Dutch Business Researcher Prof. Ad Kil to Run Wittenborg's Doctoral College in Apeldoorn Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences has appointed Dutch academic and business researcher Prof. Ad Kil as the new Director of its Doctoral College in Apeldoorn.
Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences has appointed Dutch academic and business researcher Prof. Ad Kil as the new Director of its Doctoral College in Apeldoorn. The college is to be run jointly by Wittenborg and its British partner, the University of Brighton.
New Doctoral College to Differentiate itself with Solution-Driven Approach and Academic Excellence
Kil already had ties with Wittenborg before accepting his new position. He served on the Advisory Board, which oversees the Executive, as well as the Graduation and Examination Board.
Although the foundation of the Doctoral College has been laid, Kill’s job will be to flesh out the details and bring it to life so that it is fully operational by the new academic year in September 2020.
“The programme will be designed for executives – a group other universities have not been eager to cater for, as they don’t always fit in with the typical research agenda and it can mean a lot of extra work. Our target group is not people who have just graduated. What will also differentiate us is that the disciplines will be more diverse and the supervisors will be more international and entrepreneurial minded. In other words, the subjects will tackle and be more attuned with real challenges in business and society. I think our challenge will be to design research and methodologies which will be solution driven without compromising on academic excellence.”
Multilingualism in Dutch HE should not Only Mean Dutch and English
A week before Christmas, the Dutch Senate passed the Bill on Language and Accessibility - meant to rein in the tide of English in higher education and ensure the survival of Dutch - after fierce debate. Wittenborg’s Vice President Corporate Affairs, Dr Jan-Albert Dop, finds it regrettable that the conversation only concentrated on Dutch and English, thereby rendering multiculturalism in the Netherlands so much poorer.
"Regrettable that Other Languages Ignored in Debate on Bill on Language and Accessibility"
A week before Christmas, the Dutch Senate passed the Bill on Language and Accessibility - meant to rein in the tide of English in higher education and ensure the survival of Dutch - after fierce debate. Wittenborg’s Vice President Corporate Affairs, Dr Jan-Albert Dop, finds it regrettable that by only concentrating on Dutch and English, multiculturalism in the Netherlands is so much poorer.
"Having read the entire transcript of the discussions in parliament about the Bill on Language and Accessibility, I can only say that opinions are all over the place. The bill seems to be no more than an effort to say 'We’re on the ball!', without making clear what the game is or where the goalposts are.
With some exceptions, everyone seems to agree that the principal language at Dutch universities should in theory be Dutch, but if English is deemed to offer added value (meerwaarde) over Dutch, English can be substituted. What that added value should be and for whom remains totally unclear.
Nuffic Nesos to Stay Open for at Least 2020 and 2021
Nuffic Wants to Contribute to New Strategy to Bind International Talent
https://www.wittenborg.eu/nuffic-nesos-stay-open-least-2020-and-2021.htm
While the Netherlands Education Support Offices (Nesos), currently active in 10 countries around the world, continue to face an uncertain future, for the time being they will remain open, at least for the next two years.
This is according to Freddy Weima, director of Nuffic, which is the Dutch organisation for internationalisation in education. In an interview Weima describes 2019 as a "tough year" for the organisation after being informed during the summer that the government has decided to stop the financing of the Nesos and the Holland Alumni Network.
"This brought about lots of uncertainty for our employees," Weima said in looking back on the tumultuous year. "In the meantime, what has become clear is that the Nesos can stay open in 2020 and 2021. The good news is that our activities around evaluation of diplomas and the National Agency Erasmus+ will continue - stronger even; it will be solidified in legislation."
In answer to what can be expected in the next year, Weima said 2020 will be an exciting year. "Not only for Nuffic, but internationalisation in general. This year, definite decisions about the financing of Nuffic in the future will be taken. It has also been agreed that a new cabinet strategy for internationalisation is needed, particularly in terms of the recruitment and binding of talent. Nuffic can and would like to make a big contribution to this strategy."
