This document highlights various student achievements and experiences at Northampton Business School. It introduces the Dean who welcomes new students and is proud of student accomplishments. The articles in this edition showcase a student who succeeded at IBM, an entrepreneurial graduate, winners of an accounting award, internationalization of the MBA program, augmented reality research, a study tour to New York, and ways to celebrate student success through guest lectures. New February students were welcomed with social events to help them settle in.

1. Celebrating
student success
Students on
placement
New York Study Tour
Improving
graduate
employability

2. Message
he
freoumetDean
Ex c tiv
INESSWISE.
A warm welcome to this edition of BUS
d to showcase a wide
Nor thampton Business School is prou
experiences beyond the
variety of student achievements and
classroom.
n of the outstanding
It is always so pleasing for me to lear
gives me a sense
achievements of our students and it
thampton Business
of immense pride knowing how Nor
full potential. For those
School helps people to realise their
the University of
readers who are considering making
e that this will give you
Nor thampton your first choice, I hop
articles throughout this
a good insight into life with us. The
our work with national
edition demonstrate the strength of
s for work placements,
employers, highlight the opportunitie
lisation throughout
show our commitment to internationa
e on celebrating
the curriculum, prove the value we plac
incredible possibilities
student success and make evident the
for your future.
see what our current
Our Facebook page is a great way to
to join our online
students say and do and I invite you
community and hope you will see what makes The University
of Nor thampton a great choice.
nbsuninorthants @ianbrooks6
Featured in
this edition...
Aiming high at IBM P.3
Luke strikes out on his own P.5 Comments
s 2012 P.6 Would you lik
Accounting and Finance award e to commen
on any of the t
stories
Internationalising the MBA P.8 featured in th
is edition of
BUSINESSW
nted reality P.10 ISE? Got an
Unlock the potential of augme idea for the n
ext issue? Let
know –email us
New York study tour 2012 P.11
businesswis
northampto e@
n.ac.uk
Celebrating success P.13
Guest lectures P.14
Published by Northampton Business School T. 01604 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 BUSINESSWISE 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 - Student Edition Page 2
Welcome to the
February starters
Northampton Business School were pleased to welcome We all had a good time, in
o
Hell
our new students who started in February 2012 with a particular, the interaction
programme of events arranged to help them find their way part! The atmosphere was
around campus and meet their fellow students. The week so good that students,
culminated in a night of traditional English entertainment tutors and dancers learnt
where students had a chance to meet each other and chat the dance together. We
with university staff while they enjoyed a buffet followed talked and laughed. All in
by entertainment from the Moulton Morris Men. The Vice all, this was an evening that
Chancellor Prof. Nick Petford stopped by to greet the new I will hold in my mind for
students and a good time was had by all who attended. much time to come, and I
Many of the students got into the spirit of the dance look forward to
by joining in and one student remarked how similar Morris seeing more such activities held
dancing was to an African drum dance from his home within NBS and our university!”
country, proving that we are more similar that you may think.
Xihui Chen commented “I was so pleased
that our university and the Business School value our
international students’ experience so much! Last year a
Chinese lady showed off the traditional Chinese dance and
gong fu cha (tea), but this year, wow! It was a chance to
experience the English culture- Morris dancing!
Chinese New Year Gala
BUSINESSWISE asked Xihui Chen (Haviour) of the Global
Student Society to comment on the Chinese New Year Gala.
“It was my great honour to host the Chinese New Year
Gala for the Chinese Students and Scholars Association
this year. In that night, we were very pleased and gratified
to see such a large international audience attending our
celebration.
We welcomed Chinese, English, Dutch, Brazilian,
Canadian, Indian, Pakistani, Russian, Thai, Turkish, Sri
Lankan, Mauritius, Nigerian students and many other
nationalities! We had such a wonderful night! More than
300 people attended, I was so pleased that they were all
interested in the Chinese culture, especially when they had
seen the traditional Chinese dressing- Qipao, and the typical
Chinese dancing. Everyone watched with interest
and enjoyed the performances.
I was so glad that I could host the gala, representing
the Chinese Student Society, and introduce Chinese culture
to people across the world! Additionally, I’d like to say
thanks to everyone who performed that night and to our
team for their time and effort in organizing this event.
Wishing you a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year!”

