DBS News
Find out whats been going at Doncaster Business School.
unconference at Doncaster College - Social Media: Are you
ready?
On the 30th of June of July 2010 there was an unconference, also
known as pod camp (#learnpod10) held at the College.
"It was great to have such luminaries as Chris Brogan, the most
important tweeter in the world, Rob Wilmot, founder of Freeserve,
the Principal, JISC and bright young things from the world of
media, education and business take part.
I know I’ll be thinking about ideas from the conference for a
long time. I came away with a new enthusiasm for harnessing the
power of the Interweb for student benefit, not to mention a whole
new vocabulary. I could barely stop myself from laughing when, a
week or so later, I found myself telling colleagues about the value
of “scraping the tweetosphere”. Verbal wrangling aside, there was
lots of really fascinating stuff discussed in the conference.
Chris, who escaped from a conventional life in the IT industry
to become a guru offering social change powered by social media,
was full of pearls of wisdom. With a very engaging and
down-to-earth style he told us it was important to grow bigger
ears.
And when the on-line world is littered with technojargon,
Chris’s use of simple models and structures that anyone can
understand has great power. Chris invited us to imagine that
a website that just boasts about the organisation is the equivalent
in conversational terms of meeting someone at a party who drones on
endlessly about themselves and never really gets into a
conversation. So we must grow bigger ears and listen to what they
people are already saying and respond to that. The place
where students are talking about their lives, experiences and needs
is Facebook, twitter and blogs.
The format of the conference was interesting in itself.
After a brief introduction, delegates were invited to shout out, or
tweet in, topics that could be covered on the day. These were
transferred to the delightfully analogue medium of post-it notes,
and arranged as a timetable on a big white board.
Topics that made it on to the schedule included; crowd sourcing,
acceptable use policies, reputation and identity management, and
the use of social networking by young people. Wanting to hear
about the use of social media for marketing purposes, I suggested
this as a topic found myself facilitating a session. Happily many
delegates turned up, and there was a lively debate, picking up on
themes from Chris’s talk, we explored how Colleges can reach out
through social media into "outposts" where customers and students
are already talking about what they need and looking for
solutions.
Perhaps because of the unconference format, and perhaps also
partly because it was held in Doncaster, the conference spirit was
unusually open, participative, and best of all, had a constant
thread of fun and exploration. A particularly rich mine of
humour was unearthed as we discussed the Pear analytics statistic
that “41% of tweets are pointless babble”. Ideas around
developing a working definition of pointless babble and the hidden
value of pointless babble had many a shoulder shaking with mirth.
Big ideas in very enjoyable easy and to digest chunks. A
fascinating conference around a fascinating subject area."
The debate goes on – to learn more search for #learnpod10
Antony Pawlett: July 2010
Thinking of professional level study and looking for
funding?
In Yorkshire and Humberside a Single Business Application to the
Enhancement Fund can provide up to 60% financial support for
training and staff development. Funding is secured to the end of
2011.
http://www.enhancementfund.co.uk/single-business-application/sba-overview.asp
More information is available via Business Link on 08456 048048,
(option 2).
Posted July 2010
English as a Foreign Language joins the Business School
(2010)
Cambridge Graduate Tim Walker brings the College's English
Language provision closer to Doncaster Business School as part of
the College's restructuring to better meet the needs of local - and
international - markets.
Students on the courses are drawn from a wide range of countries
including China, Japan, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Ghana, Guinea,
France and many more.
An academic route prepares students in the kind of language
skills needed to study at Degree level, and prepares
students for IELTS examination.
The College also offers courses for those who want to learn more
about business English but do not want to go down the formal
qualification route. Options include studying the course full time,
but there is also the opportunity to study part time evening
classes one evening per week.
Antony Pawlett, Director of the Business School comments: The
College has decided to realign English as a Foreign Language with
the Business School since international business is a key component
of our development strategy.
