Annual Globalisation Conference Invites Researchers to Submit Contributions
Event Provides Opportunities to Showcase Work and Exchange Knowledge
How about presenting your research work to a highly qualified, diverse and international audience during Wittenborg’s vibrant Annual Globalisation Conference?
The event will take place from 14 to 16 August, in Apeldoorn, and its call for papers and posters is open until 15 May (click here to access the registration and submission forms). Note, however, that paper and poster abstracts must be submitted by 1 April. General registration will be possible until 1 August.
Authors will have the opportunity to submit works under the conference’s 10 key themes: 1) The Digital Revolution, 2) Global Trade and Economics, 3) Cultural Exchange in a Globalised World, 4) Migration Patterns, 5) Environmental Challenges, 6) Global Governance and Policy, 7) The Future of Work, 8) Ethics and Globalisation, 9) Global Health and Pandemics and 10) Education in a Globalised Era.
Detailed information is available on the submission guidelines for papers and posters. Any queries regarding the submission process can be emailed to globalisation-conference@wittenborg.eu.
Study Highlights Importance of Transparency on Food Labels
Research by Maheen Chaudry Analyses How Transparent Labels Impact Customer Purchasing Behaviours
https://www.wittenborg.eu/study-highlights-importance-transparency-food-labels.htm
Having recently completed an IBA degree in Logistics and International Trade, Maheen Chaudry decided to focus her graduation assignment on the subject of food safety and food transparency. According to Chaudry, this is an important field of research because consumers are becoming increasingly interested in these topics, and more conscious about their choices.
She emphasises that the need for transparency has been highlighted by several scandals, tragedies and crises that have plagued the food industry throughout history. “For this reason, people have significant concerns regarding the safety and quality of the food they consume daily, modifying their shopping lists and sharing their worries on social media, which makes food transparency a global trend,” the graduate points out.
Titled ‘What are the Impacts of Transparent Food Labels on Customer Purchasing Behaviour?’, the study is based on qualitative methods. To gather the data, the student conducted interviews with a diverse set of participants, including both consumers and supermarket managers. While the face-to-face interviews with the managers were arranged via email, consumers were randomly selected from a local store.
Among other topics, Chaudry asked respondents about their awareness of transparent labels, how they perceive customer demands for transparency and how transparent labels influence decision-making processes regarding consumption.
From Biomedical Engineer to Entrepreneur: Wittenborg Student Mahdokht Hemati Shares Success Story
Mahdokht Hemati on the Start of Dice Cuban Café in Tehran
In the city of Tehran, Mahdokht Hemati's journey led her from the world of biomedical engineering to becoming the proud owner and founder of Dice Cuban Café, a unique establishment inspired by Cuban culture and cuisine. Currently pursuing her MBA (Master of Business Administration) degree with a specialisation in International Management at Wittenborg, Hemati shared insights into her background, career choices and the vision behind her thriving business.
Passion and expertise
Hemati, from Iran, graduated with a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Science and Research in Tehran. After working at Sharif University's biomedical engineering faculty and later joining a startup focused on aiding blind individuals, Hemati also explored various roles in sales, marketing and management within the fields of oilseed imports and poultry feed.
After around nine years, Hemati felt the entrepreneurial spark and recognised the need for a unique dining experience in Tehran. With Dice Cuban Café, she identified a gap in the market for Latino American-style cuisine and unknown dishes in the city:
Myra Qiu Becomes Member of Wittenborg’s Executive Board
Qiu Has Long Academic and Professional Trajectory at Wittenborg
https://www.wittenborg.eu/myra-qiu-becomes-member-wittenborgs-executive-board.htm
On 1 January 2024, Wittenborg’s Head of Executive Affairs Myra Qiu became a permanent member of the school’s Executive Board. Myra will be directly involved in activities related to strategic planning and decision-making, which will play an important role in the paths followed by the institution.
Wittenborg’s Executive Board also includes Wittenborg’s president Peter Birdsall, CEO Maggie Feng and Director of Corporate Governance Karen Penninga.
Among other areas, Qiu’s responsibilities will encompass internal processes, HR team management, international collaborations, external locations and transnational education agreements, internal and international events, as well as recruitment and sales.