4. BUSINESSWISE - Student Edition Page 3
Aiming high
at IBM
Harry Paul is a BA (Hons) improved skills by
delivering oodles of
Business Studies student at
presentations to sellers,
the University of Northampton clients and schools. I have Our Paul
who is currently on the improved my adaptability
undergraduate placement by doing different jobs as
well as having the chance
scheme at IBM. Harry to widen my networks
recently visited NBS to share which will help me for the
his experiences of the IBM rest of my life.”
recruitment process and his
Q. How will the
time as a placement student in placement at IBM
this prestigious organisation. help you in the
BUSINESSWISE took the future?
chance to ask him a few “Due to my current
questions about his placement
placement at IBM, when
I graduate and apply
“Seeing the
with IBM as a System X Sales for IBM’s graduate progress I have
Operations Analyst. scheme I am entitled to
be Fast Tracked to the
made within IBM
Q. What does your placement assessment centres, this will help me get
as a System X Sales Operations
Analyst at IBM involve?
is of great advantage
to me as I would like
the most out of my
“I work with 40 sellers, three managers to work for IBM after university degree”
and one director to the System X brand graduation. I will bring
of IBM to ensure what we are projecting back the 9-5 mentality
for the future in terms of sales targets for to university which will
the quarter are ok. The data that we look help me balance my professional and Q. What advice would you
at and analyse involve last year’s targets, private life. The placement will help me give to students applying for
current trends, aims, markets, products to understand the IT market and broaden placements?
and checking the readiness of the brand.” my horizon by learning new ways of “When you are applying for placements
doing things in terms of marketing, remember that the quality of your
Q. What have you learned so far? analysing data etc. Seeing the progress applications is more important than
“I started the placement in July 2011 I have made within IBM will help me get the quantity of applications. However
and it ends in July 2012 but there is a the most out of my university degree and the more you apply the better your
possibility that it might get extended. hence open up more opportunities for application’s get it’s like the saying
At IBM I am constantly learning and my me. I will not have to struggle as much as goes ‘practice makes perfect’. There is
skills are always improving personally other graduates upon the completion of a job out there for everyone, you just
and professionally. I have to meet my my degree.” have to find it. Always follow up on
aims and goals in a high pressure setting your applications as this leaves a good
but the managers are always helpful. I impression. You should not think of
have gained confidence and applying for the easiest jobs always aim
higher, THINK SMARTER.”
Calling all final yearent Surde-nts
stu
vey
Have your say in The National Stud
rvey.com
Complete the survey online @ www.thestudentsu

5. BUSINESSWISE - Student Edition Page 4
Improving
Graduate
Employability
Michael’s 5 step guide to
improving graduate employability
Coco Careers is a new University 1. Get it down on paper
Write an honest profile or CV. Assess whether you
of Northampton backed Social have enough content to impress an employer. If
Enterprise focused on improving there are shortfalls in experience or knowledge use
your time from now to graduation to work on these
Graduate Employability in areas.
Northamptonshire. 2. Know yourself
Consider investing in a psychometric assessment.
It has three simple objectives: Properly used this can give you a competitive
• Improve undergraduate employability advantage by telling an employer how to get
the best out of you. Coco’s assessments are
• Deliver commercially aware, productive, industry
very revealing about your key competences and
ready graduates into graduate level jobs
behaviours.
• Provide scholarships and bursaries for studying at
The University of Northampton 3. Network
Social networks and old fashioned handshaking
The first students and graduates were placed into work in offer excellent advantages when properly used.
December 2011. Follow these tips: 1. Be generous (you are looking
to make good, mutually beneficial contacts here.)
Staffed by Business School Graduates 2. Follow up each new contact you make. 3. Tap
The two newest members of staff are both recent into your network – let them know you’re there!
Business School graduates: Michael Pettigrew BA
4. Be realistic
(Hons) Business with Media and Sarah Hull, BA (Hons)
Let’s face it, you are brilliant. But you may not be
Human Resource Management. They have a very
able to go in at Managing Director level in your
clear view of the current graduate jobs market and the
first graduate job. Be clear about the industry
unique challenges of looking for employment as recent
sector or company you want to work in and the
University of Northampton graduates.
role you ultimately want to secure. Then make a
“It’s vital to start thinking about how prospective
realistic decision on the entry level roles you can
employers will view you, as early as practical,”
take upon graduation to start the journey to that
recommends Michael Pettigrew. “Extra-curricular
position.
activities, participation in voluntary work and getting
involved with student support activities are always 5. Register with Coco Careers
viewed positively by employers and we definitely Use Coco for an honest, focused and helpful
encourage you to follow those pursuits.” strategy to get you the right graduate job and
“We know that what employers really want is a work to gain temporary or part time work during your
history that is relevant to their industry and verified study at Northampton Business School.
by referees; this can be really hard to achieve with the
pressures of a University work load and the competition Contact michael@cococareers.co.uk
for work placements - this is where we can help.” 01604 24 25 91 or sarah@cococareers.co.uk
01604 24 25 92
@cococareers