For more information please contact 01302 553666 or email
dbsadmin@don.ac.uk
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ICE Hockey star Stephen Burns
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N-Ice Course for Stingray (2009)
Ice Hockey star Stephen Burns is to study at Doncaster Business
School after signing for the Excel Hull Stingrays.
Excel Hull Stingrays announced the signing of Canadian
defenceman Stephen Burns for the 2009/10 Elite League campaign on
Wednesday, July 15 2009.
The 24-year-old, who hails from Newmarket, Ontario, has penned a
two-year contract with Stingrays with the deal coinciding with the
player pursuing an MBA at Doncaster Business School.
Burns iced for Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees in the Central
Hockey League last season, posting two goals and six assists in 55
games. He had spent the previous four years at the Rochester
Institute of Technology.
Player-coach Sylvain Cloutier said: "He is one of those guys who
I got to see play last season in our 16 games against Rio Grande.
People don’t always look at the plus-minus stats but he was the
only defenceman to have a plus. That’s a good sign he is strong
defensively.
“But he can also skate well and if you give him the chance to be
offensive he will. He is young and hungry and wants to be here. He
will be a great addition to our hockey club.”
Stingrays director Mike Pack added: “The club's partnership with
Doncaster Business School was an important factor in attracting
Steve to the Stingrays. The club is really excited about the
benefits we can derive from an ongoing relationship with this
progressive organisation.”
Updated 15/07/09
Get an MBA...in Doncaster (2009)
University Centre Doncaster's MBA programme is building up a
reputation for providing flexible, quality learning in a unique
setting.
The MBA, which is validated by the University of Wales via the
Centre’s Doncaster Business School, can be delivered part-time or
full-time at the Centre’s High Melton base – six miles outside
Doncaster's town centre.
Recent feedback has praised the Centre's unique offering, the
passion of staff and the flexibility of the curriculum.
Kathryn Brentnall, Director of Doncaster Business School, said:
"The long term value of gaining a Masters Level qualification in
management will never be diminished.
"The University Centre – and the Business School – is leading
the way in terms of postgraduate and professional courses in South
Yorkshire and our MBA is the flagship of our many quality
courses."
Karen Trem, MBA course leader, said: "We offer a highly-flexible
approach to the MBA programme in Doncaster, giving students the
chance to study at their own pace for one of the most prestigious
degrees in the country.
"Students gain a wealth of knowledge and experience from taking
the qualification, leading to better results for companies and
enhanced careers for individuals."
Places are still available on the MBA starting this October.
Further information on the MBA can be obtained by calling course
leader Karen Trem on 01302 553676 or by visiting http://www.don.ac.uk/ and clicking
Postgraduate and Professional.
Updated 13/07/09
Success for Business School Marketing Students
(2008)
Professional Marketing students at
Doncaster Business School are celebrating stunning success with a
pass rate of 100%. To put this into context, the UK pass rate for
all centres that deliver Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
Diploma qualifications is 65%.
Neil Kelley, the course leader for CIM
qualifications, said: “I’m so proud of the students this year. We
have had the largest cohort of students for years at 28 and all of
them have passed which is a fantastic achievement.”
The Chartered Institute of Marketing
qualifications are going from strength-to-strength with the
Business School offering the Professional Certificate, Diploma and
Postgraduate Diploma this year. Neil Kelley, as one of the
College’s E-Learning specialists, is currently developing a new
intensive blended solution Professional Certificate for those
wishing to study via distance learning and weekend workshops.
Another consequence of this success is the
introduction of the new MA in Marketing Management.
Antony Pawlett, Director of the Business
School, said: “We are one of the few Northern Institutions that can
take our MARKETING students right through from Certificate level to
Masters level, our students and their employers value the way we
deliver our courses in such a way as the student can show immediate
value back at their workplace – which is what Doncaster Business
School is all about. Neil and his marketing team have done an
incredible job getting a 100% pass rate for the fourth time in
three years - we are delighted for the students.”
