This term we were delighted to welcome a host of industry experts to share their insights into the business world (page four). At two week-long events, first and second years were given a glimpse into the different sectors and business structures across the region.
Guest speakers are a regular feature in the Business School, with opportunities to meet with and work alongside external partners a key part of our teaching practice. This is perhaps most evident through our annual Insight to Business Awards, which returned in May and saw 15 students presented with coveted placements (page six).
The value of placements can be seen in a special double feature, where one of our alumni and a current student describe how they’re on the path to success thanks to working with a local investment firm. You can read about their journeys on page eight and nine.
Closer to home, IMBA student Jayna Dasani has been working closely with the School on a series of projects designed to drive external engagement, while giving one of our students a unique work experience opportunity. She joins the Pulse editorial team as a guest writer in this issue (page three).
Finally, I’m pleased to welcome two new academics – Dr Bruno Karoubi and Sridevi Yerrabati – to the School. The pair share their career achievements so far and hopes for their time at the University on page 10.
Happy reading!
Jo Whittingham Interim Head of School
The School recently welcomed a group of students from American universities for our annual Business of Football Maymester programme.
Along with tours of the city’s two Premier League stadia, the students engaged in a week-long academic programme. They explored the transformational effects of increased globalisation, social and digital media advancements, and the recent Covid-19 pandemic on ‘The Beautiful Game’.
A real highlight of the programme was a session on how Covid-19 dramatically affected the finances of all 92 professional football clubs in England and Wales. This was presented by alumnus Kieran Bradley, and was based on his undergraduate dissertation.
Kieran was delighted to be back on campus, stating: “It was a real pleasure to contribute to this excellent programme and to talk football with an international audience.
“I would urge other alumni to keep in touch with the Business School and contribute to the School community wherever they can. It can really make a difference!”
The launch of a new External Engagement & CRM Project Award provided a unique opportunity for Master’s student Jayna Dasani to work behind the scenes in Liverpool Hope Business School.
Jayna, who is studying for an International Master in Business Administration, was tasked with creating compelling content for Business School promotional material.
Describing her experience, Jayna said: “As part of the project, I had the incredible opportunity to work with the Business Engagement & Employability Manager, attend external events, and expand my network.
“The experience not only allowed me to increase my confidence, but also provided valuable insights into the industry and current trends.
“Additionally, I had the privilege of creating materials and contributing to Pulse magazine. The materials I helped create aimed to effectively promote and showcase a wide range of activities and student events, which local employers and businesses could actively participate in, as well as encourage meaningful connections and engagement within the community.
“I worked closely with students to gather their stories, and hearing one particularly inspiring story and learning about the student’s impressive achievements was a truly enriching experience. It was fascinating to share her success with a wider audience.
“This opportunity to attend external events, draft articles, and collaborate with students not only expanded my knowledge and understanding, but also provided a platform for meaningful connections and a deeper appreciation for the accomplishments of my peers.”
You can read some of Jayna’s articles on pages eight and nine, where she interviews current student Katie Clare and alumna Lucy Slater.
“The experience... allowed me to increase my confidence”
First and second-year students were given a unique opportunity to hear first-hand about the realities of running a business, at a series of guest lectures hosted as part of a special Industry Week programme.
Following a week of talks from industry experts representing small, medium and large organisations, students were tasked with completing a reflective assessment focused on two of the participating organisations.
Lyndsey Jayne Burkert, Liverpool Hope’s Business Engagement & Employability Manager, said: “Industry Weeks are a fantastic way for the School to link the practical application of business skills with academic studies.
“Our diverse portfolio of industry speakers gives the students a flavour of different sectors, opportunities, and
business structures within the Liverpool City Region and beyond.”
Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, and Liverpool Hope’s Digital Marketing Assistant Kate Shields.
For second year students, industry speakers included representatives from PricewaterhouseCoopers, Moore & Smalley, Peter Waller-Flynn Privilege HR, and Ramsden Recruiting
The family behind local Italian restaurant Cucina Di Vincenzo were among the guest speakers who shared their experience of running a successful small business. The Business School’s Assistant Head Brian Ricketts tells us more.
