Newcastle Business School News Feed

Innovative new programme set for Sri Lanka

Newcastle Business School — 30/07/2010 10:36:11

Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University is delighted to offer an innovative new work related honours degree programme in Sri Lanka, the BA (Hons) Business and Management.

The 1 year part-time honours degree programme has been specifically designed for CIMA qualified students. The management programme allows learners to apply their learning directly in the workplace providing immediate impact, and return on investment.

The programme fully recognises CIMA standards and the CIMA curriculum, and offers CIMA qualified student’s specific exemptions and provides entry to the programme at an advanced stage.

The programme will officially launch in November 2010 with an official induction event taking place at BMS Sri Lanka. The induction will provide students with the opportunity to meet members of the programme team and gain access to the unrivalled range of learning resources available to them. From this date students will receive ongoing individual support from tutors within Newcastle Business School, together with full access to all learning resources designed to support the programme.

Bob Woodward, Associate Dean, Newcastle Business School, comments: “Newcastle Business School is a truly international school with a clear focus on business and professional practice and we are confident that this innovative new programme will further enhance our standing and success in both of these areas.

“Through our partnership with Business Management School, the University’s Regional Centre, we already have a strong presence in Sri Lanka and we are also confident that this new programme will add significantly to this. I look forward to meeting students, and graduates, of the BA (Hons) Business and Management in Sri Lanka.”

Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University offers a number of international business courses and has partners across the globe in Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, China, Russia, Singapore as well as the USA and at business schools throughout Europe.

Top Finance Student Celebrates Winning Prestigious Prize

Newcastle Business School — 27/07/2010 13:57:36

A finance student has been celebrating after being recognised as a top student by the Worshipful Company of International Bankers (WCIB).

Edward Ellerington, 23, from Surrey has graduated from Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University and won the school’s prize, sponsored by WCIB for best final year student on the BA (Hons) Finance and Investment Management programme.

Edward received his award for this year’s top student at his degree ceremony in Newcastle and was presented with a cheque for £300. Edward said: Winning the Worshipful Company of Bankers Prize was the perfect ending to an enjoyable and interesting year. As a direct entry student I have only been at the university for one year having joined directly from the banking industry. Despite my limited time at the university I feel that I was able to settle quickly onto the course and felt the modules were both useful and appropriate for anyone wishing to begin a career in the banking and finance industry.”

“I am now moving into a role with Grainger plc as a Corporate Development Analyst based out of the company's Knightsbridge office, where I hope to take up a role in Fund Management.”

The Worshipful Company of International Bankers is the 106^th Livery Company of the City of London and it is the second time the WCIB has sponsored this prize. Gerald Ashley of the WCIB education committee said, “A key aim of the Company is to promote education in the field of banking and financial services – areas vital to the UK economy and I am very pleased to present the award to Edward Ellerington who is a very worthy winner.”

Newcastle Business School’s Accounting and Finance division has gone from strength to strength, having recently been ranked 27^thout of 110 in the Times Good University Guide 2011. Donald Halliday, Programme Director said, "We are delighted the prestigious Worshipful Company of International Bankers has again decided to sponsor this prize, which will enable us to suitably reward, outstanding student achievement."

Top Marketing student gains CIM recognition

Newcastle Business School — 26/07/2010 13:35:56

A top BA (Hons) Marketing Management student has gained recognition from one of the leading international accreditation bodies in the UK, the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).

Jennifer Robertson, 22 from Darlington has graduated from Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University with a first class honours degree in Marketing Management and is the winner of the Chartered Institute of Marketing prize for ‘Best Student’ at the recent graduation ceremony, that took place in Newcastle at the City Hall.

The CIM delivers support for marketing and business development, helping people at every stage of their career with training, qualifications and resources. The CIM sponsors Newcastle Business School prizes for ‘Best Student’ at undergraduate and postgraduate level. The undergraduate prize was awarded at the July congregation. Jennifer said: “I am so proud to have won the CIM prize for Best Marketing Management Student. I put in a lot of hard work this year so it's great to get some recognition for it. It went straight on my CV as soon as I read the email to say I had been awarded it.”

Jennifer undertook a placement in her third year of university year at IBM, and was given the opportunity to get involved with various projects from designing a sales training tool to working with hospitality at Wimbledon. Jennifer adds: “I really enjoyed my time at Newcastle Business School. The first two years provided a good introduction to the world of marketing and ensured I was ready to take on the responsibility and challenges my placement at IBM had to offer. Coming back to university for the final year I was really able to relate the theory to real world experiences, making it easier to understand and apply. All the staff have been great, both friendly and supportive.”

Dr David Hart, Senior Lecturer at Newcastle Business School said: “Throughout her time at Newcastle Business School, Jennifer has been a model Marketing Management student. She has achieved consistently high grades throughout her time here, all of which demonstrate both a strong academic understanding and a professional work ethic. Everyone here at the business school wishes her all the best for the future”.

Kriss Akabusi Inspires North East Leaders

Newcastle Business School — 08/07/2010 12:59:26

The coaching skills of 80 North East leaders were given a major boost when gold medal winning athlete turned inspirational, motivational speaker Kriss Akabusi shared his own experiences at a conference at Northumbria University’s Newcastle Business School.

Kriss was talking at the Stepping Into the Coaching Arena Conference – the first of its kind organised by the North East Improvement and Efficiency Partnership, with delegates from 15 North East organisations including the local authorities and the fire service.

Kriss said: “It was great to be invited to speak at this conference and to share my own experience and expertise with 80 leaders who have been taking the coaching course at Newcastle Business School over the past year.

“They have been learning to understand their own journey and I was delighted to be able to share my journey with them and to explain the influence coaches have had on my own life, both personally and professionally, as an individual and as a team player.

“Although professional coaching is aimed at business, it also spills into your personal life and sharing my own journey was all about helping delegates understand how they can really raise the bar professionally and personally by being innovative, creative and resourceful in a period of change.”

Kriss is famous for his achievements in athletics where his greatest individual success was the Gold Medal in the 1990 European Championships. His athletics career began in 1983 and he enjoyed success in the 400metres, the 4x400metres relay and the 400metres hurdles.

He was awarded the MBE in 1992 and has had a successful TV career, presenting The Big Breakfast and BBC’s Record Breakers.He is now CEO of corporate communications and training company The Akabusi Company and is an accredited personal coach, having qualified at the Hudson Institute in Santa Barbara. He is one of only four qualified Hudson Institute coaches in the UK.

Jane Turner is Associate Dean of the Executive Development Centre and responsible for the Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Performance Coaching at Newcastle Business School. She says:

“Coaching is a versatile, high impact approach and is increasingly being used in the workplace to grow and release potential, increase motivation and boost productivity. Coaching is seen as a significant intervention to create a capable and resilient workforce, able to adapt to new challenges and thrive in today’s tough global economic climate.

“Delegates at the ‘Stepping Into The Coaching Arena’ conference have been on their own journey for the past year, embarking on a new programme which will help them deliver excellence and develop and grow the workforce within their own organisations. They are also forging a new North East coaching alliance, which will see them share expertise and deliver coaching to other partner organisations.”

The Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Performance Coaching will be available to organisations and individuals from September at Newcastle Business School and will offer an exciting opportunity to develop leader coaching skills and to work with others from a variety of organisations to share learning and best practice.

Jane Turner adds: “Coaching is a systematic process that drives change as it can help drive productivity and efficiency, increase customer satisfaction, help culture change and help a business retain and develop top talent.”

Business Students Win National Competition

Newcastle Business School — 02/07/2010 16:46:06

Northumbria University business students have won first and second place in a national competition.

Two teams, from Newcastle Business School, part of Northumbria University beat more than 90 entrants to gain the final two places in this year’s Institute of Direct Marketing (IDM) National Student Competition.

The BA Business Management Team, Total Green Solutions (BABM), including students Simon Burns, Paul Middleton-Walker, Emma Boyle, Nicole Anderson and Anna Drury, supervised by tutor Naomi Kirkup, won first place. They had been chosen, along with runners up, Mosaic Marketing Consultancy, the BA Marketing Management team made up of supervising tutor David Hart and students Annabel Jeffs, Laura Faulkner, Rachel Beales, Katie Hall, Danielle Mitchell, and Adam Knox, to go to London and pitch their entries in front of sponsors, leading direct and digital agency, TEQUILA\ and their client The Carbon Trust.

The result represents the fourth time in nine years that NBS has produced the winning team in the competition.

The winning team wins £1,500 and the winning supervisor Naomi Kirkup will receive an all expenses paid trip to the US Direct Marketing Association’s Conference and Exhibition in San Francisco in October. The event also incorporates the US Direct Marketing Educational Foundation event with the latest US and international research in direct and digital marketing.

Mosaic Marketing Consultancy wins the second prize of £800.

Kate Burnett, IDM Director of Graduate Services, said: “The standard of entries was very high and to achieve a position in the final two is a great achievement.”

The win represents the fourth time in nine years that NBS has produced the winning team in the competition.

The task was to develop an acquisition and conversion B2B direct marketing plan including a fully-costed communications plan to support the Carbon Trust’s business objectives.

BA Business Management group tutor Naomi Kirkup said: “I am tremendously proud of the students, who worked considerably well as a team. Their success in winning the final demonstrates their commitment to their studies and is testament to their drive to become successful graduates. Being in the final was a unique opportunity for both teams to network and build connections for their future careers.

“Our Newcastle Business School success over the past few years in the IDM competition signifies the dedication of our students and the abilities of our staff to successfully support students in delivering exceptional work to real life clients. We are all extremely proud of the students and staff involved.”

BA Marketing Management group tutor David Hart said: “I am absolutely delighted that Newcastle Business School students contested the national final. We have had a fine record in the IDM competition in years gone by, and the students have worked exceptionally hard to develop truly professional campaign ideas for a major organisation.”

New Programme Launch 'Down Under'

Newcastle Business School — 02/07/2010 14:39:25

Newcastle Business School, part of Northumbria University, has joined forces with an Australian university to launch an innovative international dual site Masters business degree.

Representatives from the Business School have travelled to Australia to attend a launch event of the MSc Global Financial Management, in conjunction with the Master of Commerce (International Business) programme at Swinburne University this week (Tuesday 29 June).

The new programme, which is expected to have its first intake later this year, will give students the opportunity to graduate with two Masters degrees in two years studying in two countries – one from Northumbria University and the other from Swinburne University of Technology in Australia.

As part of their studies, students will be required to spend one year in Newcastle and the other in Melbourne, Australia.

Ceridwyn Bessant, Associate Dean for Postgraduate Programmes at Newcastle Business School, said: “I’m delighted to be here at the official launch of this exciting collaboration between our two universities that will provide students the opportunity to experience and develop a truly global perspective by studying in Australia and the UK.”

“This programme initiative comes at a crucial time in terms of the current economic climate and will deliver the knowledge and skills to enable graduates to work in an international marketplace.”

Professor Mike Donnelly Dean of the Faculty of Business and Enterprise at Swinburne noted that “as we emerge from the GFC, these graduates will find that they are in demand, employable in many different areas and with the technical and theoretical knowledge to work in a global economy”.

It is expected that the programme will attract students with a global mindset who are ready to accept the challenge of living and working in two different countries.

If anyone is interested in applying for this programme, please visit: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/business/agse/courses/international-business.htm or alternatively enquire with us by emailing: info.nbs@northumbria.ac.uk

Inaugural Seminar Proves That 'Business Matters'

Newcastle Business School — 21/06/2010 16:40:50

Business Matters - a Seminar hosted by Newcastle Business School in collaboration with the Newcastle Business Forums.

Newcastle Business School was delighted to play host the inaugural ‘Business Matters’, seminar taking place earlier this month. The event was launched by Newcastle Business School’s Professor Teresa Waring who welcomed two well renowned guest speakers, Professor Max Robinson and Michael Mitten. Professor Robinson, who has vast experience as an entrepreneur, gave a candid yet uplifting presentation to the audience as he talked about his failures in business and finished by describing his latest business venture – Kromek. Kromek have successfully pioneered a revolutionary x-ray technology which has huge commercial benefits for a range of sectors, especially the transport security industry.

