Ashcroft Staff Newsletter Ashcroft International Business School | Issue 3 July 2009
09063001
Update from the Dean
Editorial
Welcome to the 3rd Edition of the Ashcroft Staff Newsletter - which is aimed at keeping you upto-date with news and events in our School. Thank you to those of you who submitted articles for this issue, please keep the stories coming. We would particularly like to receive some good news stories from our partner institutions both in the UK and overseas.
Contact us
The next issue of the Ashcroft Staff Newsletter is due out in March 2010 and we invite you to submit copy for this to Christine Durrant at christine.durrant@anglia.ac.uk. Topics of interest could include those related to: • • • • • •
Good news stories People Events Research International visits Diary dates, etc.
…or anything else you think may be of interest to colleagues.
Welcome to the Latest Issue of our Staff Newsletter
An excellent set of stories and updates – thanks to all the staff who have provided copy for Christine. Please keep it up – there is so much going on and we have some great stories that have good external profile value as well. Keep the material flowing to Christine please!
We are coming towards the end of another busy semester and I am pleased to say we have had a good assessment period – thanks for all the hard work of all. Over the summer there will be considerable progress on the re-development of the Cambridge campus. Having the builders in is never fun and we will have to put up with quite a bit of disruption. But the new facilities are long overdue and we as a School will be a major beneficiary of a new building. Your support and patience will be appreciated and it will be important we all contribute to carefully managing our student experience during the building works. There are many things going on in the sector and I think we all need to expect that the public sector in general, and universities in particular, will face some challenging times over the next 2 to 3 years. Changes to HEFCE funding even for next year are expected to have a serious impact on our projected monies.
These external pressures make it even more important that we follow through on our University Corporate Plan. Our growth aspirations – while stretching – do provide us with the opportunity to address the external pressures we face. In the School next year we will bring forward more new collaborative partnerships in the UK and overseas. We will also move along our curriculum review project and establish and lead for our University the new research Institute of International Management Practice. So lots on – as ever! I hope you all find time to take a well deserved rest over the summer and thank you all for your continuing hard work under challenging circumstances. Martin
We would also welcome your feedback, particularly in terms of content and also our new way of distributing the newsletter using Issuu, a free digital publishing service.
Contents
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 8 9
10 11 12 12 13 14 15 16
Page New Collaborative Partnership with LCA Mauritius AIBS HOTS Tough! Enterprise Launches FLUX National Final 2009 MPC Member Gains Interest on Return ABE Graduation Success in Rwanda Inaugural Research Conference Research Taster Placement Scheme What I did on my Sabbatical Third Annual Research Student Conference Harvard for Heather Association of Business Schools in Essex Something Brewing at HR Forum Buddhism and Building Bridges China Visit Emily’s Marathon Effort! Workplace of Tomorrow – people and planet Pathfinder Masterclass 2nd up for 3rd Sector Futures Thai Student Association Cambridge (TSAC) Misleadership – Contributions Requested!
New Collaborative Partnership with LCA Mauritius
The London College of Accountancy (LCA) entered into an academic partnership with Anglia Ruskin University in 2007 and since that time they have been delivering a range of business related undergraduate and postgraduate courses in London primarily to international students. In 2008 LCA opened a new centre in Port Louis, Mauritius. This centre has successfully run ACCA courses for the last year. LCA is the first and only educational provider to receive the prestigious Gold Status Award for ACCA for the Mauritian campus. In May 2009 AIBS successfully validated the following pathways to be offered on the LCA Mauritian campus: • Access Certificate in Accounting and Management • BA (Hons) Applied Accounting • BA (Hons) International Business Management
These pathways are due to start in January 2010 with an estimated number of up to 200 students. The current location for LCA’s Mauritian provision is Victoria House in Port Louis. Details of the current location with pictures of the classrooms can be found on the College’s website at www.lcamauritius.com. In anticipation of a successful validation, LCA have purchased one floor (10,500 sq ft) of a high rise block in Ebene CyberCity, next door to the University of Mauritius. This is an up-and-coming area of Mauritius in which several key organisations are located such as HSBC and Ernst & Young.
“This new partnership between AIBS and LCA Mauritius is a unique opportunity for the Anglia Ruskin brand to extend its reputation within the Africa/Asia region” Jon Salkeld (Director of Corporate Education & UK Partnerships) Jon Salkeld T: 0845 196 6855 E: jon.salkeld@anglia.ac.uk
Members of Anglia Ruskin University staff with Ravi Gill, Managing Director of the London College of Accountancy, during their recent visit to Mauritius
Ashcroft Staff Newsletter
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AIBS HOTS Tough !