Wittenborg CEO Attends India-Netherlands Business Seminar
Maggie Feng Reflects on India's Presence in the Netherlands
https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-ceo-attends-india-netherlands-business-seminar.htm
On 11 January, Maggie Feng, CEO of Wittenborg, attended the 'India-Netherlands Business Seminar: Opportunities for Cooperation in Innovation & Key Emerging Technologies' at the Marriott Hotel in The Hague.
Organised by the Embassy of India in the Netherlands, the seminar aimed to strengthen trade, investment, and business collaborations between India and the Netherlands, attracting over 125 participants, including government representatives, business leaders, academics, entrepreneurs and innovators.
The seminar focused on promoting business and investment, with a special emphasis on how innovation and new technologies could drive bilateral trade and investment, offering significant opportunities for enhanced collaboration between the two countries.
Global People Lunch & Talk with Kobi Ampoma: 'What Companies Look for in Employees'
Ampoma Shares Expert Advice on CVs, Interviews and Landing Dream Jobs
https://www.wittenborg.eu/global-people-lunch-talk-kobi-ampoma-what-companies-look-employees.htm
On 17 January at Wittenborg's Amsterdam study location, Kobi Ampoma, a talent acquisition leader, shared valuable insights into the essential elements companies look for when hiring.
The talk, titled 'Cracking the Code: Understanding the Criteria Companies Seek in Talent', provided a roadmap for students who want to elevate their professional profiles. Ampoma, originally from Ghana, initially discussed his upbringing and fulfilling career, which serves as inspiration for him to give back, educate and share experiences.
Having transitioned from a sales role at Foot Locker to various industries and roles, including a stint as a sponsored basketball player through Nike, Ampoma now considers himself "someone who builds teams".
Drawing on his 22 years of experience, Ampoma highlighted the importance of technical skills, soft skills, adaptability and a proactive mindset in the job-seeking process. "Employability is not just about qualifications; it's about possessing a well-rounded skill set that aligns with a company's ethos," he explained.
Providing actionable insights for students, Ampoma stated, "Understanding what companies value in employees can significantly enhance your chances of securing a position in today's competitive job market. It's about showcasing a blend of technical expertise and interpersonal skills."
VR Glasses, 'Exoskelet' and 'Translation Earpieces': Innovative Ways to Address Inclusivity in the Workplace
Wittenborg's HR Manager Discusses How Companies in Apeldoorn Are Addressing Inclusivity
Maike Nuyken, HR (Human Resource) Manager, and Karen Penninga, Director of Corporate Governance at Wittenborg, attended an insightful meeting at Werkleerbedrijf Lucrato in Apeldoorn in December to delve deeper into the subject of inclusivity in the workplace.
The event, organised by VNO-NCW Midden, Bedrijvenkring Apeldoorn and Werkleerbedrijf Lucrato, brought together local entrepreneurs, company representatives and professionals to engage in discussions and promote inclusivity.
Nuyken said, "Inclusiveness is, of course, a topic very close to the heart of Wittenborg. These events are interesting for us in the HR Department to gain more insight and inspiration into how to further improve in those areas."
In order to explore various methods of engaging individuals with disabilities and understanding innovative approaches using technology to create opportunities for them, Nuyken also viewed this as an excellent opportunity to strengthen Wittenborg's local network and identify collaboration possibilities with other Apeldoorn-based companies.
MBM Thesis Explores South African Retail Companies' Journeys into Data Science
Rejan Botes Explores Data Science Application in South African Retail Marketing Strategies
On 1 December, Rejan Botes, presented his Graduation Assignment and Final Project (GA/FP) Oral Defence in Apeldoorn and sought to unravel the intricate landscape of data science within the marketing strategies of retail companies in South Africa.
To understand the extent data to which science is integrated into the marketing practices of Business-to-Consumer (B2C) companies in the country, Botes took on an in-depth exploration for his MBM (Master of Business Management) degree with a specialisation in Digital Marketing.
Originating from South Africa, Botes delved into a thorough literature review, establishing a base for his research. He also created a theoretical framework based on the Resource-Based Theory. He explained, "Companies are increasingly interested in big data because it provides them with accurate insights. These insights offer companies opportunities to make data-driven decisions."
