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www.anglia.ac.uk/aibs

MBACONNECTLord Ashcroft International Business School Magazine|issue 6

www.anglia.ac.uk

Contents1 Brazilian perspectives

1 Great reminders of yourtime at Lord AshcroftInternational BusinessSchool

2 Member of Parliamentfor Witham to give talkto students

3 The Institute ofInternationalManagement Practice(IIMP)

2 LAIBS supportsLeatherback Turtleconservation in Trinidad

3 Intoxicated at the Brewery

4 Developing Wind Energyin Ukraine

5 Supporting the validationof ‘The ResponsibleBusiness Standard’

6 Volleyball stars swapcourt for classroom atAnglia Ruskin

Welcome to the latest issue of MBAConnect, YOURe-newsletter. We have now been sending this out toyou for a year and I hope you have enjoyed receivingthe news. We think this is a great way to keep you intouch with your University and all that’s happeninghere, but if you have any ideas about other thingsyou would like to see featured please email me atalumni@anglia.ac.uk. Also, don’t forget to sign upfor your dedicated MBA group athttp://uk.linkedin.com/in/angliaalumni.

We were delighted to hear recently that for those universitiesin the East of England which recruit undergraduates, the mostrecent league table of the proportion of students in work orfurther study six months after graduating has us in second placeafter Cambridge University. Out of the whole 131 UK HigherEducation institutions we were placed 28th, a tremendousachievement. This is especially important given that gainingemployment after study will become ever more important tostudents with the imminent degree price increases forced bychanges in government policy. There has been much in thepapers about the effect of these increased fees in 2012 on therecruitment of students. Here at Anglia Ruskin we are delightedto have received enough applicants to fill all our places forSeptember 2011.

We had a great time at our annual MBA get-together at the RoyalOverseas League in London at the beginning of August. This yearthe weather was kind to us so we were able to have our welcomedrinks outside in the beautiful garden backing onto Green Park.After a delicious dinner we enjoyed listening to Raut Roy tellingus about the history of our MBA and developments within thebusiness school. Our guest speaker was Mike Southon (the‘Beermat Entrepreneur’) who kept us entertained with a verylively, yet thought provoking, presentation on entrepreneurshipand the qualities needed to succeed. The Beatles featuredregularly, as did their music! The Q&A session prompted a lot ofdiscussion and the evening had barely finished before we had tobe out of the room. This was a very successful event and we arealready thinking about next year. Some alumni expressed a wishfor the dinner to be held on campus in Cambridge so they couldhave a tour of the developments, some asked for the dinner to beheld earlier in the year. We will therefore be emailing you a shortquestionnaire in the autumn so that we can establish what themajority would like, so please do complete it and have your say.

That’s all until next time, so look out for the questionnaire, enjoythe articles, and keep in touch!

Kind regards

Sue JacobsHead of Development& Alumni Relations

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Brazilian perspectivesWe were delighted to welcome Professor Leo Bruno from theFundação Dom Cabral (FDC) Business School based in BeloHorizonte, Brazil to our University in June.

FDC is ranked by the Financial Times the third best businessschool in the world in 2011, and works in close partnershipwith over 400 businesses in Brazil. In 2007, FDC wereaccredited by the European Quality Improvement System(EQUIS).

FDC is located in the State of Minas Gerais and near historicalcities such as Ouro Preto, whose baroque architecture has ledUNESCO to name it a World Heritage Centre.

Professor Bruno met with John Rayment and Jonathan Smithfrom LAIBS to discuss ideas from their new book entitledMisleadership, discuss how FDC works with businesses,and explore possible joint research that might be conducted,particularly connected to leadership, culture and innovation.

Jonathan says: “We have been developing our links with FDCfor a number of years including interviewing senior academicson their views of the future of business schools, attendingconferences and developing a Global Leadership moduletogether. They are also members of the Globally ResponsibleLeadership Initiative which LAIBS have close ties with. LeoBruno is one of their top researchers and this visit enabled usto advance our partnership on several fronts.”

John Rayment, Professor Leo Bruno and Jonathan Smithoutside the Lord Ashcroft International Business Schoolin Chelmsford

Dr Jonathan Smith, Senior Lecturer John Rayment, Principal LecturerE: jonathan.smith@anglia.ac.uk E: john.rayment@anglia.ac.ukT: 0845 196 2069 T: 0846 196 6859

Great reminders of your time at LordAshcroft International Business SchoolOn-line merchandise store – NEW!The Marketing Team in the newly named Lord AshcroftInternational Business School (LAIBS) have been working overthe last few months on developing a range of faculty brandedmerchandise which we are happy to announce will beavailable from September 2011.