HOTS Business Plan Competition won by AIBS International Business team
In May AIBS was invited to take part in the HOTS (Hotel Operations Tactics and Strategy) competition by our international partner University Zuyd, Maastricht. The first round of the competition took place simultaneously in Cambridge, University Zuyd Maastricht, Zaragoza Hotel Management School, Cologne University of Applied Sciences and Nizhny Novgorod State University. AIBS was represented in the Cambridge heat by four International Business Students: Paula Petraityte, Jost Braeckelmann, Valentin Raspe and Christoph Grunewald. The HOTS challenge is based around teams assuming the management of a failing hotel and the first round task was to write a business plan with the aim of reviving the hotel’s fortunes. In Cambridge students visited the Best Western Gonville Hotel where Deputy General Manager Christopher Ogston offered valuable advice and guidance on key operational, financial and marketing aspects of hotel management. Mr Ogston judged the team comprising Paula and Jost to have written the most realistic plan. The semi-finals and final took place in Maastricht during June 8th – 12th. Competitors from all international centres
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were very generously treated to a programme of sight seeing tours by the hosts, University Zuyd, as they worked on the next stages of the competition.
For the semi-finals students implemented the recommendations in their business plans playing against other teams in the HOTS simulation. The top 5 teams in the simulation phase (based on owners equity after 3 years) made it through to the final. AIBS was represented by Paula and Jost in the final who finished third in the simulation stage.
was the most realistic given the resources available and that he would have no hesitation in investing in the winning team.
The project was funded by University Zuyd with all planning and co-ordination under the leadership of Gaby Gijsberts assisted by a team of student helpers. Tim Froggett T: 0845 196 2212 E: tim.froggett@anglia.ac.uk
Friday brought the final in the impressive setting of the Amrath Grand Hotel De L’Empereur, Maastricht. The teams now had to defend the recommendations made in their business plan and reflect on their performance in the simulation in a 30 minute presentation to a panel of judges comprising academics from University Zuyd and Mr Marcello Pauw, General Manager of the Hotel L’Empereur. Following the presentations there was a nervous wait as the panel considered their verdict. After 20 minutes Mr Pauw, chairman of the panel, announced that unanimously Paula and Jost from Cambridge were the winners. Mr Pauw’s verdict was that the winning plan was based on an accurate diagnosis of key problem areas, was meticulously planned,
Ashcroft Staff Newsletter
Enterprise Launches
The Ashcroft Enterprise Society, based in the Ashcroft International Business School, was launched by Anglia Ruskin University on 2nd July with a reception in the Ruskin Gallery. Established by the students on the BA (Hons) Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Management, the event was very well attended and included representatives from many of the course sponsor firms and entrepreneurs from the ‘entrepreneurs in residence’ network. Representatives of TTP, Citylife, Melbourn Scientific, Grant Instruments and leading entrepreneurs such as Amy Mikado, Steve Westcott and Julie Horne were serenaded by music provided by Cliff and Prue Ward, former students at Anglia Ruskin University. Guests were welcomed by Professor Stuart Wall, who introduced the society as ‘a great example of the ways in which enterprise and entrepreneurship are being embedded not only within the School, but right across the university as a whole’.
Acting President of the society, James Coburn, a student on the BA (Hons) Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Management, announced that ‘The society will provide a focal point for enterprising students across the university. Activities will include regular lectures from worldclass entrepreneurs, networking events and business competitions.’ James welcomed the President of Cambridge Entrepreneurs, the Cambridge University student enterprise society, saying ‘We will
Melinda Dowson, student o BA (Hons) Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Management, Julie Horn, Entrepreneur and Walter Herriot, Director of the Entrepreneur in Residence network
seek to build upon the very close links we have established with students at Cambridge University to create a city wide enterprise society capable of having maximum impact within the student community of both universities.’
The society was officially launched by Walter Herriot, formerly Managing Director of St John’s Innovation Centre and Director of the Ashcroft entrepreneurs in residence network. Walter celebrated the emergence of the society from the BA (Hons) Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Management programme saying ‘This fantastic initiative encapsulates everything that is so exciting about this highly innovative academic programme. Through the entrepreneur in residence scheme, it
embeds entrepreneurs within the academic programme in a meaningful way that creates added value for both the students and the entrepreneurs themselves. The Ashcroft Enterprise Society will provide a very effective vehicle to promote student enterprise not only within the Ashcroft International Business School, but across the whole city.’ Professor Lester Lloyd-Reason, Course Director for the BA (Hons) Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Management brought the launch to a close commenting ‘It is fantastic to see so many senior members of Anglia Ruskin University, sponsor firms, entrepreneurs and students from both universities in the city here together to celebrate the launch of this society. This encapsulates the way in which we are bringing the academic and the entrepreneurial worlds together through this academic programme. The Ashcroft Enterprise Society, building upon these established entrepreneurial networks, will play a major role in helping our enterprising students realise their potential.’
