK stood out for several
reasons. Firstly, the one-year master’s programs in the UK provide a faster route to earning
a globally recognized qualification compared to Canada or the USA, where master’s
programs usually span two years.

Secondly, the UK’s focus on research-oriented learning aligns with my career aspirations.
Institutions like UCLan integrate practical experiences with theoretical knowledge,
providing students with opportunities to engage in projects that have real-world
implications. The country’s reputation for producing groundbreaking research in business
and management further influenced my decision.
Moreover, the UK’s multicultural society is unmatched. It offers a rich cultural experience
that fosters global connections, which will benefit me personally and professionally. The
Graduate Route visa, allowing up to two years of work experience post-graduation, is
another significant advantage, enabling me to gain international exposure before returning
to Bangladesh.

Future Plans

Q15: What are your career goals after completing the MRes program?

After completing the MRes in Management, I aim to pursue a career as a research analyst or
organizational consultant in the business sector. My immediate goal is to apply the
advanced research skills acquired during the program to address complex organizational
challenges, particularly in human resource management and employee engagement
strategies.

In the long term, I plan to pursue a PhD to contribute to academia and research. My ultimate
aspiration is to influence policies and practices in organizational development and
management by producing impactful research. Returning to Bangladesh, I intend to bridge
the gap between academic insights and practical applications, helping local industries adopt
research-based strategies for growth.

Q16: Do you plan to stay in the UK after your studies?

No, I plan to return to Bangladesh after completing my studies. My goal is to utilize the
advanced knowledge and skills gained during my MRes program to contribute to my
country’s academic and corporate sectors.

Bangladesh is a growing economy with a burgeoning demand for research-driven strategies

in management and organizational behavior. My education at UCLan will enable me to
address this demand by introducing innovative HR practices and contributing to local
academia. Moreover, my family, professional network, and long-term aspirations are rooted
in Bangladesh, making it the ideal place for me to advance my career.

Q17: How will this MRes degree help you achieve your career objectives?

The MRes degree is pivotal in shaping my career. Its research-intensive curriculum will
equip me with advanced skills in qualitative and quantitative research, critical thinking, and
problem-solving. By engaging in independent research projects, I will develop the ability to
analyze complex business issues and propose practical, evidence-based solutions.

The program’s focus on critical issues in business research and research methods directly
aligns with my career goals of becoming a research analyst and contributing to the
development of effective organizational strategies. Additionally, the hands-on experience
gained through supervised projects will prepare me for leadership roles and potential PhD
studies in the future.

Financial Aspects

Q18: How are you funding your studies?

I am funding my education through a combination of personal savings, family support, and a

scholarship of £4500 awarded by UCLan. My family and I have planned meticulously to
ensure that all tuition fees and living expenses are covered for the duration of my studies.

Q19: Can you provide details about your financial arrangements?

I have saved a significant amount of money to support my education, with additional

contributions from my family. The scholarship from UCLan reduces my financial burden,
and we have accounted for all expenses, including accommodation, travel, and study
materials. This comprehensive financial plan ensures a stable and uninterrupted study
experience.

Q20: Do you have any dependents who will be accompanying you? If so, how will you
support them financially?

Yes, my spouse and child will accompany me. We have allocated additional funds
specifically for their living expenses, including housing, healthcare, and day-to-day
necessities. My family has ensured that we have sufficient resources to support all of us
during our time in the UK.

English Language Proficiency

Q21: Can you speak about your English language proficiency?

I have achieved an overall IELTS score of 7.0, with strong scores across all sections. This
demonstrates my ability to communicate effectively in academic, professional, and social
settings. My proficiency ensures that I can engage with complex research material,
participate in discussions, and present my findings clearly.

Q22: How will your English skills help you succeed in your studies?

Strong English proficiency will enable me to excel in various aspects of the MRes program. I
can confidently analyze academic literature, write comprehensive research papers, and
present findings effectively. My communication skills will also allow me to collaborate with
peers and faculty members, ensuring successful completion of group projects and research
initiatives.
Visa and Immigration Awareness

Q23: Are you aware of the UK visa requirements and your responsibilities as an
international student?**

Yes, I am fully aware of the UK visa requirements. As an international student, I understand

the importance of adhering to the conditions of my visa, including regular attendance,
maintaining satisfactory academic progress, and complying with UK laws and university
regulations. I am also aware that my visa allows limited work hours during term time and is
primarily intended for educational purposes.

Q24: What would you do if your visa application is delayed or refused

If my visa application is delayed or refused, I would immediately contact UCLan’s

admissions team for guidance. I would review the reasons for the delay or refusal, rectify
any issues, and reapply promptly. Additionally, I would reach out to the UK visa processing
center for updates and support to ensure a smooth resolution.