Tag Archives: professional development

Career Development, Careers, News

“Connect and collaborate”: Early Career Network launched by Institute of Economic Development

The Institute of Economic Development (IED), the UK’s leading independent professional body representing economic development and regeneration practitioners working for local and regional communities, has launched its Early Career Network: a dedicated platform to enable those in the early stages of their economic development careers to connect and collaborate.

The network’s mission is to create a pool of resources to help members’ progress their careers and build their knowledge of the opportunities available within the economic development industry via networking events, accessible channels of communication, and other activities including talks with experts on economic development.

As well as a dedicated on LinkedIn group, meetings will typically run on a monthly basis and take place online. These meetings will be accessible via a link shared exclusively to members in the network’s WhatsApp group chat, and include:

  • ‘Talks with experts’ – a series of interview-style sessions with speakers from the economic development sector, as suggested by members of the network.
  • Spotlight sessions – where members of the network take time out of the meeting to explain and describe what their day-to-day roles consist of, as well as sharing industry and events information. This will allow for networking and further understanding of the opportunities within the sector.
  • Bi-weekly admin meetings – run by a core group of five volunteer members, these meetings will take place to enable the ongoing running of the network and for members to touch base if they would like to. This group, which will rotate, will also own communications platforms and publish content.

Micaela Benvenuto, an Economic Development Consultant at Mickledore, is one of the volunteer members driving the network.

“We are really excited to launch the Early Career Network, which brings a valuable opportunity to connect with others in the early stages of their economic development career, and already we have 40 members,” she said. “Not only will members gain on-the-ground industry insights from other members, they will be able to expand their professional network which could lead to new business partnerships and/or potential career opportunities. Members can also build their personal brands and professional credibility by being a part of a network affiliated with a well-renowned organisation such as the IED.

“From my perspective, it is helping me to explore different areas of economic development and connect with peers of the sector to understand how we can better partner up to intervene in ways that may produce positive outcomes.”

The network is open to anyone who is a member of the IED and in their early stages of their economic development career or aspiring to join the sector, including students. Those who do not hold an IED membership but are interested in joining the network are encouraged to communicate with admin@ied.co.uk and attend one of the network’s meetings and/or be co-opted into the group for an agreed period of time.

Claire Hill, Economic Growth Officer at West Lindsey Council, said: “Having worked across the private, not-for-profit and public sectors, I have arrived in economic development later than others. The professional networks I have already established are outside of this area of work. The Early Career Network therefore seemed an ideal opportunity to connect with others in a similar position, and further my understanding of the wider work happening in this field.”

“I am excited by the opportunities this network brings, especially in terms of learning from my industry peers and staying up-to-date with the latest developments,” added Martin Owen, Planning/Regeneration Consultant at BE Group.

IED Executive Director Nigel Wilcock commented: “The Early Career Network is a fantastic initiative to unite professionals in the early stages of their career across the economic development sector. It is built very much on the principle of co-creation between members of the network, and we are excited by its potential to inform and inspire the progression of up-and-coming economic development professionals.”

More information about the Early Career Network, and its membership, can be found here.

With nearly 1,400 IED members overall, professionals are drawn from the public sector (local authorities, universities and government departments) and the private sector (consultancies supporting economic development in its widest sense). For higher education the IED offers student membership for full or part-time students working towards a qualification in a relevant discipline but who are not in employment.

News

Imperial College Business School and Corndel partner to deliver Apprenticeship Programmes

Imperial College Business School and Corndel have launched a new strategic partnership that brings together the academic excellence of a world-leading business school and the expertise of the country’s leading professional apprenticeship provider. The partnership will result in the creation of several world-class, high-impact training courses. In England these can be fully funded through the Government’s Apprenticeship Levy.

The first course launched under the partnership is the Imperial College and Corndel Executive Development Programme, which equips participants with the practical leadership skills required to motivate teams, inspire change and improve business performance.

Participants will develop and evolve their leadership skills in the context of digitally transformed organisations. Topics include understanding sources of digital value, implementing digital transformation, and navigating regulatory and cyber security challenges.

The blended technology-enabled programme includes group seminars, masterclasses and continuous, personalised one-on-one coaching.

Going live in October 2021, the 12-month programme is designed for professionals who have at least five years of management experience and are looking to progress into senior management roles. Applicants will be assessed on their ability to undertake the course rather than any previous A-level or degree-based qualification they may have.

Upon programme completion, participants will receive an apprenticeship, Chartered Management Institute qualification and Imperial College Business School Executive Education Associate Alumni status.

David Brown, Imperial College Executive Education’s Director said:

“Imperial College Business School is delighted to partner with Corndel in this major initiative in executive education. At Imperial, we are committed to increasing access to leading edge thinking for businesses and organisations. We want to help individuals translate learning into practice and make a difference at speed. This initiative is in response to huge demand from companies and organisations seeking to increase their capabilities in management, leadership and technology. And in this case using the terrific opportunity afforded by the Apprenticeship Levy.”

