BusinessWise International 06/12

1. International Student Magazine
Dreams Of Olympic Success In London
International Food Event
Publishing Success In South Africa
Delivering Accounting In Bahrain
Representing
NBS at University
Court

2. Welcome from the
E xecutive Dean
to bring you news
INESSWISE. We are delighted
Welcome to this edition of BUS of their successes, as
and share with you some
from our international students
well as informing you of our work around the globe.
nering three
global developments; we are part
This year has witnessed amazing deliver our MBA. No other univ
ersity
exclusively
elite Vietnamese universities to ing economy. In April
highly dynamic and grow
has such an arrangement in this ated in the Knowledge
2012, NBS joined forc es with Stafford Associates; situ bian Gulf
ver our MBA in centres spanning the Ara
Village Dubai to exclusively deli & Young, the prestigious
working with Ernst
to South East Europe.We are also accounting degree.
global accounting firm, in Bahrain to deliver our
Province
oduction, unique in Guangdong
2011-12 has also seen the intr
s Entrepreneurship degree on a
(China), of a BA (Hons) Busines
is.
two-centre shared delivery bas
Society continues to provide all
The work of the Global Student
ortunities to integrate with life
students with many excellent opp
to Bentley, a talent show and an
in the UK, such as a recent trip events
international food event. You can view the pictures of these
ok page, so take a look and join
and many more on our Facebo
our online community.
Dr Ian Brooks
Executive Dean, NBS
/nbsuninorthants @ianbrooks6
Comments
Featured in
this edition...
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e to commen
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is edition of
BUSINESSW
Dreams Of Olympic Success ISE? Got an
idea for the n
In London P2 ext issue? Let
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businesswis
northampto e@
International Food Event P.6 n.ac.uk
P8
Delivering Accounting In Bahrain
ica P10
Publishing Success In South Afr
Published by Northampton Business School. T. 0044 1604 892036 E. businesswise@northampton.ac.uk
Editors: Hayley Hunter and Michelle Smith. Design: Stamp
www.northampton.ac.uk
Every effort has been made to ensure that all of the information contained in this edition of Business Wise is correct a the time of going to press.
Please note that The University of Northampton accepts no liability for the accuracy of statements in this and other marketing publications.

3. BUSINESSWISE - International Edition Page 2
John’s dream
of Olympic
success in
London Look at him go
A
BA Business and Marketing student from The
University of Northampton’s Business School is
eagerly awaiting the announcement of whether he to defer for two years and have been extremely helpful with this
flexibility for my studies.
has made it onto the 2012 U.S. Olympic team.
“You could be training for 6 – 7 hours a day, so I found my
John Gibbons, 22, is in Year 2 of his degree and has been textbooks a great help to focus on something else. I wanted to keep
studying part-time over the last four years whilst he trains with the up with my course and the reading. I also know that eventually all
U.S. Pentathlon team in America. this sport will end and I’ll be doing something after that – having a
John will find out in June whether he will be representing the degree in Business and Marketing will be very valuable.”
U.S. at London 2012. He commented: A pentathlon is a competition featuring five different events –
typically shooting, swimming, fencing, equestrian and cross country
“I’ve been swimming competitively since I was eight years old and running.
winning a few county championships. I then progressed to take part “I enjoy swimming a lot,” John stated, “Pentathlons are a
in the U.S. Pentathlon national championships in New Mexico in real test of endurance as they last all day. I have a ‘psyched mix’
2007 and represented the U.S. in both the Youth and Junior World on my iPod to get me ready, which gets the job done! Before a
championships when I was 18. competition, sleep is also vital, as is a lot of pasta.”
“I was asked to attend the U.S. Olympic Training Centre in John returned back to the UK and his studies at The University
Colorado Springs from September 2010 – July 2011. The top 5% of Northampton’s Business School in September 2011. He plans to
of athletes are invited to this facility for training at Olympic level, so it go straight into Year 3 of his course in September - hopefully with
was a great honour for me to be selected. I had already started my unforgettable experiences of competing for his country in London
studies at The University of Northampton but they allowed me 2012.
Representing NBS at University Court
S
tudents from Northampton Business Northampton Business School as well for members of the business community
School were invited to represent the as the many ways in which the Business to support students by offering them these
school at University Court on the 4th School has helped them to develop their valuable placement opportunities to help
May 2012. employability skills through placements them better prepare for the world of work.
The University Court is a very special and workshops to improve interview
event held annually, guests include the local techniques and CV writing. Dominyka
MP, the Mayor and distinguished members told the audience of her experience
of the business community. As part of the with Nissan last year and her
event Dr. Ian Brooks, Executive Dean hopes of securing full time
introduced three of our students; Xihui employment with them
Chen, Tanish Thakker and Dominyka when she graduates.
Zemaityte. The students talked She also stressed
about their experience at how important it was

