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What Makes Effective Team Work?

What Makes Effective Team Work?

Are You a Team Worker or a Free Rider?

“I’ll write down the questions for the interview,” said student A.
“I’ll do the interview,” said student B.  
“Well, in that case, I’ll do the PowerPoint presentation, but I need your input for the content part,”
said student C as he looked at student D.  Student D looked at each of her team members, and without revealing the disappointment in her voice, said okay. And the story continued with Student D slogging through the days and nights trying to complete the whole of the project report before the deadline.

Sounds familiar?  Well, this is a very common scenario among students in high schools, colleges, universities and among employees in workplaces.  So, what’s wrong with this?  Everything, actually.  There is no teamwork, no collaboration, no cooperation and no focus.  Almost definitely, we can say that student D had done the majority of the work, sieving through books and journals and then piecing the information together to form the body of the report.  Is that teamwork?

What is Team Work?
Teamwork refers to a group of people working together towards a common goal.  Scarnati (2001, p.5) defines teamwork “as a cooperative process that allows ordinary people to achieve extraordinary results”. Extraordinary results because teamwork requires people to collaborate and work interdependently, and collectively the team can come up with a better solution than an individual can.  Arthur L. Costa, in his book ‘The School as a Home for the Mind: Creating Mindful Curriculum, Instruction, and Dialogue', on p.43 said, “Cooperative humans realise that all of us together are more powerful, intellectually and/or physically, than any one individual.”  

Seemingly Absurd Code of Conduct Regarding Language Use Published

Seemingly Absurd Code of Conduct Regarding Language Use Published

Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences has released its 'Code of Conduct for the Use of the English Language', as required by law, which is now enforced to counter 'anglicisation' of Dutch Higher Education

https://www.wittenborg.eu/seemingly-absurd-code-conduct-regarding-language-use-published.htm

Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences has released its 'Code of Conduct for the Use of the English Language', as required by law. This follows recent discussions in the media and in parliament about the anglicisation of Dutch Higher Education.

Dutch Purists and the International HE Money Thing

"According to some Dutch purists there are simply too many English-taught degree programmes at Dutch universities," Wittenborg's Chair, Peter Birdsall, states. He goes on to explain that the debate has reached the government and that there are measures lying in wait to curb the numbers of international students and international programmes at Dutch universities.

"It is simply a money thing - Dutch universities are keen to attract as many international students as possible, and to offer the programmes in two languages costs too much money. EU students bring substantial parts of the funding, as they are fully paid for by the Dutch tax-payer, and non-EU students are a lucrative business as they pay much higher fees. Especially Dutch research universities are attracting many non-EU students who are actually only qualified for degree programmes at applied sciences universities, which have lower entry requirements compared to these high-ranked universities. Financial incentive is encouraging these top universities to teach in English and recruit unqualified non-EU students through agents… and now we are all subject to scrutiny."

Wittenborg continues its AACSB journey at ICAM 2019 in Edinburgh

Wittenborg continues its AACSB journey at ICAM 2019 in Edinburgh

Wittenborg University continues its AACSB journey at ICAM 2019 in Edinburgh, meeting business school deans and leaders from around the world.

Wittenborg (WUAS) was represented earlier this month at the AACSB ICAM conference in Edinburgh, by Professor Dr Ron Tuninga, Vice President Academic Affairs, and Dr Rauf Abdul, Head of the WUAS School of Business. ICAM is AACSB's yearly gathering, and the event brings together business school dean and leaders from around the world.

AACSB membership

WUAS has been an AACSB member for two years, and has embarked upon the preparations for AACSB accreditation, an institutional award which is globally recognised. The originally American AACSB and the Dutch accreditation authority NVAO have a partnership that allows for some overlap in recognition.

Benchmarks for Business Schools of the future

According to Wittenborg's Chair and President, Peter Birdsall, "In order to gain AACSB accreditation, a process that could take up to 7 years, WUAS will need, among other things, to further develop its quality system, clearly showing assurance of learning, increase its research-active faculty and essentially that its vision and strategy are reflected throughout it's programmes and working methodology."