Top-class student Joanne Greenfield, who
received a merit in her diploma, said: “When I joined the Diploma
course last year I was nervous about returning to education after
so long, especially at this level, but I thoroughly enjoyed the
course and it has given me direction.
“It was extremely interesting and, more
importantly, relevant and transferable into the working
environment. Already I’m reaping the rewards, as my role has
expanded to include more marketing responsibilities, which in
return has resulted in financial reward.”
For more information about Doncaster Business
School’s programme of marketing qualifications please contact 01302
553666 or email dbsadmin@don.ac.uk
Updated 03/09/08
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Property Firm Thank DBS Professor (2008)
Local property experts SYBS have heaped
praise on Doncaster Business School’s Professor David Auckland
after he helped plan the firm’s future.
Prof Auckland was drafted in by the
Armthorpe-based company to look at how the firm could expand their
business.
SYBS, run by husband and wife team Barry and
Jayne Mills, wanted to move into the residential sector after
specialising as commercial property estate agents and as business
transfer agents since its inception in 2000.
Barry said: “We decided to bring someone in
externally to help us plan for the future because I think it needed
someone to look at the business from afar.
“It is hard to look at the businesses future
when you are so involved in the day-to-day running of it and
sometimes businesses can stagnate because of this.
“We had already decided to move into the
residential sector after moving into new premises but we wanted a
bit more direction because we had concentrated on the commercial
sector for so long.”
Prof Auckland shared his knowledge with Barry
and Jayne over a few months and now the business has a long-term
business plan, covering all aspects of the market place.
Barry added: “David came in, chatted with us
and facilitated our move into the residential side of things. It
was very informal and informative.
“We are always busy with our commercial
business and now the residential side is starting to pick up, too.
Without David’s help, we would not have been able to break into
this market so quickly. I would definitely recommend this type of
action for any business.”
Doncaster Business School offers a wide
variety of services for businesses across South Yorkshire. Further
information is available by emailing antony.pawlett@don.ac.uk or
by visiting http://www.don.ac./dbs
For more information, please contact Doncaster College on 01302
553666
Updated 02/08/08
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Tuesday 12th February 2008 - 'HOT OFF
THE PRESS - FUTURE-PROOF YOURSELF! THE LATEST THINKING FROM THE
CHARTERED MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE' - By Jo Causon, Director of
Marketing & Corporate Affairs of the Chartered Management
Institute
The world of business has dramatically changed in the last 10
years. Markets, competitors and means of supply are increasingly
complex and technologically driven. The management and leadership
skills needed to survive today, let alone prosper, are very
different from a generation ago. This raises two important
questions:
What will the world of work be like in 2017?
What do we need to do now in order to deliver business leaders
equipped to deal with tomorrow?
Marketer of the year award
Doncaster Business School student Debbie Harrison has been
awarded the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Marketing
Student of the Year title for the South Yorkshire region.
Superb results in Undergraduate released
(2008)
We have a terrific success rate on our management
degrees, with success rates approaching 90%. To achieve this
kind of success rate - not only must there be very low drop
out rates - there also has to be very high pass rates for those who
stay with the course until the end. Some students are delaying
their exams for a year - usually for personal reasons - so the
"real" rate of success is arguably even higher and is likely to
approach 100%.
We are very proud that our levels of support for students,
flexibility and the sheer enjoyment factor of the courses are being
reflected in these outstanding success rates.
What does this mean if you are considering a Business Degree at
Doncaster Business School's University Centre? If you stick at it -
you'll make it!
After that?
Research is absolutely clear. People with degrees tend to:
Be happier
Earn more
Live longer
For more information about Degrees in Business and Management at
DBS visit www.don.ac.uk/dbs
Jigsaw helps the Swamp Circus
Thursday 7th June 2007
Project Management one day course at University Centre
- High Melton
Doncaster Business School is delighted to have helped a
Rotherham based circus with its Project Management
skills. Juggling complex priorites took on a whole new
meaning. Dealing with colleagues who act like clowns. Tying
yourself in knots to get the job done. Making ends meet. Cracking
the whip. Keeping lots of plates spinning, ah the pun was
endless.