4. Page 3 BUSINESSWISE - International Edition
THE
BENTLEY
FACTORY
TOUR
The Global Students’ Society arranged an educational visit
to the Bentley factory in Crewe. Students from across the
university took part and BUSINESSWISE caught up with three
students from Northampton Business School to see what they “People spend a fortune to have the ‘Bentley Feel’ but we were
thought of the experience. among the handful of lucky ones to experience it for free. After
“I had really looked forward to the trip to Bentley and an early start we arrived in Crewe and met our guide for the
found the tour amazing and very informative. We saw how factory tour, Mr. Alan who has been with Bentley for the past
the factory equipment reduced production time and ensured 36 years, he was our ‘Pied Piper’ for the day. Every car that
the high quality Bentley is known for. It was interesting to see goes out to the customer is passed through a process of quality
how Bentley is expanding their customer base by entering the assurance that eliminates the probability of any error or damage
Chinese markets. As a management student, I found this trip to to almost zero.
see such a successful brand very helpful”. The Bentley exhibition centre has on display their first ever
Yin Fang, MA Management (Tourism) racing car which was able to accelerate up to 120 mph in 1920,
“I had heard about Bentley from my father who is a crazy as well as another Bentley that was gifted back to the company
fan of cars. I have been interested in a variety of cars since I was by an elderly couple, this car was a wedding gift to the bride
little so joining the trip was very interesting. I learned a lot from from the groom.
the visit and can see how Bentley has become the most famous We would like to thank the Global Student Society
car in the world, because of the rigorous tests, the constant committee and the staff at Bentley for providing us with an
innovations and the belief of the brand in every employee”. opportunity to have the ‘Bentley Feel’.
Song Yao, International Accounting Rehman Aslam, MBA
The Global Students’ Society Talent Show
R un by students, for the students, the Global Students’
Society provides a common ground for home and
international students to interact through social activities
throughout the year.
The Society arranged a talent show and Gaurav Ravindra tells BUSINESSWISE
“I was given a chance to play the guitar and sing. Not only did I get a lot of exposure
from the event, but I also made a lot of new friends from different countries having similar
interests and had a phenomenal time with them! I am glad there is such a spectacular
society to bring us all together. No doubt there is a strong Unity in Diversity!”
Tanhe Yuan also took part in the talent show and said “As an international student
studying engineering at Avenue campus, I was happy to have an opportunity to play
harmonica at the talent show, the night was great because I met a wonderful singer
Gaurav who has an amazing singing voice.”
Students expressed gratitude to their President, Xihui Chen, who encourages
students to get involved in the activities of The Global Students’ Society. It is sometimes
difficult for international students to gain the confidence to socialise with people who
speak English. The Global Students’ Society provides a platform for students to familiarize
themselves in English life.

5. BUSINESSWISE - International Edition Page 4
International accountancy placement
Justina Petkeviciute is studying BA Accounting and Finance and we asked her about her
placement year with Faurecia, an International automotive parts manufacturer.
“When I first heard about work placements I thought what an amazing opportunity that
would be, but was it something I would be able to do? The NBS Centre for Employability held a
number of seminars where we could find out more about work placements, it was after attending
these that I set my mind to find a placement.
I realised a year’s work experience would have huge potential for me, from enhancing my
CV to giving me priceless hands on experience. It took a lot of effort and motivation to secure
myself a placement, I was unsuccessful on a couple of occasions but my determination paid off
and I secured a job at Faurecia, one of the largest international automotive parts manufacturer’s
in the world.
Employed as an Accounts Assistant at Faurecia, I get to experience every field of
accounting from inputting non-production and production invoices, month end, creating debit
and credit notes, helping with money recharge to other plants and lots more. During my time
here I have learnt to be more responsible, professional and manage my time better. As for
technical skills, I have mastered Excel and learnt how to work with two accounting systems and
I’m about to learn a third one!
This placement has given me an amazing opportunity and made me realise what I want to
do in the future. I believe this experience will help me to secure a job which I will really enjoy and I
can’t wait to start looking for one again. To sum it up, I am very happy that I took this opportunity
and the staff at Northampton Business School were so helpful with everything. Only one warning
to those who are thinking about doing a placement- be prepared to grow! A lot!”
Lights! The spring term saw Pre-sessional English students using their Project
to create personalised films on the student experience at The Universi
Northampton. Students worked in small teams and were tasked to
module
ty of
Camera!
show the quality
of the student experience.
To support the students in their task, they used the film editing suite
installed in
NBS. They also received expert assistance from the Business School’s
Action!
E-Learning
Multimedia Developer. Not only did the students have the hands on
experience
of directing, starring and filming their video, they were also taught how
to use the
editing equipment properly. They had the chance to use up-to-date
software and
further develop skills for their future study.
The end result of the eight week project was a varied and enjoyable
set of
videos. The films were judged on how well they met the assignment
brief, the use
of language and the use of editing software. A prize of a day out paintbal
ling was
awarded to the top two submissions. This prize was kindly donated
by NBS.