Birdsall is convinced that international recognitions are essential for business schools to compete on a global market. "Our slogan that we launched this year - 'Better Yourself, Better Our World' will now become a clear driver to eventually show that students and staff are achieving their potential"

"AACSB membership and eventual accreditation are quickly becoming benchmarks for business schools across the world."

Wittenborg's vice president, Dr Ron Tuninga summed it up by saying 'One day, it will have become an international standard and instead of people wondering why you did it, they will ask 'why don't you have it?'

Islamic Finance Has No Other Option Than to Embrace Financial Technology.

Islamic Finance Has No Other Option Than to Embrace Financial Technology.

Islamic Finance Has No Other Option Than to Embrace Financial Technology.

https://www.wittenborg.eu/islamic-finance-has-no-other-option-embrace-financial-technology.htm

Wittenborg lecturer, Dr Muhammad Ashfaq, recently participated in the 7th Global Forum on Islamic Finance organised by the COMSATS University Islamabad held at its Lahore campus in Pakistan.

Ashfaq gave a presentation which asked the question: “Can Financial Technology Play and Important Role in the Development of Islamic Finance?”

He also met with the director of the campus, Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas, to discuss mutual areas of interest between COMSATS University Islamabad and Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences. "I briefed him about the academic excellence at Wittenborg," Ashfaq said of the meeting.

One of the key points of his presentation was that though Islamic finance accepts financial technology, it does so at a slower speed compared to its conventional peers.  "There are already a few successful cases where Islamic banks have been involved in utilising fintech platforms. Examples include the Investment Account Platform (IAP) in Malaysia and the Emirates Digital Wallet, which is a joint venture of 16 UAE banks, 4 of which are Islamic.  Consequently, we see diverse response from traditional market players with respect to this new disruption."

He concluded that overall, existing market players do not have any option except to embrace fintech and work in cooperation with it.

WUP 22/4/2019
by James Wittenborg
©Wittenborg University Press

Related Content
COMSATS
Staff at Wittenborg

 

 

 

Serial Entrepreneur Dr Melody Sauerborn Guest Lectures at Wittenborg Amsterdam

Serial Entrepreneur Dr Melody Sauerborn Guest Lectures at Wittenborg Amsterdam

Bootstrapping and Raising Finance

https://www.wittenborg.eu/serial-entrepreneur-dr-melody-sauerborn-guest-lectures-wittenborg-amsterdam.htm

Students from Wittenborg Amsterdam recently had the opportunity to listen to Dr Melody Sauerborn, bio-pharmacy scientist and serial entrepreneur.

Sauerborn was invited as guest lecture as part of the "Bootstrapping & Raising Finance" module, usually taught by Wittenborg lecturer, Andreas Ooijer. At its Amsterdam location, Wittenborg offers BBA and MBA programmes specialised in Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Small Business.

One of Sauerborn's companies is a contract research company, ADA InVivo B.V., that aimed to consult pharmaceutical multinationals on drug safety. Due to market developments the company now provides training and certification programs for professionals in technology.

Ooijer said: “During her talk she shared with students her experiences of success and failure and provided key lessons learned regarding the relative value of business plans, formal planning and investor relations during the start-up phases of companies”.

WUP 20/4/2019
by James Wittenborg
©Wittenborg University Press

Related Content
Guest Lectures
Wittenborg Amsterdam

 

Graduate's Simple Idea Changes Lives in Nigeria

Graduate's Simple Idea Changes Lives in Nigeria

"Sport Talents Need to Realise They Need an Education Too"

https://www.wittenborg.eu/graduates-simple-idea-changes-lives-nigeria.htm

Wittenborg graduate Olumide Omotoso has proved that you can make a big difference in the world with a simple idea. While doing his master's degree in Apeldoorn, the Nigerian football player organised a shoe collection drive for disadvantaged children back in his own country.

Omotoso graduated this winter from Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences with a Master of Science in Sport Business Management. He arrived in the Netherlands in November 2017, and soon after joined a local football club in Apeldoorn, Victoria Club.

Using Sport to Change Lives

“I want to be involved with sports while changing lives,” he says of the motivation behind his idea. “Football is a much loved sport in Nigeria, but many children do not have the basic equipment to fulfil their dreams of playing football. Ask any footballer and he would tell you a good pair of shoes is the first thing you need. So, that is why I went for that.”