The second guest speaker Michael Mitten, Managing Director of Houghton International, gave an inspiring talk not only on his business experience and but about his trip to the Geographic North Pole. It was on this trip (where he almost lost his guide and mentor and came close to death himself) where he where he learnt much about himself and qualities of leadership.

The audience, mainly made up of local SMEs, were also able to take advantage of an SME style ‘Question Time’ where they were able to ask business related questions to an invited panel of experts that covered Marketing, HR and Emplyment, Fiannce and customer service.

Professor Teresa Waring said, “I would like to thank Ross Waldie and colleagues from the Newcastle Business Forums for their help and to Angie McLean from FastForwardNow who was instrumental in supporting the seminar. Feedback I have received so far has been extremely positive and it’s reassuring to hear that the audience has been so inspired and motivated by our guest speakers and expert panellists. Newcastle Business School look forward to hosting this event again next year.”

Double Accolade For NBS: UK Leader and European Elite

Newcastle Business School — 28/05/2010 09:27:14

Northumbria University’s Newcastle Business School – a leading provider of executive education and one of the UK’s most attractive and sought-after centres for undergraduate and postgraduate management and accounting programmes – has successfully achieved recognition from the European Foundation for Management Development. The Brussels-based organisation, which operates internationally, was established to ensure the continuous improvement of management development education worldwide.

Described by the Financial Times as “setting standards across the continent”, the Foundation’s EPAS scheme evaluates the quality of development programmes with an international perspective. It accredits providers where the quality is found to be appropriately high. Northumbria, which attracts students from more than 130 nations and is one of the UK’s ten largest recruiters from outside of the European Union, has some of the most cosmopolitan campuses in the country.

An independent assessment of Newcastle Business School involved a rigorous review, international comparison and benchmarking. Aspects under scrutiny included curriculum content and delivery, the balance between academic and managerial elements, the depth and rigour of degree assessment processes, the quality of students and graduates, the level of resources allocated to support an academic programme, and the career progression of those who hold Northumbria University qualifications in business.

The Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria University, Professor Andrew Wathey, said: “The Foundation seeks to establish and recognise the very highest standard for management education worldwide. With this successful accreditation we are amongst outstanding company, and it provides further confidence for the many companies and individuals with whom we do business that Northumbria is a leader in executive education. I warmly congratulate the team at Newcastle Business School on this success, and I am confident that current and future students will be delighted to acknowledge such a mark of quality.”

Newcastle Business School is led by Professor Paul Croney, who was this week elected Chair of the Association of Business Schools in the United Kingdom for a period of two years from July 1^st 2010. The Association is the lead body for providers of Business and Management Education in the Britain, and also liaises closely with the European Foundation for Management Development and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business in the United States.

Professor Croney said “it is a very great privilege to lead Newcastle upon Tyne’s longest established business school, now into its third decade, and to work in such a dynamic environment and with a growing network of businesses and organisations. To be elected to speak for the sector as a whole is an additional honour and a significant responsibility. I am pleased that the work of colleagues at Newcastle Business School and across Northumbria University is attracting growing recognition and profile.”

Students Receive Travel Bursaries!

Newcastle Business School — 21/05/2010 16:10:46

Students from Newcastle Business School, are set to travel across four continents as part of a mission to develop underprivileged foreign communities.

The Travel Bursary Scheme, which has been running for three years, assists students with funding to enable them to participate in charitable projects in numerous countries across the world, including Thailand, Vietnam, China, Zambia and Uganda.

In order to obtain funding, students must identify and cost their individual trips and put forward an application detailing their objectives. Some of the projects to be undertaken will include building homes, teaching in orphanages, and working with underprivileged children.

Hanna Pumfrey, a student at Newcastle Business School obtaining the bursary comments: "I applied for the travel bursary scheme because the cost of travelling so far afield is very expensive, and without the support of the scheme we would have been unable to take up this great opportunity.

I am going to Argentina for three weeks to teach English and help children living in the shanty towns surrounding the capital city, of Buenos Aires. By helping with this project I hope to offer these deprived children the chance at a better quality of life through education.

I hope that my help, and the help of other volunteers like myself will allow these children to move away from the shanty towns into work and into a better life".

Pictured: students receiving their Travel Bursaries

Prudhoe School Students Scoop 1st Prize In Marketing Challenge

Newcastle Business School — 14/05/2010 11:43:44

Two Year 12 students from Prudhoe High School have won first prize in the annual Marketing Challenge ran by Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University.

Schools across the region were invited to take part and submit entries to the competition, which asked students to devise a promotional campaign for one of Newcastle Business School’s undergraduate programmes.

After much deliberation Ashleigh Young and Lizzie Duffy were chosen as winners by a panel of judges from Newcastle Business School. The judges cited the pair’s innovative and well costed campaign, in addition to using a good mix of promotional tools and supporting artwork as reasons for the successful entry.

Bridget Major, Programme Director and panellist commented, “We were very pleased with the response from schools throughout the region to our Schools Marketing Challenge this year and the two teams in the final displayed some really excellent knowledge and skills in their presentations to marketing lecturers in the Business School. It was very close, but Prudhoe High School’s Ashleigh Young did a remarkable job on her own as her friend Lizzie was unwell. Their ideas for promotion and level of analysis were really very commendable”

Pictured - Ashleigh Young

April 2010 Business Barometer Research Revealed

Newcastle Business School — 28/04/2010 15:34:17

By Dr Jackie Harvey (Professor in Finance) and Richard Slack (Professor in Accounting)

Full coverage of the Business Barometer can be found in today's (28th April) The Journal on pages 23,28 & 29 in the nebusines section. You can also access some of the coverage online at: http://bit.ly/aad3Sl

We last commented on the state of the North East economy in October 2009. At that time, the main problems facing North East businesses were the two fold impact of lower levels of consumer spending and continued tightening and availability of credit. As this is written, we are seeing a tightening of fiscal policy aimed at reasserting control of public sector debt and are in a period of political uncertainty in the run up to the election.

Two recent national surveys of business confidence have reported some modest improvement in outlook. The ICAEW UK Business Confidence Monitor, whilst noting that three out of five UK businesses are still running below capacity, found evidence of firms expecting some improvement in future turnover. Importantly they highlighted positive export growth and an improvement in access to capital, although this still presents a challenge to some companies. Accountants BDO indicated that business confidence has reached its highest level in four years. This confidence is supported by some of the main economic indicators. For instance, seasonally adjusted retail sales data continues to increase. The value and volume of retail sales in March 2010 rose by 4.4% and 2.2% respectively compared with March 2009. While preliminary estimates for GDP for the first quarter of 2010 showed a 0.2% increase compared to the last quarter of 2009 this was below both expectation and the 0.4% growth in the prior quarter. However this is two periods of positive growth compared to the previous six quarterly periods of contraction which started second quarter 2008.

Clearly, however, the relatively high levels of unemployment remain an area of concern. The unemployment rate for the three months to February 2010 was 8.0% equating to 2.5 million people unemployed. This high level of unemployment points to continued weak income growth and vulnerability in consumer spending. Added to this is the concern of a double dip recession and the impact of public spending cuts to which the North East economy is vulnerable.

Turning our attention to the North East region. In response to our survey, 66% of respondents said they would describe the current level of business confidence within the North East business community as one of uncertainty. The good news is that this is as a result of fewer saying the outlook is pessimistic; 12% compared with 31% in October 2009 and 73% pessimistic in March 2009. However, this is still a very long way away from the 92% who expressed optimism in September 2007.

We posed the question about the impact of the recession on business prospects in October 2009 when 67% reported an adverse impact on markets. The responses received this time, show a small level of improvement as the negative effect had reduced to 49% with 12% reporting no impact at all. For example, figures for turnover show slight improvement over the end of last year with expectation that turnover will remain steady during the next 12 months (49% of respondents) compared with 27% in October 2009. This is reflected in order books, with 44% anticipating an increase in future orders compared to 34% in the previous report and only 10% in March 2009. It appears that any increase in activity can be accommodated within existing capacity as 70% are operating at below full capacity.

We commented last time on the concentration on the UK as the market place for production from the North East area and this has remained the same with 66% selling to regional and national markets. Where an increase in orders is anticipated this is likely to be from within the national UK region (63% of respondents) rather than emanating from overseas markets. This is not expected to have significant impact on employment with 59% expecting there to be no change in workforce numbers, consistent with the spare capacity already noted.

In terms of business risk, there remain concerns over credit constraints and a lack of finance (29% compared to 33% in October). Significantly 24% (9% in October) highlighted supply chain breakdown due to business failures as one of the risk areas showing the depth of the downturn. At the same time, lower consumer spending remains a significant issue with 34% of respondents identifying this as the greatest risk to their business.

Some respondents noted concerns over reduction in public sector spending (as highlighted in our last barometer) and a decline in the level of investment. Clearly if recovery is due to re-stocking then any improvement in demand will be relatively short lived. To be reassured over the sustainability of any upswing we need to see evidence of investment taking place.

Last time we commented that in March 2009, 85% of respondents viewed the North East as having an excellent business environment and that by October 2009 this had fallen to only 33% with a further 34% of the view that it is no different to any other region. For April 2010, 41% were of the view that being located in the North East is no different to elsewhere in the UK, although 43% identified the North East as having an excellent business environment. It should be noted that 59% of respondents highlighted a need to improve national transport links for the region to be able to fully compete and benefit from a future economic upturn.

New Research Highlights Concerns Over "Product Knowledge"

Newcastle Business School — 27/04/2010 15:43:06

New research from Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University has highlighted concern about the "lack of sufficient product knowledge" among part-time Sunday workers. The study, looking at attitudes to Sunday trading among employees, customers and store managers, found that retailers' dependency on part-time staff with limited experience is causing problems in many departments where a greater deal of knowledge is required.

One in two full-time employees surveyed through questionnaires agreed with the statement that only having a small number of experienced staff working on Sundays in departments where a higher level of product knowledge is required can be problematic. And 150 consumers surveyed by Newcastle Business School said they expect the same level of service on Sunday as on any other day of the week.

Dr Hina Khan, who led the research, said: "Our findings indicate that stores need to employ more experienced staff or develop the product knowledge of part-time workers, particularly in departments where expensive purchases such as electrical and household goods and high-end clothing are made. From a managerial perspective our study highlights the importance of having a robust man-management and recruitment strategy which focuses on delivering the best service to customers. Retailers must strive to achieve the same level of customer service on Sundays as every other day."

Data collected among 80 full-time and part-time retail staff also found that getting extra time off in the week and extra pay are the top two motivations for Sunday working. And 92% of employees surveyed are unwilling to work Sundays without these extra incentives. "What this suggests is that the retail industry may face severe staff problems if the incentives for Sunday working were ever taken away," Dr Khan said. "While organisations should try their best to maintain the current level of incentives offered to workers they must also look at alternative strategies to develop an enduring relationship with employees. This could include providing both full and part-time workers with an opportunity to develop skills and knowledge as part of a personal development strategy."

Despite these issues it was found that store managers overwhelmingly feel that Sunday trading has contributed to an increase in sales - particularly in the audio, visual, carpet and rug departments or stores. 94% of employees and 90% of consumers surveyed also believe that Sunday trading has been a success.

In the UK and other parts of Europe there continue to be calls for longer Sunday opening hours. Religious and other special interest groups oppose these calls. However, Dr Khan says the Newcastle Business School research suggests that the employees and consumers surveyed believe "the mix is pretty much right."

Association of Business Schools Appoints New Chair and Vice Chair

Newcastle Business School — 18/03/2010 09:18:49

The Deans of two of the largest business schools (at post-1992 universities) have been elected to the top roles at the Association of Business Schools (ABS).

Professor Huw Morris, Dean of Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, has been elected Chair of the Association and Vice-Chair is Professor Paul Croney, Dean of Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University.

Professor Morris takes over the two-year post from Professor Howard Thomas formerly of Warwick Business School.

Professor Morris is also Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise at Manchester Metropolitan University, a role which involves championing business research, knowledge transfer and exchange, executive education courses and initiatives designed to start-up and spin-out companies.