6. Page 5 BUSINESSWISE - International Edition
A GREAT ADVENTURE
“
The MSc IT Service Management (ITSM) course helped me realise
how service industries like IT in particular enables organisations to
return real value. As a technology professional with over ten years
experience working in the public sector, I now realised my views
have always been isolated and focused on the technology rather
than considering the whole picture. I am now exposed to frameworks
such as ITIL that form the basis for continual service improvement
(CSI) needed to monitor and report organisational value and benefit.
I chose the University of Northampton, because I wanted a
course that helps you align organisation’s needs and information
systems as early as inception of the business case all the way to
implementation.
The environment in Northampton has been conducive and a
great adventure for me. I am from the Gambia in West Africa and
head the IT Department of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary “
Education. The Ministry sponsors my studies with The University of
Northampton.
Alpha Bah
Working
opportunities
“
Iveta Senkevicha is studying BA Fashion has helped me to improve my English to offer me so many different opportunities
Marketing with Northampton Business and be more confident when it comes to and support during my studies;
School and has just finished her second talking in front of large groups of people. I these have given me lots of different
year. As an EU student from Lithuania have also met many people while working experiences and knowledge. For example
she spoke to BUSINESSWISE about her on the open days and it’s a big friendly I have been working as an assistant stylist
experience of combining work and study. team who are always happy to help each for the fashion graduates promotional
“In the beginning I was very other. In addition I have been working video, which helped me to get an insight
concerned how I would manage to as a Course Representative, which has into the industry where I want to work,
combine my studies and work as I wasn’t given me a chance to actively participate this is especially helpful as I can’t afford
able to apply for the home student loan. I in my course, address the issues or to go on an unpaid placement. For these
decided to look for job opportunities within
the University and found out about the
Student Ambassador role, which I’m doing
at the moment, this has been a great
questions from my fellow students to
our tutor and it looks good on my CV,
combining these roles has enabled me to
become more organised and responsible.
reasons I am very grateful that The
University of Northampton could provide
me all these amazing opportunities for
self-development.
“
experience for me. Being an ambassador I am pleased that the University are able

7. BUSINESSWISE - International Edition Page 6
Nor thampto
n Business Sch
Union and T ool, The Stu
he Global Stu dents
dents’ Societ
hosted an In y
International
ternational
Food Evenin
March 201 g in
2.
This inaugu
ral event, w
100 studen hich hosted
ts and staff, over
Food Event
was a celebr
of food, mus ation
ic and cultur
e from arou
the world. T nd
hose in atte
ndance sam
the delights pled
of Indian, C
hinese, Span
Caribbean an ish,
d British fo
od whilst w
traditional atching
dances from
around the
world.
To see more
images from
this event vi
www.faceb ook.com/nb
sit
suninor than
ts