WUP 6/1/2019
by James Wittenborg
© Wittenborg University Press
Related Content
Nuffic
Neso
Project Week: Developing Well-Rounded Students
Projects like MUN Show Wittenborg's Model of Learning is in Step with Today's World
https://www.wittenborg.eu/project-week-developing-well-rounded-students.htm
Project Week (PW) is an integral part of the Wittenborg experience, which seeks to contribute to students’ personal development and knowledge - not only about business issues but also current global concerns. A good example of this was when Wittenborg recently hosted a Model United Nations Assembly where students debated world issues for 3 days. Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive as they got to experience what it is like to represent countries on an international level.
Having been a teacher myself for more than 15 years, I know very well how students hate the rhetorical way of teaching and learning. The old-school model of passive learning of facts and regurgitating them out of context no longer feels in step with the students of today’s world.
Diversity the Zeitgeist for Modern Youngsters
Working in teams with diverse nationalities, as well as brainstorming ideas and solving highly complex problems, has become the zeitgeist for our modern youngsters and future employees. German student, Robert Freytag, said he prefers this way of learning and especially likes the UN simulation model.
Why Every Business Student Needs Data Analysis Skills
"Statistical Thinking will Be as Important as Learning to Read and Write"
https://www.wittenborg.eu/why-every-business-student-needs-data-analysis-skills.htm
Data analysis is becoming a ubiquitous (widespread) phenomenon in the business world and, as future business graduates, it is pertinent that you pick up this subject and pick it up well. It is also one of the vital components in your Graduation Assignment, as it will help you to analyse and interpret the data in your findings. So, if you think you don’t have to master it, or if you think you can ignore this subject, you are, unfortunately, wrong. So, what is Business Statistics?
As most of us know, statistics is concerned with collecting, analysing, presenting and interpreting data. With advances in technology and the digitalisation of many aspects of our lives today, anybody can have access to vast amounts of statistical information. More and more business leaders and owners realise the significance of the ability to use data to their organisations' advantage. Companies which collect data, like Google or Amazon, translate online data into useful information that can earn them huge amounts of money. It is no wonder, then, that the top four largest brands and richest companies in 2019 are tech companies, with Apple leading the way, Google comes next, followed by Amazon and Microsoft.
Statistical data provides useful information. Businesses should envision entrenching statistics in their strategies in order to succeed. Decisions should be made based on factual information supported by appropriate data and its variations. Statistical data is important in every department, not just in accounting. It helps in marketing, finance, logistics, production and even human resource management.
Innovation not as Simple as "Thinking out of the Box"
Expert on Simplifying and Automating Processes Shares Knowledge with Amsterdam Students
https://www.wittenborg.eu/innovation-not-simple-thinking-out-box.htm
Innovation is never as simple as just "thinking out of the box". This is the message students from Wittenborg Amsterdam recently got from Larry Lucardie, CEO of Knowledge Values, who shared his expertise in simplifying and automating processes in the financial and public sectors. Lucardie was the guest lecturer during a seminar at Wittenborg Amsterdam.
Lucardie was a professor for more than 10 years at Uppsala University in Sweden, teaching Logic Programming at the Faculty of Science & Technology and Knowledge Management at the Faculty of Economics. He did his PhD at the Technical University of Eindhoven, and wrote about modelling reality and about the foundations of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Database Technology.
During the seminar he introduced the knowledge-driven organisation, and focused on how to use the functional approach to rationalise value chains and re-design AI & Data technologies to be essential value chain enablers.
He raised students' awareness of understanding that machine learning is different from human learning, and innovation is never a simple job of just "thinking out of the box". The whole process of designing, evaluating, testing, preparing, etc. is complex and complicated. With a single wrong flowchart, the whole process can go wrong and cause great financial loss in a business.
Unemployment Biggest Worry for Students
Fear of Unemployment Higher than Fear of Terrorism, Climate Change, War or Racism
Being jobless in the future seems to be the biggest worry for undergraduates, a quick survey among 170 international students at Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences has revealed. Fear of unemployment outranks the fear of terrorism, climate change, war, racism or even debt.
Students Least Worried about Intolerance
Wittenborg's Vice President Academic Affairs, Professor Dr Ron Tuninga, said the results show the importance of a great education followed by great job opportunities. Job worries topped concerns over the economy, then came terrorism, climate change and war. On a list of 10, students were the least worried about intolerance.
