Students and business leaders have come together to bring about change in some of the world’s poorest communities. Project reports on a unique initiative with professional project management at its heart. Including interviews with Jo Blundy and Donnie MacNicol.
Creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship are the seeds to economic activity and entrepreneurs are the sources of jobs in an economy. According to TiE (The IndUS Entrepreneurs, a non - profit organization, which promotes entrepreneurship), each entrepreneur creates approximately 30 jobs. Entrepreneurship helps to make the Indian market export competitive and equally contributes in making the Indian brand more acceptable. People exposed to entrepreneurship frequently express that they have more opportunity to exercise creative freedoms, higher self-esteem, and an overall greater sense of control over their own lives. But the present younger generation is not able to enjoy all these benefits. A survey done by the Entrepreneurship Development Institute, India (EDII) in 2003 shows that young people are afraid to start their own business because they are not confident, not capable, and lack knowledge in starting a business. Many people would have the opportunity to change jobs or become an entrepreneur if they are properly trained. The students in India are not confident merely with the traditional education they receive in the universities. This throws a demand for education programs specifically designed to expand students’ knowledge and experience in entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship education in India faces cultural and financial constraints along with insufficient government capacity and private participation. Research points to the significant impact that good entrepreneurship education can make more towards entrepreneurial success and promotes entrepreneurial culture. Hence the plethora of entrepreneurship academics and academic programs at UK and US universities. A mainstay of many of the more successful entrepreneurship programs at business schools around the world is the involvement of successful entrepreneurs whose business careers provide an invaluable part of any university student’s entrepreneurship education.
At this backdrop, this paper tries to explain the need for a comprehensive formal system of entrepreneurship education against the present scenario.
Keywords: entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship education
GCSEN Foundation presents at the 14th Annual Social Entrepreneurship ConferenceGCSEN Foundation
The Annual Social Entrepreneurship Conference is a two-day conference that brings together scholars, researchers, students and practitioners from around the world to discuss emerging concepts and explore topics in social enterprise, innovation, sustainability and impact. The conference, the largest academic gathering of its kind in terms of research paper submissions, is dedicated to the ongoing development of theory and research on social entrepreneurship and its impact on global communities.
SES strategic approach has recently been strengthened by articles from the Case Foundation and the Economist. The Case Foundation reported that “America Needs Big ideas to Heal Our Divides”56 noting that “Civic energy is going to have to come from the ground up to strengthen social cohesion, civic participation, and our ability to solve big challenges together (Nation)”
Creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship are the seeds to economic activity and entrepreneurs are the sources of jobs in an economy. According to TiE (The IndUS Entrepreneurs, a non - profit organization, which promotes entrepreneurship), each entrepreneur creates approximately 30 jobs. Entrepreneurship helps to make the Indian market export competitive and equally contributes in making the Indian brand more acceptable. People exposed to entrepreneurship frequently express that they have more opportunity to exercise creative freedoms, higher self-esteem, and an overall greater sense of control over their own lives. But the present younger generation is not able to enjoy all these benefits. A survey done by the Entrepreneurship Development Institute, India (EDII) in 2003 shows that young people are afraid to start their own business because they are not confident, not capable, and lack knowledge in starting a business. Many people would have the opportunity to change jobs or become an entrepreneur if they are properly trained. The students in India are not confident merely with the traditional education they receive in the universities. This throws a demand for education programs specifically designed to expand students’ knowledge and experience in entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship education in India faces cultural and financial constraints along with insufficient government capacity and private participation. Research points to the significant impact that good entrepreneurship education can make more towards entrepreneurial success and promotes entrepreneurial culture. Hence the plethora of entrepreneurship academics and academic programs at UK and US universities. A mainstay of many of the more successful entrepreneurship programs at business schools around the world is the involvement of successful entrepreneurs whose business careers provide an invaluable part of any university student’s entrepreneurship education.
At this backdrop, this paper tries to explain the need for a comprehensive formal system of entrepreneurship education against the present scenario.