8. Page 7 BUSINESSWISE - International Edition
Publishing success in Over the past few years Professor
South Africa
Simon Burtonshaw-Gunn has
contributed a number of practitioner
articles to the South African web-based
journal ‘Human Capital Review’.
O
Late last year he was
ver the past few approached by an editor requesting that
years Professor two of these articles are reproduced
as book chapters in a series of books
Simon Burtonshaw- covering topics such as strategy,
Gunn has contributed a management, change, leadership and
HR.
number of practitioner In February this year Simon
articles to the South was pleased to report that his
chapter ‘Performance Management:
African web-based Processes AND People’ was
journal ‘Human Capital published in ‘Managing Performance
in Organisations’ and his chapter, with
Review’. his regular co-writer Dr Malik Salameh,
Late last year he was ‘Change management contributions
to organisational performance’ was
approached by an published in ‘Managing Change in
editor requesting that two of these articles Organisations’. Both titles are published
by Knowles Publishing, Republic of
are reproduced as book chapters in a series South Africa.
of books covering topics such as strategy,
Over the past few years Professor
management, change, leadership and HR. Simon Burtonshaw-Gunn has
In February this year Simon was pleased contributed a number of practitioner
articles to the South African web-based
to report that his chapter ‘Performance journal ‘Human Capital Review’.
Management: Processes and People’ was Late last year he was
approached by an editor requesting that
published in ‘Managing Performance in two of these articles are reproduced
Organisations’ and his chapter, with his as book chapters in a series of books
covering topics such as strategy,
regular co-writer Dr Malik Salameh, ‘Change management, change, leadership and
Research
management contributions to organisational HR.
In February this year Simon
performance’ was published in ‘Managing was pleased to report that his chapter
Change in Organisations’. Both titles are ‘Performance Management: Processes
AND People’ was published in
published by Knowles Publishing, Republic of
in Brazil
‘Managing Performance nagement
South Africa. contributions to organisational
performance’ was published in titles
Dr He Shaowei is busy
IT Service Management preparing for a trip to visit three
of the largest universities in
Conference 19th July 2012 Brazil; UNESP, Universidade
de São Paulo, and University
of Fortaleza to participate in
Over the last five years 100s of exhibition and presentations from
research seminars and attend
students from all over the world students whose academic work has
have graduated with a MSc IT challenged or reinforced current the Brazil-Africa international
Service Management or a Post thinking in the service management forum. In addition Shaowei
Graduate Certificate in ITSM from arena. will be visiting various inward
The University of Northampton. investment agencies and
During this time the research Susan Bailey, Principal Lecturer
carried out by these students, and Course Leader says “We have
Chinese companies investing
especially in their dissertations, been delighted with the quality in Brazil including Huawei and
has been extensive, innovative and of research that students have Sany and talking to colleagues
exciting. Now is the time to share undertaken and much of the work is about potential collaborations.
this with the ITSM community. now suitable for publication. We are
encouraging the students to prepare
The University of Northampton is posters and academic papers that
delighted to announce that it will are dynamic and thought provoking.
stage its first ITSM conference, the We would like to welcome visitors,
day before the current graduates’ students and alumni alike.”
award ceremony.
To register go to
Keynote speakers, include Dr
Don Page and Ben Clacy from itsmconference.eventbrite.co.uk
itSMF. There will also be a poster

9. BUSINESSWISE - International Edition Page 8
Delivering
Accounting
in Bahrain
and has established itself as a
accounting qualifications such as
T
he University of Northampton well known and respected training
has agreed a joint degree the AAT diploma to top up to UK
centre, attracting a large number
delivery with Ernst & Young degree level. These students will
of locals as well as an expat
study modules for the award of BA
Training Centre in Bahrain. Ernst community in the island including a
(Hons) International Accounting.
& Young is one of the ‘big four’ considerable number of overseas
The tuition will be provided by
accounting services firms in the candidates for its varied training
the BCT team and supported by
world and are the most distinct and course offerings.
University staff in Bahrain.
widely recognised brand, operating The University has developed
It is expected that the degree
in over 140 countries with global a number of partnerships with UK
will attract a significant number
clients. Accounting professional bodies
of local and other Middle Eastern
Ernst & Young, Bahrain employs to enable the enhancement of
students. The degree will have
470 staff and provides its clients professional body qualifications
two intakes, September and
with a broad array of services to degree level. One such
February and is due to commence
relating to audit and risk, business arrangement is with the Association
September 2012. It has also been
community training (BCT), tax, of Accounting Technicians where
agreed that some students may
technology and IT security and holders of the AAT diploma can
wish to complete their degree
transaction advisory services. study for a UK Honours degree.
studies in Northampton.
The partnership will enable E&Y
BCT is situated on the
through the BCT centre to provide
prestigious Al Moayyed Tower
tuition to students with existing