Speaking of his appointment Professor Morris said:

"I am delighted to take over the role as Chair of the ABS and will do my utmost to champion the position and successes of business education. We are, however, living in challenging times with business schools facing four main issues - cuts in funding, competition from other providers, complaints about the role of business schools in the banking failures and financial crisis, and a changing world where climate change and shortages of commodities in many areas are forcing new ways of thinking and operating.

"We need to address these challenges head on, and business schools are well placed to do this through charting trends and benchmarking activities to spot new educational activities; through co-ordination and co-operation with private sector organisations, professional bodies and business schools overseas; by encouraging capability improvement throughout business schools and by demonstrating the financial, social, and educational contribution business schools make to universities, local economies and the national as a whole."

Professor Paul Croney, the new Vice-Chair of the ABS and Dean of Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University added:

“I am very much looking forward to this new role, both supporting Professor Morris and the ABS. Our business schools continue to play an important role in the UK economy and the global business environment. I am passionate about the development of business and management education and how UK business schools can play their part in the global economy in a sustainable and responsible way that benefits our students and clients”.

Jonathan Slack, Chief Executive of the ABS says:

“2010 and beyond will be a challenging period for the Higher Education sector and individual business schools. However, as well as challenges there are many opportunities for UK business schools. It is great for ABS to have two such highly successful and positive Deans in place to lead the Association's strategy and policies and I look forward to working with them successfully into the future”.

Blooming Marvellous News For Finance Students

Newcastle Business School — 03/02/2010 12:06:01

An innovative new system used by professional financiers throughout the world has arrived in the North East, thanks to Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University.

Bloomberg Financial Services Terminals are now available to students of Newcastle Business School for use throughout their studies and Northumbria University, through the School, is the first University north of London to install such a system for their students, staff and clients.

So far over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate students have received training in how to use the Bloomberg professional service which provides real-time and historical financial news and information aiding those within the financial services industries to trade, do research and communicate with each other.

“The new systems at the school are fantastic for me and the other finance students. The courses here relate to the real world anyway but the introduction of the Bloomberg system really helps to give us that insight into life within the financial sector. The experience and training that I am receiving will certainly look good on my CV and will help when looking for my first post-qualification job.”

Martin Elliott, 22, from Durham and currently studying a Masters in Global Financial Management said, “The new systems at the school are excellent and offer a fantastic opportunity for myself and other finance students, both in terms of aiding with our studies and the experience of using this software which links the real world with that of the academic. Also the opportunity of completing the Bloomberg qualification which I intend doing later this year will look good on my CV and will help when looking for my first post-qualification job.”

Dr Satish Sharma, Senior Lecturer at Newcastle Business School and responsible for the terminals’ installation said “Bloomberg is a premier financial database used the world over by thousands of professionals within the financial services industry to help them make informed decisions about financial and business issues that they face on a day to day basis. The Bloomberg terminals installed at Newcastle Business School not only give our students access to this information which enhances their learning but gives any student who is competent with the system a real competitive edge in the job marketplace.”

The terminals are housed within Newcastle Business School at City Campus East, Northumbria University’s award winning campus and are also available for use by staff and clients. The school will be introducing short evening and weekend courses on finance and financial markets that will incorporate the Bloomberg Certification. For more information visit www.newcastlebusinessschool.co.uk

Vipers On Course To Score In Classroom

Newcastle Business School — 21/01/2010 14:49:09

Professional ice hockey players are swapping the rink for the classroom to perfect their business skills. Newcastle Business School has had a special relationship with the Mobilx Newcastle Vipers professional ice-hockey team for the past few years.

The relationship has seen seven players move from the ice into the classroom to study for The Newcastle Business School MBA, and one player embark on the BA (Hons) Leadership and Management degree.

This season Jason Tejchma and Ryan Mahrle from the US, and Canadian Mike Berry have all enrolled on Newcastle Business School’s MBA programme and although they might look like any other business students during lectures and seminars, come the weekend they are representing the North East in the national elite ice-hockey league.

Jason, a forward for the Vipers squad, said: “Being able to study for an MBA at an internationally renowned business school was a big incentive to come to Newcastle. So far I’m extremely impressed with the programme.

“The course tutors are knowledgeable and professional and I’m enjoying learning alongside the other MBA students.”

“It’s challenging combining study and work but the design of the programme allows for this and I know that obtaining an MBA from Newcastle Business School will certainly be advantageous to me both in the short and long term.”

One player who is testament to this is Mark Gouett who graduated from The Newcastle Business School MBA in 2009. He said: “I totally agree with Jason. Having the opportunity to study an MBA at such a great school was the deciding factor in coming to Newcastle – other clubs were simply not offering this.”

The overall aim of the MBA is to enable participants to direct themselves and their organisations to become more effective and efficient in today’s rapidly changing, complex and knowledge-based economy. Mark, as a result of his studies, chose to concentrate his work-based assignments on the Vipers merchandising area of the organisation.

The area, which includes branded goods and ice hockey equipment, has been transformed since Mark took over responsibility.

Not only did Mark relocate the shop to a more prominent location in Shakespeare Street in Newcastle but he took control of the budget, stock control, marketing and even set up an online store.

He said: “The MBA not only enabled me to focus on an area of the organisation that had potential but it afforded me the time and knowledge to put my learning into practice and really make a difference. I’m really pleased with the results.

“We have successfully raised awareness of the Vipers through our activities and have seen a large increase in sales from the shop.”

Jaimie Longmuir, general manager of the Vipers, was the driving force behind the partnership with Newcastle Business School. Jaimie said: “I felt we needed to offer our players something a little bit different to other clubs when recruiting players to Newcastle.

“The Business School has been vital in helping our business recruit top-level players to the region. The main reason the players opted to sign for the club was the excellent reputation of the school, its MBA and its fantastic state-of-the-art facilities.”

As well as delivering postgraduate and undergraduate programmes Newcastle Business School also works with large companies both locally and overseas delivering bespoke management education and consultancy solutions.

Jaimie has been so impressed with the MBA he decided to enrol last year. He said: “I find the programme a perfect compliment to my management role within the Vipers and thus far the experience has proved to be extremely valuable in assisting my own work performance and the contribution I can make to the organisation.”

Tackling Academic Literacy Needs Of International Students

Newcastle Business School — 12/01/2010 15:16:00

Staff from Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University have devised a new pedagogical learning model to help international students get to grips with the often complex use of English language in academia.

Programme Director of Learning Support and Enhancement in Newcastle Business School's postgraduate area, Dr Diane Sloan, and senior lecturer Elizabeth Porter are rolling out their 'CEM' model to meet the academic literacy needs of overseas students.

The CEM model has been developed following rigorous research among all the Business School's international postgraduate students and international programme directors, undertaking both focus groups and questionnaires.

The model draws on a combination of 'contextualisation': making the academic literacy programme more subject-specific, 'embedding' the positioning of the programme within the overall academic study programme, and 'mapping' the timing of language support to take into account the needs of both tutors and students.

"Northumbria University is one of the largest UK destinations for international students, with approximately 3,500 students recruited annually from overseas, and Newcastle Business School alone takes in 1,000 international students," Dr Sloan said.

"One of the biggest issues facing Newcastle Business School was the way in which international students were taught 'academic' English - and a 2008 study found that the extra-curricular in-sessional academic literacy programmes were being seen by students as an 'optional extra' outside their main programmes of study. As a result, student attendance and engagement in the academic literary programme was low and needed to be revised and reviewed accordingly."

"However, since we've introduced the CEM model, we've turned that picture on its head and have achieved a five-fold increase in attendance by international students on the Business School's academic literacy programmes."

The model is now being advocated as an example of good practice within Northumbria University, and trialled at Heriot Watt University with the support of a teaching research and development grant from the Higher Education Academy's Subject Centre for Business Management, Accountancy and Finance.

Huge Demand For Carbon Labels Found - Newcastle Business School Survey

Newcastle Business School — 07/01/2010 10:59:42

72% of consumers want carbon labels on food products, according to new research among over 400 supermarket shoppers by Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University.

The findings have been released following the Conservative Party's pledge to introduce a supermarket ombudsman and legislation to enforce "honest labelling" if they are elected.

Zaina Gadema, a logistics and supply chain management researcher at Newcastle Business School, completed the first stage of her study to gauge consumer perceptions on green issues when food shopping, at the end of December.

A total of 432 shoppers across all of the UK's major supermarkets were questioned on their demand for carbon labelling, their knowledge of their personal carbon footprints, whether they think climate change is an important issue when buying food, and whether current carbon labels are easily understood.

83% of shoppers do not know their own personal carbon footprint, but almost three quarters of respondents said that clearer carbon labelling on food products would help them to think 'green', the study concluded.

63% of those surveyed via a questionnaire thought that carbon labels were a useful indicator for comparing environmental standards, although largely quality and taste (76%) were still deemed more important when purchasing food than environmental issues such as carbon (44%) and food miles (42%).

However, 68% claimed their purchasing behaviour had changed significantly in the past ten years. Consumers stated that their spending habits had shifted towards purchasing more free range (46%), more fair trade (42%), more locally sourced food (32%), and more organic and less processed food products (32%).

"In light of the high proportion of consumers expressing a definite shift in shopping habits, these initial findings suggest that concern is indeed high with respect to climate change and food purchasing simultaneously," Ms Gadema said.

"Overall the dominant theme arising from this research is that consumers would generally like carbon labels on their food products. However, because there is little understanding or knowledge surrounding such information, as well as little in terms of availability of products with carbon footprints, it is difficult for consumers to compare environmental standards via carbon labels even though the majority of respondents think labels would help to do so.

"Greater and clearer use of carbon labels would help even more shoppers associate the importance of climate change with food purchasing."

Ms Gadema's research was supervised by David Oglethorpe, Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University.

Record Number Achieve First Class Results

Newcastle Business School — 10/12/2009 15:02:44

A record number of future entrepreneurs and business high-fliers have secured a First Class degree from Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University.

A total of 23 students, from an intake of 48, achieved First Class grades on this year’s BA (Hons) Leadership and Management programme.

It is a particularly high but rigorously verified outcome, and is the first time that such a large percentage of students have received top tier recognition for their work.

Graduating student Zoe Cleghorn completed her degree while working full-time and in the evenings.

The 30-year-old, from Pegswood in Morpeth, said: “It has been a big achievement and I feel that the support received from the tutors helped with the excellent results gained by students.

“Completing the Leadership and Management Programme has helped with my progression into my current role at Wellway Medical Group where I work as a supervisor. I hope to continue my development into a management role.”

Emma Bird, 24, who lives in Northumberland, currently works for Northumberland County Council as a project development assistant.

She said: “Newcastle Business School at Northumbria is fantastic. I couldn’t have asked for a better place of study. A lot of the credit has to go to my tutors, who were professional, understanding and very supportive. I would highly recommend the course to anyone wanting to pursue business-related higher education.”

The BA (Hons) Leadership and Management degree is an innovative part-time and distance-learning undergraduate programme, which is delivered over three and a half years. It seeks to provide an excellent learning platform for aspiring or existing leaders and managers.

Programme Director Guy Brown said: “The success of these students represents a remarkable achievement from an exceptionally high number of the graduating cohort. It is extremely unusual for so many students to achieve a first class degree and represents the hard work and high standards of these graduates.

“It is a credit to the teaching staff at Newcastle Business School and also the sheer talent and determination of these students, all of whom were engaged in full-time employment working on projects designed to deliver results back into their workplace.”

Graduates receiving first class degrees were: Annette Benoist, Emma Bird, Lesley Bird, Richard Bland, Vickie Brenkley, Kelly Brenkley, Michael Burns, Josephine Charlton, Anne Clark, Zoe Cleghorn, Sarah Cullen, Scott Dunkinson, Samantha Dunnett, Alison Edwards, Denise Francis, William Garrett, Heather Gatenby, Peter Ivey, David Johnston, Kate McGill, Judith Milne, Shaun Robson, and Lee Willmott.