Keywords: entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship education
GCSEN Foundation presents at the 14th Annual Social Entrepreneurship ConferenceGCSEN Foundation
The Annual Social Entrepreneurship Conference is a two-day conference that brings together scholars, researchers, students and practitioners from around the world to discuss emerging concepts and explore topics in social enterprise, innovation, sustainability and impact. The conference, the largest academic gathering of its kind in terms of research paper submissions, is dedicated to the ongoing development of theory and research on social entrepreneurship and its impact on global communities.
SES strategic approach has recently been strengthened by articles from the Case Foundation and the Economist. The Case Foundation reported that “America Needs Big ideas to Heal Our Divides”56 noting that “Civic energy is going to have to come from the ground up to strengthen social cohesion, civic participation, and our ability to solve big challenges together (Nation)”
Fostering Entrepreneurship and Building Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy in Prim...Maurice Dawson
This paper focuses on the positives of introducing entrepreneurship education at the primary and secondary levels of education. Specifically, its central focus deals with building children’s entrepreneurial self-efficacy at a young age. Several benefits, of increasing self-efficacy at a young age, are outlined. Benefits, such as entrepreneurship training, not only train students but, it helps to prepare them for the new knowledge based economy. Further, entrepreneurship education should help increase the success and survival rates of women and minority entrepreneurs. Essential to this process, a new curriculum needs to be devised including its means of assessment. Lastly barriers to an entrepreneurship program are discussed; this includes financial, political and negative perceptions of entrepreneurship education.
Recently, Don Teolis has begun a collaborative effort with the NY based organization “the Queue project” (www.newqueue.org) to expand their training efforts and include a special Job Interviewing Skills module...
Michigan Energy Forum - July 12, 2012 - Doug NealAnnArborSPARK
This presentation was given by Doug Neal at the Michigan Energy Forum Presentation on July 12th. The topic of this event was Tech Transfer: Universities as a source for New Business.
Disruptive Pandemic School Leadership Management ShiftTimothy Wooi
COURSE CONTENT
Session 1.
1.Three ways the Covid19 Pandemic could reshape Education
Three trends that could hint future transformations:
i. Education - nudged and pushed to change leading to surprising innovations. The coronavirus pandemic has changed how millions around the globe are educated.
ii. Public-private educational partnerships could grow in importance New solutions for education bringing much needed innovation.
iii. Widening the Digital Divide The digital divide with new shifts in education approaches to widen equality gaps.
Session 2.
3. Transforming teaching-learning process from a teaching culture to a leaning culture i. What is school culture and how does it impact on learning?
Activity 1: Identifying examples of positive school culture
ii Styles of school leadership (Case Study 1: Four school leaders with different styles)
Activity 2: Leadership Styles
Activity 3: The role of leadership in determining school culture
iii Identifying and analyzing the culture in your school
Activity 4: Gathering evidence of the current school culture
Activity 5: Working with the team to identify areas for team improvement
iv. Developing a positive shared culture
Activity 6: Engaging with Stake Holders
Activity 7:Team review of your finding so far
Activity 8: Plan of action
Department for Education Fellowship ApplicationKevin P. Hudson
I recently applied for the Department for Education Fellowship, but instead of providing the usual hyped up CV and begging letter of suitability, I created something a little different.
This application provides a brief insight into my thinking of how to strategically improve the education system via the model of the startup business.
A Global Citizen Leader (GCL)
is a self and socially aware individual who is able to work courageously and collaboratively to take on complex, boundary-spanning challenges. A GCL is someone who can transform organizations—be they small family businesses, large global corporations, or emerging social enterprises—while transforming themselves. A GCL is a continual and agile learner who is able to step into new environments and empathize from multiple perspectives. A Global Citizens Leader (GCL) is someone who seeks to transform the world from a positive and collaborative mindset. A GCL acts as a representative of the global community—someone not confined by local paradigms –when developing solutions.