The survey was done during Wittenborg's Model United Nations (MUN) assembly this week which focuses on ethics in business, politics and governance. MUN is an academic simulation of the United Nations. Students play the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to solve real-world issues with the policies and perspectives of their assigned countries.
Most students also do not seem to have a high opinion of their own country's commitment to fight corruption. On average, students ranked their own countries very highly (7,29 out of 10) for their level of corruption.
Rising Influence of China Bigger Worry for Students than US Government Actions
When asked what they thought were the biggest challenges for their generation, students listed "climate change" as the top challenge - followed by the ability to maintain global peace, international financial crime, racism, drugs and corporate power. Students saw the rising influence of China as a bigger challenge than the US government. Eight students see older generations as a challenge, and another 5 also listed aliens from outer space as a threat.
Wittenborg Wishes you a Wonderful Festive Season
Wittenborg Wishes you all a Wonderful Festive Season
https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-wishes-you-wonderful-festive-season.htm
As we draw to the end of a long and fruitful year, it’s that time to relax and reflect on all the good things that have taken place this year; the successes, the hard work, the collegiality, the friendship, the diversity, the internationalisation, the teamwork, the respect and the trust.
Thank You!
On behalf of the Executive, we wish all students, alumni, staff, friends and relations of Wittenborg a very happy, peaceful and enjoyable festive season, and a well-earned break!
WUP 23/12/2019
by James Wittenborg
©Wittenborg University Press
Related Content
China and Russia in the Hot Seat as Wittenborg Students Simulate UN
3 Days of Hot Debates and Fierce Negotiations at Wittenborg's Model United Nations Assembly
https://www.wittenborg.eu/china-and-russia-hot-seat-wittenborg-students-simulate-un.htm
Students got a taste of what it is like to represent a country on an international level during Wittenborg’s Model United Nations assembly this week, passionately debating international hot potatoes like climate change, corruption and corporate interference in politics.
Model United Nations (MUN) is a simulation of the UN General Assembly where students play the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to solve real world issues with the policies and perspectives of their assigned countries.
At Wittenborg about 170 students were divided into 21 groups, with each group representing a country. Some students were in groups representing their "own" country, while others had to present countries other than their own, challenging them to make some interesting mind switches. This MUN exercise – played out over 3 days - focused on ethics in business, politics and governance.
Students were eased into the topic with fascinating presentations by experts such as Dr Eike Fesefeldt, a trial lawyer for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Maria Mulder-Karadimou, a corporate treasury and finance expert on the first two days. They then had to research the country they represent and make poster presentations. On the third day it was show time and groups finally had the opportunity to present a position paper, form alliances with other groups and present a resolution to the assembly.
Lawyer from ICC Kicks off UN Simulation Talks
Financial Crimes on the Rise, ICC Lawyer tells Students Debating the Fight against Fraud, Corruption and Money Launderin
https://www.wittenborg.eu/lawyer-icc-kicks-un-simulation-talks.htm
A trial lawyer for the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Dr Eike Fesefeldt, kicked off Wittenborg's Model United Nations (MUN) simulation exercise on Wednesday, daring about 170 international students to voice their opinion on financial crimes, money laundering and fraud happening across borders.
Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences has students from over 100 nationalities - making it an ideal setup for MUN which is an academic simulation of the United Nations. Students play the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to solve real world issues with the policies and perspectives of their assigned country.
At Wednesday's kick-off students were divided into 21 groups, with each group representing a country. Some students were in groups representing their "own" country, while others had to present countries other than their own, challenging them to make some interesting mind switches. This MUN exercised focused on ethics in business, politics and governance.
Fesefeldt, who was a prosecutor in Germany, stressed the importance of so-called Joint Investigation Teams (JIT) between European Member states in dealing with financial and tax crimes. "Financial crimes do not know any borders," he told students, citing various examples of cases where investigating teams worked together and also explained the laws governing these joint operations as well as the role of the bodies which see to it that they are executed and that operations run smoothly.