North East Business Executive Of The Year Awards

Newcastle Business School — 07/12/2009 09:52:26

Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University, was a proud sponsor of the Tyneside and Northumberland Business Executive of the Year category, at the North East Business Executive of the Year Awards.

Will Dracup, Graeme Lowdon, and Chris Peacock were shortlisted for the award, with Will Dracup emerging as the overall winner.

Will Dracup's Nonlinear Dynamics, now in its 20th year, gave the North East an early start in bio-informatics and contributed substantially to the region’s development of a health care and life sciences sector.

The firm provides cost-effective software tools for drug research and discovery, battles new diseases, building knowledge and melting into manageable proportions immense scientific data.

It claims to be a world-leading developer of analysis solutions in proteomics and biomarker discovery. Biomarkers measure progress of a disease or its effective treatment. Proteomics identifies and quantifies protein tissues, tracking how they change. Dracup sold his home in the South to raise capital and run a business from the North East, initially at his Tyneside home.

Today Nonlinear employs about 25 staff and exports more than 80% of its sales. Clients include all Top 20 global pharmaceutical firms. Dracup’s other company, Biosignatures, recently won its first commercial deal as it improves at testing stage the way cancer sufferers are diagnosed and treated. If Biosignatures lives up to potential, it could also have a notable impact on health care.

Newcastle Business School would like to offer its congratulations to Will and all winners and runners up at the awards yesterday.

Business And Enterprise Winner At The Young Achiever Awards 2009

Newcastle Business School — 02/12/2009 17:27:31

Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University was a proud sponsor of the ‘Business and Enterprise category’ at the Young Achiever Awards 2009, held at the Hilton NewcastleGateshead yesterday.

Newcastle Business School in conjunction with the Evening Chronicle took part in the awards aimed at 16-25 year olds which celebrates the success and praises the determination of young people within the North East region.

Sean Gerrie, Dylan McKee and Lauren Skerritt were picked as the finalists for the Business and Enterprise award from a number of high calibre entries, and the winner of the category being 25 year old Sean Gerrie.

Sean, having achieved a first class honours degree from Northumbria University three years ago, has worked in both retail and IT. From his experiences in these sectors he soon realised he possessed the skills and ingenuity to set up his own business, less than two years after graduating. In 2008, Sean set up Seeded SEO, which provides its clients with internet marketing services, with the main service being SEO (Search Engine Optimisation).

The 25-year-old uses his skills in internet marketing to make sure his clients increase their online presence, with the potential of eventually reaching the top of search engine results.

So far, Seeded SEO has served a vast variety of clients, including holiday companies, cleaning agencies and a training provider. Sean is a very creative and motivated individual. In the past, he has created entertainment websites, social networking sites, and is always on the look-out for further innovative ideas.

Sean was nominated by a friend who described him as "extremely supportive", "exceptionally professional" and a "workaholic".

Congratulations to Sean and all winners and runners up at the awards yesterday.

Celebrating 2 decades of Newcastle Business School

Newcastle Business School — 05/11/2009 16:58:23

Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University was proud to host an evening to celebrate 20 years of the school last night.

The official celebrations took place at the University’s award-winning city campus east and welcomed back former students, leading figures and colleagues.

Professor Paul Croney Dean of Newcastle Business School said “Upon reflection of the past 2 decades I am delighted and very proud to be a part of a school that has achieved so much in that time."

The school has built up an international reputation through a network of global partners in academia, business and industry. And the school has made the university one of the first UK institutions to form partnerships in countries such as Germany, Spain, China, Malaysia and Greece.

Newcastle Business School is the largest UK provider of business and management education in Hong Kong and works with corporate clients including Procter and Gamble, Nexus and eaga plc.

Professor Croney continued, "Newcastle Business School has a very positive future, we are currently in a very strong position and if we continue to build upon this trajectory of success, we will emerge as one of the world’s leading business schools.”

One of the guests of honour was Jonathan Marchbank (pictured above), current Chief Operating Officer at Virgin Mobile USA, and former student of the school. Jonathan who had flown in from New York especially for the celebrations also gave a talk earlier in the day to current students and alumni. The talk was on the wireless internet revolution which also included some career tips from Jonathan.

More information on Newcastle Business School - celebrating 20 years - can be found by clicking here >>

North East Business Barometer Results Revealed

Newcastle Business School — 20/10/2009 16:11:41

Over the last three years Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University has worked in partnership with the Journal to provide a bi-annual North East Business Barometer. The purpose of the exercise is to gauge the opinions of the region’s biggest companies, using a cross section of the North East’s Top 250 biggest firms by turnover.

October’s Business Barometer, is due out today and is analysed by Professors Slack and Harvey of Newcastle Business School. The results indicate a slightly more optimistic picture than the Barometer in March 2009 but the overall message is somewhat mixed.

Professor Richard Slack comments; “Today’s current barometer, in the Journal, will help identify if there are signs of a fragile recovery, or whether we’re still expecting a gloomy picture.”

Slack continues “We’ve found interesting insights over expectations of a fragile economy within the North East region. This would be contextualised against what appears to be some economic recovery on a national level, such as a visible rise in equity and more optimistic news on house prices. Against that, realisation of the level of public debt against GDP and the impact of future government and public sector spend. The market may well have over reacted and it is therefore not surprising that there is currently an element of increase.”

Professor Slack added; “The Business Barometer is a useful tool in gaining an insight every 6 months to help map a regional economic timeline. It has been extremely interesting to look back over the last 3 years and see how moods and expectations are shifting in the region.”

Professor Harvey and Professor Slack from Newcastle Business School presented their findings to a senior business audience including those MDs and CEOs who took part in the research at a special business barometer breakfast session. This took place at Northumbria University’s City Campus East on October 22nd.

If you would like to attend the next Business Barometer Breakfast please contact Sarah Lambert on 0191 243 7050.

Accounting Student Wins Bronze

Newcastle Business School — 08/10/2009 16:43:00

Newcastle Business School Accounting student, Ryan Tucker, has won a bronze medal at the Karate World Championships held last month at Cancun in Mexico. Ryan, a member of the England team, came third in the Junior Male Kumite event.

Ryan, who trains at the Leeds Karate Academy, is a 2nd Dan Black Belt and has a distinguished record to date. In 2008 he was UK National and National Youth Male Kumite Champion (18 -20).

You can see Ryan in action on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEI2JTCzPMs.

Naked Leader Bared All For Newcastle Business School

Newcastle Business School — 02/10/2009 12:17:16

An international business and leadership guru known as the Naked Leader shared top techniques to help North East businesses achieve the success they have always envisaged.

David Taylor, who has worked with the likes of Coca Cola, Eon and Procter & Gamble and has had global success with his Naked Leader books, last night presented at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University.

The presentation was part of a series of events to celebrate 20 years of Newcastle Business School and was open to members of the regional business community, students and alumni.

Taylor shot to success after creating a structure for success founded upon studies of how natural leaders manage teams across countries, cultures and backgrounds.

The first business ambassador for the Prince’s Trust, David is also the Honorary Professor of Leadership at Warwick University Business School and is able to break down in jargon-free language on how leadership and psychology are intrinsically linked with business achievement.

The Naked Leader’s presentation was followed by a talk from Michael Owen, Managing Director of ‘onebestway’, which recently participated in a TV documentary that tested David’s theories, resulting in increased profits and productivity for the Newcastle-based design and marketing agency.

David commented: “Newcastle Business School is a prestigious education establishment and it is a real pleasure to speak to its stakeholders, many of whom have key roles within the business marketplace and are alumni who have achieved great success since graduation.

“Having worked with a North East agency, I am fully aware of the incredible talent, drive, ambition and commitment there is within the region and I enjoyed sharing my knowledge so this can be harnessed in the greatest way possible.”

At the end of the talks, attendees were given an opportunity to ask their own questions of the leadership and business expert and to network with all those present.

Deborah Ions, Marketing Manager at Newcastle Business School, said: “David has a formidable reputation, having coached teams at some of the world’s largest organisations who are renowned for their extraordinary success.

“It is a real pleasure to have secured him and to give regional businesses the opportunity to benefit from his expertise as part of our anniversary celebrations.”

Latest Advice For Business Angels And MDs

Newcastle Business School — 22/09/2009 15:54:12

Written by Stephanie Macht, Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University

Top tips for Business Angels and Managing Director's on how to manage their relationship

Top 7 tips for Business Angels: ‘How to improve post-investment interactions with your MD’

1. Always bear in mind that MDs are the executive, day-to-day decision-makers in the business who do not necessarily have to accept all of your involvement.

2.   You have the right to obtain company information (in line with your shareholders’ agreement) and to be communicated to if you have any queries or require clarification.

3.    Remember that it is the MD’s job to run the business, not to spend all his time communicating with you; try not to take too much time from the MD asking unnecessary questions.

4.    Try to understand the business’s technology, industry, market, etc. if you don’t already do so, so that you can ask informed questions or make informed inputs .

5.    Create a clear understanding of mutual expectations regarding communication, feedback and responses to queries early on in the interaction and stick with it (e.g. create a psychological contract early on in the relationship).

6.    Make yourself deliberately aware of the fact that close interactions with your Business Angels might cause frustrations out of non-business reasons (e.g. personality clashes or interpersonal conflict); being intentionally aware of this helps you manage such frustrations.

7.    Do not become involved in activities where you cannot add a lot to the business; stick with what you know or become involved in “soft” activities (e.g. interpersonal mentoring) that are suitable for you.

Top 10 tips for MDs: ‘How to improve post-investment interactions with your BA’

1.    Business Angels have put some of their money on the line for your business, so they deserve their advice to be heard; this does not mean that you have to agree with it or accept it all the time!

2.    Keep your Business Angels on your side by showing them that you give due consideration to their advice (even though you might end up not taking it).

3.    Business Angels like to receive feedback about their involvement; particularly if the involvement is not being accepted into the business, they like to hear the reasons for non-responsiveness.

4.    Business Angels have the right to receive company information in line with their shareholders’ agreement; if they ask for it, provide it to them.

5.    Business Angels deserve responses if they have questions (within appropriate limits and only if such responses do not distract you from running your business).

6.    Create a clear understanding of mutual expectations regarding communication, feedback and responses to queries early on in the interaction and stick with it (e.g. create a psychological contract early on in the relationship).

7.    If your BA does not have much understanding of your business but still wants some involvement, you can expect from the BA to make an effort to try to understand the business and the way in which it operates.

8.    Mutual trust and respect are important; if you do not trust and/or respect a BA, do not allow him to invest in your business (unless he is a silent partner without any involvement at all); similarly, if you feel that the BA does not trust and/or respect you, try to address it with him as soon as possible.

9.    Make yourself deliberately aware of the fact that close interactions with your Business Angels might cause frustrations out of non-business reasons (e.g. personality clashes or interpersonal conflict); being intentionally aware of this helps you manage such frustrations.

10.    Even if your BA does not possess relevant technology or industry experience, he might still be able to add a lot of value on business or interpersonal terms (e.g. through mentoring) and vice versa.

Kris Takes Huge 'Step' To Success

Newcastle Business School — 04/09/2009 13:48:20

Story courtesy of the Shields Gazette - http://www.shieldsgazette.com

A Newcastle Business School graduate has taken a Step in the right direction after winning an award – and bagging a job.

Kris Hayes, 22, of Harton, South Shields, was recognised as Most Enterprising Graduate at the regional Shell Step finals on Friday.

He completed the Shell Step eight-week placement programme with Cell Pack Solutions, based at Tedco Business Works in South Shields, and is staying with the company as business development manager.

Mr Hayes impressed the company and judges with his enthusiasm, new ideas, online experience and £15,000 sales contribution to win the award, run by Entrust at Newcastle University.

He said: "It's great recognition. I felt as if I worked hard for it and it was deserved.

"I'm thoroughly pleased to get the job, coming straight out of university.

"A lot of friends possibly don't have jobs, and I have been fantastically lucky to get a job straight away."

Kris left Newcastle Business School with a 2:1 degree in business with economics earlier this summer.