6. BUSINESSWISE - Student Edition Page 5
Luke strikes out on his own
Luke Wale, a BA (Hons) Business Studies stu
dent talks to BUSINESSWISE
about the launch of his new company and his con
tinued studies.
Experience of The inspiration behind Future aspirations
university the company Since starting Strike Web Solutions, I
I was never certain of what I wanted Now that I have had time to think have been contacted by Coco Careers –
to do after college – I chose A Levels I about what I want in life, I know that I a social enterprise who are “Focused on
enjoyed and was interested in, but only aim to be self-employed, or in a position improving graduate and undergraduate
applied to university on the chance that of employment that I feel comfortable employability in Northamptonshire”,
I would possibly decide to go. During in. I realised that at university, I and have made it possible for me
college, I worked as a telesales agent at have brilliant opportunities ahead of to be hired as a web designer and
Domestic and General, a job which was me, and it was then that I saw an developer with MossFace – a position
the deciding factor for me to come to opportunity to take a hobby, I am grateful to be in, as it has since
university, and to aim higher in life. opened more doors for me, making me
and turn it into a business – the
Now as a second year BA Business more employable, plus giving me the
step forward to what I wish to achieve.
Studies student, I have thoroughly vital experience I need to help me with
I am the owner of Strike Web
enjoyed my time at university and my quest of running my own company
Solutions, a web design and web
am trying to make the most of what - especially as it is a closely related
services company aimed at improving
it offers; both through social and industry to Strike Web Solutions.
websites owned by small businesses
educational factors. Yes, university I am not limiting myself to just the
in order to help them achieve greater
can bring some stresses, but one industry, or one line of work
growth and maximise efficiency, and
this is just the window to the to also take those businesses with no at the moment, although I will
real world, and you should take current web presence, provide them put everything I have into
that and any challenges you with a professional website, with a everything I do - I am always
guidance service, allowing companies keeping an eye open to other
may face in your stride, and
to focus on what is important – running opportunities that may arise, whether
any challenges that you may they become reality through the
the business.
face. Next time you think that your university or from my own methods.
work load is too much, stand back and
look at your technique – something I
have learned, and still learning to some
@strikewebsol
extent, is that university life is very
manageable… but only if you take the
time to actually manage your time –
remember that it is important to focus!
Presenting PhD research
Richard Hazenberg, a PhD student in the Business School, presented
the final results of his research to students and staff on Tuesday 7th February.
Richard’s PhD examined work-integration programmes for young people not in
employment, education or training (NEET) that were being delivered by social
enterprises and non-social enterprises. It specifically focused on the impact of
these programmes on individuals’ self-efficacy. The results of the study showed
that whilst social enterprises had no greater effect on self-efficacy than non-
social enterprises, the ‘added value’ that they provided was evidenced in their
willingness to work with and support more ‘socially excluded’ NEETs. The results
were also discussed in relation to the pressures placed on such organisations by
funders and policy-makers and how this affects the delivery of such programmes
on the front-line.

7. BUSINESSWISE - Student Edition Page 6
ACCOUNTING DS ND
A
FINANCE AWAR 2012
• Best in advanced accounting –
17 students from Accounting Amarjit Makkar
and Finance courses within The • Best in corporate finance – Dana Iliuta
University of Nor thampton’s • Best in financial strategy – Andrew Nelson
Business School have picked up • Best in taxation – Matthew Swift
prizes at the annual Accounting • Best disser tation – Samina Begum
• Best overall in year 3 BAAF –
and Finance Awards at Sunley Christopher Beale
Conference Centre. • Best overall distance learner non-specialist
The awards – presented across undergraduate, accounting – Martin Timms
postgraduate and professional courses – • Best in corporate repor ting MSc Accounting
recognise outstanding performance of the & Finance – Weilan Huang
students within their studies. • Best overall MSc Accounting –
Ikenna Onyekwelu
The full list of award winners are:
• Exceptional performance in ACCA studies – Christopher Cook, Divisional Leader, Accounting,
Michael Haywood Finance and Information Services, commented:
• Best overall in Year 1 non-specialist
accounting – Kirstie Gray “We congratulate all students being
presented with awards on their hard
• Outstanding achievement in year 1 BAAF – work and achievements. They have bright
John Crick futures ahead of them in the accounting
• Best overall in year 1 BAAF – and finance industries.”
Tryagain Kashaya
The awards featured a keynote speech by Steve
• Best overall in year 2 non-specialist Robinson, Partner at Grant Thornton, a leading
accounting – Daniel Rhodes chartered accountancy firm. Northampton
• Outstanding achievement in BAAF – Business School wishes to thank all sponsors
Anish Chudal of the awards – PQ Magazine, BPP, LANSCA,
• Best overall in year 2 BAAF – Adam Rippin McIntyre Hudson, Hawsons, Nationwide,
• Best in audit – Syeda Rizvi Hays Recruitment, Grant Thornton and
Deborah Harry.