Initially, five items will be available for purchase via anon-line store (currently under development) or, in themeantime, orders can be placed via the Marketing Teamat marcoms.laibs@anglia.ac.uk.

The items include:• Hooded sweatshirt (£20)• Polo shirt (£15)• T shirt (£10)• Slazenger laptop/document bag (£25)• 2 GB wristband USB (£7.50)

Any one of these items would be a reminder of your time hereat LAIBS so do visit our On-line merchandise store to makeyour selection. If you are overseas postage and packing willbe added to the price above.

Marketing, Communications and External LiaisonT: 0845 196 6842/6822/6833

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Member of Parliament for Witham to give talk to studentsWe are delighted that Priti Patel, Member of Parliament forWitham, Essex, has agreed to come to the University to give atalk to our 2nd year students on the BA International Businessprogramme.

As a way of enhancing the students’ learning experience,Robin Gowers, Senior Lecturer in LAIBS, arranges each yearfor a number of high profile speakers to come in and talk tohis students.

With Priti’s background and interest in entrepreneurship andeducation this will be an excellent opportunity for students togain some practical insights to link into the theories coveredon the course.

The talk will take place during Robin’s lecture on Tuesday,27 September in the Michael A Ashcroft Building (MAB221)between 10.00 and 11.00 in the Michael A Ashcroft Building(MAB221).

An invitation to this event is also extended to 1stand 3rd year students and our MBA alumni. If youwould like to attend please advise Hannah Myatt(hannah.myatt@anglia.ac.uk) as places are limited.

Dr Robin Gowers, Senior LecturerE: robin.gowers@anglia.ac.ukT: 0845 196 6853

The Institute of International Management Practice (IIMP)You may be aware that, thanks to generous financial supportfrom Lord Ashcroft, LAIBS has established an applied businessresearch institute, the Institute of International ManagementPractice (IIMP), which will be centred in our new building inCambridge. We believe a specific focus area is essential if theInstitute is to achieve the world-class status we are committedto and have therefore defined its mission as:

“To be internationally recognised by businesses,academics, investors and public policy makers forthe relevance, quality and rigour of its research inenterprise, internationalisation and innovation asthey relate to growth-oriented businesses”

Whilst it is true that IIMP is therefore not an umbrella instituteto encompass all the research activity of the Business School,the IIMP will be open and inclusive. For those researcherswho become members the IIMP will do its best to provide:

• A research community where researchers can meet,discuss, exchange and test ideas

• Research bid support

• Research administration support

• Advocacy and representation within the faculty to helpresearchers get the time they need to do their research

The IIMP will be highly focused – but inclusive; it will encourageand support researchers with skills and interest in our area anda willingness to apply their research skills and efforts to the IIMPagenda. For example a researcher, investigating the 3rd sectorwith specific focus on the creation and management of socialenterprises, might have a clear component of their work whichintersects with innovation and enterprise in growth-orientedbusiness. Because this fits within the research agenda of IIMP,it would actively support this research.

We held our first Annual Conference for IIMP on the 8 Septemberin our new building in Cambridge. This is an exciting newventure and wide faculty participation in IIMP and contributionsfrom colleagues in other faculties was encouraged.

Professor Keith Dickinson, Interim Director of IIMPT: 0845 196 3669E: keith.dickinson@anglia.ac.uk

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Intoxicated at the BreweryAs part of the Enterprising Academics Scheme being operatedby our University, Dr Jonathan Smith from LAIBS in Cambridgehas just returned from four days working at Adnams inSouthwold. This highly prestigious Suffolk brewery has anAnglia Ruskin Honorary, Andy Wood, as its Chief Executive andis one of the UK’s most environmentally friendly companies.

Although involved in diversifying their product for a numberof years, Adnams are perhaps best known for their Brewingof Real Ales, which began in 1872 and for which they haverecently been awarded Brewery of the Year for 2011 by TheGood Pub Guide. They also produce Gin, Vodka and Whiskyand have a large wine distribution centre (seewww.adnams.co.uk).

Jon has returned from Adnams not intoxicated by the alcoholthough but by their excellent management practices! Theircommitment to long-term sustainability, quality, environment,community and its employees are exemplary.

Areas explored during the time at Adnams included shareholdercommitment, vision, values, growth paradigm, planned andemergent strategies, spiritual dimension to leadership, waysof developing shared purpose, motivation, reward and talentmanagement, employee engagement, improving the

environment, engaging with thelocal community, and valuingemployees.