In the first phase of his collection efforts he managed to send 55 pairs of shoes to Nigeria. Starting with his own football club and then others in the Netherlands, he asked people to donate their old sport shoes that are still in a good condition. Word got around and more and more people came forward to donate.

Cultural Differences Day at Wittenborg

Cultural Differences Day at Wittenborg

KSG Apeldoorn High School Visits Wittenborg University with Cultural Diversity the Key Theme of Discussion.

During the presentation, staff focused on 3 different aspects: diversity, culture and cultural differences. To break the ice, the high-school pupils were tasked with guessing the origins of Wittenborg's facilitators. This exercise proved to be a little tricky, since it was hard to pinpoint the exact origins. However, in a second exercise and with the support of a world map, students immediately recognised the countries. Staff member Nadia commented: “I was positively surprised how quickly the students reacted once we showed them the map”. The facilitators then proceeded to take the students on a journey of their own personal lives.

Sinan, a Turkish staff member in the admissions department, mentioned a few culture shocks since he moved to Europe. For instance, he recalls how impressed he was, that cars stop at a zebra crossing. He argues “In Turkey this is impossible, cars don’t stop for you and you have to be very careful when crossing the street." Through a video, students could experience the different ways of tackling zebra crossings.  Sinan then explained how culture comes in every shape and form and can be seen in individual clothes, religion and food. Students were then asked about dinner times. Since most of the students were Dutch the answer was 6 or 5 PM, but when Sinan asked the Algerian and Malaysian staff members, the students were surprised that dinner would start at 8 or even 9 PM.

Dutch students were asked to explain the Dutch culture to the presenters - then there was silence in the room. What is culture and how do you define it? It is not easy to define one’s culture, since it usually involves routines that seem normal to the individual but could be interpreted as odd for an outsider.

Head of Research Sings at Homeless Benefit Evening

Head of Research Sings at Homeless Benefit Evening

"Music Fuels my Science Career"

https://www.wittenborg.eu/head-research-sings-homeless-benefit-evening.htm

Wittenborg's Head of Research, Dr. Nicolet Theunissen,  is not only a scientist, but also an accomplished singer who regularly performs as one part of the piano-vocalist duo, Sound of Balance.  

The duo recently organised and performed at a benefit evening for young, homeless people in Apeldoorn, held at Artcafe Samsam. Along with two bands and several guest musicians it resulted in an entertaining evening. "The public loved it and a lot of money was raised for the homeless youngsters in Apeldoorn," said Theunissen.

"Music has always been a very important part of my life. When I graduated from high school, I had doubts about my further education. Would I study psychology or register for singing and composition at the conservatory? Both were not possible. I chose to study psychology, and pursue my musical development outside of study. I took singing and composition lessons, was part of jazz bands and alternative electronic pop bands and wrote my own songs.

"Although my career was primarily in science, music has remained an important part of my life. I am convinced that my creativity as a scientist is fueled by my musical activities. My advice to students: focus on what you want to be good at, work hard, but do not limit yourself. I recommend everyone to develop at least two talents for a full and rich life."

WUP 14/04/2019
by James Wittenborg
©Wittenborg University Press

Related Content
Wittenborg Research Centre
Head of research

Want Better Grades? Change Your Study Technique

Want Better Grades? Change Your Study Technique

The Feynman Technique Will Help you Learn Faster and Improve your Results

https://www.wittenborg.eu/want-better-grades-change-your-study-technique.htm

Exams are finally over, at least for this block.  There are dozens more exams to come if you are at the start of your bachelor's or master’s degree.  It sounds so daunting, but that’s how it has been and will continue to be.  We often grumble when it comes to revising for tests or exams.  Studying is indeed tough, stressful and frustrating, or even traumatic for some.  It all boils down to the same thing - reading thick books and poring over lengthy academic papers and case studies.  And the process seems endless because there are countless theories or concepts that we need to remember, memorise and apply.  

What is Your Study Technique?

