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Myra Qiu Becomes Member of Wittenborg’s Executive Board

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

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'

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

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

https://www.wittenborg.eu/vr-glasses-exoskelet-and-translation-earpieces-innovative-ways-address-inclusivity-workplace.htm

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

MBM Thesis Explores South African Retail Companies' Journeys into Data Science

Rejan Botes Explores Data Science Application in South African Retail Marketing Strategies 

https://www.wittenborg.eu/mbm-thesis-explores-south-african-retail-companies-journeys-data-science.htm

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

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

Prospective International Students to Have More Options of Language-Testing Providers

Dutch HEIs Implementing New Accreditation Process for Organisations

https://www.wittenborg.eu/prospective-international-students-have-more-options-language-testing-providers.htm

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). 

EBA Thesis Explores Gen Z's Sustainable Coffee Shop Choices in Vietnam

EBA Thesis Explores Gen Z's Sustainable Coffee Shop Choices in Vietnam

Wittenborg Student Unveils Insights into Green Marketing Impact on Gen Z Coffee Shop Choices

https://www.wittenborg.eu/eba-thesis-explores-gen-zs-sustainable-coffee-shop-choices-vietnam.htm

Wittenborg student Kieu Huynh took centre stage in Amsterdam to present her GA/FP (Graduation Assignment and Final Project) Oral Defence on 1 December, and revealed insights into the impact of green marketing mix components on the coffee shop choices of Gen Z consumers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

As her journey in Entrepreneurship & Small Business at Wittenborg comes to an end, Huynh explains her choice of topic, stating, "I chose the green marketing mix as a primary topic for my thesis for two reasons. First, I hope that this study provides valuable data for coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City that want to implement green concepts into their company marketing activities. As a consequence, revenue would increase while consumer environmental awareness would improve. Second, as part of the younger Vietnamese generation, I am always concerned with environmental issues." 

EBA Thesis Explores Gen Z's Sustainable Coffee Shop Choices in Vietnam

Understanding Discrimination at Work: MBM Thesis Compares Dutch and Nigerian Companies

Understanding Discrimination at Work: MBM Thesis Compares Dutch and Nigerian Companies

Obumneme Ejiofor’s Study Focused on Banking and Retail Sectors

https://www.wittenborg.eu/understanding-discrimination-work-mbm-thesis-compares-dutch-and-nigerian-companies.htm

Having worked in Human Resources in both Nigeria and the Netherlands, Wittenborg graduate Obumneme Ejiofor observed how the Diversity & Inclusion department is an integral part of HR in most Dutch companies. This inspired him to conduct his thesis research on this topic, in order to obtain an MBM degree in Human Resource Management.  

“I got really intrigued and decided to learn more about the prevalence of discrimination in the Netherlands. On top of that, I thought that it would be interesting to see how it compares to a developing economy that is also constituted of workers from multiple backgrounds but does not have the Diversity & Inclusion department integrated into its companies. And, more importantly, I wanted to understand the effect that discrimination has on employee job satisfaction in both of these countries, and what factors can mitigate these effects,” he explains.

Obumneme’s study focused on Nigerian and Dutch companies from the banking and retail industries, and he chose these sectors because they are well-represented in both countries, providing a good basis for comparison.  

The research employs a quantitative method, based on a structured questionnaire that was answered by a total of 339 participants, out of which 155 are from Nigeria and 184 from the Netherlands. To reach these respondents, Obumneme contacted them on LinkedIn and also relied on the assistance of their professional associations.  

Myra Qiu Becomes Member of Wittenborg’s Executive Board

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

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'

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

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

https://www.wittenborg.eu/vr-glasses-exoskelet-and-translation-earpieces-innovative-ways-address-inclusivity-workplace.htm

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

MBM Thesis Explores South African Retail Companies' Journeys into Data Science

Rejan Botes Explores Data Science Application in South African Retail Marketing Strategies 

https://www.wittenborg.eu/mbm-thesis-explores-south-african-retail-companies-journeys-data-science.htm

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

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

Prospective International Students to Have More Options of Language-Testing Providers

Dutch HEIs Implementing New Accreditation Process for Organisations

https://www.wittenborg.eu/prospective-international-students-have-more-options-language-testing-providers.htm

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). 

EBA Thesis Explores Gen Z's Sustainable Coffee Shop Choices in Vietnam

EBA Thesis Explores Gen Z's Sustainable Coffee Shop Choices in Vietnam

Wittenborg Student Unveils Insights into Green Marketing Impact on Gen Z Coffee Shop Choices

https://www.wittenborg.eu/eba-thesis-explores-gen-zs-sustainable-coffee-shop-choices-vietnam.htm

Wittenborg student Kieu Huynh took centre stage in Amsterdam to present her GA/FP (Graduation Assignment and Final Project) Oral Defence on 1 December, and revealed insights into the impact of green marketing mix components on the coffee shop choices of Gen Z consumers in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

As her journey in Entrepreneurship & Small Business at Wittenborg comes to an end, Huynh explains her choice of topic, stating, "I chose the green marketing mix as a primary topic for my thesis for two reasons. First, I hope that this study provides valuable data for coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City that want to implement green concepts into their company marketing activities. As a consequence, revenue would increase while consumer environmental awareness would improve. Second, as part of the younger Vietnamese generation, I am always concerned with environmental issues." 

EBA Thesis Explores Gen Z's Sustainable Coffee Shop Choices in Vietnam

Understanding Discrimination at Work: MBM Thesis Compares Dutch and Nigerian Companies

Understanding Discrimination at Work: MBM Thesis Compares Dutch and Nigerian Companies

Obumneme Ejiofor’s Study Focused on Banking and Retail Sectors

https://www.wittenborg.eu/understanding-discrimination-work-mbm-thesis-compares-dutch-and-nigerian-companies.htm

Having worked in Human Resources in both Nigeria and the Netherlands, Wittenborg graduate Obumneme Ejiofor observed how the Diversity & Inclusion department is an integral part of HR in most Dutch companies. This inspired him to conduct his thesis research on this topic, in order to obtain an MBM degree in Human Resource Management.  

“I got really intrigued and decided to learn more about the prevalence of discrimination in the Netherlands. On top of that, I thought that it would be interesting to see how it compares to a developing economy that is also constituted of workers from multiple backgrounds but does not have the Diversity & Inclusion department integrated into its companies. And, more importantly, I wanted to understand the effect that discrimination has on employee job satisfaction in both of these countries, and what factors can mitigate these effects,” he explains.

Obumneme’s study focused on Nigerian and Dutch companies from the banking and retail industries, and he chose these sectors because they are well-represented in both countries, providing a good basis for comparison.  

The research employs a quantitative method, based on a structured questionnaire that was answered by a total of 339 participants, out of which 155 are from Nigeria and 184 from the Netherlands. To reach these respondents, Obumneme contacted them on LinkedIn and also relied on the assistance of their professional associations.  

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