10. Page 9 BUSINESSWISE - International Edition
Cross cultural teaching
in Vietnam and Pakistan
D
r. Holger Siemons, who teaches Cross-Cultural contributing to the open discussion that Holger initiated
Management with us has just returned from a in the class. Through him giving us the challenge
month long teaching trip to Pakistan and Vietnam. to gradually increase our contributions we built the
In Lahore Holger taught “Critical Thinking and Reflection confidence that was needed to finally reduce our
Skills” to a group of activists and university lecturers for a inhibitions to share our opinion.”
political foundation that supports public democratization While the exposure to different learning styles may
processes in different countries. In Hanoi, where Holger be challenging, over time such interventions support
is a visiting professor with the National Economics the multi-level ability of the student to participate
University, he taught International Business Strategy in and contribute to cross-cultural work environments.
the Advanced Educational Program, which exposes its Therefore increasing the global employability of these
students to an international faculty and works toward a students.
high degree of praxis orientation. Holger implemented Holger paired this learning approach by involving
an interactive teaching methodology that encouraged all students in real life business scenarios in which students
students to actively contribute to collective learning. share their understanding. This format of teaching was
During the module, students increased the well received among students and faculty of NEU, as
frequency and complexity of their oral and written well as by the delegation of the Vietnamese Ministry of
contributions to the group. One student in the cohort Education that attended Holger’s class.
expressed: “In the beginning I was reserved in
Da Nang University
delegation visit
A high level delegation from Da
Nang University, led by the
University President, visited on Sunday
11 March to discuss opportunities to
form a partnership between our two
universities. The delegation enjoyed the
experience, including lunch in an old
Northamptonshire village pub and a drive
around Althorp. Both institutions signed
a Memorandum of Association the next
day in London which set out the scope
for a partnership and we will shortly
commence the implementation phase of
that arrangement. The exact nature of
the development remains a commercial
secret but watch this space for further
developments with Da Nang and other
elite Vietnamese universities.

11. BUSINESSWISE - International Edition Page 10
Agreements made with Kazakhstan University
Dr Chris Andrew, International School of Economics and Business. universities from Russia, Lithuania
Development Manager for Agreements were made for students and Hungary) in a European
Northampton Business School spent to progress from AL Farabi National Tempus bid to deliver a Masters
a week as the guest of Al Farabi University to a number of courses programme in International Business
Kazakh National University in Almaty, at Northampton Business School, Entrepreneurship. Northampton
Kazakhstan. Al Farabi National including the MBA, MSc Accounting Business School hopes to host a
University is widely regarded as the and Finance, MA Management and a return visit by the Vice Dean for
No 1 University in Kazakhstan. number of BA (Hons) top up courses. International Relations at AL Farabi
Chris met with the First Vice Al Farabi Kazakh National Kazakh National University later in the
Rector of Al Farabi National University University will also be partnering year.
and members of staff from the High Northampton Business School (and
Malaysian Recruiting
MSc Corporate in Southern
Governance & Africa
Leadership
Dr Tambu Mangezi (pictured),
In a recent visit to Kuala Lumpar, organised a series of student
Dr. Ian Brooks, Executive Dean of recruitment events and
partnership meetings with
NBS negotiated provisional approval
education institutions in Botswana,
of The University of Northampton South Africa and Zimbabwe. from the University of
MSc Corporate Governance & The events held at the British Zimbabwe (formerly a college
Leadership by the Malaysian Council offices in Gaborone of the University of London
Institute of Company Secretaries and Harare, welcomed over 400 and University of Birmingham,
and Administrators to provide prospective students and received Trust Academy), and Zimbabwe
60 completed applications on the Council of Higher Education
qualified company secretaries. When
day and more since the event. Dr. (ZIMCHE) had positive outcomes.
ratified, Northampton will be the Mangezi met with the Director of In Gaborone meetings with the
first University to gain dual approval the British Council - South Africa Ministry of Higher Education
both by ICSA (London) and MAICSA to discuss promoting the schools (Tertiary Education Financing),
(Malaysia) and students will study activities to prospective students. University of Botswana and AMB
for this qualification in Kuala Lumpur, In addition, meetings were University were held and follow
organised with local accrediting up is currently underway. The
progressing to Northampton for the
councils and prospective partners, prospects for delivering supported
second and third semesters of the in the region. In Zimbabwe distance learning and developing
Masters degree. meetings with representatives long-term partnerships are great.

12. Page 11 BUSINESSWISE - International Edition
Study Skills Preparation Course
Helping you to become a successful student
As an international student, studying at university in the UK will be very different from your previous experiences.
This innovative, interactive four week course helps international students understand the differences between how they
studied in their home country and what is expected of them at a British university.
“The strengths of the course are quality tutoring, clear and concise course materials and the provision of the
Directed Self Study to assist students in studying on their own”.
Desmond (Nigeria)
For more information or visit www.northampton.ac.uk/study-skills-preparation-course
or email: nbsstudyskills@northampton.ac.uk
Northampton Business School, The University of Northampton’s albums
International Welcome Week Masters Dinner May 12 Dr Ian Brooks, Executive Dean
Feb 3rd 2012 44 photos - Trip to Dubai and China
24 photos 16 photos
International Food Event Chinese New Year Accounting & Finance Awards
145 photos Celebrations 10 Feb 12 22 photos
12 photos
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