Leading business professionals and marketing experts are hosting a series of mini masterclasses at the University of Ulster this Thursday.
The Ulster Business School's ‘Invest In Yourself’ event, which is aimed at individuals or businesses considering upskilling or reskilling, provides an opportunity to come into the University and talk to lecturers about what is on offer.
This is part of the University’s Professional Development Fair being held at the Belfast campus between 4pm and 7pm.
Dean of the Ulster Business School, Professor Marie McHugh, said: "With encouraging signs of economic recovery now emerging, it's an ideal time for business managers to invest in themselves and their professional development.
"The Ulster Business School has a vast bank of talented academics who are recognised internationally as experts in their fields. The Invest in Yourself event offers individuals an opportunity to sample the standard of teaching through a series of mini masterclasses, all of which are free.
"We are proud of the very extensive linkages that we have developed with professional bodies over many decades. Our programmes benefit from excellent relationships with, for example, ACCA, CIMA, CIM, CIPD and ICSA."
The Fair is also an excellent opportunity to network with academics and local business leaders such as Commercial Manager for Tesco Northern Ireland, Cliff Kells, who will be speaking at the ‘Agri-food Networking Event’ which is linked to Ulster’s Masters in Agri-food Business Development.
He said: “The engagement between the industry and courses such as this one is very important. This Masters course has been especially good in encouraging participants to differentiate, add value and innovate within their businesses and give them a competitive edge through enhanced marketing.
“Already, we are seeing the results of this and congratulate the Ulster Business School in their commitment to the development of local business.”
Professor Stephen Brown, author of three books on the marketing behind Dan Brown’s bestselling thrillers, will be speaking during the Invest In Yourself event.
Last year his book, The
Lost Logo, was published to coincide with the release of Brown’s novel, The Lost Symbol.
Professor Brown’s, no doubt thrilling, masterclass is entitled: ‘Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Branding (But Couldn’t Be Bothered to Ask)’.
Professor Rodney McAdam, Head of Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Strategy, will give a talk on ‘Champions league innovation – how to be on the winning team’.
He explained: “The Champions League is the ultimate test of club football success or failure. The competition has existed in various formats for over 50 years and has been characterised by innovation both on and off the field throughout this period.
“Great clubs and personalities have come and gone during this period while some of these seem to be able to reinvent themselves in an innovative and sustained manner. This short talk inquires into how some clubs have stayed at the top using innovation management, and how organisations and managers from other sectors can learn innovation lessons from the Champions League.”
Dr Gillian Armstrong, one of the Programme Directors, who is hosting the ‘Agri-food Networking Event’, said: “The value of the educational experience and the opportunity to partner and connect with other parts of the supply chain can lead to an effective network developing that continues far beyond the programmes.”
To register your interest call 028 9036 8587 or email business@ulster.ac.uk and for further information log onto http://www.business.ulster.ac.uk/invest/ .