It is hoped that the project willfacilitate a closer relationshipbetween Adnams and AngliaRuskin University and theresearch conducted by Jonwhilst he was there will also beused as part of the research heis involved with at the Globally Responsible LeadershipInitiative. This research aims to draw together examplesof responsible leadership across the globe.

Adnams are also keen to be involved in the research Jon isproposing which will explore how HE, businesses and theprofessions are embracing and embedding the idea ofresponsibility into their practices and standards. Jon will besubmitting a grant application to the ESRC shortly to supportthis research.

Dr Jonathan Smith, Senior LecturerE: jonathan.smith@anglia.ac.ukT: 0845 196 2069

LAIBS supports Leatherback Turtle conservationin Trinidad

Simon Evans, Senior Lecturer in Tourism at the Lord AshcroftInternational Business School, has just returned from Trinidadafter meeting with Dennis Sammy, Director of Nature Seekersto develop joint research into community based eco-tourismproject surrounding marine turtle nesting on Matura Beach inNE Trinidad, one of the world’s most important leatherbacknesting locations. The Nature Seekers is an organisation whichworks closely with the local community to patrol this key

nesting beach with the aim to improve the chance for survivalfor thousands of hatchlings.

Nature Seekers is the best example of a community basedeco-tourism in the world and they have won a number of awardsfor their work with local communities and conservation. Theirfounder, Suzan Lakhan Baptiste, has turned a beach from aleatherback turtle graveyard to a nesting colony. She has recentlyappeared on CNN to collect an award from Hilary Clinton.

Since 2001, the Lord Ashcroft International Business School hasbeen working with the School of Accounting and Management(SAM) in Trinidad & Tobago to offer undergraduate, and morerecently postgraduate courses, in Business and Management topeople in the Caribbean region, which is why the collaborationwith Nature Seekers is close to the heart of LAIBS’ business.

Simon will be working closely with Suzan and will be givingtalks to local community and providing education and trainingto local eco-tourism guides.

Simon Evans, Senior Lecturer, Leisure and TourismE: simon.evans@anglia.ac.ukT: 0845 196 6875

think4photop / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Developing Wind Energy in UkraineI recently completed the MA in International Business at theLord Ashcroft International Business School in Cambridge.My dissertation focused on the development of wind energyin my country – Ukraine.

Ukraine is one of the largest European countries with apopulation of over 45 million people. My research focusedparticularly on the Crimean region, as Crimea is one of themost attractive regions of Ukraine in terms of investment.Crimea is an autonomous republic under the jurisdiction ofUkraine and is located on the northern coast of the Black Seaoccupying a peninsula of the same name. The peninsula doesnot only have a favorable economic and geographical location,but has huge potential to develop the industrial infrastructure,and has easy access to the markets of Ukraine, CIS, Europeand Asia.

The priority area of development requiring urgent andsignificant investments is the energy sector. Crimea has apopulation of more than 3.5 million people but produces lessthan 20% of its own electricity; the remaining electricity comesfrom the mainland.

The overwhelming majority of scientists today agree that ourglobe is undergoing major climate change. It has also beenapparent in recent years that the level of carbon dioxide in theatmosphere is rising significantly. Do we sit and wait, or exploitevery opportunity from every source, including wind, solar andother new technologies in a potentially favorable region likeCrimea?

As part of the research I interviewed Igor Zosimov, the Ministerof Energy for the Crimean region. He stated that it is possibleto make sure that Crimea has sufficient supply of electricity byusing traditional forms of energy, but there are many obstaclesto the use of fossil fuels considering the environmentaldisadvantages that it brings. The unique nature of the Crimea,an area that attracts year round holidaymakers, would bedestroyed by burning oil, natural gas or coal. Wind powergeneration technology is clean and emission-free, and like allrenewable energy sources, it develops the energy from naturalforces and does not have any polluting consequences that arenormally associated with fossil fuels.

The country though is at the very beginning of exploring windenergy, and energy efficiency needs to be put at the top of thepolitical agenda. This change will take time. The country needsto adapt legislation that stimulates energy efficiency and useof renewable energy sources. Perhaps tariffs will have to beincreased and energy companies will have to be penalisedthrough taxation or other measures for the use of fossil fuel.Those measures certainly cannot be adopted quickly.

However, this move towards opening the market for investmentand new technologies along with energy policy reforms,I believe, could finally move Ukraine into the system ofEuropean energy interconnections that will not only stop theCrimean peninsula being reliable on the energy coming fromthe mainland but could possibly reform the whole country’sreliance on a single energy supplier. The transition to windenergy can also help significantly to reduce carbon dioxideemissions.

