In Conversation With…
OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2018
Join our first online alumni discussion series and listen to members of the RGU community share their insight of the changing environment in their relevant field. Connect with other alumni across the globe and discuss topics relating to innovation, data, oil and gas, social work and other areas. Big Data; An Exercise in Futility? Knowledge: Impossible Without Data? 11th of October 5pm (BST) Dr David Moore, Academic Strategic Lead, The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture & Built Environment
The digital environment is increasingly characterised by the ever-improving ability to capture data, which has led to concepts such as Big Data - the capturing of huge data sets beyond the ability of traditional processing techniques to deal with. For the construction industry, with the rise of Building Information Modeling (BIM), establishing the value of data is becoming more problematic. We may set out to gather data that we know to have a specific value to our role as a quantity surveyor or project manager, but what about the rest of the mass of data (that resists traditional approaches to processing) available to us? If a link can be established between specific data and new knowledge relevant to a professional role, then we can be confident the data has a value. However, data does not immediately become knowledge - it has to be turned into information first. This webinar examines further the relationship between data, information and knowledge.
Sign up: https://rgubigdata.eventbrite.co.uk
The Fourth Industrial Revolution
18th of October 5pm (BST) Chris Moule, Head of Entrepreneurship and Innovation First came steam and water power, then electricity and the assembly lines they powered; then the proliferation of computerisation‌ what’s next? It has been referred to as the fourth industrial revolution or industry 4.0, and is characterised by a fusion of technologies that are blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres. It is already underway and its impact will be profound on the way we live and the work we do. Organisations must innovate to survive. Leadership teams will have to begin questioning everything, from rethinking their strategies and business models, to discovering the right investments in human development and disruptive R&D. One example of this is Artificial Intelligence (AI). Just as the internet did twenty years ago, the AI revolution is going to transform millions of jobs and spawn entirely new jobs that drive economic growth. Along with advances in biotech, drone technology, robotics, 3D printing and blockchain, organisations like businesses, governments and learning institutions such as RGU will have to adapt to the changing nature of work. This will involve focusing on skills and learning for the jobs of tomorrow - many that do not even currently exist. Talent development, lifelong learning, and career reinvention are going to be critical to the future workforce. Innovators and entrepreneurs, the fourth industrial revolution is calling‌
Sign up: https://rguthefourthindustrialrevolution.eventbrite.co.uk
Transforming Africa’s Economic Landscape through Digital Mobile Technology – Opportunities for Renewed Entrepreneurship and Growth 1st of November 6pm (GMT) Dr Peter Atorough, Lecturer - Department of Management, Aberdeen Business School
The phenomenal growth of mobile technology in Africa is being frequently touted as an example of the impact that this technology can have on the socio-economic transformation of organisations and individuals. According to recent estimates from the Groupe Spéciale Mobile Association (GSMA), mobile broadband connectivity in sub-Saharan Africa alone is set to jump per population from 33% in 2016 to 60% in 2020. This represents one of the most astounding growth rates globally. It also represents an outstanding opportunity for entrepreneurs and innovators to create new products, services and business combinations that are directly or indirectly derived from the digital mobile revolution. This webinar will share ideas and thoughts about the “digipreneurships” – opportunities to develop new entrepreneur-led businesses in Africa through digital mobile connectivity. This webinar will share examples of successful and emerging businesses across the continent, and specifically discuss a concept in which development Peter is directly involved.
Sign up: https://rgutransformingafrica.eventbrite.co.uk
Drones/UAVs: Radically Changing Architecture and the Built Environment
6th of November 1pm (GMT) Theo Dounas, Learning Excellence Leader, The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture & Built Environment This webinar will explore how unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones will radically change buildings and architecture, including the excellent and exciting work the school has been conducting using UAVs and Building Information Modeling (BIM). In essence this webinar will look at the design of buildings that address the future need for transportation through the air, via drones. This is a unique feature of the course in Architectural Design Innovation which will be launching shortly.
Sign up: https://rgudronesandarchitecture.eventbrite.co.uk
50 Years of Social Work Education
8th of November 5pm (GMT) Janine Bolger, Head of Social Work and Associate Head of School, School of Applied Social Sciences During the past 50 years RGU has delivered a range of qualifying social work education and training, and has avoided moves towards radical new approaches to the training of social workers in England such as Frontline, which indicate a shift away from the integration of practice, theories, knowledge and research. There is limited published research around social work education which consider whether programmes meet standards of delivery, are successful in meeting their aims and objectives and make an impact on practice. Social Work lecturers in the School of Applied Social Studies have been speaking to graduates to find out how their training equipped them for practice, where there might be gaps in delivery of knowledge and skills, what has changed in social work practice and whether changes in the lives of service users have taken place as a result of involvement with those qualified through RGU social work programmes. The aim of this work is to help us understand why a social work program does or doesn’t work.
Sign up: https://rgusocialworkat50.eventbrite.co.uk
CV Tips for Success
12th of November 5pm (GMT) Fiona Kennedy, Career Consultant The curriculum vitae (CV) is an essential part of the job application process and it can make the difference between getting an interview or not. CVs traditionally follow a similar structure however it should change with each job application you make in order to showcase the relevant skills that you have for each role. They are one of the most important personal marketing tools available to you and it is vital that you get this right when applying for new positions. This webinar will share some tips about what to include and how to structure your CV to help you highlight why you are the best candidate for the job.
Sign up: https://rgucvtipsforsuccess.eventbrite.co.uk
Changing Skills in the Oil and Gas Industry for the Future 29th of November 5pm (GMT) Paul de Leeuw, Director of the Oil & Gas Institute
More information about the discussion, including how to sign up, will be shared closer to the time of the event.
View previous discussions by going to: http://campusmoodle.rgu.ac.uk/alumni
Contact Information E: service@alumni.rgu.ac.uk T: +44 (0)1224 262285