EBA Students Spearhead Innovative Solution to LinkedIn Profile Pictures
HeadStart aims to enhance students' LinkedIn profiles
https://www.wittenborg.eu/eba-students-spearhead-innovative-solution-linkedin-profile-pictures.htm
In an exciting display of entrepreneurship, a group of EBA (Entrepreneurial Business Administration) students from Wittenborg in Amsterdam has unveiled an innovative startup aimed at addressing a pressing need among their peers: professional LinkedIn profile photos.
Branded as 'HeadStart', the venture offers tailored photography services designed to boost students' presence on LinkedIn and improve their prospects in the job market.
Spearheaded by Wittenborg students, Arsenii Vinnitskii, Leila Keller and Narges Najafi, this new venture emerged as a result of their class projects guided by Senior Lecturer Andreas Ooijer.
When asked about how they came up with the idea, Narges explained that she is a professional photographer. "I have always thought about the fact that I need a new photo for my LinkedIn profile. I also checked the app and saw that most people don't have nice photos. I also have some friends who are in the job market. When they were searching for a job, they always asked me, 'When do you have time to take a picture for my profile?'"
Join the Debate: Wittenborg’s Globalisation Conference Discusses Global Health
Theme Intersects with Healthcare, Geopolitics, Social Issues, Culture, Business and Technology
The COVID-19 pandemic put global health on the spotlight. In addition to causing deep transformations in various sectors, the sanitary crisis also changed how the global population views and addresses health-related matters. However, it is important to highlight that the term 'global health' encompasses much more than the pandemic, which is just an example of a situation related to this field of study.
This broad topic, which has implications on all spheres of life, is Theme 9 of Wittenborg’s Globalisation Conference, set to take place from 14 to 16 August in Apeldoorn. Academics, students, policy-makers and industry professionals are welcome to submit their intellectual contributions and join the debate (see the submission deadlines and guidelines here).
Wittenborg Associate Professor of Applied Sciences Dr Cha-Hsuan Liu points out that all human beings and our living environment are connected nowadays, and in addition to physical health, the global population also faces challenges regarding mental health.
Empowering Women in Leadership: Strategies from SER Topvrouwen 2024
Event Sheds Light on the Path to More Women Becoming Supervisory Board Members
https://www.wittenborg.eu/empowering-women-leadership-strategies-ser-topvrouwen-2024.htm
On 18 March, Wittenborg's Brinklaan location hosted the inaugural SER Topvrouwen meeting of 2024, shedding light on women's leadership and the pivotal roles of supervisory board members.
SER Topvrouwen, also known as Top Women Apeldoorn, was co-founded by Wittenborg CEO, Maggie Feng. Comprising women in leadership positions in prominent Dutch institutions and corporations, SER Topvrouwen aims to amplify visibility and accelerate the progression of female talent.
At this exclusive event, approximately 20 women had the opportunity to hear from Jannie Benedictus, a financial journalist, who shared insights on female participation over the past 25 years. Dorothea van Rijnen also discussed the role supervisory board members before the networking session.
Feng noted that Benedictus provided intriguing insights, while Van Rijnen offered practical tips. "Jannie delved into topics such as the gender pay gap, part-time versus full-time work, societal perceptions of female participation, the balance between family, children, and career, as well as the surprising number of women who do not fear for financial dependence on their partners, often full-time working men. However, it is evident that while strides have been made towards gender equality, there is still progress to be made."
Empowering Women: Practical Tips for Becoming a Supervisor
Van Rijnen, a headhunter since the mid-90s, has been associated with Vanderkruijs since 2007 and joined Boer & Croon in 2022. With a focus primarily on public sectors like healthcare and education, she specialises in executive and supervisory roles within these domains.
Wittenborg’s Globalisation Conference: Exploring Education in a Globalised Era
Dadi Chen Explores Recent Changes and Opportunities in Education
As we find ourselves in an era of globalisation, 'Education in a Globalised Era' has been chosen as Theme 10 of Wittenborg’s Globalisation Conference, set to take place from 14 to 16 August in Apeldoorn.