Fostering Entrepreneurship and Building Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy in Prim...Maurice Dawson
This paper focuses on the positives of introducing entrepreneurship education at the primary and secondary levels of education. Specifically, its central focus deals with building children’s entrepreneurial self-efficacy at a young age. Several benefits, of increasing self-efficacy at a young age, are outlined. Benefits, such as entrepreneurship training, not only train students but, it helps to prepare them for the new knowledge based economy. Further, entrepreneurship education should help increase the success and survival rates of women and minority entrepreneurs. Essential to this process, a new curriculum needs to be devised including its means of assessment. Lastly barriers to an entrepreneurship program are discussed; this includes financial, political and negative perceptions of entrepreneurship education.
Recently, Don Teolis has begun a collaborative effort with the NY based organization “the Queue project” (www.newqueue.org) to expand their training efforts and include a special Job Interviewing Skills module...
Michigan Energy Forum - July 12, 2012 - Doug NealAnnArborSPARK
This presentation was given by Doug Neal at the Michigan Energy Forum Presentation on July 12th. The topic of this event was Tech Transfer: Universities as a source for New Business.
Disruptive Pandemic School Leadership Management ShiftTimothy Wooi
COURSE CONTENT
Session 1.
1.Three ways the Covid19 Pandemic could reshape Education
Three trends that could hint future transformations:
i. Education - nudged and pushed to change leading to surprising innovations. The coronavirus pandemic has changed how millions around the globe are educated.
ii. Public-private educational partnerships could grow in importance New solutions for education bringing much needed innovation.
iii. Widening the Digital Divide The digital divide with new shifts in education approaches to widen equality gaps.
Session 2.
3. Transforming teaching-learning process from a teaching culture to a leaning culture i. What is school culture and how does it impact on learning?
Activity 1: Identifying examples of positive school culture
ii Styles of school leadership (Case Study 1: Four school leaders with different styles)
Activity 2: Leadership Styles
Activity 3: The role of leadership in determining school culture
iii Identifying and analyzing the culture in your school
Activity 4: Gathering evidence of the current school culture
Activity 5: Working with the team to identify areas for team improvement
iv. Developing a positive shared culture
Activity 6: Engaging with Stake Holders
Activity 7:Team review of your finding so far
Activity 8: Plan of action
Department for Education Fellowship ApplicationKevin P. Hudson
I recently applied for the Department for Education Fellowship, but instead of providing the usual hyped up CV and begging letter of suitability, I created something a little different.
This application provides a brief insight into my thinking of how to strategically improve the education system via the model of the startup business.
A Global Citizen Leader (GCL)
is a self and socially aware individual who is able to work courageously and collaboratively to take on complex, boundary-spanning challenges. A GCL is someone who can transform organizations—be they small family businesses, large global corporations, or emerging social enterprises—while transforming themselves. A GCL is a continual and agile learner who is able to step into new environments and empathize from multiple perspectives. A Global Citizens Leader (GCL) is someone who seeks to transform the world from a positive and collaborative mindset. A GCL acts as a representative of the global community—someone not confined by local paradigms –when developing solutions.
Robert Morris University is an independent, not-for-profit, multi-location institution offering associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degree programs that focus on integrating theory and applications. Robert Morris University prepares students to be practitioners in their chosen fields, socially responsible to their communities, and a foundation for their families.
This Case Study showcases the students and faculty who participate in the ICenter program at Robert Morris University Illinois.
QLC.io helps people taste-test different career paths through short term experiences. We connect students and professionals with startups, social enterprises and revolutionary companies all around the world to collaborate on digital and remote projects.
We partner with visionary universities looking to build the future of work, and provide scalable access to work integrated learning with their students.
A guide to Enterprise Education For Enterprise Coordinators, teachers and lea...Ghazally Spahat
This guide has been produced following extensive research on Enterprise Education1 to ensure that it reflects the experiences and needs of those delivering Enterprise Education today and in the future.
Entrepreneurship in Japan: Interning at J-Seed VenturesCindy Huang
A poster created for a Professional and Community Engagement Unit (PACE): FOAR 300 that documents my experiences, learnings and conclusions developed during my internship at J-Seed Ventures in Tokyo, Japan.
An effective learning environment balances several key elements. Here’s how we’re accomplishing these in an online environment:
World-class faculty combining relevant, deep expertise with immediate application.
Active engagement between participants to leverage their experiences.
Experiential learning to put new frameworks into action and practice working in teams.
