2012 issue
SIR TERRY LEAHY’S RETAIL LEGACY RECOGNISED BY MBS
Manchester Business School Alumni Relations
Network
Welcome
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MBS on the world’s stage FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS I HAVE BEEN BOASTING THAT “MBS IS AMONG THE MOST GLOBAL BUSINESS SCHOOLS” - A SINE QUA NON IN THE INCREASINGLY BORDERLESS WORLD OF THE 21ST CENTURY. THAT BOLD STATEMENT IS BASED ON OUR LARGE NUMBER AND VARIETY OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND STAFF, THE SPREAD OF OUR ALUMNI BASE, OUR SIX GLOBAL CENTRES, AND THE PROMINENCE OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS IN OUR CURRICULUM. However, they are not enough to single us out as a leader in global business education; other business schools can now make a similar claim. Trends in higher education, the global shift of economic power, and even business school accreditation bodies demand such globalisation. Our claim needs to be modified to be “among the very best and well-known global business schools”. Whether “best” is measured through league tables, our own survey results, or other metrics, we need to continue to strive for excellence. Ultimately, we want the best scholars in the world to choose to work at MBS, the best students in the world to choose to be educated at MBS, and the best companies in the world to choose to engage with us. That result, over many years, establishes a strong global brand that feeds positively on itself.
From my vantage point, MBS is well along the road to global prominence. We have been among the highest-ranked European business schools for 50 years, and since the merger in 2004, we also have been among the largest. We were the first European business school to open in Asia almost 20 years ago, and are the only European business school to be licensed in the United States. Because of that, and our historic ability to attract foreign students to Manchester, we have an extensive global network of alumni, many in senior positions. Alumni are critical to our continued success, serving as ambassadors in their home countries, speaking to students and at alumni events, mentoring job seekers, contributing to various fund-raising campaigns, and much more.
As a major actor on the world stage for many decades, our global presence is more mature than that of our competitors. We have strong and lasting ties in many global markets that enable us to continue to attract good students, and increasingly, offer executive education, student projects and consultancy to companies in many locations. The more of that we do, the more well-known we become, and the reputation spiral continues upward.
Professor Michael Luger Dean
Network
ORIGINAL THINKING APPLIED TO MBS CAMPUS
School news
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Network
School news
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MANCHESTER BUSINESS SCHOOL IS LOOKING TO TRANSFORM ITS FACILITIES WITH THE BIGGEST INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT SINCE THE 1960S. A mixture of new build and the consolidation and refurbishment of existing facilities; the £60m project will provide updated teaching and research facilities, a new library and learning resource space, and a hotel and conference centre. The realisation of this vision will provide unrivalled facilities, delivering a business school in keeping with the ambitions of a world-leading university and an aspiring international city.
The project will be delivered in several phases, with construction scheduled to begin in 2012/2013. The first phase will see the development of a four star hotel and conference centre. The hotel will provide a base for the numerous overseas visitors to the business school, as well as adding to the high end hotel space in and around Manchester. The second and third phases will provide new teaching and administrative homes for the School’s MBA programme and enhance the School’s Executive Education offering. The final phase will include a learning and resources centre which will benefit all students.
Professor Michael Luger, Dean of Manchester Business School said: “It’s our aim that the new Manchester Business School will become a landmark gateway to Corridor Manchester, at the heart of the city’s knowledge-led economy. Our ethos is about applying original thinking to make positive change and the new building echoes this philosophy – both in its design and function”. Funded by University and private sector investment, MBS needs to fundraise £15m to realise the vision. Over £3m has so far been pledged from alumni and friends of the School.
For further details on the project or to pledge your own support please contact Jackie Fisk, development relations coordinator by email at jackie.fisk@mbs.ac.uk
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School news
Shanghai University alliance celebrated with Manchester launch The champagne reception was attended by the new intake of doctoral business students, including Quanjian Gao, CEO of Shanghai DEEBOO Investment Corporation, Jiangnan Liu – COO of Alcatel-Lucent investment (China) and
Professor Chris Bones accepting his prize at the awards ceremony in London
Ping’an Luo, vice president of Guangxi Nanning Real Estate Development Group. This partnership with one of China’s leading universities means that DBA candidates will benefit by working with
Controversial management book wins prize
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Academics from Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s Antai College of Economics and Management and Manchester Business School joined guests to celebrate the start of a new collaboration between the two educational institutions in November 2011.
experts from both Universities, whilst enabling faculty to work with senior business executives on practical research which will have a significant impact on the economies and businesses in both countries.