The activities of the society will get off to a flying start on October 12th, when the inaugural Annual Ashcroft Enterprise Society Lecture will be delivered by the CEO of the Fair Trade Organisation at Anglia Ruskin University. For more information on the Ashcroft International Enterprise Society, or for further details on the inaugural annual lecture, please contact Professor Lester Lloyd-Reason. Professor Lester Lloyd-Reason, Course Director BA (Hons) Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Management, James Coburn, President of Ashcroft Enterprise Society, Walter Herriot, Director of the Entrepreneur in Residence network and Professor Stuart Wall
Ashcroft Staff Newsletter
Professor Lester Lloyd-Reason T: 0845 196 2479 E: lester.lloyd-reason@anglia.ac.uk
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FLUX National Final 2009
FLUX is a key annual inter-university competition aimed at bridging the gap between education and the world of work. Student teams spend 36 hours solving a business challenge provided to them at the event. The event enables them to focus on their employability skills, meet recruiters, improve interview skills, meet new people and have a great time. Business experts from some of the UK’s most dynamic companies (e.g. Coca-Cola, Experian, J.P. Morgan and KPMG) judge the teams in Apprentice-style meetings and Dragons Den-style pitches. Our AIBS team set off for Plymouth on Sunday 5th April. The team was comprised of students from six different countries; Pakistan, Estonia, Poland, Bulgaria, France and the UK. As the majority of our team had not previously travelled further than London, the train journey enabled them to take in sights such as the White Horse at Westbury, and the beautiful Devon coastline.
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On Monday, after a briefing, thirty University teams began working on their business scenarios. Our team worked excellently together, even choosing to return early from dinner and continue working into the early hours!
On Tuesday morning, they were invited to attend business related workshops and vie for the attention of experts to whom they could informally pitch their ideas. Later they attended scheduled interviews with expert panels, the students used these sessions to ask specific questions on aspects of their business e.g. raising finance. Once these sessions were completed, the team had to present their finished plan to an audience of twelve experts, and seven participating university teams. They then faced a public grilling from the experts! It was an intense learning curve and although our team did extremely well they unfortunately were not chosen as the overall winner,
congratulations to Ulster University, a fantastic competitor, who went on to win the ÂŁ3,000 prize!
Our team all agreed that the experience was extremely beneficial, developing both personal and academic skills and opening their minds to enterprise and entrepreneurship. We look forward to taking a new team to Plymouth in 2010! Robert Jones T: 0845 196 2549 E: Robert.jones@anglia.ac.uk
Ashcroft Staff Newsletter
MPC Member Gains Interest on Return Kate Barker, member of the Monetary Policy Committee visited AIBS on April 21st. The MPC is part of the Bank of England and meets monthly to set the bank rate. It has played a central role to the response to the financial crisis; recently reducing interest rates significantly. She joined Margaret O’Quigley’s Monetary Economics class, giving a brief talk and answering questions. Kate has been a member of the MPC since 2001 and all the students were thrilled to have someone with her experience and knowledge, at the heart of policy making, talking to them about the current situation. One commented that “It just brings the subject to life when you meet someone who can answer your questions directly from intimate knowledge”. Kate said that while she is a frequent visitor to the university, in her capacity as Chair of the Governor’s, she rarely gets the chance to meet the students. She was impressed by their knowledge and enthusiasm and their pertinent questions about whether interest rates should have been reduced earlier and whether, if quantitative easing did not work there are realistic alternatives. “It was
Kate Barker and Margaret O’Quigley with students from Margaret’s Monetary Economics Class
very kind of Kate to take time out from her very busy schedule to speak to my students and they and I really appreciated a memorable and thought provoking occasion”, said Margaret, Senior Lecturer in Economics in the Business School based in Chelmsford.
Margaret O’Quigley T: 0845 196 6873 E: margaret.o’quigley@anglia.ac.uk
ABE Graduation Success in Rwanda
Dr Penelope Hood attending a recent graduation in Rwanda at the Kigali Institute of Management along with the founder member of the Association of Business Executives (ABE), Lyndon Jones.