James Kelly, Corndel’s Co-Founder said:

“Corndel are delighted to be partnering with Imperial College Business School to continue to redefine the traditional apprenticeship and take forward our vision of brilliant lifelong learning for all. This partnership breaks down the silo between academic excellence and vocational training. It will give a new generation of managers both the management theory and the practical workplace skills required for today’s workplace”

The Imperial College and Corndel Executive Development Programme will be open to applications from October 2021. If you are interested in helping your employees build stronger leadership skills to drive performance within your organisation, please get in touch here.

 

About Imperial College Business School

Imperial College London is one of the world’s leading universities. The College’s 20,000 students and 8,000 staff are working to solve the biggest challenges in science, medicine, engineering and business.

Imperial is the world’s fifth most international university, according to Times Higher Education, with academic ties to more than 150 countries. Reuters named the College as the UK’s most innovative university because of its exceptional entrepreneurial culture and ties to industry.

Imperial staff, students and alumni are working round-the-clock to combat COVID-19. Imperial has nearly two thousand key workers, and is at the forefront of coronavirus epidemiology, virology, vaccine development and diagnostics. More than one thousand Imperial staff and students are volunteering to support the NHS.

More information about Imperial College Executive Education.

 

About Corndel

Corndel is a multi-award-winning management and technology training provider, delivering training that can be fully funded through organisations’ Apprenticeship Levy. Corndel’s disruptive focus on training brilliance, with one-to-one coaching from commercial experts at its heart, has made it the go-to provider for large employers focused on quality.

  • Fastest growing training provider in the UK
  • Over 3,000 learners on current programmes
  • Learners consistently rate our Management courses 8.5/9
  • ESFA rated us at 100% for employer satisfaction and 90% learner satisfaction – the highest scores of UK training providers
News

Durham University Business School Welcomes Sally Guyer as Professor in Practice

Durham University Business School has announced the appointment of Sally Guyer, Global CEO of World Commerce & Contracting, to its faculty as Professor in Practice in Strategy and Innovation.

 

Created to bring public distinction and practical insights to the classroom and applied research, Durham’s Professors in Practice initiative recognises the skills, perspectives and experiences of senior business professionals and enables students to directly benefit from them. Such individuals are invited to lead classes and workshops, support education in their individual areas of expertise, and engage with research that addresses real world challenges.

 

Starting on May 3rd 2021, Sally will join the Business School’s faculty in delivering modern, immersive education programmes that reflect and address the key issues facing industry today, and in fostering greater connection between Durham University and members of World Commerce and Contracting.

 

Speaking on her appointment and what she hopes to bring to the role, Sally said;

 

“I am truly excited to accept this appointment as Professor in Practice and to all that this collaboration between Durham University and World Commerce & Contracting will bring. We live in a time of such tremendous change that the connection between industry and academia has never been more important. Academia brings essential rigour and research in support of the fact-based decision making required in the world of practice. Equally students today need to be educated in a way that enables them to effectively apply their learning in our rapidly changing world. I look forward to contributing fully to this wide-ranging role, to supporting the development of a regional innovation and commercial ecosystem, and of course to inspiring the many students of Durham.”

 

With over 70,000 members and over 20,000 organisations from both the private and public sector, World Commerce & Contracting (WorldCC) is the world’s leading professional association in commercial management, contracting and negotiations. Its mission is to improve the quality and integrity of trading relationships. In her role as Global CEO, Sally sets the direction for the Association, including its research and advocacy initiatives and extensive portfolio of learning and development programs.

 

With qualifications in law and an accomplished background in consultancy (supporting the SME sector) and entrepreneurship, Sally has led a prestigious career. During this she has gained extensive practical experience in commercial and contract management, and developed a keen interest in the role and impact of technology on business and government commercial relationships. Her perspectives and expertise are regularly sought for influential industry and governmental events and bodies such as the EU Commission.

 

The Professor in Practice initiative also provides the opportunity for Durham University’s faculty to directly connect with business practice and public policy, enabling their research to have an actionable, positive impact on society. In this role, Sally will be assisting the Business School in the development of an innovation and commercial ecosystem, and supporting B2B and B2C activity in small and medium sized companies in the North East.

 

Sally’s other duties will include;

 

  • Hosting guest lectures for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes,
  • Participating in masterclasses – both individually and in collaboration with other Professors in Practice and honorary appointed staff,
  • Contributing expertise to alumni events
  • Collaborating with the School and its faculty on cutting edge research projects,
  • Assisting the Centre for Innovation and Technology Management and the Wilson Institute to work with Durham City in developing the entrepreneurial capabilities of local start-ups focused on technological innovation, and commercial management and contracting,

 

Tyrone Pitsis, Professor of Strategy and Technology at Durham University Business School has supported Sally’s appointment, highlighting the value her expertise will bring to the School’s teaching, research, and student engagement.

 

Professor Pitsis said;

 

“Sally epitomises the idea of the ‘curious practitioner’.  She is the leader one of the world’s most successful and prestigious associations, has been a successful entrepreneur and also actively engages with the scholarly world.  She represents exactly the sort of person business schools should engage with to ensure they design and offer education and conduct research that can have a real, sustainable and discernible impact on our beneficiaries”.