Chris Bones, professor of creativity and leadership has been awarded the CMI Management Book of the Year 2011/12 for The Cult of the Leader: A Manifesto for More Authentic Business. The book which criticises the obsession with leadership in business, was given the top prize by the Chartered Management Institute. Bones describes today’s ego-driven leaders as the “L’Oréal generation”. Put simply, they think they deserve large pay cheques “because they’re worth it”. The contest showcases titles published or distributed in the UK, from the most inspiring to the most useful. It was created in response to research that showed employees are unwilling to turn to their bosses for help when they need it at work and struggle to find useful, practical books to help them develop professionally.
Network
School news
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Sir Terry is ‘picture perfect’ In January, Sir Terry Leahy visited MBS to unveil a portrait in his honour. The portrait painted by North West artist Stephen Ashurst and commissioned by Mo and Brian Clancy - who have been suppporters of the University for many years - was donated to the School in recognition of Sir Terry’s legacy to the retail sector, as former CEO of Tesco, and his tireless contribution to both MBS and the wider University. Sir Terry joined Tesco immediately after graduating from UMIST in 1979. As a former student of Professor Peter McGoldrick, he has continued to have an impact on MBS, both as an organisation and its students. He is a regular guest lecturer specialising in retail; sharing business insights and leadership skills.
Sir Terry was Chancellor of The University of Manchester between 2002 and 2004. After unveiling the portrait, Sir Terry spoke of the impact Manchester had upon him as a student and how his experiences had shaped his career ever since. Watch ‘Sir Terry Leahy on retail’ on MBS’ YouTube channel - manchestermbs.
Sir Terry Leahy officially unveiling his new portrait
Simply outstanding Vincent Chan (MBA 1988) took his place among the graduating students of 2011 to receive the honour of ‘Outstanding Alumnus of the Year’. Awarded annually at the graduation ceremony in July, the title is bestowed upon those who have attained an exceptional level in their career or for service to the University. Manchester Business School is proud to acknowledge this award on both counts. Having established one of Hong Kong’s most successful private equity firms, Spring Capital, Vincent has backed some of China’s best known enterprises including BENQ, Port Designs and China Wireless. Forbes magazine has named him among ‘China’s Best Venture Capitalists’ between 2006-11.
Vincent Chan, CEO and founder of Spring Capital Asia
Since 2009, Vincent has been a member of the School’s external Advisory Board and in doing so has helped shape the
strategy, direction and success of MBS. He has also been an active member of both the School and University’s alumni chapters in Hong Kong. Vincent, whose wife Elizabeth Soon also graduated from the MBA class of 1988, is Managing Director of PineBridge Investments Asia Ltd. On receiving the honour Vincent said: “The award is a reminder to me that university education guides us to think in a human manner and, at certain points of your life path, generate an urge to contribute back for the benefit of next generation”. The Outstanding Alumnus Award for 2012 will be announced in July.
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Getting involved
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ALUMNI MAKING A DIFFERENCE Each year, a large number of alumni return to the School to enrich the student experience. Frederic, Francine and Ian tell their stories.
Guest speaker Mentor Course tutor Frederic Abrard, 35, Sales Manager France - Lead Generation, Google MBA 2008 “After graduating from the full-time MBA programme in 2008, I worked for just under a year in a small consultancy firm based in Manchester, helping small and medium-sized companies grow their business. It was a job opportunity that emerged through networking when I was a club president while studying at MBS.
challenge on the course). I also coach the mentees on their post-MBA career decisions and have helped one or two to negotiate a wider package at their prospective companies. In my mind, I don’t think it offers a lot of value, but the mentees have told me that it does! It’s rewarding when you help them avoid some of the common pitfalls.
When people ask me why I remain involved in the alumni community, I tell them it’s for two reasons. Firstly, you never know what can happen in your working life. The School gives you a platform that you can always go back to and a strong business network – even though you might not use it on a daily basis.
Earlier in my career I discovered a love for teaching. So when asked to teach a two-hour session on online marketing for the MBA and masters programmes soon after joining Google – I jumped at the chance. I wanted to give something back to the School and make sure that students could benefit from people working in less traditional and upcoming industries.
Even though I am now based in Dublin, I try to visit MBS when I can. Recently, I was asked to speak at Careers Week, which gives students an insight into different companies and how to approach internship and employment applications. I was able to share what a typical working week at Google is like.
I think you are missing out on a big part of the benefits of belonging to a world-class institution, if you lose touch with the School.