ABE students who apply to join Anglia Ruskin University are now able to access our UK degrees using credits from their prior qualifications. Dr Penelope Hood T: 0845 196 6876 E: penelope.hood@anglia.ac.uk
Ashcroft Staff Newsletter
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Inaugural Research Conference
The First AIBS Annual Research Conference was held on Wednesday 10th June 2009 at Chelmsford. The aims of the event were threefold: to showcase research success within AIBS; to run a number of practical research workshops and thirdly, to integrate our research students into AIBS. It was opened by Professor Alan Sibbald who emphasised the importance of research and scholarship. Workshops were held during the morning session on: Research bid writing, led by Professor Terry Mughan; Research success – making it happen, led by Professor Lester Lloyd-Reason; Undertaking a doctorate – the student perspective, led by Karen Beckwith, Brynn Deprey, John Murphy and David Flude. Following lunch and poster displays there were further workshop sessions on Writing for publication and creating a writing group, led by Dr Bronwen Rees; Developing Scholarly Activity, led by Dr Robert Willis and Dr Sonal Minocha; The Research Excellence Framework led by Dr Robert Willis and Trends and developments
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impacting on Business Schools: the changing context led by Johh McCullough and The changing context and the role of the Professors of Management Practice led by Professor Roger Jeynes.
The event was well attended by staff and students and felt to have made a genuine contribution to the future of Research in AIBS.
Ashcroft Staff Newsletter
Research Taster Placement Scheme
It was reported in the last edition of the Ashcroft Staff Newsletter that Lisa Reader, a 3rd year Business and Management student, was entered for the Undergraduate Research Taster Placement Scheme. This makes up one part of the newly established £1 million Vice Chancellor’s Research Fund to support research and scholarly activities and Lisa was successful in her application. Lisa has commented: “Being offered the
Research Taster Placement scheme, has presented a wonderful opportunity for me to experience carrying out research and all that it entails, thus giving me the experience to make an informed decision about which Masters I wish to do.” The main aim of Lisa’s placement is a continuation of her dissertation, in that it will be looking more in-depth into the management of organisational change within the hospitality industry. In order to do this the following techniques will be tested within the hospitality industry: • • •
the change model by Smith and Gee
the Global Fitness Framework by Raymond and Smith
the ideas being developed by the Global Responsible Leadership Initiative (GRLI)
Alongside this research Lisa is also a GRLI Ambassador and is looking for more students from across the University to join her in making this an exciting and major learning adventure.
What I did on my Sabbatical The last semester was a busy one for me and especially as I was trying to make full use of the opportunity of a sabbatical. My main areas of development were High Performance Working (HPW) with Diane Keeble-Allen and developing novel ideas of organisational communication and ethical practices using dialogue with my colleague Alan Thornton in the School of Education. My work with Diane saw us attend four major international conferences (10th University Forum for Human Resource Development Conference, 20th Association francophone de Gestion des Resources Humaines Conference, and the British Academy of Management Conference). In addition to this we published four refereed journal articles; in the International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability; Journal of Finance and Management in Public Services and the Total Equality Management Journal and we also have several other publications pending, all for international journal publication, as we go to press. Ashcroft Staff Newsletter
I have also been working with my colleague Alan Thornton in Faculty of Education regarding the use of dialogue and organisational life. We have pursued the notion of ‘secret data’ in organisations using narratives and the dialogic process. We have produced and presented conference papers at four international conferences (British Academy of Management, European Society for Research on the Education of Adults and The European Centre for Research Methods) and as I write we have a paper under review with the Journal of Reflective Practice. We also exhibited our work in the Chelmsford Art Gallery from April – June.
colleagues from Lincoln University and have a joint paper with Professor Carole Brooks at the Lincoln Business School on the theme of spirituality at the Critical Management Studies Conference at Warwick University in July. Dr Andrew Armitage T: 0845 196 6846 E: Andrew armitage@anglia.ac.uk
Whilst these two areas were the main thrust of my sabbatical I have also been busy pursuing related areas concerning the role of the modern business school and practitioner research. I have therefore presented on this issue at the British Management and Finance Conference; British Academy of Management Conference, the World Universities Forum and European Society for Research on the Education of Adults Conference. I have also been pursuing the use of the Structured Literature Review (SLR) as a research methodology and, together with Diane Keeble-Allen, we have published this in the US- China Education Review. I have also been collaborating with
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Third Annual Research Student Conference
The Third Annual Research Student Conference, organised by Research, Development and Commercial Services, was held in Chelmsford on Saturday, 16 May 2009. It was attended by eighty-two research students and staff and was declared to be a great success.
