Dr James Abdey Inspires EMFSS Students at RIC

On Friday, 20th February, first-year students of the Economics, Management, Finance and Social Sciences (EMFSS) programme had the distinct privilege of engaging with Dr James Abdey, Associate Professor in Statistics at the London School of Economics and Political Science and Associate Director for University of London Programmes at LSE.
The session was both intellectually rigorous and strategically focused, combining academic guidance with broader reflections on the long-term value of higher education.

Understanding the MCQ Component: Strategy Over Memorisation

Dr Abdey began by addressing a component that often generates both curiosity and anxiety among first-year students, the Multiple-Choice Question (MCQ) examinations.
He emphasised that MCQs within the EMFSS framework are not designed to test surface-level memorisation. Instead, they assess:
• Conceptual clarity
• Analytical precision
• Quantitative reasoning
• The ability to distinguish between closely related theoretical constructs
His message was clear: performance in MCQs reflects structured preparation and conceptual depth, not rote learning.

Why a University Degree Matters: An Economic Perspective

Moving beyond examination mechanics, Dr Abdey delivered a compelling explanation of the value of a university degree using a familiar economic tool, utility curves.
He illustrated how individuals make decisions based on utility maximisation. In this framework:
• Short-term choices (e.g., immediate employment without higher education) may generate instant but limited utility.
• Long-term investments (such as completing a rigorous degree) shift the individual onto a higher indifference curve, representing greater lifetime utility.
Using this analogy, he demonstrated how a university degree:
• Expands earning potential
• Increases career mobility
• Enhances decision-making capacity
• Provides intellectual capital that compounds over time
In simple economic terms, the degree programme increases your lifetime utility function, not merely your starting salary.
This analytical framing resonated strongly with students, as it translated an abstract motivational message into a model grounded in economic theory.

Understanding Degree Classifications and the Path to First Class Honours

Dr Abdey also provided clarity on the University of London classification structure, outlining the distinctions between:
• First Class Honours
• Upper Second Class Honours
He emphasised that achieving a First Class is not a matter of isolated high marks, but rather:
• Consistency across modules
• Strong quantitative foundations
• Precision in exam technique
• Clear structuring of long-answer responses
• Deep engagement with the syllabus beyond lecture slides
Students were encouraged to think strategically from 1st year onwards. Early academic discipline, compounds in much the same way as investment returns, small, consistent efforts produce disproportionately large long-term gains.

A Message of Academic Intentionality

The session concluded with a powerful reminder: success in the EMFSS programme is not accidental. It is the result of:
• Intentional study habits
• Analytical discipline
• And a clear understanding of assessment expectations
Dr Abdey’s visit reinforced the academic standards and global positioning of the EMFSS programme, while offering students both clarity and direction as they progress through their first year.
For many in attendance, the session was not simply informative , it reframed how they perceive their degree, their performance, and their future trajectory.