Four years on, I am still pretty involved in the School as a Manchester Gold Mentor. I meet with MBA students to discuss teamwork and how to make it work for them (which can be a real
Every time I come back, I am impressed by the people I talk to. So that gives me another reason to stay involved with the School – hearing from people who have interesting things to say.
Secondly, MBS gave me a good springboard for my career. Even though I have had to invest in my education financially, I feel I can give back what I can – to make things better, which just seems natural to me”.
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Getting involved
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Guest speaker Francine Morris, 43, PhD student at Manchester Business School MSc Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations 2009 “I originally chose to study the masters in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations at Manchester Business School because it was local to my home. Being a mature student with family ties meant that location was an important factor. After working as a lecturer for a year at the University of Bolton, I decided that I wanted to qualify at doctoral level. The supervisor from my masters degree and I had stayed in touch and it was this connection that spawned the idea of returning to MBS to study for a PhD. So in some ways, you might say that I never left. I was approached to pass on my knowledge of pathways to academia at an event aimed at specialist masters students in November last year. It was a great opportunity to talk to students, whose position I was in a few years ago, and to explain alternative career options.
Since the event, I have had really good feedback from those who attended.
Some of the students I spoke to are now considering a doctorate which is really satisfying. A couple of the mature students were able to identify with me and were interested to know how I manage to balance a family life with studying. For me, it was also really worthwhile meeting the other alumni at the event, who had all taken very different pathways after their studies; which just goes to prove the versatility of a qualification from MBS”.
Guest speaker Ian Penrose, 46, Chief Executive, Sportech Plc BSc Management Sciences 1986 “I was a student on the Management Sciences undergraduate course from 1983-1986 at UMIST, which merged into Manchester Business School in 2004. I had a great time and thought it was a very good course – highly respected in the business community. I fully enjoyed the all round experience – the education, sport and socialising - it was a great three years! Having been a stage removed from the merger process at UMIST, I feel that to a degree the faculty has been absorbed into a bigger and better structure, to offer better facilities for all - but I still feel a connection to the School - that I was part of that history.
Having not previously engaged with MBS, I was invited to speak to students in March and now I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending other alumni do a similar thing.
When I came back to speak, I really enjoyed sharing some of my experiences. As I said in my speech: “if you take the best of what you know and the best of what you’re told – that can help you make the best decisions”. So I hope that some of what I said will prove worthwhile to those that I spoke to. I enjoyed sharing how I used the alumni network when I was looking to set up a business in Mumbai. I contacted a former course mate of mine from UMIST – to see if he would be our ‘eyes and ears’. I wouldn’t have set up a business in India unless I knew someone on the ground – but now we have a business running there”.
Find out how you can get involved in the alumni network - email us at alumnioffice@mbs.ac.uk
Network
Getting involved
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You reap what you sow ALUMNUS MARTIN TAYLOR REVEALS WHY HE CHOSE TO SPONSOR AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PROJECT AT MBS. As companies look to make cost savings in the current economic climate, it can be a challenge to launch into new or speculative projects without spending considerable amounts on consultancy fees. Projects undertaken by students examined for their work, offer a viable solution that can have a genuine impact on business performance, especially when you get the expertise of a world-class academic expert to boot. Martin Taylor, CEO of Long Clawson Dairy – cheese specialists based in Leicestershire, chose to sponsor a project last year. Having completed his MBA in 2003, he has fond memories of the School. “I remember working very long hours…but also meeting some amazing friends and colleagues.” Typically each international business project will involve a group of five students and provide around 2,000 hours of consultancy worth up to £100,000.
Find out how you can get involved in the alumni network - email us at alumnioffice@mbs.ac.uk
“When we embarked on the project in 2011, Long Clawson Dairy was already exporting to 39 countries. It was a blank paper exercise; we wanted the group to look at market entry strategies to optimise our sales. This was then filtered down to three potential locations - Norway, China and Brazil.
Having worked on similar projects during my studies, I knew that time frames were tight. As a student on the project, you will have questions for your client, so you can’t wait for weeks to move forward; but as the client - you can’t just expect answers at the end of a project either. The more you put in, the more you get out. That’s why I made sure that I put my time in as well.” When asked what else influenced his decision to approach MBS to undertake this work, Martin, 40, explained that the flexibility of the project means that you can complete within a tight timeframe -“you’re working with bright people, so the whole project can have a quick turn around.” The seven-stage project which gives the client a chance to consider bids from student groups and choose their own team; couldn’t have achieved its aims better for Long Clawson Dairy.