Dadi Chen, Deputy Head of the School of Business, who is also a reviewer during the conference, sheds light on 'Education in a Globalised Era' and 'preparing the next generation for a boundary-less world', noting that this phenomenon is already occurring in many countries. Despite acknowledging that education lags behind other industries, Chen notes significant shifts, particularly seen in the increasing number of students opting to study abroad.
"When people choose to study at an international business school or university, they become more independent, making it easier to adapt to diverse learning and work environments," Chen explains. "International education positively influences individuals, especially in the era of technology like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technological advancements."
One pressing question posed by Chen revolves around the evolving role of universities in today's information-rich world. Traditionally perceived as "bastions of knowledge", universities now face challenges posed by platforms like ChatGPT, for instance. Chen prompts us to consider how educational institutions adapt, whether by integrating such platforms or becoming part of them.
Wittenborg Hosts Exclusive Book Signing Event for Dr Cara Antoine's 'Make it Personal'
Wittenborg Hosts Book Signing Event in Amsterdam
On 20 March, Dr Cara Antoine, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology, Innovation & Portfolio Officer at Capgemini and board member of the Netherlands Chapter at Women in Tech, presented her Amazon bestseller, 'Make it Personal: Discover the Five Dimensions of Human Collaboration in the Workplace'.
Hosted by Wittenborg at its Amsterdam study location, the event brought together Wittenborg staff, students and members of Women in Tech Netherlands chapter to purchase signed copies of Antoine's book and network.
Introductions
Wittenborg CEO, Maggie Feng, welcomed attendees and provided a brief introduction to the business school. Senior IT Auditor and Women in Tech Youth Ambassador, Reshelle Naidoo then discussed Women in Tech, which aims to empower women and girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) by 2030. Naidoo highlighted the importance of female representation in technology and finance studies, questioning, "How can we accelerate this change?" She also shared a message from the chapter's director, Lieke Lamb, who thanked Antoine' for her leadership and generosity. "Cara's contributions do not end with leadership alone," Naidoo read. "In a remarkable gesture, she has chosen to donate today's proceeds of her book to Women in Tech."
Antoine then spoke about her book in detail.
Wittenborg Professor Explores Future of AI Integration in the Workplace
Dr Gabor Molnar and Co-authors Explore Need for Human-Centric AI Integration in HRM
https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-professor-explores-future-ai-integration-workplace.htm
In a world where manning tables once dictated workforce management, a new era is dawning. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising Human Resource Management (HRM) as we know it. No longer confined to old-school methods, AI is reshaping HRM functions, driving efficiency and data analysis.
To explore the role of HR in the age of AI, Associate Professor of Applied Sciences at Wittenborg, Dr Gabor Molnar, alongside co-authors Ali Fenwick and Piper Frangos, have published a paper to explore the need for a human-centric approach in integrating AI within organisations.
"Our paper titled 'Revisiting the role of HR in the age of AI: bringing humans and machines closer together in the workplace' has significant implications for the industry, particularly for organisations aiming to leverage AI at the workplace," Molnar said of the paper, published in January 2024 by Frontiers, one of the most cited research publishers and open science platforms. "My co-authors and I have received several speaking invitations suggesting that the topic is both timely and crucial."
Molnar and his co-authors view AI integration not only as inevitable but also as an opportunity to improve organisational effectiveness and employee well-being.
As Spring Arrives, Almost 60 New Members of the Wittenborg Family Join the School
Students Based at Wittenborg's Campus and Study Locations in the Netherlands and Germany
https://www.wittenborg.eu/spring-arrives-almost-60-new-members-wittenborg-family-join-school.htm
For the almost 60 new international students joining Wittenborg in the Netherlands and Germany, the arrival of spring marks the beginning of a new phase in life.
From 25 to 28 March, the new members of the Wittenborg family were welcomed at the school’s main campus in Apeldoorn and study locations in Amsterdam and Munich, where they experienced the traditional Introduction Week. In addition to attending lectures about the practical aspects and culture of the countries where they will be living, the students were taught valuable lessons on Wittenborg’s infrastructure, services and organisation.
The activities were concluded with an Introductory Lunch in all of Wittenborg’s units, which gave the staff and the new students the chance to enjoy delicious food and make new friends.
