Meet your Global Online MBA lecturers: Dr. Caren Crowley

Let me introduce myself

I grew up in Ireland and had the opportunity to move to the United States on a scholarship while pursuing my PhD. My career has taken me across the globe, living and working in China, Belgium, and Saudi Arabia before joining MSM—now part of Maastricht University—in 2017. My primary focus is teaching Research Methods courses to graduate students.

What to expect from my course

My main objective is to help students build a strong foundation for their research projects. A critical starting point is developing a clear, coherent, and concise research question, which serves as the backbone of any successful study.

My teaching style

I believe in interactive discussions rather than traditional lectures. In an online learning environment, my approach is to introduce key topics and then facilitate learning through engaging discussions and thought-provoking questions.

Key takeaways from my course

By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of the essential building blocks required to transform their research ideas into feasible research projects.

Applying course learnings to your career

One of the most valuable skills students gain from my course is critical thinking—learning how to assess existing information and draw informed conclusions based on available evidence. While my course is designed to prepare students for writing their master’s thesis, the skills acquired will also be highly applicable in their professional careers, particularly when developing reports and analyses on various topics.

One of the most valuable skills students gain from my course is critical thinking

What happens in the Global Online MBA Zoom sessions?

Each session begins with a review of the key concepts related to the topic at hand. However, my sessions are far from traditional lectures. Instead, I encourage peer learning through discussion and short individual or group activities.

Advice for future Global Online MBA students

The more you engage with the interactive sessions, the more rewarding your experience will be. Come prepared—listen, participate, and contribute to the discussions. Your active involvement will enhance your learning journey and help you get the most out of the course.

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Dr. Caren Crowley brings a wealth of international experience and a passion for research education to the Global Online MBA. Her interactive and engaging approach ensures that students not only learn the fundamentals of research but also develop valuable critical thinking skills that will benefit them throughout their careers.
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Do you want to experience Dr. Crowley's teaching style in the MSM Global Online MBA?
The Zoom-based Global Online MBA at MSM combines the flexibility of online learning with the dynamic engagement of an on-campus programme. Our virtual platform is designed to fully support your MBA journey, offering a range of learning materials, multimedia resources, and self-assessment tools to personalise your experience. The programme will not only deepen your business expertise but also enhance your leadership skills, broaden your perspective, and push you beyond your comfort zone. The next intake of the Global Online MBA starts in September.

For more details, visit our website or get in touch with Alina Prapagic at alina.prapagic@maastrichtuniversity.nl