Of his degree, Kris commented, "Studying at Newcastle Business School gave me the opportunity to study a degree amongst likeminded people. My degree gave me the drive and realisation that by working hard, I could get to where I want to be in my career once I graduated. In particuar I would highly recommend a work placement whilst studying for a degree. My year in industry helped me to refocus on my final year once I returned, as well as becoming more employable. The knowledge I have gained from my degree is now being used in my new role, and I am looking forward to developing both myself and the company thanks to my experiences."

He saw Shell Step, which is accepting graduates for the first time this year, as an opportunity to manage a specific project and strengthen his skills.

He worked with Cell Pack Solutions – which designs, manufactures, recycles and sells industrial and consumer batteries – to create an online presence for the company and to establish systems and, crucially, increase sales.

He produced a range of product fliers, improved the product catalogue, introduced special offers, built up the company's offer on Amazon and Ebay, established Facebook and Twitter presences, and achieved a place on the shortlist for a trade award for sustainability.

Eddie Czestochowski, managing director of Cell Pack Solutions, said: "It was clear from the start that Kris had the confidence, skills and enthusiasm to have a positive impact on our business.

"Shell Step allowed us to put him to the test, by giving him responsibility for a real marketing project over eight weeks.

"I was consistently impressed with Kris's ideas and commercial awareness, and he was able to use his online experience to build our sales.

"The results in such a short period of time bode well for the future and I had no hesitation in offering Kris a permanent position and look forward to watching him develop and grow with the business."

Mr Czestochowski was so impressed with the project he's now keen to take on another student who may be taking a year out from study.

Newcastle Business School Graduate Wins 'Best Student' Award

Newcastle Business School — 25/08/2009 10:02:35

Abbie Bennett, a Business with Marketing graduate from Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University is today celebrating her ‘Best Student’ award. The award recognises the student with the highest overall mark on the Business with Marketing programme. Not only did Abbie achieve this, but she also received the highest mark for her dissertation, which makes her a truly deserved winner.

Abbie, 22, from Sunderland, received the award, which is sponsored by Lloyds TSB, from Senior Academic staff from Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University. Abbie commented, "My four years at Newcastle Business School has given me the experience, confidence and drive I need to achieve my goals. Receiving the Lloyds TSB Award was extremely unexpected and it is an honour for my effort recognised. I have worked extremely hard throughout my final year and I feel I have achieved even more than what I set out to do."

Professor Fraser McLeay, Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University said, “I would like to congratulate Abbie on her award, and for her outstanding performance throughout her degree. We welcome the generous on-going support by Lloyds TSB, which illustrates their recognition of the important role that marketing plays in any business. It also highlights the efforts of all of our staff including Dr Hina Khan who organised the award.”

David Dick, a Relationship Director of Lloyds TSB Commercial North East, sponsors of the award, commented, “congratulations to Abbie on her well deserved success and best wishes for the future."

Abbie, who is now planning on studying for a Masters, recognises the value of her Business with Marketing degree in preparing her for a career in marketing, especially in today’s turbulent business environment, adding, “completing my degree and placement year has ensured I am able to apply the theory of the course in to a real life working situation.”

Top Marketing Student Gains CIM Recognition

Newcastle Business School — 29/07/2009 16:31:56

A top BA (Hons) Marketing Management student has gained recognition from one of the leading international accreditation bodies in the UK, the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).

Caroline Smith, 22 from Felling in Gateshead has graduated from Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University with a first class honours degree in Marketing Management and is the winner of the Chartered Institute of Marketing prize for ‘Best Student’ at the recent graduation ceremony, that took place in Newcastle at the City Hall.

The CIM delivers support for marketing and business development, helping people at every stage of their career with training, qualifications and resources. The CIM sponsors Newcastle Business School prizes for ‘Best Student’ at undergraduate and postgraduate level. The undergraduate prize was awarded at the July congregation. Caroline said, ‘Studying Marketing Management at Newcastle Business School has been a great experience. I am delighted to have achieved a first class honours degree and to have won the Chartered Institute of Marketing award for ‘Best Marketing Management student. It makes all my hard work worthwhile’.

Caroline has recently secured herself a graduate job as Marketing and Events Co-ordinator at Alnwick Castle.

Professor Fraser McLeay said, ‘It is fantastic that the CIM recognise the calibre of our students and the quality of our marketing programmes and the tremendous efforts of our hard working and extremely qualified staff. This is not only excellent for Newcastle Business School, but also for the students on the programme. It highlights to employers that our graduates are high achievers and this will certainly be beneficial for those graduating this year, especially in the current economic climate.’

Mary Davies, President of the CIM North East Branch said, ‘“Ambitious marketers in today’s competitive industry should be aware that in order to progress and flourish within the dynamic world of marketing, professional qualifications and continuous learning is absolutely essential, and that you can no longer rely on track record alone.

Effective professional marketing is perhaps the single most important activity that can help make a business or organisation grow.

The CIM supports a strong higher education system which is vitally important to the wellbeing and development of business and society.“

Yeah, Gimme Five! University Brainbox Nets All Awards

Newcastle Business School — 27/07/2009 16:54:10

By Joanne Butcher, reproduced by permission of the Evening Chronicle, Newcastle

A student has smashed the records by scooping five top awards. Brainbox Asif Saleem, 22, graduated from Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University this month with a first class degree in accountancy. The top student was also showered with awards at the ceremony, with gongs for the best dissertation, best first, second and final year scores, and the best student at tax.

It is the first time one student has ever won all five awards.

Asif, who lives with his family in Gosforth, Newcastle, said: "I was quite surprised and really honoured to win the awards, as there were a lot of other really strong candidates.

"I really enjoy accountancy, and it's always been in the back of my mind as a career.

"My father is an accountant - he is really proud of me and has been telling all his clients about my degree and awards."It's great to make my mum and dad proud." Asif plans to complete a chartered masters course while working for a local accountancy firm next year, although he is still finalising his plans.

But he says he is also determined to counter the boring accountant stereotype. "I want to mix working hard with having a good social life," he said.

Proud mum Zahida, a social care assessment officer, was delighted with the achievements of her youngest son.

"I am so proud of him," she said. "I'm on cloud nine." Zahida is on track for her own accolade, having been nominated for the Chronicle's Good Neighbour Awards for her work with the black and minority ethnic community in Newcastle's West End. She added: "Asif has worked very hard for this.

"He has always been clever, but used to be a bit of a handful - I'm so proud of what he has achieved." At his graduation ceremony Asif was handed the Tyne and Wear Society Prize for the best final year student, the Accounting Society Prize for the best dissertation, the Chartered Institute of Taxation Prize for the best student in taxation, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Prize for the best student in the second year and the Northern Society of Chartered Accountants Prize for the best student in the first year.

He also came out with a topclass degree.

Professor Paul Croney, Dean of Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University, said "On behalf of Newcastle Business School, I'd like to congratulate Asif on his outstanding achievement and wish him every success with his future career.

"Asif has performed consistently well throughout his academic studies and the awards won are as a result of three years of hard work."

Top Finance And Investment Student Wins Prestigious Prize

Newcastle Business School — 23/07/2009 15:53:55

A finance student has been celebrating after being recognised as a top student by the Worshipful Company of International Bankers (WCIB).

Clair Brame, 22, from Skipton, North Yorkshire has graduated from Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University and won the school’s prize, sponsored by WCIB for best final year student on the BA (Hons) Finance and Investment Management programme - a four year degree which includes a one year work placement opportunity and covers leadership, strategy, and international financial markets.

Clair received her award for this year’s top student at her degree ceremony in Newcastle and was presented with a cheque for £300. Clair said: “Studying Finance and Investment Management at Newcastle Business School has been a great experience. It’s fantastic to be recognised for my hard work; attaining a First Class Honours Degree and winning the Worshipful Company of International Bankers prize. I’m now looking forward to the future and hope to secure a job in financial services taking my education further and entering an exciting and challenging career. I am very thankful for the excellent teaching and support I have received from the whole school over the past four years”.

The Worshipful Company of International Bankers is the 106^th Livery Company of the City of London and it is the first time the WCIB has sponsored this prize. Gerald Ashley of the WCIB education committee said, “A key aim of the Company is to promote education in the field of banking and financial services – areas vital to the UK economy and I am very pleased to present the award to Clair Brame who is a very worthy winner.”

Newcastle Business School’s Accounting and Finance division has gone from strength to strength, having recently been ranked 30^thout of 110 in the Times Good University Guide 2010. Donald Halliday, Programme Director said, "We are delighted the prestigious Worshipful Company of International Bankers has decided to sponsor this prize. This prize will enable us to suitably reward, outstanding student achievement."

Growing Our Own Lecturers

Newcastle Business School — 20/07/2009 16:54:25

Seven PhD students from Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University have become the first in the UK to successfully complete its pioneering Graduate Tutors Scheme.

The three-year scheme has allowed them to combine a Phd alongside a Postgraduate certificate in academic and professional learning (PCAPL) teaching qualification, while lecturing undergraduates for six to eight hours a week. They are paid a lecturer’s salary and have their Phd fees covered for the duration of the programme. All have now been taken on as full-time academic staff at the Business School’s new £70 million home at City Campus East.

Professor Richard Slack, who was the manager in charge of the programme when it was launched in 2005, says the scheme has been very successful in developing those talented individuals who have the potential to become academic staff.

He said: “We realised that there was never really such a thing as an academic training programme but you get a lot of very bright and capable individuals graduating. So our idea was to effectively grow our own academics.

“At the end of the three years, they would go through a formal interview process and we would look to try and retain them as full time members of staff. It’s in our interests in order to secure their long-term career here as it’s a substantial investment from the Business School.”

In 2005 ten graduate tutors were selected from fields relevant to the school’s Academic Development Plan. Although one dropped out early on, seven graduated yesterday and the remaining two expect to graduate next year.

Professor Slack, who is now Professor of Accounting, says they decided on 10 positions in order to “make a big splash”.

He said: “Had you recruited one or two you may not have had the peer support or the massive impact that this had had in terms of building research right across the business school.”

The graduate tutors are led by a Principal Lecturer who ensures that their research and understanding of requirements for effective learning and teaching is thorough, as well as guiding them in academic career training and development. Twenty-four other academics are involved in running the programme.

The scheme includes coaching support to develop management skills and bespoke training from “staff buddies”. There is one-week intensive international research methodology programme to train, network, present, peer review and develop research.

The research interests of the group reflect the underlying subject areas of research across the School. These include Strategic Management and International Business, Accounting and Finance, Organisation and Human Resources Management, Marketing, Supply Chain Management and Leadership.

The graduate tutors, pictured right, have already earned acclaim for their research having presented referred papers at the British Academy of Management, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development Professional Standards Conference, the British Academy of Marketing and the 29th Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneur Conference.

Now the programme has a new director, Philip Shrives, and a further seven graduate tutors have since been recruited onto the programme.

The Graduate Tutors Scheme has been so successful that other Northumbria University schools are following in the Business School’s footsteps and setting up similar schemes. Discussions are also under way with other universities, such as Oxford Brookes to disseminate good practice.

One of the seven graduating, Dr David Hart, pictured right, now holds the position of lecturer in marketing within Newcastle Business School and will also act as a year tutor offering guidance to the current crop of Graduate Tutors based on his experience as one of the original cohort. David, from Newcastle, commented, “Being on the Graduate Tutor scheme at Newcastle Business School has been a fantastic opportunity for myself and the rest of the group – we’ve been a very close team from the very beginning and it’s great to be graduating alongside them. It’s been hard work but the results have definitely been worth it.”

Newcastle Business School Graduate In Online Success

Newcastle Business School — 14/07/2009 12:11:05

A former Travel & Tourism student, Simon Dance, puts his current success down to his time at Newcastle Business School.

After graduating in 2007 with a degree in Travel and Tourism, Simon Dance worked for a small digital marketing agency in Brighton, looking after the marketing and promotion of a variety of small to medium sized businesses including Neilson Ski and the Austria national tourist board amongst others.

It was an idea that Simon admits to having while studying, but says the lack of financial resource never really allowed him to take it forward. However, after moving down to Brighton, Simon met a like-mined business partner and they launched TravelEden.com earlier this year. The business is primarily a holiday rental listing website, but also combines user generated content, as well as quality travel guides.