No doubt the Swamp Circus' devil sticks will now be summoned to
the right place at the right time...
Haley Cox of the Swamp Circus comments:
"The facilities - Excellent
The organisation of the day- Excellent
The tutor - Excellent
What you learned - Excellent
The pace of the session - Excellent
Interactive session, really well structured course. Excellent
tutor, very involving."
Others on the course commented:
"I really enjoyed the group exercise - please let me know about
other courses" Caroline Beresford - (Vizuality)
"I really enjoyed the course...got us all involved" Alex
Williams (ACS)
"I never realised my line of work could include parts of project
management - it was an eyeopener". Robert Radcliffe (ACS)
To find out more about our Jigsaw funded one day courses please
click on Funded Short Courses in the www.don.ac.uk/dbs side menu.
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, May 15 2007
Creative Project Seminar at High Melton
DONCASTER Business School is supporting a project to develop a
Creative and Digital Industries (CDI) strategy for Doncaster
Borough.
The next step in the process is a full day seminar on Thursday,
June 21 hosted by the Digital Knowledge Exchange (DKE) at the
University Centre, High Melton.
This seminar will present the findings of the research to people
involved in Creative and Digital Industries and Doncaster’s
business policymakers. A limited number of additional places will
be available for this free event.
The project, funded by Doncaster MBC, has identified over 500
CDI businesses in Doncaster. It is leading to a set of
recommendations based on the needs of the businesses and input from
key CDI stakeholders in the region.
Doncaster Business School’s (DBS) resources have been crucial to
the success of the project. As well as providing physical resources
such as a project office, meeting rooms, laptops, phones and office
equipment, the project team have also drawn upon Business School
staff and students to carry out the research and analyse the
findings.
DBS has also been fundamental in enabling CDI sector businesses
to access grant funding to help them recruit, train and even pay
for their staff, through its European funded Jigsaw programme.
Huw Champion, of the da capo cultural consultancy, leading this
project for the DKE, is struck by the number and variety of
creative businesses in the Borough, ranging from freelance artists,
designers and craft workers through to major national marketing,
design, staging, lighting and media businesses.
He said: “The trick for Doncaster to build up a strong creative
buzz that will encourage its own creative businesses, spark off new
enterprises based on local skills, attract new ones from outside,
and capture the skills and energy of students on the college’s
creative and media courses.”
Colin Jones, who graduated last year from the University Centre
with a Business Degree, is the key researcher on the project. He
said: “I’m finding this Creative and Digital Industries role very
interesting and a great opportunity. Most graduates probably have
to fend for themselves after they have completed a degree. Not only
did Doncaster Business School ensure I walked away with a degree,
they have involved me in a fascinating real research project.”
Antony Pawlett, Head of DBS said: “This continues the Business
School’s work for local businesses and providing services to the
local business community. In this case we are particularly
delighted to have helped one of our students with his career, at
the same time as helping to shape policy for this crucial element
of one of Doncaster’s growth industries.”
For further details, visit:
www.don.ac.uk/mini_sites/dbs/european_funded_courses.aspx or
email
antony.pawlett@don.ac.uk
Student Feedback 18th May 2007
You have been an inspirational tutor and I have thoroughly
enjoyed the course. Thank you for the support you have
given.
18th April 2007
New products launched
In conjunction with our Partners in MITIE we are now offering a
residential MBA route that is open to
all...
We also now have a 20 week business start
up support programme...