Improve the quality of relationships using the iMA DiagnosticDonnie MacNicol
We are all facing new and unexpected challenges which can only be overcome by working effectively as individuals, with
others, in teams and as part of organisations. Understanding our own and other people’s strengths and working styles
and then adapting to suit will be critical to improving relationships. To help we would like to offer you the following.
Thinking differently – Introducing the concept of the energised projects orga...Donnie MacNicol
Given the stream of bad news on public and private sectors projects, we suggest that it is time for the project community to think differently. The recent shift in emphasis from failure to success paradigm is a step in the right direction but we still need to know how to create a sustainable, high-‐performing organisation that is capable of meeting APM's vision that 'all projects succeed'. We began our ' thinking differently' project by looking beyond the conventional project management literature. The notion of energy in organisations as an important and renewable resource attracted our attention. Previous research has shown that successful organisations are those that can channel the collective energy to create an organisational ' can-‐do ' climate. We have designed an energy diagnostic that will help us identify energy ' hot spots ' within organisations. These can be significant positive or negative energy states. The idea is that, with understanding, we can do more to promote positive energies and do even more to address the sources and causes of negative energies.
This short guide provides you with an insight into your own communication style and how you can use this to engage effectively with others. We then include guidance on its application in improving the performance of teams and delivery of change. www.ima-pm.co.uk
This short guide provides you with an insight into your own communication style and how you can use this to engage effectively with others. We then include guidance on its application in improving the performance of teams and delivery of change.
This short guide provides you with an insight into your own communication style and how you can use this to engage effectively with others. We then include guidance on its application in improving the performance of teams and delivery of change.
This short guide provides you with an insight into your own communication style and how you can use this to engage effectively with others. We then include guidance on its application in improving the performance of teams and delivery of change.
Adapting project management to suit personal stylesDonnie MacNicol
In this article, Donnie MacNicol and Adrian Dooley look at something that has been taken for granted for many years but may help explain why the proliferation of ‘best practice’ advice and guidance has made little impact on the success rate of projects, programmes and portfolios.
How to be a Good Project Manager - Advice from top influencers in Project Man...Donnie MacNicol
Delighted to have had the opportunity to contribute to the The Project Management Academy eBook together with 29 other great influencers. Please take time to have a flick through - they are short pieces.
The art of building a winning team - Construction Manager ArticleDonnie MacNicol
Donnie MacNicol and Keith Robinson explain how management models can help build productive relationships and manage conflicts effectively. The article can be viewed at the CM magazine site at http://www.constructionmanagermagazine.com/construction-professional/cpd-art-building-winning-team/
Also quoted in an article on Project Leadership development programmes at http://www.constructionmanagermagazine.com/agenda/cm-drops-vincis-empower-training-programme/
Implementing a Project Management approach in a multi-national - PM Today Art...Donnie MacNicol
Describes work done with NDS (prior to them becoming part of Cisco) on developing a Project Management Code of Practice and the individual leadership development of the global Project Manager community using Strengths Deployment Inventory.
Overview of developments in project management - ICE MPL ProceedingsDonnie MacNicol
Members of the Management, Procurement and Law editorial advisory panel provide overviews of their areas of expertise, highlighting recent and forthcoming developments likely to affect engineers and others working in the fields of management, procurement and law.
What is the future for Project leadership? - APM Project ArticleDonnie MacNicol
Donnie MacNicol is director of Team Animation Ltd. He is sought after for his expertise on the leadership and organisational aspects of deploying and leveraging business benefit from project, programme and portfolio management. Here he discusses some key areas of focus for project leaders.
Do we really listen to what people tell us, and do we offer an environment where people will tell the truth? Taking into account another’s perspective is essential to navigate through the communications minefields. Brenda Hales, with contributions from Donnie MacNicol, explores the complex world of words.
Project communication breakdown - APM Project ArticleDonnie MacNicol
Communication can be a dangerous word – seemingly positive and action-orientated, but potentially laden with misunderstanding if used without thinking, writes Donnie MacNicol.