In addition to running TravelEden.com full time, Simon also runs a consultancy business where he advises clients on how to get the most from their online business, from micro innovation to complete site rebuilds. Most recently, Simon has been working with one of the south's leading communication agency advising them on the fundamentals of digital marketing and effective social networking.

Simon feels his time at Newcastle Business School was instrumental to his career thus far, commenting, “My degree really gave the focus and drive to achieve, and I think it really inspired me to work hard. From the guest lectures we had to the reports I wrote on attraction marketing and how the internet was changing travel distribution, I really had the bug and looking back I felt it was only a matter of time before I got back into the travel industry. Currently we have around 400 holiday apartments, villas and farmhouses listed on TravelEden.com and this is expected to triple by the end of 2009.”

Newcastle Business School Claim Travel And Tourism Partnership Award

Newcastle Business School — 14/07/2009 10:32:01

The Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) has selected Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University as the recipient of this year’s ITT University-Partnership Award.

The Award was made yesterday at the ITT Chairman’s Summer Cocktail Party at the House of Commons.

The Institute of Travel and Tourism (ITT) recognises the value of working closely with universities and colleges. As a consequence, it has established a number of initiatives aimed at valuing excellence and driving up professional standards. Part of its engagement with higher education involves recognising good practice via its ITT Recognition scheme for university and college tourism departments. In very exceptional circumstances such as this, departments may receive an award of excellence for their engagement with the sector combined with their approach to developing students and staff within their institutions.

Northumbria University was the first university, along with Bournemouth to develop a travel and tourism management undergraduate degree in 1986. Since then the degree has developed, and the relationship with the travel industry is at the core of the teaching. Fundamental to the undergraduate programme is that students develop the knowledge and skills that are required to offer real value and use to their employers when they commence their career.

This, in addition to the research done by Newcastle Business School staff such as Bridget Major (pictured above with Laurence Assock, Rock Insurance, and Steven Freudman, Chairman of Institute of Travel and Tourism) into travel employer’s expectations of graduates, as well as strong relationships with key employers and a high quality speaker programme associated with the degree programme were the key reasons for the success in this Award.

Bridget Major, Programme Director, commented, "On behalf of Newcastle Business School and Northumbria University I am absolutely delighted to receive this award and it demonstrates that the hard work done by past and present colleagues in working with the travel industry has been recognised. Having worked in the industry myself for many years I am very passionate about it and the exciting opportunities that it presents for our graduates. Many of our alumni now work at senior levels in the sector."

For more information about our Travel and Tourism programme, please click here

School Duo Scoop Top Award In Inaugural Marketing Challenge

Newcastle Business School — 08/07/2009 15:59:44

Two Year 11 Students from the Hermitage School, Chester-le-Street have walked away with first prize in Newcastle Business School's first Annual Marketing Challenge.

After much deliberation, Charlotte Yeatman and Natalie Busby were chosen as winners by a panel of judges from Newcastle Business School. The judges cited the pair's innovative and costed campaign, plus a good mix of promotional tools and supporting artwork as reasons for the successful entry.

Christine Sorensen, Programme Leader, and panellist commented, "We were delighted with our first Marketing Challenge and the entries that we received from local schools showed creativity and innovation in producing a marketing campaign for our undergraduate marketing degree. The winners, from the Hermitage School produced a particularly good entry with some very good and costed ideas. We work closely with local schools in many different ways, but this was a particularly enjoyable project as it was lovely to meet the girls and present them with the plaque for the school and their prize."

Pictured are Charlotte and Natalie, collecting their award from Dean, Professor Paul Croney and Marketing Management Programme Leader Christine Sorensen.

Helping Firms To Ride The Economic Storm

Newcastle Business School — 16/06/2009 15:29:06

Newcastle Business School were pleased to host ‘Riders on the Storm’ yesterday - an open seminar for local Professional Service Firms. The purpose of the seminar was to give advice and to share experiences with Professional Service Firms during the current turbulent economic climate.

The event was attended by a number Professional Service Firms including Brewin Dolphin, Ward Hadaway, Muckle LLP, Tait Walker, Dickinson Dees and Lloyds TSB. Topics such as ‘the North-East business climate – trends and intelligence’ and ‘Keeping your Clients – research and ideas on how client relationship management can help survive difficult times and emerge stronger’ were delivered during the session. This was followed by open discussions on how Professional Service Firms may need to adapt their business strategies both in the present recession and beyond.

Bob Woodward, Associate Dean Corporate and Management Development at Newcastle Business School said “We were delighted to host such an event for our region’s Professional Service Firms and it was great to see so many different firms represented here today. Early feedback suggests that the topics covered have been extremely helpful and we’re already planning to follow this up with further sessions later in the year. We also hope that the firms involved might see this as a useful forum for sharing challenges and responses over the longer term.”

UEM Leadership Development Programme On Target For Success

Newcastle Business School — 16/06/2009 15:10:50

An exciting collaboration between Newcastle Business School (Northumbria University), Imperial Consulting and United Engineering Malaysia (UEM) is now well established. Approximately 300 middle and senior UEM managers are presently undertaking an innovative Leadership Development programme which is seen by the company as a key part of their strategy to raise leadership capability within the business and to prepare future leaders for senior positions.

The programme has been designed to UEM’s specification and targets and has received the full support of the company’s CEO and Senior Executive team. This includes a new state-of-the-art UEM Leadership Centre in Kuala Lumpur (pictured right).

The programme is delivered in KL via an approved partner, Imperial Consulting, a leadership and management development organisation based in Singapore and Malaysia but operating across South-East Asia and, in accordance with the School’s emphasis on ‘making a difference to organisations’, there is a very strong and clear focus on developing practical skills and ensuring that participants’ learning is transferred into the workplace quickly and effectively. A further feature is that managers’ who successfully complete all parts of the programme, including a number of modular assessments based around the workplace, can also be awarded an MSc in Business Leadership from Northumbria University. The first set of graduates from the programme are expected by May 2010.

Bob Woodward, Associate Dean for Corporate and Management Development said “Leadership development is one of the most important investments an organisation can make today and the UEM programme seeks to combine innovative learning and effective leadership development for experienced managers while still providing an opportunity for participants to obtain an internationally recognised academic award. The programme is also a good example of what Newcastle Business School can offer using our extensive network of high-quality international partnerships and collaborations”.

Professor Paul Croney, Dean of Newcastle Business School said “We are delighted with the progress of the UEM managers on our MSc in Business Leadership programme. The support of the UEM Senior Executive team demonstrates the company’s long-term strategic commitment to develop business leaders and we are keen to ensure that UEM achieve their objectives through this programme.”

International HRD Conference Comes To Newcastle

Newcastle Business School — 12/06/2009 11:32:09

Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University, has this week had the opportunity to show off its award-winning new City Campus East to human resource development professionals and academics as host to the 10th International Conference on Human Resource Development Research and Practice across Europe.

The Conference has attracted a truly international audience to the City of Newcastle with 200 delegates travelling from over 30 different countries to present the latest research and practice in Human Resource Development (HRD).

The conference title ‘HRD: Complexity and imperfection in practice’ reflects the Conference aim of bringing together both academics and professionals to debate the key contemporary issues and their impact on practice.

Over 200 papers have been presented across 10 themes and a wide range of topics have been examined and debated in areas such as coaching, management development, leadership, culture, ethics and corporate social responsibility (CSR), HRD in SMEs, entrepreneurship, organisational learning, and gendered issues.

Professor Sharon Mavin, Associate Dean for Research and responsible for organising the Conference is delighted at the response to the event. She said: “We have been very impressed by the quality and diversity of the research and practice to be presented and are delighted that it has been an engaging and enjoyable event. It is very encouraging to be able to attract so many delegates during this difficult economic period, which is a reflection of the importance of HRD to organisational performance and sustainability.”

There are four inspirational keynote speakers who will address the Conference:

Dawn Robinson, Head of Learning and Development at Sage (UK)
Jan Parkinson, Managing Director of Local Government Employers (LGE) UK and Visiting Fellow to Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University
Helene Speight (pictured), General Manager, General Electric and Finalist of The Apprentice 2008
Dean Royles, Executive Director Workforce & Education, NHS Northwest and Chair of CIPD Board

Additionally, a number of successful North East business people have shared their experiences in areas such as CSR and Entrepreneurship, before responding to questions from delegates in Symposium style sessions.

Newcastle Business School - Moving Up The League Tables

Newcastle Business School — 10/06/2009 16:21:55

The release of the Times Good University Guide 2010 has seen some extremely positive news for Newcastle Business School. In Accounting & Finance, Newcastle Business School were ranked 30^th, and in Business Studies, we achieved a ranking of 49^th out of 110. In both of these cases, the results represented a climb of 16 positions from last year, which is a significant improvement.

Professor Paul Croney, Dean of Newcastle Business School, commented, “these results are a fantastic achievement and demonstrate the excellent student learning experience that exists at Newcastle Business School. It is very clear that our reputation is growing and Newcastle Business School is becoming recognised by the key university league tables as one of the leading business schools in the UK."

Newcastle Business School On Track With Nexus

Newcastle Business School — 03/06/2009 14:14:45

Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University has launched a bespoke ‘Management Effectiveness Programme’ for Senior and Middle Management at Nexus as part of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to developing the skills of its management team.

The new programme, which was officially launched on Tuesday 2nd June at Newcastle Business School by Bernard Garner, Director General of Nexus and Professor Paul Croney Dean of Newcastle Business School, will be delivered in block stages over two years.

Newcastle Business School began working with Nexus’ Senior Management team in May 2008 undertaking a huge diagnostic exercise to truly understand the requirements of the organisation. The review - which has informed the competency framework and the content of the programme - was brought about in response to the £300m Metro: All Change programme which is seeing the organisation go through a period of huge change. The programme focuses specifically on the practical development of leaders within the organisation and includes modules such as; Developing Self, Strategic Focus, and Delivering Results enabling leaders to ground their personal development into their managerial roles.

Bernard Garner said: “Nexus is going to benefit hugely from taking part in the management effectiveness programme at Northumbria University. It well help the organisation to become more adaptable. The knock on effect will undoubtedly be of long term benefit to Metro and bus passengers in Tyne and Wear.”

The programme will be delivered to 72 senior managers in total and the first cohorts will begin their workshops this month at Newcastle Business School’s base - City Campus East.

Professor Paul Croney, Dean of Newcastle Business School, said: “Today sees the launch of an innovative programme that is the culmination of over one year of diagnosis and analysis into the changes and challenges that face Nexus. The framework and subsequent Management Effectiveness programme demonstrates our ability to develop bespoke business education and management development in direct response to employers’ needs. Partnerships like this have helped position us as one of the UK’s most successful and relevant business schools and we’re delighted to further develop our relationship with Nexus in this way.”

Newcastle Business School offers bespoke solutions to businesses in the UK and around the world using a range of flexible learning approached. Clients include the NHS, Procter and Gamble, Northumbrian Water, Eaga and Zurich in the UK plus UEM Group (Malaysia) and Severstal - Russia’s largest steel company.

For more information on the Corporate and Executive Development Portfolios at Newcastle Business School call 0191 243 7070.

Region’s Top Women Leaders Challenged To Inspire Next Generation

Newcastle Business School — 21/05/2009 16:49:06

The North East’s most influential women have backed a new initiative to raise the aspirations of young women from our region’s schools.

The North East Women Leaders (NEW Leaders) conference saw some of the region’s high flying women and emerging talent come together to both inspire and offer guidance to students from across the North East on how to make it to the top.