The Conference was opened by Professor Mike Thorne who celebrated in his address the University’s RAE successes and detailed the Research Strategy that demonstrates and underpins the University’s commitment to the developing research culture. He emphasised the need for researchers to network and take advantage of all research opportunities. AIBS was represented by four of our PhD students who produced posters for the event. The topics were: ‘Multipurpose Multidimensional Conceptual Frameworks’ by John Murphy; ‘Organisational Cultural Modification: The Concept of the Collaborative Cultural Relationship Superhighway’ by David Flude; ‘Refining and Defining Research Questions’ by Karen Beckwith and ‘The New Language of NHS Leadership – A Deliberate Step Toward Culture Change, or a Stumble into the unknown’. The Fourth Annual Research Student Conference will take place on Saturday, 22 May 2010.
Harvard for Heather
strategic organisational challenges of mergers and acquisitions” and as a result of her doctorate she has been funded by EDF to go to Harvard. She used her knowledge from her doctorate to manage a co-operative venture which in its way was similar to a merger/acquisition and won a national prize for the successful outcome. Heather is now a Senior Manager at EDF Energy having joined London Electric with no qualifications and qualified as an engineer on the job.
Heather Smeaton-Webb was awarded the Doctorate of Business Administration in June 2008 having studied with Anglia Ruskin University since commencing her first degree with what was then called the Cambridge Regional College in 1988. She went on to complete the DMS and an MSc before commencing the DBA. Her research area was “Exploring 8 | Ashcroft International Business School
“Heather’s DBA is an excellent example of practice based research in action. I congratulate Heather for what she has achieved through her dedication”. Dr Rob Willis, Research Director Dr Rob Willis T: 0845 196 6854 E: rob.willis@anglia.ac.uk
Ashcroft Staff Newsletter
Association of Business Schools in Essex
The Department at Chelmsford hosted a Strategic Development Event for the alumni of the Association of Business School (ABS), an independent network organisation for all the leading business schools of UK universities, higher education institutions and independent management colleges. Delegates attending the event came from over 40 institutions which were represented by members of both academic and administrative staff and their Deans and was headed by Jonathan Slack, Chief Executive of the ABS.
The event focused on visits to our School and Judge Business School, Cambridge, and provided a snapshot of the school size, structure, budget, operation, specialisms and organisation.
Ashcroft Staff Newsletter
Dr Sonal Minocha Head of Department, Chelmsford, AIBS commented: “It was a fantastic opportunity for us to share the successes and challenges we face as a New University Business School with our colleagues in other Business Schools. We used the opportunity to showcase our activity in the areas of Entrepreneurship, International Collaborative activity and our strategy for success in research and corporate education.” Excellent feedback was received and at the end of the event Professor Martin Reynolds, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean, AIBS quoted: “It was good to see members of the business school community at this event and we were able to test our Vision with those present. We were also delighted to receive excellent feedback from the attendees.”
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Something’s Brewing at HR Forum
The most successful HR Forum to date took place at the Ashcroft International Business School in Chelmsford in June. The HR Forum, which is co-hosted with Prettys Solicitors, provides an information and networking opportunity for senior HR professionals working or living in the area. Approximately 80 participants turned up for an early morning breakfast, provided by Reed HR, to hear the views of the speakers on employee engagement. The guest speaker was Dr Andy Wood, Managing Director of Adnams, world famous brewers, based in Southwold, Essex, with an enviable regional brand which now has national and international reach. When Andy joined Adnams it was a traditional top-down, hierarchical organisation where management, in the form of functional barons, was concerned with doing things right and did not encourage staff involvement. Shareholder value was being destroyed and the company was stagnating. The company has changed beyond all recognition. It has become much more market-oriented and could be described as a meritocracy with embedded values and an emphasis on team working where leadership is concerned with doing the right things. The result is that stakeholder value, rather than
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solely shareholder value, is being delivered.
The change was driven by a synthesis of four areas, values, leadership, brand and stakeholders. Leadership behaviours are valued and rewarded with the emphasis on honesty, promise keeping, ability to inspire, integrity, fairness, respect for the individual and managerial competence. In Adnams’ attitude surveys, employees are asked to rate all executive directors, who are named individually, on adherence to Adnams’ values, their willingness to listen, approachability and encouragement of new ideas. This is an innovative approach which many organisations should consider, including our own. Andy emphasised that transformational leadership behaviours encouraged trust and commitment and enabled ordinary people to do extraordinary things. He gave an example of how an employee who joined Adnams as a driver, having been dismissed from the forces for becoming pregnant (luckily a thing of the past these days) had developed and moved through Adnams to become Operations Manager for the entire organisation.