We were delighted to welcome Vince Margiotta and his daughter Nina, who run the very successful local restaurant Cucina Di Vincenzo. As a family business situated near to our Hope Park campus, we were keen to hear their story and for our students to gain an insight into the real practicalities of running a business.
NHS Finance also attended and brought along their current Business School placement student Joe Aitkin, while student Simon Burki discussed his placement at Nestlé.
Other highlights included a Masterclass in Marketing presented by Plus Dane Housing Corporate Communications team, and an insight into business startup and entrepreneurship from founder of local restaurant Cucina Di Vincenzo.
Reflecting on the events, Lyndsey said: “I’d like to express my thanks and gratitude to all of our industry speakers who bring their time, energy and support to the Business School.
“The guest speaker talks are delivered with passion and enthusiasm, and provide a source of inspiration for students on future employment opportunities and insights into different business sectors across the North West.”
If you would like to contribute as an Industry Week guest speaker 2024 or host a student site visit, please contact Lyndsey Jayne Burkert, Business Engagement & Employability Manager at Liverpool Hope Business School, on 0151 291 3905 or email burkerl@hope.ac.uk
Vince talked about his early life, how he developed a passion for business based within the hospitality trade, and how he came to set up Vincenzo. His talk highlighted how the restaurant is a true family business, as his other daughter Gabriella also works there. The talented chef creates many of the popular dishes and recently showcased her skills on the small screen on MasterChef: The Professionals
After a very lively and incisive presentation from Vince, students asked a number of questions that covered a broad range of themes. Among the topics were recruitment issues, how the business looks after its staff, the use of social media, and its plans for the future. The two students who asked the best questions - as judged by Vince and Nina - won a £50 voucher for the restaurant, kindly donated by Vince.
It was great to see the lecture theatre full of engaged students, so it’s fair to say we will be planning similar future events alongside other local businesses.
Placement opportunities were awarded to 15 students at this year’s Insight to Business Awards, following a competitive application and interview process.
More than 100 guests attended the awards celebration and witnessed the successful candidates receiving their recognition.
Our new Vice-Chancellor joined corporate partners, external guests, Business School tutors, and senior University colleagues in toasting to the students who were shortlisted.
Brian Ricketts, Assistant Head of Liverpool Hope Business School, said of the night: “We were delighted to welcome back 12 companies who have previously supported the awards, along with our new corporate partner Cowgills accountants.
“A particular highlight of the evening was when two companies unexpectedly offered more than one award - so in the end, a total of 15 students gained placement opportunities.”
Elsewhere on the night, attendees heard from one of last year’s Awards participants - Rachel Hall - who spoke about her experience at Liverpool Hope and involvement in the Insight to Business programme. Rachel is now training to be a Chartered Accountant, based in audit and IT at Deloitte.
The event also featured the presentation of a special award in memory of Professor Jim Keaton, the immediate past Chairman of the Business School Executive Advisory Board.
Neil Ashbridge, a long-standing member of the Advisory Board, presented the award to Lucy Evans, a third-year Business Management student, who has demonstrated a high level of engagement and commitment to the Business School.
As Pulse goes to press, the participating companies are in the process of finalising the placement arrangements with the award winners. We look forward to hearing from our award-winning students in the next issue.
Partner organisations presented 15 coveted placement opportunities to some of the Business School’s best performing students at this year’s Awards.
This has been an exciting year for research in the Business School, as academic colleagues continue to strive to investigate important, innovative, and topical areas of business, management, marketing, finance, accounting, and economics.
Our research is conducted to both develop new knowledge and enhance teaching in the curriculum, and colleagues work to ensure the dissemination and impact of their research findings outside of academia.
Recent research activities in the School include a summer colloquium being developed by Revd Dr Tony Bradley.
Revd Dr Bradley, in addition to developing a new environmental sustainability model of consultancy as part of the School’s IMBA programme, has received funding for a colloquium that will demonstrate a new method of measuring non-traditional work in the areas of environmental sustainability.
Taking place at Liverpool Hope during summer 2023, the colloquium will draw in stakeholders who could make use of the informal work measures to recommend future environmental policy changes.