In total, 16 nationalities are represented in this intake. The new bachelor’s, pre-master’s and master’s students come from Uganda, Russia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Iran, Peru, the United States, Tunisia, Morocco, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Italy, Sri Lanka and Türkiye.
Wittenborg has six intakes per year. Following the February and April intakes, the next ones will be in May, August, October and December.
During the Introductory Lunch held in Apeldoorn, Wittenborg CEO Maggie Feng shared her experience. Feng highlighted that she came to the Netherlands from China as an international student in 1999, and has gone through all the pains and gains of this journey.
Exploring AI's Impact on Retail: Insights from Jerry Stam's Guest Lecture
Generative AI's impact on retail, life and money is already evident
https://www.wittenborg.eu/exploring-ais-impact-retail-insights-jerry-stams-guest-lecture.htm
Wittenborg's IBM (International Business and Management) students were treated to a special guest lecture by IBM Associate Partner Jerry Stam on 11 March in Apeldoorn.
With an extensive background in retail spanning over two decades, including roles at IKEA, Hema and Blokker, Stam focuses on realising digital solutions for retailers at IBM and is widely respected by small and medium-sized retail enterprises in the Benelux.
Exploring AI's role in retail
During the lecture, Stam spoke about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and retail in an intertwined fashion, aiming to show how AI is already being used, its potential applications, and how it influences us all.
"Retail is a fascinating industry as we all interact with it almost every day," Stam explained afterwards. "At the same time, it's directly affected by societal developments, including inflation, housing and technology."
Wittenborg Researchers Publish Paper on Work-life Balance and Remote Working
Work by Rauf Abdul, Shohreh Parham and Conor Sheehan Published in Prestigious Peer-Reviewed Journal
Wittenborg scholars Rauf Abdul, Shohreh Parham and Conor Sheehan co-authored a paper that was recently published in the European Journal of Higher Education, focusing on how the recent pandemic continues to reshape the way we work considerably.
Titled ‘Work-life balance and remote working in the pandemic and beyond: The lived experiences of university academics in the Netherlands and UK’, the study explores the impact of remote working on the work-life balance of university academics in these two countries.
According to Wittenborg's Head of the School of Business Rauf Abdul, it is important to consider how the future of work will be shaped, especially with the widespread use of artificial intelligence.
“New and innovative forms of work and completing tasks will be implemented by organisations. In general, the study highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the impact of remote working on work-life balance. While remote working has the potential to improve work-life balance, it is not a cure-all solution and can also have negative impacts. Additionally, perhaps considering the role and impact of AI could extend this discussion to a different level. By recognising these complexities and taking steps to address them, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future of work,” he underlines.
'A Recipe for a Good Mood': Wittenborg's International Food & Karaoke Night
Staff and Students Gather to Have Fun
https://www.wittenborg.eu/recipe-good-mood-wittenborgs-international-food-karaoke-night.htm
Wittenborg recently hosted an International Food & Karaoke Night at its Amsterdam study location, bringing staff and students from both master's and bachelor's programmes together for an evening of fun.
Sam Kalya, Wittenborg's Recruitment & Sales Representative, shared insights into the event that took place on 15 March, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere. "Staff and students had a lot of fun. It is important to remember that part of being an international student is the social aspect."
Apart from karaoke, staff and students also had the option of showcasing a dish from their home country. There were about ten dishes to choose from. MBA (Master of Business Administration) student in Amsterdam, Zeinab Askarian's Kalam Polo was a fan favourite. "I wanted to introduce some of Iran's traditional dishes to people from other countries and get their feedback."
Zeinab explained that Kalam Polo's ingredients are rice, cabbage, meatballs and some vegetables. "It is cooked in a specific city of Iran. My mother-in-law taught me how to prepare it."
Zeinab encouraged other students to take part in similar events and cook dishes representing their cultures. "I want other students to participate in such events and cook themselves."
Zeinab also shared her experience of trying different dishes from various cultures at the event. She mentioned, "I was familiar with the dishes from Iran but there was a dish from India that I also really liked."