8. BUSINESSWISE - Student Edition Page 7
In F cus Fly
your
own
within the workplace. “Graduate employers
are more frequently seeking employees
rocket
who can demonstrate an ability to learn
Kate Russell, Managing Director
effectively within a range of contexts and
work-based learning is a perfect way for of Russell HR Consulting
students to develop and demonstrate this” (www.russellhrconsulting.co.uk),
has been a regular speaker at
Helen, as the academic consultant, has been Northampton Business School
at the forefront of the creation of the new for the past five years. Her most
NBS Centre for Employability (C4E). The recent presentation covered the
C4E aims to support NBS students in the issues of employment legislation
development of key skills and attitudes
which she gave to current HRM
that will enhance their graduate career
students. Kate is also running
prospects. Through the C4E, students are
offered a range of skills development a series of workshops which
activities and because of Helen’s strong are free to schools, colleges
connections with the corporate learning and universities through her
agenda these workshops reflect the consulting company to give
current expectations of graduate students practical advice on
recruiters and employers. The C4E is how to plan and achieve their
establishing strong relationships with future employment goals
Helen Ure joined NBS employers to provide students with
www.flyyourownrocket.co.uk
in 2009 as a Senior an opportunity to meet and work with
Lecturer in Work Based employers through placements, mentoring
schemes, shadowing and mock interviews.
Learning having worked
in graduate recruitment, Helen’s research interests are in the areas
graduate development and of work-based learning and employability
skills. Previously she has conducted small
management and leadership research projects looking at the barriers for
development. students when seeking one year placements
and also the expectations of international
As well as her academic role at the students in relation to work experience in
University she maintains her connections the UK. In addition to her own research into
to the corporate environment via her how work-based learning contributes to the
learning consultancy activities. Helen is a development of student employability, Helen
Fellow of The Institute of Leadership and is currently supervising two URB@N projects
Management and The Institute of Training on student perceptions of employability
and Occupational Learning as well as a and also the positive impact of undertaking
member of CIPD and CMI. a placement.
Kate says:
Through work-based learning Helen works
with full-time and part-time students to help
“I feel we have a duty of care
them maximise the opportunities for learning
to educate students to be more
realistic and sensible in their job
applications. I believe it is useful
to have links with the University,
Marketer of the Year
it not only gives me the ability
to share my knowledge of the
industry but it also enables me
Congratulations to Daniel Jenkins-
to meet potential employees.
Ferguson (CIM Professional Diploma in
We have already done some
Marketing) who won the Marketer of the Year
award at the CIM Marketing Excellence Awards work with a former University of
2011. BUSINESSWISE will be finding out more Northampton student and hope
and catching up with Daniel in a future edition. to do more.”