The all day event was held in Newcastle Business School’s state of the art facilities on Northumbria University’s prestigious new City Campus East on the 24 April 2009. Over 500 female students aged 16-18 from the region’s schools attended to listen to words of wisdom from high profile speakers from business, the arts and public life including:

Margaret Fay OBE, Chair of One NorthEast
Lorna Moran MBE, CEO of NRG (Northern Recruitment Group)
Erica Whyman, Chief Executive, Northern Stage
Sarah Green, Director, CBI NorthEast
Jane Atkinson, Vice President Utilities Operations, Sembcorp Utilities UK
Nickie Gott, MD, She’s Gott it!, North East Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2007
Kim Inglis, TV presenter

In addition, Professor Sharon Mavin, Associate Dean for Research and Consultancy and Professor of Organisation and HRM at Newcastle Business School presented on, ‘The Devil Doesn’t Always Wear Prada! Tales from the Boardroom’ and introduced some of the paradoxical fables and labels which surround women in business, highlighting dilemmas and tensions, particularly for women in senior management. Sharon has an award winning international research reputation in women in management. She was joined by Helene Speight, businesswoman and one of the 2008 finalists of the hit television show The Apprentice who talked about her own experiences of the programme and her career.

All students also participated in an interactive workshop session run by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum and members of the CBI’s Future Leaders’ programme designed to develop their leadership and enterprise skills.

The New Leaders Conference programme was developed by Central Newcastle High School GDST, the leading all girls’ school based in Jesmond, as part of the School’s commitment to developing and preparing girls for courageous leadership in whatever career they choose to pursue.

Hilary French, Headmistress at Central Newcastle High School said:

“As leaders in education, it is our duty to ensure we educate and nurture our pupils to succeed in life beyond the classroom. In today’s challenging and uncertain economic times, it is more important than ever that we provide our girls with opportunities to develop the independence and self-belief to grow into strong, inspirational women.’

“There is no better way to do this than by giving the girls the opportunity to meet with women who have already achieved, or are on their way to achieving, success in their careers.

“It continues to astound me that in this day and age women are so poorly represented in the top jobs across the country. As one of the top girls’ schools in the country, we want to help redress the balance.

“The NEW Leaders Conference has received enormous support and we are grateful to our partners, SCHOOLS NorthEast, Newcastle Business School and NCJ Media in helping us to get this project up and running.

“We hope that the NEW Leaders Conference will have a long term effect on the potential talent we have in the North East and that all the girls go on to achieve highly in their chosen careers.”

Professor Mavin from Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University who is hosting the event said:

“Newcastle Business School is an international business school but at the heart of the northeast region. Developing leaders of the future and inspiring them to achieve their potential is at the core of what the Newcastle Business School is about. The NEW Leaders conference will help make this group of future leaders aware of the personal approach and skills required to achieve success and become leaders in their chosen field, which is why we are so keen to support the event.’

Beccy Earnshaw, from conference partner SCHOOLS NorthEast said:

“We are delighted to support this fantastic event. The young women attending are the future leaders of our region and we should do all that we can to raise aspirations and inform them of the opportunities available to them.

“This event celebrates the many talented and trail blazing women in our region and recognises that ensuring that future generations of young women have the skills, confidence and ambition to succeed is vital for the North East’s prosperity. By enabling those to meet strong, realistic role models they can learn more about what the route to success can look like and how they may realise their own potential."

Annual Academic Conference Welcomes Business Leader

Newcastle Business School — 21/05/2009 13:11:45

The Association of Business Schools (ABS) was pleased to welcome Miles Templeman, director general of the Institute of Directors (IoD) to its annual convention on May 21st, hosted this year by Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University at its prestigious City Campus East.

The theme for the day’s proceedings “Building partnerships with business – both sides of the story”, attracted interest from over 100 delegates from business schools around the country, as well as local businesses.

At a time when knowledge exchange has become a fundamental part of business school and company strategy, the aim of the annual conference this year was to encourage continuing and broader dialogue between business schools and employers.

Speaking on this subject, Miles Templeman advised that a key role for business schools should be to teach students how to think beyond information silos and be more self-aware as leaders. He said:

“MBAs should therefore shift from discipline-based courses to more diverse, integrated courses that reflect real world complexity. The teaching of leadership is a central requirement of business, but it is a difficult subject to teach in a classroom environment.

“The current financial crisis has undermined the legitimacy of the business system. Business schools need to play a role in rebuilding that legitimacy with a greater emphasis on corporate governance backed by principles of social and ethical behaviour.”

Jonathan Slack, chief executive of ABS, commented: “We are delighted that Miles Templeman was able to join us. He has certainly raised some pertinent issues. The need to improve levels of employer engagement and for business schools to deliver increasingly high quality graduates will be fundamental in helping to re-establish the UK’s reputation as a major economy in the future.”

Professor Paul Croney, Dean of Newcastle Business School, added:

“It has been a pleasure to hold the ABS Conference at Newcastle Business School this year and to have the opportunity to showcase our world-class facilities.

“We have all benefited from a stimulating debate with Miles Templeman about how to work successfully with employers and we will be looking to embed some of these ideas and approaches into our programmes and other activities as soon as possible.”

Sports Scholar Presented With 'Outstanding Achievement' Award

Newcastle Business School — 19/05/2009 16:02:24

Newcastle Business School Student Ryan Armstrong has been presented with an 'Outstanding Achievement' award for the work he has put in to the 'Building An Active Community (BAAC)' project. BAAC, which has been successfully managed within Newcastle Business School by Ryan, a second year Marketing and Mangement student, aims to engage people in activities with the belief that an active body compliments an active mind.

Designed to encourage people of all abilities to take part in a wide range of activities, it’s already been a successful year with over 300 students participating in some great activities such as paintball, dry slope skiing, yoga and 5-a-side football.

This award recognises Ryan's commitment to his role and for working outside the expectations of his scholarship. On behalf of everyone at Newcastle Business School, we would like to congratulate Ryan on his award and thank him for his efforts.

For more information on Sport Scholarship opportunities at Northumbria University, please visit the Team Northumbria Website.

International Welcome For Newcastle Business School Students

Newcastle Business School — 13/05/2009 14:59:07

Students from around the world descended on the River Tyne as Newcastle Business School welcomed nearly 150 of its international students to North East England.

Newcastle Business School hired a river boat cruiser as a special welcome to its new British and overseas undergraduates who arrived in the region at the beginning of October. Studying on the International Business programmes, the students were introduced to their British counterparts and enjoyed a three hour "Quay to Sea" river cruise starting out and finishing up on the scenic Quayside.

Newcastle Business School offers a number of international business courses and has partners across the globe in Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, China, Russia, Singapore as well as the USA and at business schools throughout Europe.

International Welcome 2008

A senior team of academics that included Thomas Matheus, Chris Jeffs, and Alison Pearce helped organise the event. Thomas said: "We really want to make our overseas students feel at home in Newcastle and regularly organise social networking events. This one was particularly important as the students have just arrived in the North East. The trip along the Tyne gave them a taste of what the region has to offer and the chance to meet students from the UK."

Newcastle Business School has a long-established network of academic and corporate partners around the world and has a global reputation as a leading provider of business and management education.

Overseas students have the option to complete their degrees at Newcastle Business School or study for credits which they can transfer back to their own universitieS. British students doing International Business at Newcastle Business School have the opportunity to carry out work or study placements abroad during the third year of their degree programme.

Inaugural Professorial Lecture Will Tackle Food Myths

Newcastle Business School — 13/05/2009 14:41:26

Environmentally-friendly food myths will be challenged at an inaugural lecture at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University.

Professor David Oglethorpe, Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, will examine the products that consumers are encouraged to buy in order to minimise their impact on the environment and consider how the supply networks and logistics involved can undermine any perceived benefit.

Professor David Oglethorpe

The lecture, entitled: "From Kuznets to KFC: Environmental Anomalies in the Food Supply Chain", takes place at Newcastle Business School in Northumbria University's new City Campus East on Thursday 6 November. It will draw on basic economic theory to establish a framework for rational supply chain development and demonstrate why the demand for certain lifestyle foods may be misconceived, misdirected or counter-intuitive.

Professor Oglethorpe joined Newcastle Business School following a career in the food industry for more than 20 years, both in practice-relevant research and directly in the private sector.

His PhD examined profit-environment trade-offs and decision making at the primary producer level and the sustainability of food systems has remained a central concern to his research and remains a priority for the food industry, even at a time of spiralling food costs.

Professor Oglethorpe said: "Lowering food miles, reducing packaging, going organic or more wholesome home cooking are the sort of things we are encouraged to do to save the planet. The reality is that these are simply lifestyle choices that in many cases, due to the nature of their supply chains, can actually create more harm than good. It's a contentious issue, in which we are all stakeholders, but some of these myths need putting to bed and a more considered approach is needed."

Environment Reporting "Dismissed"

Newcastle Business School — 13/05/2009 14:30:41

Mainstream analysts view the social and environmental disclosures in UK banks' annual reports as "useless" in helping them with forecasting and investment decisions, says new research coming out of Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University.

Richard Slack, a Professor in Accounting, believes his study will trigger fears over capital market analysts' understanding of the broader challenges facing business and their attitudes to issues such as climate change.

Professor Richard Slack

Professor Slack, who will share his findings as key speaker at the ACCA UK Sustainability Reporting Awards at London's British Library on 3 December, interviewed 19 London-based analysts in the banking sector between late 2004 and mid-2006. The ACCA-funded research uncovered "cynicism to complete dismissal" of all voluntary narrative reporting including social and environmental reports, the chairman's statement, corporate governance and risk disclosures.

Analysts help institutional shareholders and other capital market groups understand the challenges facing business and to give insight into future opportunities. Professor Slack said the study, conducted jointly with Newcastle University, left question marks over analysts' attitudes to the environmental challenges facing business. "Social and environmental reporting was universally considered irrelevant and incapable of influencing a financial forecast," he revealed. "There was total dismissal of the importance of environmental issues in taking decisions such as giving loans to potential polluters, for example, and I would suggest that analysts are not taking potential climate change and environmental impact seriously enough."

Professor Slack continued: "Our findings show that analysts are dismissive of anything other than financial metrics, and they deem large sections of voluntary narrative reporting as useless or worse. Analysts have been shown up to be narrow in their approach, often formulaic and rules-driven, and highly unlikely to be a source of change in respect of social and environmental issues. Their approach should be a major concern to wider market participants given analysts' crucial role in the information supply chain."

The findings also represent a real challenge to preparers of annual reports, Professor Slack explained. "If it is the intention of preparers to make narrative reporting relevant and material to investors, they have some way to go or some rethinking to do," he said. "The annual reports for 2006 of HSBC Holdings plc and Barclays plc were 458 pages and 310 pages respectively, and I would have to question the actual usefulness of this surfeit of narrative in annual reports to analysts.

"Whilst some of the wider increase in narrative reporting has been driven by regulatory presence, increases such as social and environmental reporting are largely voluntary. This disclosure is seemingly not even read by analysts and raises serious concerns over its usefulness to them, or their own ignorance of the issues that such reporting seeks to address," Professor Slack added.

The research focused on the banking sector only as it is one of the four main 'volume' trading sectors in London, along with technology, pharmaceutical and oil and gas, and strategically important to the UK economy.

Inspirational Graduate Receives Student Of The Year Commendation

Newcastle Business School — 13/05/2009 14:18:53

A Newcastle Business School graduate, who was paralysed from the waist down during his final year, has won a prestigious commendation for his inspiring success.

Craig Willis has received a commendation from the national Barclays Capital Xcel Business and Commerce Student of the Year Awards just one year after falling from a fifth-floor balcony while on holiday in Majorca.

The 23 year old, from Darras Hall, Ponteland, returned to Newcastle Business School, part of Northumbria University, just weeks after his accident and went on to achieve a first class degree this summer.

He will be presented with the award by Professor Peter Slee, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Region and Engagement at Northumbria University, on Thursday 4th December at Newcastle Business School, based in the award-winning City Campus East.

Craig Willis with Professor Peter Slee

Craig, who now works for Pricewaterhouse Coopers in Newcastle, said: “I was really surprised to be nominated for the award there are many people more deserving.

"After my accident it was hard to motivate myself but my degree gave me something to focus on.

"I would like to thank all of the staff and students who made it a fantastic experience for me. The support staff were amazing and they did everything they could do to help me."

Newcastle Business School Senior Lecturer Dorothy Fellows said "The word inspirational is overused but it is no exaggeration to say that Craig Willis deserves the epithet. A final year Undergraduate student on the Business Studies degree Craig had successfully completed his year long Industrial Placement when he was paralysed from the waist down as a result of an accident. He also suffered fractures to several ribs and to his right shoulder blade.