Employee engagement was approached from another angle by Matthew Cole, Head
of Employment Services at Prettys Solicitors. He opened up his session by talking about diversity and the potential link between good diversity policies and improved performance. He emphasised the demographic imperatives which will focus employers on implementing diversity initiatives. Matthew then gave an overview of The Equality Bill 2009 which is currently making its way through parliament. He addressed the key issues that would be faced by many of the senior HR professionals present when The Equality Bill is implemented, currently planned for October 2010. However, although the Bill has all party support, a general election may put everything on the back burner. As always Matthew’s expertise was warmly welcomed by participants. The next meeting of the HR Forum is planned for January 2010 when we hope to be able to focus on talent management in challenging times. If you would like further details please contact: Hermione McIntosh T: 0845 196 6882 E: hermione.mcintosh@anglia.ac.uk
Ashcroft Staff Newsletter
Buddhism and Building Bridges
Dr Bronwen Rees gives keynote speech at 2nd Buddhist Economics Conference at Ubon Ratachaee, University, Thailand
Following on from her trip in December 2008, Dr Bronwen Rees was invited back to Thailand both for the international launch of Interconnections, and to give the keynote speech at the 2nd Buddhist Economics Conference. This was a key honour: both in terms of a Westerner giving this talk in a Buddhist country, and the fact that traditionally the religious experts are men. Over 120 people from all over the globe attended this conference, where much of the focus was on sustainable community, new currencies, new ways of dialoguing. Buddhist Economics, with its emphasis on systems thinking, is growing rapidly as a discipline, just as the secular wisdom of Buddhist practice has been increasingly valued in many other different disciplines such as psychology, neuroscience and ecology. The speech was entitled ‘Building Bridges Between East and West: Buddhist Economics in Practice’ and examined the current crisis in economics from a systems perspective, moving on to how organisations could face up to the challenges of the current time. She examined the current pathology of our systems and showed how a reflective practice could help us examine more deeply our conditions, and enable us to develop ethical organisations.
In particular, she looked at the split between materialism and spirituality which had created a sense of isolation and fragmentation in our organisations and argued that one of the ways in which this would happen is through a reconnection to nature and more natural patterns, as a means of creating sustainable communities. Ashcroft Staff Newsletter
She drew on the work of Crucible Research, which she founded, consisting of a team of meditation and therapeutic practitioners, which has been researching into how to develop more ‘mindful’ ways of behaving in organisations. This research has been going for over 8 years now, and is beginning to take root in practice in organisations. Some of the benefits of Buddhist practice that could help in organisations were:
• Ability to see situation clearly and respond skilfully • Act with integrity in the midst of uncertainty • Act with compassion and an open heart • Act with clear intent Finally, she outlined some of the characteristics of ethical organisations:
• structure is flexible and self-emergent • collaboration around shared positive purpose • environment respects rather than exploits supply chain, employees, customers • provides ethical lifestyles • learning capacity with feedback loops • Kaizen – continuous improvement • developing a marketplace that is more like a connected ecosystem • commitment and integrity to the identified positive purpose
In addition to giving this speech, she also ran a workshop, and launched the third edition of Interconnections. Dr Bronwen Rees T: 0845 196 2238 E: bronwen.rees@anglia.ac.uk
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China Visit
Geoff Abbott and Jimmy Wu from the International Office are pictured during a recent trip to China. They visited Beijing International Education Institute who work with over 30 Key Chinese universities delivering the Higher National Diploma in China. Successful students will be awarded Higher National Diploma after three years of study in China and study abroad on a Top-Up programme in different UK universities.
Emily’s Marathon Effort! The Brain and Spine Foundation was founded in 1992 to help the 10 million people affected by brain and spine conditions in the UK. Following a tragic personal loss Emily, supported by friends and family, set about raising money for the Foundation and has over the last year raised over £6,000. 12 | Ashcroft International Business School
Emily and her team mates successfully completed the 2009 London Marathon and here is her personal account of the day.
the crowds of supporters, were crossing Tower Bridge and running past Buckingham Palace.
I’m pleased to say that I ran all the way despite a ‘little voice in my ear’ telling me to stop at every mile point after the 16th mile!
So, a big THANK YOU to everyone who has sponsored me – it really means so much – your support and encouragement has been outstanding.’
‘You may have heard already that I completed the London Marathon! My finishing time was 4 hours and 45 minutes and 33 seconds. I was the 5,319th femail to cross the finish line.
It was an amazing day. The crowd were absolutely terrific as were my fellow runners. London looked beautiful in the bright sunshine. My high points, other than
It was also a very emotional day, especially when thinking about all the money that I and my team mates have raised over the last year thanks to all our friends and family.