Each one of us has our own study technique, which may have worked well for the past number of years (and that’s why you’re still in university and not a school drop-out).  But is it really the most efficient and effective study technique there is for you?  (Marketing management guru Peter Drucker wrote: “Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things”).  Does your study technique require a lot of self-discipline and independent work and cut down your other activities to zero?  And after all that hard work, at the end of the day, do you feel satisfied and confident that you can answer the questions in the exams? Or are you back to square one where you realise you cannot remember anything at all or your understanding is patchy, causing you to start panicking?  Are you bored with the same old method of reading chapter after chapter of theories, concepts and explanations, be it science, maths or economics?

A warm welcome to Wittenborg's new students during Introduction Week.

A warm welcome to Wittenborg's new students during Introduction Week.

An international group of students ready to learn abroad in the Netherlands.

https://www.wittenborg.eu/warm-welcome-wittenborgs-new-students-during-introduction-week.htm

Wittenborg is known for the multiple entry dates that they offer for both bachelor's and master's degree students. As the fourth intake of the academic year is upon us, a total of 41 new students joined Wittenborg: 38 in Apeldoorn and 3 in Amsterdam. Amongst these 41 students there are 17 different countries represented by Wittenborg’s new-comers. Specifically, there are eight Iranians, seven Nigerians, six Indians, three from China, two from Vietnam, two Russians, two from Cameroon, two from Pakistan, one Australian, one from Ghana, one from Nepal, one from Zimbabwe, one from Syria, one Sri Lankan, one from Kazakhstan, one Italian and one Angolan.

Two of Wittenborg’s new students from India, Dev Deshmukh and Kevin Coelho, are anxious to start their bachelor’s degree programs in Sports Business Management. In terms of life in the Netherlands, Kevin enjoys the peacefulness Apeldoorn offers and Dev enjoys the open-culture that the Netherlands portray. It makes it a lot easier for them to adapt to a new environment. Both Dev and Kevin are football enthusiasts and plan to use the knowledge they will gain over the course of the next few years to enhance their understanding regarding the sports industry through a business perspective. Dev & Kevin also plan to play football in Apeldoorn in the near future.

What Makes Effective Team Work?

What Makes Effective Team Work?

Are You a Team Worker or a Free Rider?

“I’ll write down the questions for the interview,” said student A.
“I’ll do the interview,” said student B.  
“Well, in that case, I’ll do the PowerPoint presentation, but I need your input for the content part,”
said student C as he looked at student D.  Student D looked at each of her team members, and without revealing the disappointment in her voice, said okay. And the story continued with Student D slogging through the days and nights trying to complete the whole of the project report before the deadline.

Sounds familiar?  Well, this is a very common scenario among students in high schools, colleges, universities and among employees in workplaces.  So, what’s wrong with this?  Everything, actually.  There is no teamwork, no collaboration, no cooperation and no focus.  Almost definitely, we can say that student D had done the majority of the work, sieving through books and journals and then piecing the information together to form the body of the report.  Is that teamwork?

What is Team Work?
Teamwork refers to a group of people working together towards a common goal.  Scarnati (2001, p.5) defines teamwork “as a cooperative process that allows ordinary people to achieve extraordinary results”. Extraordinary results because teamwork requires people to collaborate and work interdependently, and collectively the team can come up with a better solution than an individual can.  Arthur L. Costa, in his book ‘The School as a Home for the Mind: Creating Mindful Curriculum, Instruction, and Dialogue', on p.43 said, “Cooperative humans realise that all of us together are more powerful, intellectually and/or physically, than any one individual.”  

Seemingly Absurd Code of Conduct Regarding Language Use Published

Seemingly Absurd Code of Conduct Regarding Language Use Published

Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences has released its 'Code of Conduct for the Use of the English Language', as required by law, which is now enforced to counter 'anglicisation' of Dutch Higher Education

https://www.wittenborg.eu/seemingly-absurd-code-conduct-regarding-language-use-published.htm

Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences has released its 'Code of Conduct for the Use of the English Language', as required by law. This follows recent discussions in the media and in parliament about the anglicisation of Dutch Higher Education.