“What is remarkable is that he returned to undertake the final year of his studies just nine weeks later, having missed only the first two weeks of teaching.

"Despite the challenges of dealing with these circumstances, the painful physical effects of his injuries (including balancing difficulties) and the ongoing psychological adjustments required of him, Craig has performed remarkably in his academic studies.”

She added: “Craig’s academic achievements are only part of the story however. He maintained an incredibly positive attitude towards all his activities at the University, attending well and punctually, contributing to classes and being pro-active throughout."

"He has been an inspirational student and those who have taught and worked with him have been deeply impressed with the virtues he has demonstrated.”

Professor Peter Slee said, "Craig is an excellent candidate to receive the Xcel Student of the Year commendation. He has shown impressive commitment and determination in the face of difficult circumstances. He has been a credit to Northumbria University and truly deserves this recognition."

Riders On The Storm - Guiding Leaders Through Turbulent Times

Newcastle Business School — 13/05/2009 14:12:31

Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University is to open its doors to local professional service firms via a free morning event aimed to help guide senior level practitioners through the current turbulent economic climate.

As part of Newcastle Business School’s on-going engagement with local business, the school is hosting ‘Riders on the Storm’ – an event that aims to join a number of different professional service firms and provide practical information and a forum for discussion to help encourage shared knowledge and best practice. The event will also provide information and helpful ideas by drawing on research and in-house expertise from Newcastle Business School to help assist firms when dealing with common issues experienced in all professions.

The morning event will be held at Northumbria University’s award winning City Campus East on 15^th June 2009. The event will cover topics such as ‘the North-East business climate –trends and intelligence’ and ‘Keeping your Clients – research and ideas on how client relationship management can help survive difficult times and emerge stronger’.

Sessions during the event will be delivered by the Dean Professor Paul Croney, Professor Jackie Harvey, Professor Richard Slack and Peter Graham.

Peter Graham, Senior Lecturer and organiser of the event said: “Professional service firms are often excellent in their professional knowledge but lack other commercial organisational skills that any sizeable business needs. Newcastle Business School has expertise in assisting such firms to manage their business and clients effectively. We hope that as a result of this event all delegates will benefit from the advice and knowledge shared.”

‘Riders on the Storm’ is a free event for senior level practitioners. Firms wanting to register to attend should click here or call 0191 243 7507.

Top Marks For Outstanding Marketing Graduate

Newcastle Business School — 13/05/2009 13:44:43

Janice Rowe, A Newcastle Business School graduate has won an award for her hard work after getting the highest marks in her MA degree.

Janice Rowe received the Chartered Institute of Marketing North East Postgraduate Student of the Year Award as she graduated from the two-year part-time MA in Marketing course at Newcastle Business School.

The 25-year-old from Monkseaton, Whitley Bay, carried on working in her full-time job at as a communications officer at Northumberland College while working towards her degree but still achieved a distinction.

She said, "It was difficult balancing work life and study but it was definitely worthwhile and I enjoyed my time at Northumbria University.

Prize Winner Janice Rowe with Programme Director Richard Gay

"I was very surprised when I found out I would receive the award and that I had the highest marks in my class.”

Richard Gay, Programme Director of Postgraduate Studies in Marketing and Logistics, said, "Janice has produced an outstanding set of results across the MA Marketing programme to achieve her distinction. To do it by part - time study shows a high degree of commitment to develop her marketing skills and knowledge.

"Janice completed the programme with an excellent dissertation report that applied marketing concepts to an important work place issue at Northumberland College where she is employed. The programme has always been very successful in providing a platform for career progression.

"Rather than rest on our laurels, we are looking to relaunch a new flexible part-time Masters in Marketing from September 2009."

Business School's Senior Managers Hit High Spots In Kuala Lumpur

Newcastle Business School — 13/05/2009 13:24:22

Senior members of Newcastle Business School’s Executive Management Team at Northumbria University are about to hit the high spots as they deliver a workshop from the world’s tallest twin buildings this week - the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, which stands at 1,483 ft.

Professor Paul Croney, Dean, and Associate Deans Jane Turner, Executive Development, Professor Sharon Mavin, Research and Consultancy and Bob Woodward, Corporate Management Development, will be exporting the University’s particular brand of executive development and coaching to an audience of more than 100 senior executives and future business leaders from the vantage point of The Knowledge Café on Tower One’s 40th floor.

The visit builds upon Newcastle Business School’s established international portfolio and its ability to engage with organisations worldwide.

There has been an overwhelming response from Petronas’ senior managers who wish to attend the workshop where Jane will be conducting a seminar on the theme of 'authentic leadership development - an essential approach for the 21st century'.

Jane says “We will be covering subjects such as the reality of being a leader, the development process involved and importantly, asking the question “why would anyone want to be led by you?"

'Authentic leadership development substantially underpins our ethos within the Executive Leadership Development portfolio that I lead. This is a great opportunity to strengthen the Newcastle Business School brand and reinforce our position as a leading player among international business schools.”

The team is also visiting UEM Group (United Engineers Malaysia Berhad) in Kuala Lumpur and delivering a workshop based around organisational values.

UEM Group has more than 40 major operating companies worldwide.

Professor Mavin comments: "The workshop on organisational values should be particularly interesting since the UEM workforce comprises Malaysian, Chinese and Indian nationals. We already have 300 UEM managers on a bespoke Masters in Business Leadership programme which we have developed and believe there is potential for further engagement with UEM over the delivery of other aspects of our portfolio which could be of interest to them.”

As part of the visit, the team is also coaching senior colleagues from a partner Malaysian University who are studying the Newcastle Business School's Professional Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA). INTI University College senior academics study both in Malaysia and in Newcastle a part of their Doctoral research in business and management practice.

Developing Future Leaders In Sri Lanka

Newcastle Business School — 13/05/2009 12:26:58

The British High Commissioner, Dr Peter Hayes and the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka were among the VIPs present to launch Newcastle Business School ’s BA (Hons) Leadership and Management Programme in Sri Lanka, which was also supported by the Honourable Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.

A cocktail reception held in Westminster House, Colombo was the official launch of the programme, which is run by Newcastle Business School.

Commenting on this exciting development, Professor Craig Mahoney, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Northumbria University said;

"I am delighted that Northumbria University’s Newcastle Business School is now offering the BA (Hons) Leadership and Management in Sri Lanka. This completion award is an innovative work based degree programme delivered over one year in Sri Lanka and supported by staff from Northumbria University.

Northumbria University has been working extensively across Sri Lanka for many years and is constantly looking at ways to develop new links and further strengthen existing ones, providing greater opportunities for Sri Lankan students to access UK university education."

The programme was developed for the Sri Lankan market with the support and advice of Northumbria University’s local representative, Business Management School in Sri Lanka.

Newcastle Business School Graduate Scores First Place

Newcastle Business School — 13/05/2009 12:11:47

A Newcastle Business School Accounting graduate has beaten more than 700 students from across England and Wales to win a top accountancy prize.

Rebecca Tweedie, who trained at Newcastle Business School, has been awarded the Little Prize by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).

The prize is presented to the student who achieves the highest marks in the taxation module of the ICAEW's ACA accountancy qualification.

Rebecca now works as an assistant auditor in the Newcastle office of the National Audit Office auditing the financial accounts of the Department for Work and Pensions.

She said “Working for the NAO has given me the opportunity to undertake challenging, practical work on issues at the heart of Government, while at the same time receiving the support and training I needed to get through my exams.”

Rebecca Tweedie graduated BA (Hons) Accounting from Newcastle Business School in 2007. As a student at Newcastle Business School she was awarded the Chartered Institute of Taxation Prize for Taxation on the final year of her BA (Hons) Accounting course and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Prize for the best student in her second year.

Donald Halliday, Programme Director at Newcastle Business School said: "All of us here would like to add our warmest congratulations to Rebecca on an outstanding achievement.

“The ICAEW qualification is a prestigious one, and the accountancy profession recruits from the best of graduate talent each year. The National Audit Office is a major employer and a great supporter of the work we do here at Newcastle Business School. This is wonderful news for all of us in the North East.”

The Little Prize was set up in 1960 in memory of Leo T. Little, who was editor of Accountancy magazine for over 20 years.

Wendy Kenway-Smith, Assistant Auditor General of the NAO and head of National Audit Office's Newcastle Office, said “Beating over 700 graduates to such a prestigious, national prize is a fantastic achievement by Rebecca

“Her success demonstrates the excellent career prospects that the National Audit Office offers to graduates in the North East.”

Jim Summers, President of the Northern Society of Chartered Accountants, congratulated Rebecca and added “The NAO is the largest trainer of ACA students other than accountancy firms, which demonstrates the flexibility of the qualification and its relevance to both the public and private sectors.”

Latest Business Barometer Results (April 09)

Newcastle Business School — 09/05/2009 12:23:15

By Jackie Harvey (Professor in Financial Management) and Richard Slack (Professor in Accounting)

The analysis of the latest North East Business Barometer is being written against the background of the measures agreed at the G20 economic summit and their favourable reception by financial markets evidenced by the FTSE100 climbing back through the psychological 4,000 benchmark, a level not seen since the middle of February; although it should be noted that this is still a long way from the peak of 6,700 reached in early July 2007.

Despite the desire to grasp any signs of recovery (last month's minor jump in house prices for example) as being indicative that we have reached the nadir of the current crisis, the reality for UK PLC still makes pretty grim reading. National Statistics data for the last three months of 2008 show that GDP fell by 1.6% (its biggest quarterly fall since 1980) to stand 2.0% lower than for the same period 2007. Add to this the dramatic slowdown in manufacturing output (fall in output from production industries of 4.5% during the fourth quarter four following on from a fall of 1.8% in the third quarter); the further fall of 0.8% in service industries output over the same period (-0.5% quarter three); the rise in unemployment to 6.5% for the three months to January 2009 (1.3% higher over the year); and finally, the rise in the savings ratio, which having been negative for part of last year rose to 5% during the final quarter of 2008, the highest level since the end of 2005. It is evident that we are not yet out of the woods.

In our last business barometer published in November 2008, some 42% of respondents expected turnover to fall; 47% anticipated a reduction in the workforce and the general business climate was perceived as uncertain by 53% and pessimistic by a further 33%. The fragility of market confidence was perhaps best illustrated by the fact that while only 2% of firms were operating at well below full capacity earlier in 2008, 31% of firms were in this position in November. So how are things today? The latest survey indicates that just over half of all respondents (52.5%) are expecting turnover to fall and just under three-quarters (72.5%) described the general business climate as pessimistic. On a slightly more positive note only 17.5% anticipate any further reductions in workforce with half expecting the workforce to remain at its current size and only 12.5% of respondents indicated that they were operating at well below full capacity. This suggests that structural adjustments have already taken place, although it is concerning that for many, the expectation is of further contraction in turnover.

Unsurprisingly, the key business risks are still seen as being a tightening of credit (45% compared to 42% in November) and lower consumer spending (37.5% compared to 39% in November). It is evident that there is no expectation that this situation is likely to improve in the near future. Consistent with the national picture, production is unlikely to pick up given the continued absence of consumer demand, a situation that is forecast to continue at least until the end of this year and probably longer. Despite all of the recent attempts to ease the flow of credit within the financial system, credit constraints and a lack of finance were identified by 62.5% of respondents (compared to only 28% November) as an inhibiting factor in the event that expansion was contemplated. A new area included in this survey focussed on the potential disruption arising from a breakdown in supply chain due to business failures elsewhere. Interestingly this was identified as a risk by a tenth of respondents.

While failing to have the desired impact on credit availability, monetary easing has contributed to depreciation in the value of the currency, a factor that was commented upon in our last survey. It is unlikely that the pound will move significantly away from its current trading range which will be beneficial for the 37.5% of businesses with overseas markets.

The impression gained is that possibly the major adjustments in response to the recession may have taken place, however, there is no expectation of any great improvement until at least the end of 2009. It will be interesting to see if signs of recovery come through in our next survey at the end of the year.

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