Elsewhere, a new relationship has been developed with local social housing provider Plus Dane. Dr Katherine Baxter, Mr Ian McKenna and I, are working to identify the best ways for the company to understand Generation Z as a target market.
Young adults’ perceptions of social housing, and how best to market to that group, along with the concept of shared ownership will be areas of policy investigation. The research findings will have implications not only for Plus Dane, but for the wider social housing sector as well.
To get students more involved and educated in business research, the School advertised several student scholarships to run during summer 2022.
These scholarships allowed undergraduates the opportunity to support academic colleagues with their ongoing research projects, and receive payment.
The School also welcomed a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Award winner, Dushyanthie William, as a PhD student in the School.
To disseminate their research, colleagues have presented their findings at three different University Foundation Hour talks this academic year.
Dr Dimitrios Pappas, Drs Sarwar and Baxter, and I each presented our research on industrial relocation, religious organisation in the metaverse, and business values and behaviours respectively.
The School has also continued with an engaging research seminar series this year in cooperation with the SEARCH Centre, with talks by Professors from Australia, Brazil, and the UK.
This is all in addition to on-going conference presentations and the publication of staff research across the year.
From professionals adapting to innovations in artificial intelligence to masculine/feminine preferences in advertisement, and from Covid’s impact in banking to the development of green policies toward a carbon neutral future, the important and innovative research at Liverpool Hope Business School continues to thrive.
Methods Dr Curtis Ziniel looks back on discoveries and developments made through academic research.
Award winner Jayna Dasani caught up with alumna Lucy Slater to find out about her journey from studying at Liverpool Hope, to landing a successful marketing career at Advantage Investment.
In a world of fierce competition, Liverpool Hope graduate Lucy Slater is carving out a successful career as a Marketing Manager at Advantage Investment.
Lucy chose Liverpool Hope for its welcoming and supportive community, and reputation for high student satisfaction rates. Driven by her interest in the field, and bolstered by an unconditional offer, she pursued a degree in Business Management and Marketing.
Upon graduating, Lucy secured a position in a marketing agency, where she gained valuable experience managing multiple client accounts. This role equipped her with the skills and knowledge crucial for her current position at Advantage Investment.
The company specialises in UK property investments and has experienced remarkable growth over the past two years, expanding to a second office in Marbella. Lucy’s responsibilities include elevating brand awareness and devising successful marketing campaigns.
Lucy credits Liverpool Hope with playing a pivotal role in her career trajectory, highlighting the “exceptional
tutors”, who provided her with guidance, mentorship, and the necessary resources.
Their support and Lucy’s subsequent nomination for the Insight to Business Awards resulted in two award winsbolstering Lucy’s credentials. Her first-class degree and the practical exposure she gained through the Business School opened numerous doors for her professional growth.
During her time at the University, Lucy took full advantage of the career services on offer, and secured a marketing placement outside of her regular study hours. This hands-on experience of online marketing tools and strategies enriched her CV and provided valuable insights for future job interviews.
Lucy’s journey from Liverpool Hope to her current role as Marketing Manager at Advantage Investment exemplifies the transformative power of education and practical experience. Her success story serves as an inspiration to current and future students, highlighting the impact of a supportive academic community and the pursuit of your passions.
In the bustling world of marketing, where creativity, strategic thinking, and attention to detail are highly valued, Katie has emerged as a driven and accomplished individual.
As she nears the end of her final year at Liverpool Hope, the Business Management student is eagerly anticipating delving into the professional realm of marketing, blending her skills and imaginative mindset to make a profound impact.
Embarking on a quest to secure a postgraduate job, Katie worked with the School’s Business Engagement & Employability Manager to secure her current role as a Marketing Assistant at Advantage Investment.
The rapidly expanding organisation’s passion for business captivated Katie’s interest, and she described how valuable she finds the constant learning and development she’s experienced while at Advantage.
Since joining the organisation, Katie has actively participated in shaping the company’s marketing and branding strategies and is excited for future projects, following the opening of the new office in Marbella.
Katie credits the support and guidance provided by staff at the University with helping her to land her role, by equipping her with valuable teaching and employability skills.