9. BUSINESSWISE - Student Edition Page 8
Internationalising A foot in
the door
the MBA
As part of the Masters in Business Administration, students are offered an
with
Clarks
opportunity to internationalise by working with a company overseas to look at an BUSINESSWISE spoke to Freya
aspect of change they have recently undergone. A number of groups have taken up Virdee about a recent week of work
the challenge with destinations including, India, Thailand and Portugal. experience which she arranged
The MBA course leader Linda Lee-Davies said “It is so important for modules and
teaching to enable students to internationalise their qualification and to increase directly with Clarks HQ in Somerset.
their employability in terms of promotion at work. We are facilitators for their talent
and clearly on receipt of that chance they shine. This one post graduate module on “I managed to gain a week’s work experience at
the MBA is a good example of how the University creates added value beyond the Clarks HQ simply by emailing and making
qualification itself.” phone calls to the International team. It took
Laura Wood, Julia Evans and Hayley Hunter have been working with Talent about two months to get the final ‘Yes’ but they
Universities based in Portugal to look at the acquisition of IADE, a design school were extremely efficient and kind. I had to send
in Lisbon. The purpose of the visit was to talk with senior managers about how a cover letter describing myself, what degree I
the acquisition had affected the culture of the organisations within the group. The was undertaking, what I wanted to achieve from
holding company are based in Porto and manage IPAM, the Portuguese Institute my work experience and why Clarks in particular.
of Marketing Management and IADE, the Institute of Visual Arts, Design and Perseverance, manners and personality
Marketing. definitely helps gaining opportunities.
The link with the organisation came about through a former MBA student, Filipe ‘Clarks’ shoes are one of the biggest non
Morais who is now the Executive Director for IDIMCOM, part of Talent Universities, sports shoe retailers in the world, selling on
responsible for research output. Filipe was instrumental in helping to arrange average 55 million pairs of shoes annually and
interviews with senior managers prior to arrival and offered a warm welcome to are pioneers in innovative shoe technology to
Laura and Hayley in a very chilly Portugal. Unfortunately Julia was unable to join support and care for consumers feet as well as
the others in Portugal but kept up to date with Skype calls and provided valuable aiming at contemporising their footwear designs
back up research during the week. to appeal to new, younger cliental.
Colleagues who think this was an easy week can think again, there were some My first day was nerve racking, arriving
long days and lots of travel involved getting to see all the sites in Lisbon, Porto and for duty at 8.30am with no idea what the day
Aveiro however it was well worth it and the reward was a day of rest on Friday to had in store for me. I was met by the Head of
take in the sights of Porto and attend an international jazz festival. International Marketing’s PA and taken to the
Laura, Julia and Hayley will submit a management consultancy report to Talent Marketing department, where I would be based
and as part of their assessed work to show how the organisation have approached for the week.
the acquisition and make recommendations to address issues which the group have I met the team and explained what I was
identified during their visit. hoping to gain from the week, although extremely
Julia said “To be able to use the work we have done in the classroom on the busy, everyone made time for me, explained
part time MBA course in a real life business environment has greatly enhanced things when I needed guidance and always
my studies and given me hands on experience of applying business principles and invited me out for lunch so I didn’t have to sit like
models to analyse a current situation. This has enabled me to compare and apply it a loner in the huge ‘Cow Shed’ canteen.
to my own working environment, it has been very advantageous and has added real During the week one of my main tasks was to
value to the learning experience.” assist Jane Walker, Head of International PR, with
Laura commented that “Being able to apply the theory learnt on the course and regards to sourcing product displays suitable
work on a real life business issue has given me a deeper understanding of what for a showcase conference. Buyers, wholesalers
organisations face rather than just text book views. It has definitely increased my and press will congregate to preview the new
confidence and knowledge of what organisations face during change, and by being collection, and the whole venue had to ooze a
given the opportunity to internationalise this report, it will prove invaluable for particular theme, in this case ‘Old England’.
my career.” Another task handed to me during the week
Hayley added “I would really recommend taking the opportunity to was to work with the Graphic Design team on the
internationalise the MBA, it is such a valuable experience working with colleagues content and layout of the monthly international
from different cultures and comparing working methods” newsletter, for distribution to European and
Asia Pacific retail and wholesale markets. The
BUSINESSWISE will report on the other student visits in future editions. newsletter consists of monthly updates from the
Clarks Street HQ, pictures of press days and
a short story of one member of the team per
month.
As well as interacting with PR teams for
the conference and graphic design for the
Laura, Filipe newsletters I was also shown how to use the
and Hayley company’s computer system and was given a
deep insight into their key operations, I helped
with international orders and design briefs, and
received a great week of work experience at
Clarks HQ.”

10. BUSINESSWISE - Student Edition Page 9
Anglo Baltic News -
two years on
In May 2010, BUSINESSWISE channel to do some work regarding a
reported on third year BA Business Latvian person who used to live in the
Management student Datsa Gaile and USA! Also, every year Latvian TV comes
the launch of her Latvian newspaper, over to film my progress in the UK.
Anglo Baltic News. BUSINESSWISE I am opening The Latvian
caught up with Datsa, two years on, to Supplementary School in Northampton.
see how her business was progressing. The school will be opened by the
“Anglo Baltic News is not just a Latvian Ambassador and guests
paper anymore. I have a media and will include representatives from
production company www.abnonline. Northampton Borough Council and
co.uk and the biggest Latvian news the Head of the Supplementary School
agency www.anglobalticnews.co.uk in organisation in Northampton. Hasn’t she done well
the UK. Other projects include opening the
Since graduating I have also been first Latvian library in the UK which will
working with The Times newspaper, I be based in Northampton and running
have had a case study written about the Latvian Award 2011 Ceremony
@anglobalticnews
me in The Independent, and I have where we expect 500 guests from
recently been contacted by The New Latvia and the UK.”
York Times and an American TV
Northampton student runner
up in Freemans Student
Fashion Writing Competition
Emma Wilson, 22, a Fashion the quality of the entries we received This competition is one of a series
Marketing student at The University from students for this competition. of competitions organised by
of Northampton won the runner- Emma highlighted some of the Freemans.com to support fashion and
up prize of a Sony digital camera quirky trends of A/W 2011 within her journalism students wanting to develop
after submitting a blog post styling post which helped to showcase her a career in the ultra-competitive fashion
a seventies inspired dress for the defined style and individuality.” industry. Through giving students the
Christmas party season. Emma’s entry Emma said: “I want to become a chance to have their work published
is posted on the Freemans.com blog fashion writer as fashion is a subject professionally and gain important
along with the other winners. which I love, and feel that by writing fashion writing experience, it is hoped
The Freemans Student Fashion about it I would be able to share this this will help students with their chosen
Writing Competition attracted many passion with others. career path.
entries from university and college I entered the competition as
students all over the country. Freemans is a great, reputable online
Sukhvinder Sangha, Online shopping service, and enjoyed an
Acquisition Manager from Freemans opportunity to reflect individuality
said: “We were really impressed with through outfit choice.”