Dutch Business Researcher Prof. Ad Kil to Run Wittenborg's Doctoral College in Apeldoorn Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences has appointed Dutch academic and business researcher Prof. Ad Kil as the new Director of its Doctoral College in Apeldoorn.
Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences has appointed Dutch academic and business researcher Prof. Ad Kil as the new Director of its Doctoral College in Apeldoorn. The college is to be run jointly by Wittenborg and its British partner, the University of Brighton.
New Doctoral College to Differentiate itself with Solution-Driven Approach and Academic Excellence
Kil already had ties with Wittenborg before accepting his new position. He served on the Advisory Board, which oversees the Executive, as well as the Graduation and Examination Board.
Although the foundation of the Doctoral College has been laid, Kill’s job will be to flesh out the details and bring it to life so that it is fully operational by the new academic year in September 2020.
“The programme will be designed for executives – a group other universities have not been eager to cater for, as they don’t always fit in with the typical research agenda and it can mean a lot of extra work. Our target group is not people who have just graduated. What will also differentiate us is that the disciplines will be more diverse and the supervisors will be more international and entrepreneurial minded. In other words, the subjects will tackle and be more attuned with real challenges in business and society. I think our challenge will be to design research and methodologies which will be solution driven without compromising on academic excellence.”
Multilingualism in Dutch HE should not Only Mean Dutch and English
A week before Christmas, the Dutch Senate passed the Bill on Language and Accessibility - meant to rein in the tide of English in higher education and ensure the survival of Dutch - after fierce debate. Wittenborg’s Vice President Corporate Affairs, Dr Jan-Albert Dop, finds it regrettable that the conversation only concentrated on Dutch and English, thereby rendering multiculturalism in the Netherlands so much poorer.
"Regrettable that Other Languages Ignored in Debate on Bill on Language and Accessibility"
A week before Christmas, the Dutch Senate passed the Bill on Language and Accessibility - meant to rein in the tide of English in higher education and ensure the survival of Dutch - after fierce debate. Wittenborg’s Vice President Corporate Affairs, Dr Jan-Albert Dop, finds it regrettable that by only concentrating on Dutch and English, multiculturalism in the Netherlands is so much poorer.
"Having read the entire transcript of the discussions in parliament about the Bill on Language and Accessibility, I can only say that opinions are all over the place. The bill seems to be no more than an effort to say 'We’re on the ball!', without making clear what the game is or where the goalposts are.
With some exceptions, everyone seems to agree that the principal language at Dutch universities should in theory be Dutch, but if English is deemed to offer added value (meerwaarde) over Dutch, English can be substituted. What that added value should be and for whom remains totally unclear.
Nuffic Nesos to Stay Open for at Least 2020 and 2021
Nuffic Wants to Contribute to New Strategy to Bind International Talent
https://www.wittenborg.eu/nuffic-nesos-stay-open-least-2020-and-2021.htm
While the Netherlands Education Support Offices (Nesos), currently active in 10 countries around the world, continue to face an uncertain future, for the time being they will remain open, at least for the next two years.
This is according to Freddy Weima, director of Nuffic, which is the Dutch organisation for internationalisation in education. In an interview Weima describes 2019 as a "tough year" for the organisation after being informed during the summer that the government has decided to stop the financing of the Nesos and the Holland Alumni Network.
"This brought about lots of uncertainty for our employees," Weima said in looking back on the tumultuous year. "In the meantime, what has become clear is that the Nesos can stay open in 2020 and 2021. The good news is that our activities around evaluation of diplomas and the National Agency Erasmus+ will continue - stronger even; it will be solidified in legislation."
In answer to what can be expected in the next year, Weima said 2020 will be an exciting year. "Not only for Nuffic, but internationalisation in general. This year, definite decisions about the financing of Nuffic in the future will be taken. It has also been agreed that a new cabinet strategy for internationalisation is needed, particularly in terms of the recruitment and binding of talent. Nuffic can and would like to make a big contribution to this strategy."