Botes applied his theoretical framework to numerical data, revealing that data science applications— encompassing fields such as Computer Science, Machine Learning and Statistics — in marketing strategies were most pronounced among large retail companies. This positions these companies to capitalise on economic opportunities and mitigate potential threats in their operational environments.
"Large retail companies, through active data science application, have positioned themselves at the forefront of building sustainable competitive advantages," he explained.
Career Opportunities Crucial Factor for Graduates to Remain in the Netherlands
Study Highlights Reasons that Motivate International Alumni to Stay or Leave the Country
https://www.wittenborg.eu/career-opportunities-crucial-factor-graduates-remain-netherlands.htm
A study published by Dutch education organisation Nuffic in December outlines that 82% of international graduates who decided to remain in the Netherlands after their studies reported that finding career opportunities was a crucial factor in their decision. Other major drivers include quality of life, which was cited by 84% of stayers as important or extremely important, work-life balance (77%) and the international environment in the Netherlands (68%).
In order to gather the analysed data, the researchers relied on a survey that was completed by 680 students and graduates, as well as 26 semi-structured interviews with education experts, students and alumni.
The report showcases the relevance of international students for the Netherlands, highlighting that in the academic year 2022-2023, over 122,000 international degree students were enrolled in Dutch higher education, representing 15% of the total student population.
Prospective International Students to Have More Options of Language-Testing Providers
Dutch HEIs Implementing New Accreditation Process for Organisations
Prospective international students who intend to pursue educational programmes in the Netherlands will soon have more options of testing providers in order to comply with English-language requirements. On 1 January 2024, the National Commission for the Code of Conduct launched a new accreditation process aimed at selecting organisations that offer these services.
Currently, only IELTS, TOEFL and Cambridge Advanced Certificate are listed in the Code of Conduct for International Students in Dutch Higher Education as recognised providers. These organisations were selected in 2006 by the three umbrella associations that are part of the National Commission, representing the segments of research universities (Universiteiten van Nederland), universities of applied sciences (Vereniging Hogescholen) and private education institutions (NRTO).
Annual Globalisation Conference Invites Researchers to Submit Contributions
Event Provides Opportunities to Showcase Work and Exchange Knowledge
How about presenting your research work to a highly qualified, diverse and international audience during Wittenborg’s vibrant Annual Globalisation Conference?
The event will take place from 14 to 16 August, in Apeldoorn, and its call for papers and posters is open until 15 May (click here to access the registration and submission forms). Note, however, that paper and poster abstracts must be submitted by 1 April. General registration will be possible until 1 August.
Authors will have the opportunity to submit works under the conference’s 10 key themes: 1) The Digital Revolution, 2) Global Trade and Economics, 3) Cultural Exchange in a Globalised World, 4) Migration Patterns, 5) Environmental Challenges, 6) Global Governance and Policy, 7) The Future of Work, 8) Ethics and Globalisation, 9) Global Health and Pandemics and 10) Education in a Globalised Era.
Detailed information is available on the submission guidelines for papers and posters. Any queries regarding the submission process can be emailed to globalisation-conference@wittenborg.eu.
Study Highlights Importance of Transparency on Food Labels
Research by Maheen Chaudry Analyses How Transparent Labels Impact Customer Purchasing Behaviours
https://www.wittenborg.eu/study-highlights-importance-transparency-food-labels.htm
Having recently completed an IBA degree in Logistics and International Trade, Maheen Chaudry decided to focus her graduation assignment on the subject of food safety and food transparency. According to Chaudry, this is an important field of research because consumers are becoming increasingly interested in these topics, and more conscious about their choices.
She emphasises that the need for transparency has been highlighted by several scandals, tragedies and crises that have plagued the food industry throughout history. “For this reason, people have significant concerns regarding the safety and quality of the food they consume daily, modifying their shopping lists and sharing their worries on social media, which makes food transparency a global trend,” the graduate points out.
Titled ‘What are the Impacts of Transparent Food Labels on Customer Purchasing Behaviour?’, the study is based on qualitative methods. To gather the data, the student conducted interviews with a diverse set of participants, including both consumers and supermarket managers. While the face-to-face interviews with the managers were arranged via email, consumers were randomly selected from a local store.