Understanding success for project organisations - APM Project ArticleDonnie MacNicol
Bob Newman of Insight Consulting (pictured below) has
benchmarked data from over 1,000 in-depth stakeholder
interviews across 250 organisations worldwide. Together with Donnie MacNicol at Team Animation, he highlights what is really important to stakeholders and what project management organisations should focus on if they want to strengthen their brand.
In difficult times it is the people with leadership skills who can
engage all around them to create success; as success becomes harder to achieve so the demand for more such capable leaders inevitably grows. Brenda Hales of Team Animation discusses the phenomenon, assisted by Donnie MacNicol.
Embedding a project approach - APM Project ArticleDonnie MacNicol
Even consultancies can learn from the discipline of project
management. Donnie MacNicol and Martin O’Neill explain
how they developed a professional project approach at Watson
Wyatt (now Willis Towers Watson) to boost performance.
The case study discusses the potential of drone delivery and the challenges that need to be addressed before it becomes widespread.
Key takeaways:
Drone delivery is in its early stages: Amazon's trial in the UK demonstrates the potential for faster deliveries, but it's still limited by regulations and technology.
Regulations are a major hurdle: Safety concerns around drone collisions with airplanes and people have led to restrictions on flight height and location.
Other challenges exist: Who will use drone delivery the most? Is it cost-effective compared to traditional delivery trucks?
Discussion questions:
Managerial challenges: Integrating drones requires planning for new infrastructure, training staff, and navigating regulations. There are also marketing and recruitment considerations specific to this technology.
External forces vary by country: Regulations, consumer acceptance, and infrastructure all differ between countries.
Demographics matter: Younger generations might be more receptive to drone delivery, while older populations might have concerns.
Stakeholders for Amazon: Customers, regulators, aviation authorities, and competitors are all stakeholders. Regulators likely hold the greatest influence as they determine the feasibility of drone delivery.
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers new opportunities to radically reinvent the way we do business. This study explores how CEOs and top decision makers around the world are responding to the transformative potential of AI.
The Team Member and Guest Experience - Lead and Take Care of your restaurant team. They are the people closest to and delivering Hospitality to your paying Guests!
Make the call, and we can assist you.
408-784-7371
Foodservice Consulting + Design
Senior Project and Engineering Leader Jim Smith.pdfJim Smith
I am a Project and Engineering Leader with extensive experience as a Business Operations Leader, Technical Project Manager, Engineering Manager and Operations Experience for Domestic and International companies such as Electrolux, Carrier, and Deutz. I have developed new products using Stage Gate development/MS Project/JIRA, for the pro-duction of Medical Equipment, Large Commercial Refrigeration Systems, Appliances, HVAC, and Diesel engines.
My experience includes:
Managed customized engineered refrigeration system projects with high voltage power panels from quote to ship, coordinating actions between electrical engineering, mechanical design and application engineering, purchasing, production, test, quality assurance and field installation. Managed projects $25k to $1M per project; 4-8 per month. (Hussmann refrigeration)
Successfully developed the $15-20M yearly corporate capital strategy for manufacturing, with the Executive Team and key stakeholders. Created project scope and specifications, business case, ROI, managed project plans with key personnel for nine consumer product manufacturing and distribution sites; to support the company’s strategic sales plan.
Over 15 years of experience managing and developing cost improvement projects with key Stakeholders, site Manufacturing Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Maintenance, and facility support personnel to optimize pro-duction operations, safety, EHS, and new product development. (BioLab, Deutz, Caire)
Experience working as a Technical Manager developing new products with chemical engineers and packaging engineers to enhance and reduce the cost of retail products. I have led the activities of multiple engineering groups with diverse backgrounds.
Great experience managing the product development of products which utilize complex electrical controls, high voltage power panels, product testing, and commissioning.
Created project scope, business case, ROI for multiple capital projects to support electrotechnical assembly and CPG goods. Identified project cost, risk, success criteria, and performed equipment qualifications. (Carrier, Electrolux, Biolab, Price, Hussmann)
Created detailed projects plans using MS Project, Gant charts in excel, and updated new product development in Jira for stakeholders and project team members including critical path.
Great knowledge of ISO9001, NFPA, OSHA regulations.