11. BUSINESSWISE - Student Edition Page 10
Engine
Creative
unlock the
potential of
Augmented
Reality
NBS would like to thank the Strategic life by overlaying computer-generated Step 1:
Director of Engine Creative, Andy Wise, content. This computer-generated Download the Aurasma Lite app for
for his recent work with Marketing and ‘virtual content’ can be almost free from the App Store or Android
Advertising students at NBS. Students anything - video, 3D models, dynamic Market.
were set an Augmented Reality project web content - and it can be triggered
where they had to demonstrate how by an image, a location or a
brands can use this technology. combination of the two.”
Step 2:
Open the Aurasma app and hover your
Engine Creative has created
device’s camera over the album image
Andy explains: Augmented Reality campaigns for high
cover above.
profile brands such as Top Gear and
“Augmented Reality (or AR) is a term Sony Music. Their work for the Ting
that has been in the mainstream public Tings resulted in the first British band Step 3:
consciousness for decades. Despite to have a fully augmented reality Watch the magic unfold!
all of the promise, it is only now, since album cover.
the rise of powerful smartphone Experience AR for yourself by
Try it where you see the
technology, that AR is finally a following these simple steps (works on
logo or hover your device over
mainstream reality. iPhone, iPad and high powered Android
the back of a £10 note
Put simply, AR is the term used to devices):
describe an enhanced view of real
CfAP Mentoring Scheme
The Centre for Academic Practice (CfAP) provides academic guidance CfAP are looking for
and resources to students in order to help them achieve their second or final year
academic potential. CfAP’s new Mentor Scheme initiative within NBS students to become mentors. Don’t worry – you will receive full
is aimed at helping students in their first and second year. training before you begin!
What you can expect from a student mentor What will it involve?
You must be willing to:
The student mentor will:
• share your knowledge and experience
• assist you by sharing their experiences
• give a minimum of 30 hours over the academic year
• support taught learning
• give advice on how to approach assignments
In return CfAP will give you:
• provide one-to-one support
• a reference for your CV
• guide you through your studies
• a volunteering certificate at the end of each academic year.
• ensure all support provided is confidential
The Mentor Scheme is confidential, voluntary and available to
students. If you are interested in receiving help from a mentor or
STUDENT MENTORS NEEDED!
want to volunteer as a mentor yourself please email
cfap@northampton.ac.uk for further information or visit Tanish in
room C121 (The Hub, Cottesbrooke Building).

12. BUSINESSWISE - Student Edition Page 11
S tudent trips
New York Study Tour 2012
“ The trip not only in terms ofgreat
success
this January was a
seeing
some fascinating insights into a wide
range of businesses but also the drive
and enthusiasm which was on display
wherever we went.
The two parallel study tours visited
a total of 20 businesses which included
The Food Network TV channel, NY & Co
e
and design agency Graj+Gustavsen for If I can mak
the Marketing and Entrepreneurship it th ere
group whilst the Fashion Marketing I’ll make it
anywhere
and Retailing group visited such diverse
organisations as Armani Exchange, Two of the comments gathered as
Tommy Hilfiger and the social This has left a strong impression on our 44 marketing studies made there
enterprise Dress for Success. students with many of them being more way home from New York:
One of the main questions for determined to investigate internship
our (mostly young) hosts was ‘how and placement options as well as “The people, the advice, the
did you get your job?’ and the reply applying what they had seen to their
enthusiasm they had and their
was invariably through lots of hard studies.
work and commitment, getting as It was not all work however and passion about their jobs”
much experience as possible as well as the Chinese New Year was celebrated (Fashion Marketing 1st Yr)
having high aspirations in the first in style along with a great deal of
place.
“
shopping, eating, walking and soaking
“It has inspired me to fulfil
up the atmosphere in New York. my goals, I have seen what is
achievable”
Gill Gourlay
(Business Entrepreneurship 2nd Yr)
It ended with Oedipussy!
A group of over 20 students and staff Adrian’s 1st year students – and he
enjoyed an afternoon at the Royal & welcomes more contact between our two
Derngate Theatre, with a behind-the- important institutions in the town. “The
scenes tour hosted by Richard Clinton, arts have a lot to teach business” says
Operations Director, and culminating in Adrian, “as they have to manage talent
a performance of Oedipussy. Oedipussy and knowhow alongside all the usual
is a spoof comedy based on the classic business functions such as marketing
Greek story, this new work commissioned and finance. We are lucky to have such
by the Derngate is already receiving a good theatre in Northampton, and I
good critical reviews before it goes on am keen to explore in more detail the link trip to the theatre
tour. The group, led by NBS’s Adrian between business and the arts.” Several
Pryce also enjoyed nibbles supplied by of the students said they would love to
Hope Catering, a new social enterprise go again and didn’t realise how big the We are lucky to have such a facility in
chaired by Adrian and linked to the theatre was, which is in the centre of town. Students should note that free and
Northampton’s homeless charity, The Northampton. discounted tickets are available for many
Northampton Hope Centre. The Derngate, which is one of the performances – more information is
The event arises from a growing biggest provincial theatres in the country, available on the theatre’s website at:
relationship between the Derngate and was awarded Regional Theatre of the www.royalandderngate.co.uk
NBS. Martin Sutherland, the Derngate’s Year in 2010 by The Stage 100 Awards. or at their box office.
CEO, is a regular speaker at NBS to