The recommendations were all spot on. We’ve implemented 90% of them so far.
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Investing in future leaders
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Manchester calling The first telephone fundraising appeal for Manchester Business School’s Annual Fund secured pledges of £33,500 to support scholarships and student focused initiatives at the School. Over the winter a team of current MBS students spoke to almost 1,000 alumni of the School as part of our first Annual Fund telephone appeal, perhaps you’re one of those that received a call. The Fund was created in 2011 to harness alumni support for the benefit of the School and current students. Many supporters choose to give monthly amounts by direct debit; others single gifts by credit card or cheque. Furthermore, as the University holds exempt charitable status most donations are able to attract Gift Aid. Of course, one of the driving factors was to raise much needed funds (and if you were one of those who were called and pledged, thank you very much) but the appeal also gave us an opportunity to learn more about our alumni, their time at Manchester and their careers since. What really came across was the pride and affection our graduates hold for their alma mater.
Giorgia Porrelli and Wura Ladejobi in the MBS call room.
The students involved in the calling also gained. Wuru Ladejobi, 22, a Masters in Global Business Analysis student, particularly enjoyed speaking to entrepreneurs as she hopes to start a business of her own after graduation. Giorgia Porrelli, 19, an undergraduate studying Economics and Finance, received plenty of great careers advice from alumni and was inspired by the whole process: “Being able to talk to business people helped build my confidence and understanding of the business world. And, I can also see how many people there are who believe in us; people who’ve already walked in our shoes.” The next telephone fundraising appeal will take place in October; do let us know if you would like to receive a call from a current student. In the meantime, if you would like to donate to the Annual Fund, visit go.mbs.ac.uk/alumni-giving or complete the donation form that accompanies Network Magazine. Thank you.
Learn more about the impact of the MBS Annual Fund - watch a short film featuring the Dean, student callers and some supporters at go.mbs.ac.uk/annualfund
Annual Fund: the four categories 1.
Access to Excellence Fund supports outstanding and deserving students through bursaries and scholarships, irrespective of their financial circumstances.
2. Learning Experience Fund provides world-class resources that enrich the student experience, from library and IT resources to funding student attendance at conferences. 3. Supporting Research Excellence Fund supports MBS in its world-leading research, that informs relevant and world-class teaching. 4. Achieving the Vision Fund benefits all three areas of the School’s funding priorities, allowing the flexibility to meet changing needs of the School and its students.
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Alumni group news
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MBS ALUMNI - A GLOBAL FORCE
Mumbai MBS Alumni who attended the event included Jose Luis Conde, Ivan Clemente, Javier Martin and Guillermo Canosa who appear together with guest speaker Nacho Somalo
Madrid Alumni in Madrid welcomed guest speaker, Nacho Somalo, CEO of Alice.com in Europe. Nacho outlined the US internet distribution company’s strategy and business model, explaining that the company aims to
connect brands and manufacturers with final customers, avoiding traditional retailers. A lively Q&A session followed on the advantages of Alice.com’s business model, the risks and future developments including potential new markets. Following the event, Nacho joined the MBS Spanish Alumni Association for dinner and enjoyed discussing other hot topics including the current economic climate.
The first alumni event for several years was held during March at the Manchester United Café in Mumbai. The event was organised by Abhishek Bachhawat (MBA 2008), leader of Indian alumni group, together with Vikram Agrawal (MBA 2008) and Deep Lalvani (MBA 2007). Guests spent the evening reminiscing about their time in Manchester and the places where they used to hang out. More events throughout India will be announced shortly.
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Alumni group news
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Singapore Pablo Mazzoletti and Jose Benavides Roose, full-time MBA students meet Judy Gan, external relations officer at MBS’
International Executive Centre in Singapore - they also met with Martino Agostini (MBA 2007) and board member of the MBS Singapore Alumni Association while conducting research for their International Business Project.
Alumni gathered at HSBC in Canary Wharf to discuss the role of the banking industry since 2008, at a panel debate on 22 March 2012.
London
The panel consisted of hosts Dr. Bhaskar Dasgupta (PhD 1995), programme director, Sales Transformation Programme and Pankaj Kaul (MBA 2003), business development director, EMEA Business Transaction Banking. They were joined by MBS’ Ismail Erturk, senior lecturer in banking.