Congratulations Emily from all your colleagues here in the Business School on your marathon effort! Ashcroft Staff Newsletter
Workplace of Tomorrow people and planet
As a result of his work with the Global Responsible Leadership Initiative (GRLI) Jonathan Smith has been invited to be a guest contributor at the series of seminars focusing on the ‘Workplace of Tomorrow’ being organised by the Oasis School of Human Relations, based in Boston Spa, West Yorkshire. The Chief Executive of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the former assistant director of strategy at Yorkshire Forward and current director at URS Corporation, the world’s largest engineering and consultancy business, are among the other contributors. The seminars aim to engage with and deepen understanding of issues such as current economic concerns, changing demography, the introduction of recommendations from The Black Report, environmental issues and their impact on the workplace. The sessions will also help form ideas for action that could be taken at work to address these areas.
Pathfinder Masterclass
Earlier this year the Ashcroft International Business School (AIBS) hosted a ‘Pathfinder Masterclass’ at Madingley Hall, near Cambridge, which was attended by forty participants. It was an inspirational day led by Adrian Gilpin, Chairman of The Institute of Human Development (IHD). IHD is a group of professionals dedicated to the study and dissemination of ideas contributing to human excellence.
According to Adrian, Pathfinders have a positive impact on people around them and they make a disproportionate contribution to their organisation or community. It was an insightful day and many of the participants were infected by Adrian’s zeal and his optimistic can-do approach. Adrian demonstrated how the Pathfinder principles had helped him to be resilient and deal with delay, disappointment and disaster better than others.
The day-long event was intense, but was captured on film to be used on the IHD website. As the level of individual facilitation was low on that day, Adrian returned to the Chelmsford campus of AIBS in June and facilitated an interactive learning forum for a smaller number of participants. Adrian took the role of coach and guided participants through a number of soul searching questions which focussed people’s minds on their goals; the resources they already had to achieve those goals and what they perceived to be stopping them, including their worries and anxieties. Participants left the event feeling more positive and re-invigorated to meet the challenges in their daily lives. For more information about Adrian Gilpin and the Institute of Human Development go to www.ihd.co.uk.
Hermione McIntosh T: 0845 196 6852 E: hermione.mcintosh@anglia.ac.uk
“Managers and leaders want to know how they can face the changes ahead, positively shape our future workplaces, and ensure they stay in business.” Jonathan suggested. The future inevitably holds challenges and there are tough decisions to be made about how to proceed while still taking care of our planet and our people. Contact Jonathan for more details.
Jonathan Smith T: 0845 196 2069 E: Jonathan.Smith@anglia.ac.uk
Ashcroft Staff Newsletter
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2nd up for 3rd Sector Futures
Over one hundred people from charities, social enterprises and voluntary organisations, along with academics and students, attended the second 3rd Sector Futures conference, held at AIBS in Chelmsford on 26 June.
The keynote speaker was Nick Hurd MP, the Shadow Minister for Charities, Social Enterprise and Volunteering. Addressing an audience keen to hear what Conservative plans might mean for the sector, particularly given the cuts in public spending which any incoming government is likely to carry out, the minister reassured them that social, as well as economic, concerns, were high on his party's agenda. Even more refreshing was his admission that the Conservatives had, in the past, lagged behind Labour in understanding the importance of the third sector, and the promise that the first priority would be to 'do no harm' where things were working adequately already. 14 | Ashcroft International Business School
Nick Hurd's address to the main conference came after a VIP breakfast in the corporate suite, where guests were welcomed by Mike Thorne, with an enthusiastic endorsement of the business and community engagement carried out by AIBS; he added that our work at local level was as important to the university as our international activity. Kate Barker, Chair of Anglia Ruskin's Board of Governors, was a guest at the breakfast and was also kind enough to stay and give the welcome speech at the main event, in a sweltering Auditorium. Covering everything from green shoots to letters of the alphabet, Kate's speech set the economic context perfectly for the conference, which was subtitled 'Opportunities in the Downturn'. Other speakers included Michele Rigby from Social Enterprise East of England, Ralph Michell from the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations,
Councillor Ann Naylor from Essex County Council, and Maureen Frewin from ESTIC, our co-hosts for the event. Sponsors included SEEE, the Association of Universities in the East of England, and Business Link East.
Perhaps most encouraging of all was the interest shown in our workshop on 'University Support in the Downturn' - from short courses to KTPs, there is great potential demand in the third sector for our services, which 3rd Sector Futures will do all it can to meet over the next 12 months and beyond. Andy Brady Programme Manager, 3rd Sector Futures Ashcroft International Business School T: 0845 196 6888 E: Andrew.Brady@anglia.ac.uk
Ashcroft Staff Newsletter
Thai Student Association Cambridge (TSAC)
Naowarat Lewis and Dr Rhidian Lewis with students from Thailand on Parker’s Piece, Cambridge
The Thai Student Association Cambridge (TSAC) aims to promote a greater understanding of Thailand, Thai Culture and as a vehicle to enhance the experiences of Thai Students within Anglia Ruskin University. It is an inclusive organisation and is very happy to welcome interested students of all nationalities from the faculties of Anglia Ruskin University.