 

In her first official duty, Sally will be a panellist at the upcoming Virtual Global Debate, hosted by the Business School in collaboration with the Management Centre Innsbruck (MCI), on Monday 3rd May.  Entitled “Entrepreneurship meets Digitalization: Academia & Business jointly shaping the future , Sally will be joined by industry professionals and Business School faculty for a debate on the subject of value networks and digital technologies.

 

Those interested in attending the event can sign up via the School’s website.

News

Good at playing video games? You might also make a good leader

Video games can be used to assess the capabilities of aspiring managers by recruiters, according to a new study from the Rotterdam School of Management Erasmus University (RSM) and the University of Liechtenstein.

 

Conducted by Dr Markus Weinmann along with colleagues; Dr Alexander Simons and Dr Isabell Wohlgenannt from the University of Liechtenstein and Dr Stefan Fleischer of the University of Münster, the study built upon pre-existing research into the benefits of using specifically-designed recruitment games and tasks (a tactic called “gamification”) to judge applicants’ capabilities.

 

Their study analyses whether off-the-shelf video games can also indicate essential management skills possessed by applicants to senior-level roles.

 

Using the popular strategy game Civilization, which may be considered a modern-day equivalent to chess, the researchers enlisted 40 business students to learn the rules of the game – giving them a month to do so, before playing a series of timed games against each other under test conditions.

 

Participants were also required to complete a series of typical assessment centre exercises, designed to measure the managerial skills most commonly desired by employers when selecting candidates for senior-level positions. These include; consideration and awareness of others, communication, ability to influence others, organising and planning, and problem-solving.

 

The study found that those students who achieved high scores within Civilization were also revealed to possess significantly better problem-solving, and organizing and planning skills.

 

Dr Weinmann says:

 

“IT has already disrupted traditional forms of personnel section – conducting reference checks via business-oriented sites likes LinkedIn for example. Whilst gamification is nothing new the potential of commercial video games in assessing talent has long been ignored by HR experts. Our research shows the competences revealed by job applicants by playing such games can offer many benefits to employers, particularly for management level roles. The high levels of complexity that players are confronted with require them to plan their actions carefully, develop sophisticated strategies, employ critical thinking and negotiate with other players – all critical skills for managerial roles.”

 

Whilst the researchers acknowledge that video games are unlikely to replace the traditional assessment centre recruitment methods, they state that their use provides a significant advantage. Video games allow recruiters to see and measure skills that may not be as visible, or measured as accurately through other methods.

 

For example, in analysing the in-game data such as the chat function, the researchers suggest that strategy games such as Civilization could be effective in enabling recruiters to conduct “stealth assessments” – which can reduce test anxiety because applicants can fully immersive themselves in the game  – providing a more holistic insight into not just their communication and negotiation skills but their personalities. Furthermore, analysing gameplay performance data could also provide a key indicator to potential managerial performance and capabilities.

 

An additional benefit suggested by the researchers is that using such games as part of the skills assessment process could also provide an opportunity for recruiters to save both time and money.

 

In terms of personnel development, the researchers also suggest that deliberately designed strategy games may not only be used to measure performance but may also be used by organisations in-house to improve certain skills, enabling employees to train and test their abilities before putting themselves forward for promotion.

 

The study, “Good gamers, good managers? A proof-of-concept study with Sid Meyer’s Civilization” is published and available via the Review of Managerial Science.

News, Training

Free online course for workers uses neuroscience to improve professional learning

A new course from specialist online training providers Virtual College is utilising neuroscience to help online learners develop themselves both personally and professionally in 2021.

At a time when many people are still struggling to effectively work remotely, this free course offers valuable insight into factors that can affect our attention, retention and productivity. Learners will also be advised on how to best work alongside these neurological limitations to get the best out of their brain and create a learning plan that greatly increases success.

The Neuroscience for Personal Development course is available for free on the Virtual College website. Included in the course is an in-depth look at ‘brain plasticity’ which is the process of how your brain actually grows and changes as you learn new information. The module also features a section on memory and attention, two factors which are incredibly important in maintaining productivity and staying focused on development.

As well as gaining an understanding of how the brain works and how this can actually limit learning, participants will also study the concept of holistic education. This is a relatively new approach that seeks to engage all aspects of the learner, including mind, body and spirit to explore the ways in which this approach can benefit personal growth.

The e-learning course concludes with advice on how to create a personalised plan of action, applying what you have discovered about neuroscience and development. Additional resources are provided to help with this task, along with proven techniques for making the most out of the brain’s inner workings.

This online course is being provided as part of Virtual College’s participation in the Department of Education’s ‘An Hour to Skill’ campaign, which seeks to improve the job prospects of people up and down the country by providing ways to gain new skills. This initiative encourages an hour a week to be spent on online learning using The Skills Toolkit resource, which features over 70 free online courses including several from Virtual College.

By offering a range of learning resources in everything from personal growth and wellbeing to basic maths and coding, the scheme hopes to boost the careers of anyone who has been affected by the uncertainty and disruption of the last year.

The ‘Neuroscience for Personal Development’ course is available to access from the Virtual College website here >

https://www.virtual-college.co.uk/courses/professional/neuroscience-for-personal-development