Dutch Purists and the International HE Money Thing

"According to some Dutch purists there are simply too many English-taught degree programmes at Dutch universities," Wittenborg's Chair, Peter Birdsall, states. He goes on to explain that the debate has reached the government and that there are measures lying in wait to curb the numbers of international students and international programmes at Dutch universities.

"It is simply a money thing - Dutch universities are keen to attract as many international students as possible, and to offer the programmes in two languages costs too much money. EU students bring substantial parts of the funding, as they are fully paid for by the Dutch tax-payer, and non-EU students are a lucrative business as they pay much higher fees. Especially Dutch research universities are attracting many non-EU students who are actually only qualified for degree programmes at applied sciences universities, which have lower entry requirements compared to these high-ranked universities. Financial incentive is encouraging these top universities to teach in English and recruit unqualified non-EU students through agents… and now we are all subject to scrutiny."

Wittenborg continues its AACSB journey at ICAM 2019 in Edinburgh

Wittenborg continues its AACSB journey at ICAM 2019 in Edinburgh

Wittenborg University continues its AACSB journey at ICAM 2019 in Edinburgh, meeting business school deans and leaders from around the world.

Wittenborg (WUAS) was represented earlier this month at the AACSB ICAM conference in Edinburgh, by Professor Dr Ron Tuninga, Vice President Academic Affairs, and Dr Rauf Abdul, Head of the WUAS School of Business. ICAM is AACSB's yearly gathering, and the event brings together business school dean and leaders from around the world.

AACSB membership

WUAS has been an AACSB member for two years, and has embarked upon the preparations for AACSB accreditation, an institutional award which is globally recognised. The originally American AACSB and the Dutch accreditation authority NVAO have a partnership that allows for some overlap in recognition.

Benchmarks for Business Schools of the future

According to Wittenborg's Chair and President, Peter Birdsall, "In order to gain AACSB accreditation, a process that could take up to 7 years, WUAS will need, among other things, to further develop its quality system, clearly showing assurance of learning, increase its research-active faculty and essentially that its vision and strategy are reflected throughout it's programmes and working methodology."

Birdsall is convinced that international recognitions are essential for business schools to compete on a global market. "Our slogan that we launched this year - 'Better Yourself, Better Our World' will now become a clear driver to eventually show that students and staff are achieving their potential"

"AACSB membership and eventual accreditation are quickly becoming benchmarks for business schools across the world."

Wittenborg's vice president, Dr Ron Tuninga summed it up by saying 'One day, it will have become an international standard and instead of people wondering why you did it, they will ask 'why don't you have it?'

Islamic Finance Has No Other Option Than to Embrace Financial Technology.

Islamic Finance Has No Other Option Than to Embrace Financial Technology.

Islamic Finance Has No Other Option Than to Embrace Financial Technology.

https://www.wittenborg.eu/islamic-finance-has-no-other-option-embrace-financial-technology.htm

Wittenborg lecturer, Dr Muhammad Ashfaq, recently participated in the 7th Global Forum on Islamic Finance organised by the COMSATS University Islamabad held at its Lahore campus in Pakistan.

Ashfaq gave a presentation which asked the question: “Can Financial Technology Play and Important Role in the Development of Islamic Finance?”

He also met with the director of the campus, Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas, to discuss mutual areas of interest between COMSATS University Islamabad and Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences. "I briefed him about the academic excellence at Wittenborg," Ashfaq said of the meeting.

One of the key points of his presentation was that though Islamic finance accepts financial technology, it does so at a slower speed compared to its conventional peers.  "There are already a few successful cases where Islamic banks have been involved in utilising fintech platforms. Examples include the Investment Account Platform (IAP) in Malaysia and the Emirates Digital Wallet, which is a joint venture of 16 UAE banks, 4 of which are Islamic.  Consequently, we see diverse response from traditional market players with respect to this new disruption."

He concluded that overall, existing market players do not have any option except to embrace fintech and work in cooperation with it.

