MBA programmes are unique amongst business masters programmes in that, rather than focusing on learning academic theory, they teach how theory is applied in real life. Much of the teaching takes place through interactive lectures, simulated games and case studies.

Two of the recent games we’ve simulated were the Beer Distribution Game and the Red / Blue Game. The Beer Distribution Game demonstrates a number of key principles of supply chain management, most importantly the Bullwhip Effect. The Red / Blue game is a game theory exercise, bringing to life the iterated prisoner's dilemma.

The aim of these games is to teach behavioural theories that are complex to explain but simple to demonstrate. Learning through play is not something I’d expected from business school but did prove a surprisingly effective way to learn.

Founded in 1815, the Cambridge Union Society is the world's oldest debating society. I went to the Union for the first time this evening to hear Dr Ahmed Chalabi, the former vice-president of Iraq, speak. His views were contentious and, considering his Iraqi National Congress party didn’t win a single seat in the 2005 elections, clearly not popular in Iraq. Nonetheless, he was an interesting and entertaining speaker – well worth listening to.