User level knowledge of MRP/SAP, MS Project, Powerpoint, Visio, Mastercontrol, JIRA, Power BI and Tableau.
I appreciate your consideration, and look forward to discussing this role with you, and how I can lead your company’s growth and profitability. I can be contacted via LinkedIn via phone or E Mail.
Jim Smith
678-993-7195
jimsmith30024@gmail.com
Oprah Winfrey: A Leader in Media, Philanthropy, and Empowerment | CIO Women M...CIOWomenMagazine
This person is none other than Oprah Winfrey, a highly influential figure whose impact extends beyond television. This article will delve into the remarkable life and lasting legacy of Oprah. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance, compassion, and firm determination.
Oprah Winfrey: A Leader in Media, Philanthropy, and Empowerment | CIO Women M...
Enactus and project management - APM Project Article
1. 26 Nov/dec 2011
Tomorrow’sworld,
director. She is equally enthusiastic
about the opportunities for personal and
professional development that a student
gains as they progress with a project.
“The students work in partnership
with communities both in the UK and
abroad to deliver the projects – and
they are responsible for making the
partnerships work. To do that they have
to develop a whole range of business
skills, such as relationship management
and networking – and, of course,
because they also have their degree
courses and all the other demands of
university life, then time management
skills are also very important.”
For those whose degree is in a business
or technical discipline, getting involved
with a SIFE project can also be a great
opportunity to put into practice skills they
learned in the classroom. But Josephine
stresses that not all SIFE’s volunteers are
on this type of degree course or even
considering a business-focused career.
“We get a whole range of students
choosing to work with us – some are
business or economics students, while
others might be studying English or
history. Some are already experienced
at running projects, while others have
hardly worked in a team before. And
when people join us, they do it for a range
of reasons – for some, it’s about
philanthropy; for others, the main
today
It’s three years’ worth of experience
before they even join a company.”
This is how one member of today’s
project management generation,
Donnie MacNicol, sums up the
benefits for future project managers
of getting involved with SIFE.
SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) is
an international non-profit organisation
that works with university students and
business leaders to manage community
projects. Students initiate and run the
projects, while large companies provide
the support in terms of sponsorship and
advice that they need to make them work.
As a result, the projects bring about
positive change for some of the world’s
poorest communities – while the students
gain by acquiring the key professional and
personal skills employers want.
Donnie, an experienced project
manager and director of the consultancy,
Team Animation, has been helping to
support SIFE in the UK. His involvement
has included helping the organisation
to develop a standardised lifecycle
framework for its projects. He has also
facilitated at workshops for student
project leaders focused on their ability to
develop future potential leaders – and
he is clearly impressed with the quality of
young talent that SIFE brings out.
Point of difference
“When I first got involved with the
organisation, what struck me most was
that, as graduates come out with better
and better degrees, you need something
to differentiate between them. The
experience these students gain by running
a SIFE project is just the sort of point of
difference they need – to make a success
of their project they have to take it from
the initial idea stage, devise a business
plan and deal with the complexities of
project management to deliver on the
idea, while at the same time building in
sustainability, so the project can go on
after they graduate or move on.
“In other words, this is an opportunity
for students to learn to do all the sorts
of things that most employers want their
people to do, whether they become
project managers themselves or end up
working in another discipline.
“If there’d been something like this
when I was at university, it would’ve been
marvellous!” he said.
Josephine Blundy is SIFE’s UK operations
f e a t u r e : S i f e
26 Nov/dec 2011
Donnie MacNicol and
Josephine Blundy,
two proponents of
the SIFE initiative.
2. 27Nov/Dec 2011
Students and business leaders have come together to bring about
change in some of the world’s poorest communities. Project reports on
a unique initiative with professional project management at its heart.
27Nov/Dec 2011
3. 28 Nov/dec 2011
Right Light is one of a range
of projects successfully
established by Southampton
University’s SIFE team.
Its key aim is to improve
standards of living and future
economic opportunities
in rural communities in
Madagascar by helping
families to replace their unhealthy and expensive
kerosene lighting with solar lamps, and providing and
managing the repayment scheme that enables them
to do it.