WUP 6/1/2019
by James Wittenborg
© Wittenborg University Press
Related Content
Nuffic
Neso
Project Week: Developing Well-Rounded Students
Projects like MUN Show Wittenborg's Model of Learning is in Step with Today's World
https://www.wittenborg.eu/project-week-developing-well-rounded-students.htm
Project Week (PW) is an integral part of the Wittenborg experience, which seeks to contribute to students’ personal development and knowledge - not only about business issues but also current global concerns. A good example of this was when Wittenborg recently hosted a Model United Nations Assembly where students debated world issues for 3 days. Their feedback was overwhelmingly positive as they got to experience what it is like to represent countries on an international level.
Having been a teacher myself for more than 15 years, I know very well how students hate the rhetorical way of teaching and learning. The old-school model of passive learning of facts and regurgitating them out of context no longer feels in step with the students of today’s world.
Diversity the Zeitgeist for Modern Youngsters
Working in teams with diverse nationalities, as well as brainstorming ideas and solving highly complex problems, has become the zeitgeist for our modern youngsters and future employees. German student, Robert Freytag, said he prefers this way of learning and especially likes the UN simulation model.
Why Every Business Student Needs Data Analysis Skills
"Statistical Thinking will Be as Important as Learning to Read and Write"
https://www.wittenborg.eu/why-every-business-student-needs-data-analysis-skills.htm
Data analysis is becoming a ubiquitous (widespread) phenomenon in the business world and, as future business graduates, it is pertinent that you pick up this subject and pick it up well. It is also one of the vital components in your Graduation Assignment, as it will help you to analyse and interpret the data in your findings. So, if you think you don’t have to master it, or if you think you can ignore this subject, you are, unfortunately, wrong. So, what is Business Statistics?
As most of us know, statistics is concerned with collecting, analysing, presenting and interpreting data. With advances in technology and the digitalisation of many aspects of our lives today, anybody can have access to vast amounts of statistical information. More and more business leaders and owners realise the significance of the ability to use data to their organisations' advantage. Companies which collect data, like Google or Amazon, translate online data into useful information that can earn them huge amounts of money. It is no wonder, then, that the top four largest brands and richest companies in 2019 are tech companies, with Apple leading the way, Google comes next, followed by Amazon and Microsoft.
Statistical data provides useful information. Businesses should envision entrenching statistics in their strategies in order to succeed. Decisions should be made based on factual information supported by appropriate data and its variations. Statistical data is important in every department, not just in accounting. It helps in marketing, finance, logistics, production and even human resource management.
Innovation not as Simple as "Thinking out of the Box"
Expert on Simplifying and Automating Processes Shares Knowledge with Amsterdam Students
https://www.wittenborg.eu/innovation-not-simple-thinking-out-box.htm
Innovation is never as simple as just "thinking out of the box". This is the message students from Wittenborg Amsterdam recently got from Larry Lucardie, CEO of Knowledge Values, who shared his expertise in simplifying and automating processes in the financial and public sectors. Lucardie was the guest lecturer during a seminar at Wittenborg Amsterdam.
Lucardie was a professor for more than 10 years at Uppsala University in Sweden, teaching Logic Programming at the Faculty of Science & Technology and Knowledge Management at the Faculty of Economics. He did his PhD at the Technical University of Eindhoven, and wrote about modelling reality and about the foundations of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Database Technology.
During the seminar he introduced the knowledge-driven organisation, and focused on how to use the functional approach to rationalise value chains and re-design AI & Data technologies to be essential value chain enablers.
He raised students' awareness of understanding that machine learning is different from human learning, and innovation is never a simple job of just "thinking out of the box". The whole process of designing, evaluating, testing, preparing, etc. is complex and complicated. With a single wrong flowchart, the whole process can go wrong and cause great financial loss in a business.
Unemployment Biggest Worry for Students
Fear of Unemployment Higher than Fear of Terrorism, Climate Change, War or Racism
Being jobless in the future seems to be the biggest worry for undergraduates, a quick survey among 170 international students at Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences has revealed. Fear of unemployment outranks the fear of terrorism, climate change, war, racism or even debt.
Students Least Worried about Intolerance
Wittenborg's Vice President Academic Affairs, Professor Dr Ron Tuninga, said the results show the importance of a great education followed by great job opportunities. Job worries topped concerns over the economy, then came terrorism, climate change and war. On a list of 10, students were the least worried about intolerance.