EBA Students Spearhead Innovative Solution to LinkedIn Profile Pictures
HeadStart aims to enhance students' LinkedIn profiles
https://www.wittenborg.eu/eba-students-spearhead-innovative-solution-linkedin-profile-pictures.htm
In an exciting display of entrepreneurship, a group of EBA (Entrepreneurial Business Administration) students from Wittenborg in Amsterdam has unveiled an innovative startup aimed at addressing a pressing need among their peers: professional LinkedIn profile photos.
Branded as 'HeadStart', the venture offers tailored photography services designed to boost students' presence on LinkedIn and improve their prospects in the job market.
Spearheaded by Wittenborg students, Arsenii Vinnitskii, Leila Keller and Narges Najafi, this new venture emerged as a result of their class projects guided by Senior Lecturer Andreas Ooijer.
When asked about how they came up with the idea, Narges explained that she is a professional photographer. "I have always thought about the fact that I need a new photo for my LinkedIn profile. I also checked the app and saw that most people don't have nice photos. I also have some friends who are in the job market. When they were searching for a job, they always asked me, 'When do you have time to take a picture for my profile?'"
Join the Debate: Wittenborg’s Globalisation Conference Discusses Global Health
Theme Intersects with Healthcare, Geopolitics, Social Issues, Culture, Business and Technology
The COVID-19 pandemic put global health on the spotlight. In addition to causing deep transformations in various sectors, the sanitary crisis also changed how the global population views and addresses health-related matters. However, it is important to highlight that the term 'global health' encompasses much more than the pandemic, which is just an example of a situation related to this field of study.
This broad topic, which has implications on all spheres of life, is Theme 9 of Wittenborg’s Globalisation Conference, set to take place from 14 to 16 August in Apeldoorn. Academics, students, policy-makers and industry professionals are welcome to submit their intellectual contributions and join the debate (see the submission deadlines and guidelines here).
Wittenborg Associate Professor of Applied Sciences Dr Cha-Hsuan Liu points out that all human beings and our living environment are connected nowadays, and in addition to physical health, the global population also faces challenges regarding mental health.
Empowering Women in Leadership: Strategies from SER Topvrouwen 2024
Event Sheds Light on the Path to More Women Becoming Supervisory Board Members
https://www.wittenborg.eu/empowering-women-leadership-strategies-ser-topvrouwen-2024.htm
On 18 March, Wittenborg's Brinklaan location hosted the inaugural SER Topvrouwen meeting of 2024, shedding light on women's leadership and the pivotal roles of supervisory board members.
SER Topvrouwen, also known as Top Women Apeldoorn, was co-founded by Wittenborg CEO, Maggie Feng. Comprising women in leadership positions in prominent Dutch institutions and corporations, SER Topvrouwen aims to amplify visibility and accelerate the progression of female talent.
At this exclusive event, approximately 20 women had the opportunity to hear from Jannie Benedictus, a financial journalist, who shared insights on female participation over the past 25 years. Dorothea van Rijnen also discussed the role supervisory board members before the networking session.
Feng noted that Benedictus provided intriguing insights, while Van Rijnen offered practical tips. "Jannie delved into topics such as the gender pay gap, part-time versus full-time work, societal perceptions of female participation, the balance between family, children, and career, as well as the surprising number of women who do not fear for financial dependence on their partners, often full-time working men. However, it is evident that while strides have been made towards gender equality, there is still progress to be made."
Empowering Women: Practical Tips for Becoming a Supervisor
Van Rijnen, a headhunter since the mid-90s, has been associated with Vanderkruijs since 2007 and joined Boer & Croon in 2022. With a focus primarily on public sectors like healthcare and education, she specialises in executive and supervisory roles within these domains.
Wittenborg’s Globalisation Conference: Exploring Education in a Globalised Era
Dadi Chen Explores Recent Changes and Opportunities in Education
As we find ourselves in an era of globalisation, 'Education in a Globalised Era' has been chosen as Theme 10 of Wittenborg’s Globalisation Conference, set to take place from 14 to 16 August in Apeldoorn.