Kateryna VoznenkoMA International Business

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As part of the ongoing efforts in promoting sustainability in theregional community, Anglia Ruskin University and the EssexFederation of Small Businesses partnered with the Organisationfor Responsible Businesses (ORB) for the Official Launch ofThe Responsible Business Standard: the Standard has beendeveloped by ORB as a platform that allows SMEs to developresponsible practices in the workplace, market place,environment, community and values, and other businessprocesses.

Jill Poet from ORB explained why responsible practices meanbetter opportunities for doing business for SMEs, given theincreasing attention that procurement offices, organisations andcompanies are giving to the corporate responsibility agenda.Academics from the Lord Ashcroft International BusinessSchool (LAIBS) and the programme Survive & Thrive(Enterprising Academics) have been supporting thisorganisation in the process of validation of the Standard.

The event was held on the 22nd June, 2010, in Chelmsfordand was attended by 40 delegates coming from SMEs, localgovernment and other organisations. This event was also anexcellent opportunity to promote the numerous programmes

that the University is developing: Mrs. Jemma Little fromResearch Development and Commercial Services (RDCS)presented an overview of the many programs and initiativesfor supporting regional development and knowledge exchange;Miss Julie-Ann Hogbin described the Low Carbon KEEPinitiative and our commitment with the agenda of sustainability;and Dr Beatriz Acevedo (LAIBS) explained the process ofcollaboration with the Organization for Responsible Businessesin the validation for both the content of the Standard and theprocesses involved in carrying out the audit.

Dr Acevedo emphasised that these types of collaborationare part of the University’s commitment to SustainableDevelopment and the efforts in this regard by the Committeeon Education for Sustainable Development, the Lord AshcroftInternational Business School and the Global SustainabilityInstitute.

Dr Beatriz Acevedo BEng, MA, MBA, PhD, Fellow HEA,Lecturer in Sustainable ManagementE: beatriz.acevedo@anglia.ac.ukT: 0845 196 5039

Supporting the validation of‘The Responsible Business Standard’

(left to right) Julie-Ann Hogbin, Low Carbon KEEP Program; Jemma Little, Research and Development Commercial Services,at Anglia Ruskin University; Beatriz Acevedo, Lecturer in Sustainable Management at Lord Ashcroft International BusinessSchool; Kevin Bentley, Cabinet Member for Essex County Council for Economic Development and Waste & Recycling;Jill Poet, Director, Organisation for Responsible Businesses; Iain Wicks, Essex FSB Regional Chairman;Mike Wilson, Organisation for Responsible Businesses.

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Volleyball stars swap court for classroom at Anglia RuskinOlympic hopefuls take part inspecial business seminar inChelmsford

The Great Britain Women’s Volleyball team swapped the courtfor the classroom on Wednesday 27 July, when they took partin a special seminar at Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford.

“Preparing to Perform: Lessons for Business Leaders” enabledlocal companies and business leaders to learn from the team’sexperiences, which saw them overcome adversity to secure aplace at the Olympic Games.

The players were informed last August that they had lost theirentire UK Sport Lottery Funding. However, they refused to giveup on their dream of representing Great Britain next summerand – after months of hard work and sacrifice – they havebeen told they have now met the criteria needed to take part.

The seminar focussed on retaining focus and morale; achievingtraining goals; and examining the physical, spiritual andmental factors necessary to become a successful athlete.

The experts discussed these issues – and their relevance tobusiness leadership – using a holistic development modelcalled The Global Fitness Framework, which has beenproduced within Anglia Ruskin’s Lord Ashcroft InternationalBusiness School.

John Rayment, Principal Lecturer in Decision Makingand Problem Solving at LAIBS, said: “This was a uniqueopportunity to get a behind-the-scenes insight into ateam preparing to compete in next year’s Olympics.

“The experience was enthralling, and proved to beinvaluable for leaders dealing with major challengeand change within their business.”John Rayment

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MBACONNECT

If you have any news or information you feelwould be of interest to your fellow MBA Alumniplease send your copy to me. The next issue ofMBAConnect is due out in December 2011 andthe deadline for copy is the 28 November 2011(good quality images to accompany yourarticles would be good too). Additionally, if youhave any suggestions as to the type of contentyou would like to see in the newsletter thenplease let me know.

Editor:Christine Durrant(Marketing, Communicationsand External Relations, LAIBS)

E:christine.durrant@anglia.ac.uk

Websites:www.anglia.ac.uk/alumniwww.anglia.ac.uk/aibs