The University’s Skills Passport programme played an instrumental role in developing her skills in her first year. Katie highlights how she was encouraged to embrace digital professionalism and networking, and advised to join and actively engage with professional networking site LinkedIn.
Elsewhere, the Careers team at Liverpool Hope provided essential guidance on various aspects of the application process, empowering Katie to navigate the competitive job market with confidence.
After being encouraged to proactively seek employment opportunities, Katie sought out internships and relevant experiences, which enhanced her qualifications and made her a more competitive candidate.
She participated in the Young Enterprise Programme, and gained rewarding hands-on experience, where she could apply her knowledge and witness the tangible outcomes of her hard work.
As Katie continues her journey at Advantage, she aims to work hard and move up the ranks, fuelled by her determination to make a lasting impact in the dynamic world of marketing.
Following in Lucy’s footsteps is final-year student Katie Clare, who sat down with Jayna to reflect on her placement experience at Advantage Investment.
I’m a microeconomist and applied econometrician. With degrees from prestigious institutions such as Paris Sorbonne University and Universite Pierre et Marie Curie, I’ve a strong foundation in pure mathematics. My PhD was awarded by Universite ParisEst Creteil.
I’m an enthusiastic teacher, dedicated to providing students with a comprehensive understanding of their studies and how it applies to their daily lives. My teaching experience spans subjects such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, financial macroeconomics, mathematics, and behavioural finance.
I’ve had the opportunity to teach at Université Paris I Pantheon Sorbonne, Université Paris V Malakoff, and Sciences Po Paris, as well as renowned business
Before joining Liverpool Hope Business School, I served as an Assistant Professor of Economics at the Faculty of Business, Sohar University, Oman. With over two decades of teaching experience in higher education, I’ve taught courses in Economics, Finance, Quantitative Methods, and Research Methods in India, Oman, and the UK.
I obtained my PhD from the University of Greenwich, where my doctoral research undertook a systematic review of the literature and meta-regression analysis on foreign direct investments, economic governance, and economic growth. I hold a Postgraduate Certificate in
schools such as Neoma, PSB, and ESLSCA. Notably, I’ve served as Head of the Economics Department for International Studies and as Director of the Finance MBA programme at ESLSCA.
In recent years, my research has been directed towards analysing the potential of Bitcoin as a currency. Building on the monetary theory of economist Carl Menger, I argue that a long-term store of value function is vital for any emerging currency, as it generates the two other defining properties of a mature currency, according to Aristotle.
Through statistical analysis, I’ve presented evidence of a long-term relationship between the demand for Bitcoin and two traditional safe haven assets - Swiss Franc and gold.
With my extensive academic background, teaching experience, and commitment to research, I’m enthusiastic about contributing to the academic community at Liverpool Hope and making a significant impact on the lives of my students.
Higher Education and I’m a Fellow of the UK’s Higher Education Academy.
My research interests include examining various aspects related to Sustainable Development Goals. In particular, I’m interested in issues related to SDG 1 (End poverty in all its forms everywhere), SDG 5 (Gender equality) and SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth) and their achievement. To this end, my recent publications examined the impact of workers outside the mainstream labour market on issues such as poverty and income inequality.
I’m delighted to join Liverpool Hope Business School and look forward to contributing to its continued success and growth. In addition to contributing to the School’s vision and mission, I’m confident my academic and research experiences will also contribute to the University and Merseyside community at large.
The Business School curriculum is cutting-edge with all teaching research-informed and delivered by staff with both professional and practical backgrounds. A high number of staff have PhDs, while several members of the School have run successful businesses. This means the School is highly qualified at an academic, professional and experiential level, to engage in research that connects with the business sector.
With strong links to a range of leading local and national companies, professional bodies and organisations, and a range of innovative ethical and social enterprises, the School has a reputation for developing students with sound theoretical principles and a thorough understanding of contemporary business practices. Guest lecturers and practitioner input allows students the opportunity to visit companies, study abroad and work via Young Enterprise to develop and run their own business.
The School works closely with accreditation bodies and is a member of various professional networks. These include the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS), the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Professional Liverpool.