The survey was done during Wittenborg's Model United Nations (MUN) assembly this week which focuses on ethics in business, politics and governance. MUN is an academic simulation of the United Nations. Students play the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to solve real-world issues with the policies and perspectives of their assigned countries.
Most students also do not seem to have a high opinion of their own country's commitment to fight corruption. On average, students ranked their own countries very highly (7,29 out of 10) for their level of corruption.
Rising Influence of China Bigger Worry for Students than US Government Actions
When asked what they thought were the biggest challenges for their generation, students listed "climate change" as the top challenge - followed by the ability to maintain global peace, international financial crime, racism, drugs and corporate power. Students saw the rising influence of China as a bigger challenge than the US government. Eight students see older generations as a challenge, and another 5 also listed aliens from outer space as a threat.
Wittenborg Wishes you a Wonderful Festive Season
Wittenborg Wishes you all a Wonderful Festive Season
https://www.wittenborg.eu/wittenborg-wishes-you-wonderful-festive-season.htm
As we draw to the end of a long and fruitful year, it’s that time to relax and reflect on all the good things that have taken place this year; the successes, the hard work, the collegiality, the friendship, the diversity, the internationalisation, the teamwork, the respect and the trust.
Thank You!
On behalf of the Executive, we wish all students, alumni, staff, friends and relations of Wittenborg a very happy, peaceful and enjoyable festive season, and a well-earned break!
WUP 23/12/2019
by James Wittenborg
©Wittenborg University Press
Related Content
China and Russia in the Hot Seat as Wittenborg Students Simulate UN
3 Days of Hot Debates and Fierce Negotiations at Wittenborg's Model United Nations Assembly
https://www.wittenborg.eu/china-and-russia-hot-seat-wittenborg-students-simulate-un.htm
Students got a taste of what it is like to represent a country on an international level during Wittenborg’s Model United Nations assembly this week, passionately debating international hot potatoes like climate change, corruption and corporate interference in politics.
Model United Nations (MUN) is a simulation of the UN General Assembly where students play the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to solve real world issues with the policies and perspectives of their assigned countries.
At Wittenborg about 170 students were divided into 21 groups, with each group representing a country. Some students were in groups representing their "own" country, while others had to present countries other than their own, challenging them to make some interesting mind switches. This MUN exercise – played out over 3 days - focused on ethics in business, politics and governance.
Students were eased into the topic with fascinating presentations by experts such as Dr Eike Fesefeldt, a trial lawyer for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Maria Mulder-Karadimou, a corporate treasury and finance expert on the first two days. They then had to research the country they represent and make poster presentations. On the third day it was show time and groups finally had the opportunity to present a position paper, form alliances with other groups and present a resolution to the assembly.
Lawyer from ICC Kicks off UN Simulation Talks
Financial Crimes on the Rise, ICC Lawyer tells Students Debating the Fight against Fraud, Corruption and Money Launderin
https://www.wittenborg.eu/lawyer-icc-kicks-un-simulation-talks.htm
A trial lawyer for the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Dr Eike Fesefeldt, kicked off Wittenborg's Model United Nations (MUN) simulation exercise on Wednesday, daring about 170 international students to voice their opinion on financial crimes, money laundering and fraud happening across borders.
Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences has students from over 100 nationalities - making it an ideal setup for MUN which is an academic simulation of the United Nations. Students play the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to solve real world issues with the policies and perspectives of their assigned country.
At Wednesday's kick-off students were divided into 21 groups, with each group representing a country. Some students were in groups representing their "own" country, while others had to present countries other than their own, challenging them to make some interesting mind switches. This MUN exercised focused on ethics in business, politics and governance.
Fesefeldt, who was a prosecutor in Germany, stressed the importance of so-called Joint Investigation Teams (JIT) between European Member states in dealing with financial and tax crimes. "Financial crimes do not know any borders," he told students, citing various examples of cases where investigating teams worked together and also explained the laws governing these joint operations as well as the role of the bodies which see to it that they are executed and that operations run smoothly.