Among other topics, Chaudry asked respondents about their awareness of transparent labels, how they perceive customer demands for transparency and how transparent labels influence decision-making processes regarding consumption.
From Biomedical Engineer to Entrepreneur: Wittenborg Student Mahdokht Hemati Shares Success Story
Mahdokht Hemati on the Start of Dice Cuban Café in Tehran
In the city of Tehran, Mahdokht Hemati's journey led her from the world of biomedical engineering to becoming the proud owner and founder of Dice Cuban Café, a unique establishment inspired by Cuban culture and cuisine. Currently pursuing her MBA (Master of Business Administration) degree with a specialisation in International Management at Wittenborg, Hemati shared insights into her background, career choices and the vision behind her thriving business.
Passion and expertise
Hemati, from Iran, graduated with a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Science and Research in Tehran. After working at Sharif University's biomedical engineering faculty and later joining a startup focused on aiding blind individuals, Hemati also explored various roles in sales, marketing and management within the fields of oilseed imports and poultry feed.
After around nine years, Hemati felt the entrepreneurial spark and recognised the need for a unique dining experience in Tehran. With Dice Cuban Café, she identified a gap in the market for Latino American-style cuisine and unknown dishes in the city:
Myra Qiu Becomes Member of Wittenborg’s Executive Board
Qiu Has Long Academic and Professional Trajectory at Wittenborg
https://www.wittenborg.eu/myra-qiu-becomes-member-wittenborgs-executive-board.htm
On 1 January 2024, Wittenborg’s Head of Executive Affairs Myra Qiu became a permanent member of the school’s Executive Board. Myra will be directly involved in activities related to strategic planning and decision-making, which will play an important role in the paths followed by the institution.
Wittenborg’s Executive Board also includes Wittenborg’s president Peter Birdsall, CEO Maggie Feng and Director of Corporate Governance Karen Penninga.
Among other areas, Qiu’s responsibilities will encompass internal processes, HR team management, international collaborations, external locations and transnational education agreements, internal and international events, as well as recruitment and sales.
Wittenborg CEO Attends India-Netherlands Business Seminar
Maggie Feng Reflects on India's Presence in the Netherlands
https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-ceo-attends-india-netherlands-business-seminar.htm
On 11 January, Maggie Feng, CEO of Wittenborg, attended the 'India-Netherlands Business Seminar: Opportunities for Cooperation in Innovation & Key Emerging Technologies' at the Marriott Hotel in The Hague.
Organised by the Embassy of India in the Netherlands, the seminar aimed to strengthen trade, investment, and business collaborations between India and the Netherlands, attracting over 125 participants, including government representatives, business leaders, academics, entrepreneurs and innovators.
The seminar focused on promoting business and investment, with a special emphasis on how innovation and new technologies could drive bilateral trade and investment, offering significant opportunities for enhanced collaboration between the two countries.
Global People Lunch & Talk with Kobi Ampoma: 'What Companies Look for in Employees'
Ampoma Shares Expert Advice on CVs, Interviews and Landing Dream Jobs
https://www.wittenborg.eu/global-people-lunch-talk-kobi-ampoma-what-companies-look-employees.htm
On 17 January at Wittenborg's Amsterdam study location, Kobi Ampoma, a talent acquisition leader, shared valuable insights into the essential elements companies look for when hiring.
The talk, titled 'Cracking the Code: Understanding the Criteria Companies Seek in Talent', provided a roadmap for students who want to elevate their professional profiles. Ampoma, originally from Ghana, initially discussed his upbringing and fulfilling career, which serves as inspiration for him to give back, educate and share experiences.
Having transitioned from a sales role at Foot Locker to various industries and roles, including a stint as a sponsored basketball player through Nike, Ampoma now considers himself "someone who builds teams".
Drawing on his 22 years of experience, Ampoma highlighted the importance of technical skills, soft skills, adaptability and a proactive mindset in the job-seeking process. "Employability is not just about qualifications; it's about possessing a well-rounded skill set that aligns with a company's ethos," he explained.