13. BUSINESSWISE - Student Edition
NBS students
Olympics Site in the City
Students from NBS had a lovely
and Wimbledon
day visiting important financial
institutions in London. Beginning with
a tour of the historical building of
the Chartered Institute of Insurance,
where students learn’t about the
Student thoughts from the visit fire marks which were used to mark
insured houses - the fire brigade
would only respond to calls from
these!
The students also had a tour
Students from the Leisure Field negatives of the games and how through the financial district of
(tourism, events and sports these will impact London in the short London, taking in the sights of the
marketing) paid an educational two and long term, he also explained Guildhall, Mansion House and the
day visit to the developing Olympic the decision processes in the venue Royal Exchange, to Lloyds’ of London.
Site in Stratford East London to learn designs and functions. Even in the Although Lloyds’ began its life as a
coffee house (Lloyd’s coffee shop) it
about the proposed impacts of the rain he held my attention and I would
is now an important international
games to the local and wider area. definitely recommend a visit to the
market place for insurance and
The trip comprised of an Olympic Village!” reinsurance, and has a unique
extended tour of the Olympic site, Katriona Campbell said “The niche in unusual, specialist business
including the completed Olympic Olympic trip was very interesting, we such as kidnap and ransom, fine
Stadium, the aquatics centre, learned how all of the venues have art, aviation, marine, and other
basketball venue, the velodrome, had to be adapted to accommodate insurances. The Titanic, for example,
along with brief visits to West Ham the amount of visitors, and the was insured by brokers at Lloyds’ of
stadium (exploring the legacy of the preparations and strict guidelines in London for $5,000,000 in April 1912.
At the time, many thought that there
Olympic Stadium), the O2 arena, place for ensuring sponsorship deals
was one in a million chance that the
ExCel Centre and Greenwich. are kept. I especially enjoyed visiting
ship would sink. Although it sank at
Wimbledon, and learning about 2.20am on the 15th April 1912, it
how they are accommodating is unclear when insurance was put
the games.” in place for the Titanic. It has been
Nina Gandy added “I think claimed that the Titanic may only
that the Olympic Trip was have been insured after it had sunk
extremely beneficial to gain a and that its sinking may have been
better understanding of the part of a wider insurance scam!
Students saw the record relating to
overall impact of the Olympic
the Titanic and on the day when the
games on a variety of different
bad news reached Lloyds’, the Lutine
venues, such as Wimbledon bell sounded across the floor as an
and Excel not just the alert to the huge loss.
Olympic Park. The students then headed to the
Day two included a visit to I enjoyed the Olympic site visit Bank of England’s museum where
Wimbledon, where the students were and the trip to Wimbledon the most, they had fun lifting a gold bar that
able to learn about the business of as a lot of information was gained on weighs two stones (13kgs) and on
Wimbledon, including its use for the the enormous task that is undertaken the day was worth over £433,000.
Students learned about the role of
2012 tennis events as part of the to change the use of a venue such as
the Bank in controlling inflation and
Olympic Games. Wimbledon for a major sporting event
the horrific effects on businesses if
BUSINESSWISE spoke with some like the Olympics. Staying in the hostel that goes out of control. Although
of the students on the trip: was also good fun.” clearly exhausted by the end of the
Grace Chettle “For day, students went home feeling very
me, my favourite part of the inspired and had an enjoyable and
Olympic Trip was having a memorable day touring the capital.
walking tour of the Olympic
site from a local architect,
he gave praise for the
transformation. His tour
highlighted the positives and