WUP 22/4/2019
by James Wittenborg
©Wittenborg University Press

Related Content
COMSATS
Staff at Wittenborg

 

 

 

Serial Entrepreneur Dr Melody Sauerborn Guest Lectures at Wittenborg Amsterdam

Serial Entrepreneur Dr Melody Sauerborn Guest Lectures at Wittenborg Amsterdam

Bootstrapping and Raising Finance

https://www.wittenborg.eu/serial-entrepreneur-dr-melody-sauerborn-guest-lectures-wittenborg-amsterdam.htm

Students from Wittenborg Amsterdam recently had the opportunity to listen to Dr Melody Sauerborn, bio-pharmacy scientist and serial entrepreneur.

Sauerborn was invited as guest lecture as part of the "Bootstrapping & Raising Finance" module, usually taught by Wittenborg lecturer, Andreas Ooijer. At its Amsterdam location, Wittenborg offers BBA and MBA programmes specialised in Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Small Business.

One of Sauerborn's companies is a contract research company, ADA InVivo B.V., that aimed to consult pharmaceutical multinationals on drug safety. Due to market developments the company now provides training and certification programs for professionals in technology.

Ooijer said: “During her talk she shared with students her experiences of success and failure and provided key lessons learned regarding the relative value of business plans, formal planning and investor relations during the start-up phases of companies”.

WUP 20/4/2019
by James Wittenborg
©Wittenborg University Press

Related Content
Guest Lectures
Wittenborg Amsterdam

 

Graduate's Simple Idea Changes Lives in Nigeria

Graduate's Simple Idea Changes Lives in Nigeria

"Sport Talents Need to Realise They Need an Education Too"

https://www.wittenborg.eu/graduates-simple-idea-changes-lives-nigeria.htm

Wittenborg graduate Olumide Omotoso has proved that you can make a big difference in the world with a simple idea. While doing his master's degree in Apeldoorn, the Nigerian football player organised a shoe collection drive for disadvantaged children back in his own country.

Omotoso graduated this winter from Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences with a Master of Science in Sport Business Management. He arrived in the Netherlands in November 2017, and soon after joined a local football club in Apeldoorn, Victoria Club.

Using Sport to Change Lives

“I want to be involved with sports while changing lives,” he says of the motivation behind his idea. “Football is a much loved sport in Nigeria, but many children do not have the basic equipment to fulfil their dreams of playing football. Ask any footballer and he would tell you a good pair of shoes is the first thing you need. So, that is why I went for that.”

In the first phase of his collection efforts he managed to send 55 pairs of shoes to Nigeria. Starting with his own football club and then others in the Netherlands, he asked people to donate their old sport shoes that are still in a good condition. Word got around and more and more people came forward to donate.

Cultural Differences Day at Wittenborg

Cultural Differences Day at Wittenborg

KSG Apeldoorn High School Visits Wittenborg University with Cultural Diversity the Key Theme of Discussion.

During the presentation, staff focused on 3 different aspects: diversity, culture and cultural differences. To break the ice, the high-school pupils were tasked with guessing the origins of Wittenborg's facilitators. This exercise proved to be a little tricky, since it was hard to pinpoint the exact origins. However, in a second exercise and with the support of a world map, students immediately recognised the countries. Staff member Nadia commented: “I was positively surprised how quickly the students reacted once we showed them the map”. The facilitators then proceeded to take the students on a journey of their own personal lives.

Sinan, a Turkish staff member in the admissions department, mentioned a few culture shocks since he moved to Europe. For instance, he recalls how impressed he was, that cars stop at a zebra crossing. He argues “In Turkey this is impossible, cars don’t stop for you and you have to be very careful when crossing the street." Through a video, students could experience the different ways of tackling zebra crossings.  Sinan then explained how culture comes in every shape and form and can be seen in individual clothes, religion and food. Students were then asked about dinner times. Since most of the students were Dutch the answer was 6 or 5 PM, but when Sinan asked the Algerian and Malaysian staff members, the students were surprised that dinner would start at 8 or even 9 PM.

Dutch students were asked to explain the Dutch culture to the presenters - then there was silence in the room. What is culture and how do you define it? It is not easy to define one’s culture, since it usually involves routines that seem normal to the individual but could be interpreted as odd for an outsider.