Providing actionable insights for students, Ampoma stated, "Understanding what companies value in employees can significantly enhance your chances of securing a position in today's competitive job market. It's about showcasing a blend of technical expertise and interpersonal skills."
VR Glasses, 'Exoskelet' and 'Translation Earpieces': Innovative Ways to Address Inclusivity in the Workplace
Wittenborg's HR Manager Discusses How Companies in Apeldoorn Are Addressing Inclusivity
Maike Nuyken, HR (Human Resource) Manager, and Karen Penninga, Director of Corporate Governance at Wittenborg, attended an insightful meeting at Werkleerbedrijf Lucrato in Apeldoorn in December to delve deeper into the subject of inclusivity in the workplace.
The event, organised by VNO-NCW Midden, Bedrijvenkring Apeldoorn and Werkleerbedrijf Lucrato, brought together local entrepreneurs, company representatives and professionals to engage in discussions and promote inclusivity.
Nuyken said, "Inclusiveness is, of course, a topic very close to the heart of Wittenborg. These events are interesting for us in the HR Department to gain more insight and inspiration into how to further improve in those areas."
In order to explore various methods of engaging individuals with disabilities and understanding innovative approaches using technology to create opportunities for them, Nuyken also viewed this as an excellent opportunity to strengthen Wittenborg's local network and identify collaboration possibilities with other Apeldoorn-based companies.
MBM Thesis Explores South African Retail Companies' Journeys into Data Science
Rejan Botes Explores Data Science Application in South African Retail Marketing Strategies
On 1 December, Rejan Botes, presented his Graduation Assignment and Final Project (GA/FP) Oral Defence in Apeldoorn and sought to unravel the intricate landscape of data science within the marketing strategies of retail companies in South Africa.
To understand the extent data to which science is integrated into the marketing practices of Business-to-Consumer (B2C) companies in the country, Botes took on an in-depth exploration for his MBM (Master of Business Management) degree with a specialisation in Digital Marketing.
Originating from South Africa, Botes delved into a thorough literature review, establishing a base for his research. He also created a theoretical framework based on the Resource-Based Theory. He explained, "Companies are increasingly interested in big data because it provides them with accurate insights. These insights offer companies opportunities to make data-driven decisions."
Botes applied his theoretical framework to numerical data, revealing that data science applications— encompassing fields such as Computer Science, Machine Learning and Statistics — in marketing strategies were most pronounced among large retail companies. This positions these companies to capitalise on economic opportunities and mitigate potential threats in their operational environments.
"Large retail companies, through active data science application, have positioned themselves at the forefront of building sustainable competitive advantages," he explained.
Career Opportunities Crucial Factor for Graduates to Remain in the Netherlands
Study Highlights Reasons that Motivate International Alumni to Stay or Leave the Country
https://www.wittenborg.eu/career-opportunities-crucial-factor-graduates-remain-netherlands.htm
A study published by Dutch education organisation Nuffic in December outlines that 82% of international graduates who decided to remain in the Netherlands after their studies reported that finding career opportunities was a crucial factor in their decision. Other major drivers include quality of life, which was cited by 84% of stayers as important or extremely important, work-life balance (77%) and the international environment in the Netherlands (68%).
In order to gather the analysed data, the researchers relied on a survey that was completed by 680 students and graduates, as well as 26 semi-structured interviews with education experts, students and alumni.
The report showcases the relevance of international students for the Netherlands, highlighting that in the academic year 2022-2023, over 122,000 international degree students were enrolled in Dutch higher education, representing 15% of the total student population.
Prospective International Students to Have More Options of Language-Testing Providers
Dutch HEIs Implementing New Accreditation Process for Organisations
Prospective international students who intend to pursue educational programmes in the Netherlands will soon have more options of testing providers in order to comply with English-language requirements. On 1 January 2024, the National Commission for the Code of Conduct launched a new accreditation process aimed at selecting organisations that offer these services.
Currently, only IELTS, TOEFL and Cambridge Advanced Certificate are listed in the Code of Conduct for International Students in Dutch Higher Education as recognised providers. These organisations were selected in 2006 by the three umbrella associations that are part of the National Commission, representing the segments of research universities (Universiteiten van Nederland), universities of applied sciences (Vereniging Hogescholen) and private education institutions (NRTO).