Dadi Chen, Deputy Head of the School of Business, who is also a reviewer during the conference, sheds light on 'Education in a Globalised Era' and 'preparing the next generation for a boundary-less world', noting that this phenomenon is already occurring in many countries. Despite acknowledging that education lags behind other industries, Chen notes significant shifts, particularly seen in the increasing number of students opting to study abroad.
"When people choose to study at an international business school or university, they become more independent, making it easier to adapt to diverse learning and work environments," Chen explains. "International education positively influences individuals, especially in the era of technology like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technological advancements."
One pressing question posed by Chen revolves around the evolving role of universities in today's information-rich world. Traditionally perceived as "bastions of knowledge", universities now face challenges posed by platforms like ChatGPT, for instance. Chen prompts us to consider how educational institutions adapt, whether by integrating such platforms or becoming part of them.
Wittenborg Hosts Exclusive Book Signing Event for Dr Cara Antoine's 'Make it Personal'
Wittenborg Hosts Book Signing Event in Amsterdam
On 20 March, Dr Cara Antoine, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology, Innovation & Portfolio Officer at Capgemini and board member of the Netherlands Chapter at Women in Tech, presented her Amazon bestseller, 'Make it Personal: Discover the Five Dimensions of Human Collaboration in the Workplace'.
Hosted by Wittenborg at its Amsterdam study location, the event brought together Wittenborg staff, students and members of Women in Tech Netherlands chapter to purchase signed copies of Antoine's book and network.
Introductions
Wittenborg CEO, Maggie Feng, welcomed attendees and provided a brief introduction to the business school. Senior IT Auditor and Women in Tech Youth Ambassador, Reshelle Naidoo then discussed Women in Tech, which aims to empower women and girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) by 2030. Naidoo highlighted the importance of female representation in technology and finance studies, questioning, "How can we accelerate this change?" She also shared a message from the chapter's director, Lieke Lamb, who thanked Antoine' for her leadership and generosity. "Cara's contributions do not end with leadership alone," Naidoo read. "In a remarkable gesture, she has chosen to donate today's proceeds of her book to Women in Tech."
Antoine then spoke about her book in detail.
Wittenborg Professor Explores Future of AI Integration in the Workplace
Dr Gabor Molnar and Co-authors Explore Need for Human-Centric AI Integration in HRM
https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-professor-explores-future-ai-integration-workplace.htm
In a world where manning tables once dictated workforce management, a new era is dawning. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising Human Resource Management (HRM) as we know it. No longer confined to old-school methods, AI is reshaping HRM functions, driving efficiency and data analysis.
To explore the role of HR in the age of AI, Associate Professor of Applied Sciences at Wittenborg, Dr Gabor Molnar, alongside co-authors Ali Fenwick and Piper Frangos, have published a paper to explore the need for a human-centric approach in integrating AI within organisations.
"Our paper titled 'Revisiting the role of HR in the age of AI: bringing humans and machines closer together in the workplace' has significant implications for the industry, particularly for organisations aiming to leverage AI at the workplace," Molnar said of the paper, published in January 2024 by Frontiers, one of the most cited research publishers and open science platforms. "My co-authors and I have received several speaking invitations suggesting that the topic is both timely and crucial."
Molnar and his co-authors view AI integration not only as inevitable but also as an opportunity to improve organisational effectiveness and employee well-being.
As Spring Arrives, Almost 60 New Members of the Wittenborg Family Join the School
Students Based at Wittenborg's Campus and Study Locations in the Netherlands and Germany
https://www.wittenborg.eu/spring-arrives-almost-60-new-members-wittenborg-family-join-school.htm
For the almost 60 new international students joining Wittenborg in the Netherlands and Germany, the arrival of spring marks the beginning of a new phase in life.
From 25 to 28 March, the new members of the Wittenborg family were welcomed at the school’s main campus in Apeldoorn and study locations in Amsterdam and Munich, where they experienced the traditional Introduction Week. In addition to attending lectures about the practical aspects and culture of the countries where they will be living, the students were taught valuable lessons on Wittenborg’s infrastructure, services and organisation.
The activities were concluded with an Introductory Lunch in all of Wittenborg’s units, which gave the staff and the new students the chance to enjoy delicious food and make new friends.