Student Feedback from residential (by text - 27th March
2007)
Hi Kate, really did enjoy the weekend would like to do it
again the team really did work together and I felt that we did
work! . It was the the work of the tutor that made this work for us
- thanks for all you did will see you on Thursday thanks Vicky
xx
Guest Lecturers
Our sincere thanks for the guest lecturers that have kindly
contributed so far this year:
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James Criddle - CEO Doncaster Knights - Practical
Innovation across public and private sector
Professor David Auckland - Manchester Met. Uni. and Doncaster
Business School - Innovation; fight for survival
Dr Helen Woodruffe Burton – St Martin’s College - Marketing
(Shopology)
Paul Cook – Pegler – Operations Management
Ali Iman – QED – Knowledge Management
Adrian Thompson – Arla Foods – Human Resources
Francis Treadgold – FEDEX – Marketing
Dean Fathers - IDM Group - change your thinking from operational
to strategic
|
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Creative and Digital Industries Strategy Project -
supported by Doncaster Business School
We are working with local consultancy da
capo on a research project to develop a new strategy for
Doncaster's Creative and Digital Industries.
Commissioned by Doncaster Council, the
Creative Industries Strategy is being developed through Doncaster
College’s Digital Knowledge Exchange, supported by Doncaster
Business School and with a Steering Group made up of people working
in the sector alongside Business Link South Yorkshire, Arts Council
England, the College and the Council. The work is led by Huw
Champion, of the da capo consultancy, who knows Doncaster well
through his involvement in the HotHouse Festival programme, the New
Performance Venue project, and Doncaster’s creative industries
network.
http://www.network-dc.co.uk/ndcnews.html
Research is already under way, exploring the
needs and strengths of the sector locally, and will be completed by
March 2007. The strategy will be launched at a conference in May
2007. To contribute, or find out more, please contact Huw Champion
on 07976 384024 or via huw@letsdke.com
Doncaster Business School is listening…to regional and UK
businesses...
Retail Management
Through our various relationships with the
retail industry we have been informed that there is a shortage of
high level retail management skills throughout South Yorkshire and
the surrounding counties.
We are currently seeking retailers who wish to
work in partnership with us to design and develop a flexible retail
management programme that can ultimately lead to a degree.
There is government funding available to aid
in the development of this retail management programme; so there is
no cost to you. If your organisation has a need for retail
management skills, please get in touch with Greg Chen via email:
greg.chen@don.ac.uk
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, September 7 2006
BUSINESS
SCHOOL REINFORCES PARTNERSHIP WITH
CMI
DONCASTER Business School (DBS) has enhanced
its relationship with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
after the two organisations signed a memorandum of association this
week.
The link-up means DBS intends to work with the
CMI as a key partner in delivering management programmes to meet
employer needs across South Yorkshire.
After the signing, CMI managers were on hand
to present officials from Doncaster College, which operates the
school, with a commemorative plaque on Wednesday, September 6 at
the Stables Conference Centre, High Melton.
The Doncaster and Barnsley branch of the CMI
is also to locate its branch office at the High Melton site as a
result of the enhanced partnership.
Bill Webster, Doncaster College Vice Principal
(Development), said: “This is a new and exciting chapter in our
relationship with the CMI and I look forward to continuing to work
together closely.”
Chris Challender, CMI’s regional manager for
Yorkshire and Humberside, said: “We are very happy to give our
support to the Business School in this exciting and challenging
time.
“Doncaster College and Doncaster Business
School strikes me as an organisation that is ready to grasp
opportunities and that is where we come in.
“There are a number of things we can do to
reinforce our partnership.”
Antony Pawlett, acting head of Doncaster
Business School, said: “The one thing that unites everyone here is
that we all want to help students.”
DBS is set in 126 acres of idyllic countryside
at the University Centre in High Melton, six miles west of
Doncaster.
As well as obvious links to the CMI, the
school has links to the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM),
Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) and the
Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).
It offers the widest range of CIPD courses in
the country, has many degrees validated by the University of Hull,
offers Masters level qualifications and is a Centre of Vocational
Excellence (CoVE) in Business and Management.
The University Centre is also home to superb
seminar facilities at The Stables Conference Centre and is great
place for businesses to help develop their staff.
ENDS
For more information, please contact on
(01302) 553666