14. BUSINESSWISE - Student Edition Page 13
Celebrating success Brothers
Graduation Winter 2012 graduate
together
Two brothers were amongst the
graduating student cohort at The
University of Northampton’s recent
Winter Graduation Ceremonies at
Royal & Derngate
Brothers Samuel and Isaac
Imhanwa, from Northampton, both
graduated from the MSc IT Service
Management. Samuel stated:
“Attending The University of
Northampton has been a great
experience for me. The staff are
friendly and professional and have
in-depth knowledge of their subject
area. The environment is conducive
for learning and the University
is always expanding with new
infrastructures every session which
shows that it is keen on growth and
student satisfaction.
Studying with my brother in the
same University and MSc course
has been a great achievement for
both of us. We shared opinions
together, and motivated each other
to achieve our goals. We both
graduated with good grades and
are both pleased with the standard
of teaching provided by The
University of Northampton.”
Samuel Imhanwa
ok
See more pictures on Facebo

15. BUSINESSWISE - Student Edition Page 14
Guest
Forging a lectures
partnership Tom Lloyd, a management author hosted the
latest in our guest lecture series. On a cold and snowy
night we welcomed over 100 students and members of
with the
the local business community to explore ways in which
business and leadership are shaped by cultural and
contextual factors. Tom proposed a new approach to
management emerging in China that will challenge the
Cobblers
Anglo-Saxon approach. The lecture was well received by
all who attended and Tom fielded some great questions
from the audience.
Adrian Pryce and Prof. Nada Kakabadse were
pleased to announce that Tom had been confirmed as a
visiting Fellow of the University so we hope to see a lot
Following on from a more of him in the future.
successful partnership
with Northampton Saints
Rugby Club, NBS has
recently agreed to do
similar research on behalf
of the town’s professional
football club. Over the last
three months NBS Senior In addition to the guest lecture series, we have been
Lecturers Alan Seymour fortunate enough to attract a number of guest speakers
and Ross Thompson have for specific student lectures.
been working closely with
Northampton Town Football Kate Russell Managing Director of Russell
Club. Specifically, the HR Consulting came to update the Human Resource
‘Cobblers’ are interested in Management students on the latest employment
finding out the level of fan legislation.
satisfaction with the various services available on
match days. Hubert Thomassen and Henk Vrijheid
Alan and Ross together with a number of sports and from GE Capital came to talk to the Cross Cultural
marketing students are in the process of conducting a series Management students about cross-border mergers and
of fan interviews at a number of home games in the spring acquisitions from a global company perspective.
of 2012. The questionnaire design was essentially structured
around the ‘fan experience’ and focused on such elements Paul Harbottle the Chief Executive Officer from
Atmosphere Bars and Clubs visited students studying
as pre and post-match entertainment, catering, opportunities
the ‘Managing customer and clients’ module to talk
for fans forums and a number of other key factors that would about the fact that while traditional marketing, including
help in the total fan experience. social media is important to get people to a venue, it is
Once compiled and analysed this data should prove the experience of the visit that is all important for repeat
hugely useful to the ‘Cobblers’ as they seek to refine and business.
develop their match day services. The data produced will also
form the kernel of a research data set which Alan and Ross Martin Sutherland, Chief Executive of
are looking to share with the wider academic community. Northamptonshire Arts Management Trust hosted
Andy Wooldridge, Commercial Manager for a lecture to students studying on the ‘Business
Northampton Town Football Club commented “The survey Environment’ module. Martin spoke about
is a valuable way for us to understand what our supporters understanding the external environment that impacts
upon running the theatre, using the famous PESTLE
are really thinking. It allows them the chance to talk to the
framework. This was followed by a lively Q&A session
club directly and gives us the opportunity to shape our future in which he also gave insights into managing artistes –
decisions based around what our customers and supporters talent management.
want and need.
The biggest challenge we as a club face is that direct Andy Wise, Strategic Director of Engine Creative,
contact with the majority of our supporters comes in a two to an agency here in Northampton, is at the forefront of a
three hour window each week, so we are very grateful to the new technology called augmented reality. Andy came to
University and their students for their help with this. speak to some of our 2nd year Marketing students about
We hope the students will benefit from the experience and this amazing technology and its use and application in
wish them all well with their ongoing studies.” marketing.

16. BUSINESSWISE - Student Edition Page 15
Issue 39
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