In total, 16 nationalities are represented in this intake. The new bachelor’s, pre-master’s and master’s students come from Uganda, Russia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Iran, Peru, the United States, Tunisia, Morocco, Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Italy, Sri Lanka and Türkiye.
Wittenborg has six intakes per year. Following the February and April intakes, the next ones will be in May, August, October and December.
During the Introductory Lunch held in Apeldoorn, Wittenborg CEO Maggie Feng shared her experience. Feng highlighted that she came to the Netherlands from China as an international student in 1999, and has gone through all the pains and gains of this journey.
Exploring AI's Impact on Retail: Insights from Jerry Stam's Guest Lecture
Generative AI's impact on retail, life and money is already evident
https://www.wittenborg.eu/exploring-ais-impact-retail-insights-jerry-stams-guest-lecture.htm
Wittenborg's IBM (International Business and Management) students were treated to a special guest lecture by IBM Associate Partner Jerry Stam on 11 March in Apeldoorn.
With an extensive background in retail spanning over two decades, including roles at IKEA, Hema and Blokker, Stam focuses on realising digital solutions for retailers at IBM and is widely respected by small and medium-sized retail enterprises in the Benelux.
Exploring AI's role in retail
During the lecture, Stam spoke about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and retail in an intertwined fashion, aiming to show how AI is already being used, its potential applications, and how it influences us all.
"Retail is a fascinating industry as we all interact with it almost every day," Stam explained afterwards. "At the same time, it's directly affected by societal developments, including inflation, housing and technology."
Wittenborg Researchers Publish Paper on Work-life Balance and Remote Working
Work by Rauf Abdul, Shohreh Parham and Conor Sheehan Published in Prestigious Peer-Reviewed Journal
Wittenborg scholars Rauf Abdul, Shohreh Parham and Conor Sheehan co-authored a paper that was recently published in the European Journal of Higher Education, focusing on how the recent pandemic continues to reshape the way we work considerably.
Titled ‘Work-life balance and remote working in the pandemic and beyond: The lived experiences of university academics in the Netherlands and UK’, the study explores the impact of remote working on the work-life balance of university academics in these two countries.
According to Wittenborg's Head of the School of Business Rauf Abdul, it is important to consider how the future of work will be shaped, especially with the widespread use of artificial intelligence.
“New and innovative forms of work and completing tasks will be implemented by organisations. In general, the study highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the impact of remote working on work-life balance. While remote working has the potential to improve work-life balance, it is not a cure-all solution and can also have negative impacts. Additionally, perhaps considering the role and impact of AI could extend this discussion to a different level. By recognising these complexities and taking steps to address them, we can create a more sustainable and equitable future of work,” he underlines.
'A Recipe for a Good Mood': Wittenborg's International Food & Karaoke Night
Staff and Students Gather to Have Fun
https://www.wittenborg.eu/recipe-good-mood-wittenborgs-international-food-karaoke-night.htm
Wittenborg recently hosted an International Food & Karaoke Night at its Amsterdam study location, bringing staff and students from both master's and bachelor's programmes together for an evening of fun.
Sam Kalya, Wittenborg's Recruitment & Sales Representative, shared insights into the event that took place on 15 March, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere. "Staff and students had a lot of fun. It is important to remember that part of being an international student is the social aspect."
Apart from karaoke, staff and students also had the option of showcasing a dish from their home country. There were about ten dishes to choose from. MBA (Master of Business Administration) student in Amsterdam, Zeinab Askarian's Kalam Polo was a fan favourite. "I wanted to introduce some of Iran's traditional dishes to people from other countries and get their feedback."
Zeinab explained that Kalam Polo's ingredients are rice, cabbage, meatballs and some vegetables. "It is cooked in a specific city of Iran. My mother-in-law taught me how to prepare it."
Zeinab encouraged other students to take part in similar events and cook dishes representing their cultures. "I want other students to participate in such events and cook themselves."
Zeinab also shared her experience of trying different dishes from various cultures at the event. She mentioned, "I was familiar with the dishes from Iran but there was a dish from India that I also really liked."