The idea was the brainchild of Mike Austin (pictured
above), now in the third year of his degree in human
geography. He explained: “My first work with SIFE
was on a project in Madagascar called ‘Farming for
Life’ which demonstrated to me how students can
successfully create something as complex as a micro-
credit scheme. The relationship we had with our
partners meant that we learnt about the problems of
kerosene from them, but it was the confidence that
SIFE provides that meant I researched the potential of
solar lamps. However it was soon obvious that although
a great solution, solar lamps were unaffordable for
many families in Madagascar.
“I then joined up the two ideas, combining micro-
credit with solar lamps.”
Under Right Light’s finance model, families pay 10
per cent of the cost in the first month, and sign up to
a repayment scheme that runs over 12 months and
works out at a lower rate than their average kerosene
expenditure. Mike and his team at SIFE manage the
credit scheme, and establish and run a team of local
entrepreneurs who sell the lamps and administer the
finance on the ground.
“The fact that we have to do everything from a
distance – working with charity partners, manufacturers
and entrepreneurs – is a challenge in itself,” said Mike.
“It really does teach you about good communication
and managing relationships.
“For me, developing Right Light into a successful
project has been very satisfying – not just because we
are making a positive difference to people’s lives in
Madagascar, but also because of the way I have seen
our 15 student team members develop and grow to the
point where they now have ownership of the project
and can take it forward to even more people.
“One of the key things I’ve learned by doing this is
the difference between being a leader and just telling
people what to do.”
So how has Mike’s involvement in SIFE influenced
his outlook in terms of career choice?
“Before I joined SIFE, I wasn’t sure what I wanted
to do, but I knew I might eventually want to be involved
in development work of some kind,” he said. “Now I’ve
actually tried it, I know it’s exactly the sort of thing I
want to be doing in the long term. But I’ll be looking to
get more real-world experience in the UK first, and the
project management skills I’ve learned through SIFE
can only help with that!”
Casestudy:lightreliefinMadagascar
motivation is career development –
the skills they acquire, the benefits
for their CV and the contact with
potential employers.
“Our only stipulation is that, when
they start working with us, they must
be full-time students.”
So does the experience the students
gain by being part of a SIFE project
influence their choice of career?
Josephine commented: “We try to track
as many of our graduates as we can,
and we find that they go into a whole
range of jobs. Many end up in roles
related to project management – they
start on graduate placements or they
take on roles in government. Others
start their own businesses. We also
know that several of our corporate
sponsors do recruit directly from the
SIFE talent pool.”
One of SIFE’s recent graduates who
is now weighing up his career choice
options is Jack Stanbury. Jack has
just completed a Master’s degree in
engineering at Southampton University.
This is one of the most active and
successful university bases for SIFE in
the UK, and Jack’s last official duty as
President will be to lead the team from
Southampton representing the UK in
SIFE’s own World Cup in Kuala Lumpur
– he’s now in the process of finalising
arrangements for this.
But where will the skills he has gained
during three years of working with
SIFE take him after that? Jack says his
next move is likely to be to start his
own business.
“One of the key
things I learned
from SIFE was
that I love doing
my own thing –
running projects
and making
things happen.
Now I want to try
doing that in a business of my own.
“Having been involved with SIFE
for three years, I have also learned
a lot about the management skills –
for instance, the attention to details
that look minor but can make all the
difference to morale and the whole
success of a project.
“SIFE teaches you a lot about people
management – for instance, managing
all the different personalities involved
in a team, and of course, when you’re
working with students who aren’t being
paid for their time you need to give
special attention to how you keep
them motivated.
Jack added: “I feel I have acquired
so many skills that would put me or
anyone else who’s been a leader within
SIFE ahead of most other students,
because you’ve not just been learning
in a classroom – you’ve seen it in
real life. I’ve learnt a lot through my
engineering degree, but it just doesn’t
compare with the experience of running
Southampton’s whole SIFE community.”
To find out more about SIFE, visit www.sifeuk.org
Attentiontominor
detailscanmake
allthedifferenceto
moraleandthewhole
successofaproject.
28 Nov/dec 2011
Jack Stanbury.
f e a t u r e : S i f e