If you would like to join us, please contact: E: tsac.aru@hotmail.com or cambridgethai@angliastudent.com
“Since we have decided to set up TSAC, we have learned how to organise things and work as a group. I would like thank Mrs. Lewis who has always given us advice and direction in setting up this society. The experience we have gained has not only benefited the society, but also helped us in the longer term as we adapt the knowledge we learn in our life as a student here.” Taskamol Atimethin (MAIB), Secretary of TSAC
Ashcroft Staff Newsletter
“Since I have been a student at the Ashcroft International Business School at Anglia Ruskin University I have been a member of the Thai Student Association Cambridge (TSAC). I usually go out with all the members of TSAC and we have a really good time together. I have made many friends including our extremely nice staff members, Dr. and Mrs. Lewis. They are always willing to help and take care of all of us which I am really impressed with. Thank you!” Punyanuch Chansamut (MAIB), treasurer of TSAC
“I had an opportunity to participate in International Night. I made friends from different countries such as China, Nigeria, Middle-East, even in Britain. Everyone is very nice and friendly. I learnt about British culture and even how to make British tea!”
“I am so impressed with the study environment in this university and I’ve met a lot of friends from across of the world in the class. We are sharing experiences and ideas which is a very important key of international business. ARU has demonstrated the real global business in the class.”
Adisorn Thamrongsuttiphan (MAIB)
“As President of the society, I have to take responsibility for the activities going on in the society and at the same time help and support its members. None of these things would happen without the cooperation of all the members in the society who have always been kind and helpful to each other.” Rosarin Kanijoun (MBA), President of TSAC
Suwadee Wangjariya (MAIB)
Ashcroft International Business School | 15
MisLeadership Contributions Requested!
Overviews of Global Leadership: Scope, boundaries, frameworks, aspects and elements including but not limited to mission, paradigms, global approach and problem solving practice; History of (Mis)Leadership: Historical development of both leadership and misleadership: Roles of royal dynasties, religions, politics, nations, corporations and other power groups; Examination of the foundations, attitudes and assumptions upon which current business and social paradigms were built; Linkages between global leadership / misleadership and justice / sustainability: Development of empires and colonization, including the roles of heads of state, religions, international corporations and groups of nations;
Leadership can be loosely defined as enabling followers to achieve an organisation’s objectives and leaders have often been highly successful in this role.
Misleadership is an action which results in less than optimal achievement of objectives. Leaders are often successful in this too. Accidental misleadership results from leadership which is misguided, misinformed or simply missing, while deliberate misleadership is where the leader attempts to achieve hidden personal objectives – we call this Machiavellian leadership.
We are studying these concepts and their implications, including writing a textbook and chairing a special track on Global MisLeadership at the 10th IFSAM World Congress in Paris next July, the main conference theme being ‘Justice and Sustainability in the Global Economy’. Since the 15th century, colonization has been an important issue in the world, with de-colonization being a key event of the 20th century. The consequences of colonization and subsequent de-colonization have been enormous in economic, social and political terms. We are looking for contributions of all types to these ideas, the following being aimed at inspiring rather than stifling thought:
Role of Education, particularly business education, in the global economy: Moving toward a new business paradigm; Proposals for new foundations, attitudes, vision and values relevant to the global economy; Improving problem solving practice;
Justice and Sustainability in the Workplace: The need for leaders to create resonance in the workplace by recognising all the needs of their workers, including spiritual (seen as including such aspects as caring, sharing, connectedness, motivation and morale, with negative spirituality being greed, exploitation, injustice and prejudice. This view of spirituality can be, but is not necessarily related to, a specific (or any) religion);
Case Studies examining specific examples of leadership / misleadership: Actions and reactions of industries, governments and pressure groups; Sectors of the current global economy from the perspective of global leadership: Fair trade and fair treatment; Regions, industries and other sector analysis; Roles of business, governments, religions and other stakeholders in moving towards high quality global leadership. If this is of interest, get in touch. If it isn’t, go back to sleep! John Rayment T: 0845 196 6859 E: john.rayment@anglia.ac.uk Jonathan Smith T: 0845 196 2069 E: jonathan.smith@anglia.ac.uk
16 | Ashcroft International Business School
Ashcroft Staff Newsletter