Hong Kong In celebration of the Year of the Dragon, the Manchester Business School Alumni Association China (MBSAAC), held its Annual Spring Dinner at The Hong Kong Football Club during February. The event was enjoyed by 80 guests who shared their memories of Manchester, rekindled old friendships and enjoyed networking. Ronald Kong (MBA 2004), senior vice president of a private equity fund and former chairman of MBSAAC (2007-2008), shared investment tips with the audience during dinner.
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Alumni group news
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Dubai Dr Mark Batey, world-leading authority on the psychology of creativity and joint chair of the psychometrics at work research group at the School, led an interactive session on creativity for alumni and students in Dubai during March. Creativity and innovation are the number one strategic priorities for 72% of businesses and the session explored the multiple levels of creativity needed for success – individual, team and organisational – and how individuals and businesses are learning to develop their creative potential to personal and organisational economic advantage. The event was one of a number of alumni events in the spring, hosted by visiting faculty members in Dubai and Doha, including a workshop on how to use LinkedIn to drive your career; a session which presented highlights from the Advanced Strategic Management MBA module and a discussion of the role of credit rating agencies following the 2011 sovereign debt crisis.
2011 class reunion MBA alumni from the Class of 2011 returned to Manchester during March. They were joined by current MBA students from the classes of 2012 and 2013 and received updates on the School’s progress and developments in Alumni Relations from Professor Elaine Ferneley, MBA director and Lisa Samberg, manager, Alumni Relations. Students then took the opportunity to ask the returning class questions about their career progression during the panel session which followed the reception.
Women Leading in Business networking group Alumni Relations welcomed Nasira Majid, managing director at Pin Property Consultancy as the latest guest speaker in the Women Leading Business Networking Lunch Series during March 2012 in Manchester. Taking place at The Lowry Hotel, around 50 alumni, corporate guests and MBS staff enjoyed a two-course lunch and listened to Nasira’s perspective on leading a successful property business during a recession.
Nasira received the Outstanding Business Woman of the Year award at the inaugural Women in Business Awards, North West and Isle of Man, in November 2011, and has become known for nurturing success among her female employees. The Women Leading in Business Speaker Series was launched in October 2010 and has so far welcomed five speakers including alumna Damaris Albarran (MBA 1984), vice-president at BNY Mellon, London. Following the success of the lunch events, Claire-Marie Boggiano (Executive MBA 2007), an active member of the North West Alumni Association has organised a number of salon-style events designed to further connect female MBA students with alumni.
If you would like to become involved with an alumni group in your region, please email alumnioffice@mbs.ac.uk
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Prodigy Finance loan programme
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Innovative opportunity to invest in Manchester Business School MBA students – launch of Prodigy Finance loan programme The funding problem for MBA students
Prodigy Finance’s solution
The banking model of student finance is broken. When considering student loans, banks make use of localised lending templates and assess historic earnings, both of which are not relevant for international MBA students. The credit crunch has exacerbated this problem with many UK banks withdrawing their loan programmes. This means that many high potential students with excellent credit records are unable to secure the funds they need for their degrees at Manchester Business School.
Prodigy Finance’s proven community-based platform enables alumni investors to fund a class of high potential Manchester Business School MBA students while earning a financial return. Prodigy Finance uses a predictive scorecard to assess a student’s future potential rather than basing decisions on current or historic salary, which is particularly important for students from developing countries. The platform is borderless from application through to repayment and they are able to lend to students from over 150 nationalities.
Alumni can now invest in Manchester Business School students online Subscriptions are now open to alumni for the first Manchester Business School bond series of £500,000. Funding is immediately committed to students, however is only physically called from investors in August 2012. You can view the key terms of the investment and the prospectus online at www.prodigyfinance.com/manchester/invest
The community nature of the model encourages excellent repayment performance, as a student’s status is visible to investors online. As the programme creates a link between students and alumni, it also serves to strengthen the ties and bonds within the school community. The investment is easy to make and structured as a listed bond. Since 2007, an equivalent of c. £15 million has been disbursed to 540 students from more than 80 nationalities earning investors a return of c. 5% per annum.
This is a financial promotion issued by Prodigy Finance Ltd, an appointed representative of Porta Verde Financial Services Ltd., which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Please consider the investment fully and note that historic performance is not an indicator of future performance. Your capital may be at risk subscribing to this product; coupon payments may be irregular and you may not realise some or all of your original subscription.
Alumni Relations Manchester Business School The University of Manchester Booth Street West Manchester M15 6PB Tel: +44 (0)161 275 0528 Email: alumnioffice@mbs.ac.uk www.mbs.ac.uk/alumni