Head of Research Sings at Homeless Benefit Evening

Head of Research Sings at Homeless Benefit Evening

"Music Fuels my Science Career"

https://www.wittenborg.eu/head-research-sings-homeless-benefit-evening.htm

Wittenborg's Head of Research, Dr. Nicolet Theunissen,  is not only a scientist, but also an accomplished singer who regularly performs as one part of the piano-vocalist duo, Sound of Balance.  

The duo recently organised and performed at a benefit evening for young, homeless people in Apeldoorn, held at Artcafe Samsam. Along with two bands and several guest musicians it resulted in an entertaining evening. "The public loved it and a lot of money was raised for the homeless youngsters in Apeldoorn," said Theunissen.

"Music has always been a very important part of my life. When I graduated from high school, I had doubts about my further education. Would I study psychology or register for singing and composition at the conservatory? Both were not possible. I chose to study psychology, and pursue my musical development outside of study. I took singing and composition lessons, was part of jazz bands and alternative electronic pop bands and wrote my own songs.

"Although my career was primarily in science, music has remained an important part of my life. I am convinced that my creativity as a scientist is fueled by my musical activities. My advice to students: focus on what you want to be good at, work hard, but do not limit yourself. I recommend everyone to develop at least two talents for a full and rich life."

WUP 14/04/2019
by James Wittenborg
©Wittenborg University Press

Related Content
Wittenborg Research Centre
Head of research

Want Better Grades? Change Your Study Technique

Want Better Grades? Change Your Study Technique

The Feynman Technique Will Help you Learn Faster and Improve your Results

https://www.wittenborg.eu/want-better-grades-change-your-study-technique.htm

Exams are finally over, at least for this block.  There are dozens more exams to come if you are at the start of your bachelor's or master’s degree.  It sounds so daunting, but that’s how it has been and will continue to be.  We often grumble when it comes to revising for tests or exams.  Studying is indeed tough, stressful and frustrating, or even traumatic for some.  It all boils down to the same thing - reading thick books and poring over lengthy academic papers and case studies.  And the process seems endless because there are countless theories or concepts that we need to remember, memorise and apply.  

What is Your Study Technique?

Each one of us has our own study technique, which may have worked well for the past number of years (and that’s why you’re still in university and not a school drop-out).  But is it really the most efficient and effective study technique there is for you?  (Marketing management guru Peter Drucker wrote: “Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things”).  Does your study technique require a lot of self-discipline and independent work and cut down your other activities to zero?  And after all that hard work, at the end of the day, do you feel satisfied and confident that you can answer the questions in the exams? Or are you back to square one where you realise you cannot remember anything at all or your understanding is patchy, causing you to start panicking?  Are you bored with the same old method of reading chapter after chapter of theories, concepts and explanations, be it science, maths or economics?

A warm welcome to Wittenborg's new students during Introduction Week.

A warm welcome to Wittenborg's new students during Introduction Week.

An international group of students ready to learn abroad in the Netherlands.

https://www.wittenborg.eu/warm-welcome-wittenborgs-new-students-during-introduction-week.htm

Wittenborg is known for the multiple entry dates that they offer for both bachelor's and master's degree students. As the fourth intake of the academic year is upon us, a total of 41 new students joined Wittenborg: 38 in Apeldoorn and 3 in Amsterdam. Amongst these 41 students there are 17 different countries represented by Wittenborg’s new-comers. Specifically, there are eight Iranians, seven Nigerians, six Indians, three from China, two from Vietnam, two Russians, two from Cameroon, two from Pakistan, one Australian, one from Ghana, one from Nepal, one from Zimbabwe, one from Syria, one Sri Lankan, one from Kazakhstan, one Italian and one Angolan.

Two of Wittenborg’s new students from India, Dev Deshmukh and Kevin Coelho, are anxious to start their bachelor’s degree programs in Sports Business Management. In terms of life in the Netherlands, Kevin enjoys the peacefulness Apeldoorn offers and Dev enjoys the open-culture that the Netherlands portray. It makes it a lot easier for them to adapt to a new environment. Both Dev and Kevin are football enthusiasts and plan to use the knowledge they will gain over the course of the next few years to enhance their understanding regarding the sports industry through a business perspective. Dev & Kevin also plan to play football in Apeldoorn in the near future.

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