spring/summer 2009

news and views fromHull University Business School

business

2

contents

business students pitch for the future 3

the Sky’s the limit for Hull business graduates 4

connecting with business 6

navigating a course of successful management for Seven Seas 7

driving through new legislation 8

logistics professor’s international appointment 8

counting the cost of counterfeiting 9

is crisis bringing out the strengths of the public sector? 10

a world of experience for work experience students 11

events diary 12

As we come to the end of another academic year, we can takestock of what has undoubtedly been an eventful time for theschool and the business community at large.

We have celebrated success in the 2008 Research AssessmentExercise (RAE), the result of which further consolidated ourposition among the top UK business schools. Of our researchsubmitted, 85% was judged to be of international quality, withover half of that judged to be ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationallyexcellent’, and there are some great examples of our research inaction in this edition.

These results are testament to the expertise across the schooland enhance our ever-growing international reputation for high-quality research, learning and teaching, and we endeavour tocontinue this growth of quality in the years to come.

We’ve also been considering our resources in response todevelopments in the international economic climate andcontinue to engage with businesses regionally, nationally andinternationally.

While working to help businesses address current challengeswe’re also encouraging them to look to the future. Ourprovision of professional management developmentprogrammes to international organisations proves that we arecapable of equipping managers of the future with the skills tolead business for the future.

This is further demonstrated in the fantastic student successstories included in this edition – highlighting how our studentsand graduates are armed with the capability to make a realdifference in the modern business world through programmeswhich maximise the connections between research, learningand teaching, corporate engagement and international partners.

Professor Mike C Jacksondean of school

welcome to business

A group of enterprising students from the business school has come up with aningenious way to help climbers reach new heights.

Sporty Talkie is an innovative communication device foradventurers and sports enthusiasts. It allows groups tocommunicate with each other on a closed network withoutneeding to use their hands as well as enabling individuals totalk hands-free on their mobiles or listen to music.

The entrepreneurs are confident that their invention will improvesafety in sports such as skiing or snowboarding and this beliefwas echoed when the team won the University’s Pitch 2009competition, a Dragons’ Den style event. Sporty Talkie sailedthrough the first stage and then moved on to the regional finals,competing against students from universities across Yorkshire.

The team also attracted attention when three members tookpart in an Apprentice style competition, hosted by BBC RadioHumberside, alongside another team of students from thebusiness school.

‘The Pitch competition was nerve wracking but proved to be agreat experience and helped us focus our ideas’, said KirstyMacSween, one of the group members. ‘We are now lookingtoward having a prototype of the product, and are hoping tolicense it to companies as well as sell it online in the future.’

‘We are really lucky to be able to develop this idea while we arehere on campus and have access to so much advice andexpertise, especially from our business school tutors and theEnterprise Centre staff’, added fellow member Bonnie Hatcher.

‘The competition was a really fun project to get involved in andit also gave us some great media exposure for our businessidea, which we are planning on continuing after university.’

Senior lecturer in business and enterprise, David Tucker, isleader of the Starting a New Business module, which inspiredthe Sporty Talkie team.

‘Sporty Talkie is a fine example of how a good idea has beendeveloped and supported by the business school and theEnterprise Centre’, he commented. ‘Our enterprising studentshave proved that they have the work ethic and creativity tosucceed in the challenging world of business.

‘I am sure that they would give the Apprentices on TV a run fortheir money.’

The Sporty Talkie team members are Bonnie Hatcher, KirstieMcSween, Jason Rumney, Tineke Simpson, Oliver Bealby andMelissa Marshall, all of whom are in their final year and due tograduate in July.

3

business students pitch forthe future

the Sky's the limit for Hullbusiness graduates

For Hull University Business School alumnus, Jeremy Darroch,these are just some of the offices he has held throughout hiscareer, culminating with his appointment as Chief ExecutiveOfficer of BSkyB in 2007. One of the most recognised andpopular household brands in the UK, Sky provides mediaservices to over nine million customers internationally.

Business magazine caught up with our former economicsstudent to ask a few questions about his personal success andplans for the business, and to see if he has any pearls ofwisdom for today’s students.

Business magazine (BM): In the current climate, with so manypeople tightening their purse strings, why do you think thatBSkyB is growing?

Jeremy Darroch (JD): Sky is doing well because we arerelentlessly focused on giving our customers what they want.We are always hungry to do better, to give our customers more.And it's working. We grew faster in 2008 than in 2007, morecustomers joined us, they stayed with us for longer and theytook more products from us. And that trend has continued intoearly 2009.

BM: A success story out of the economic gloom – but do youthink that your organisation is well placed to stay in good shapefor the future?

JD: No one is immune to recession, but we are doing what weneed to do in order to place ourselves in the best possibleposition. We are staying as lean as we can across our businessand then using these efficiencies to invest in priority areas, likehigh definition TV, which we believe will drive long-term,sustainable growth for our business.

4

European finance director at Procter & Gamble, group finance director forDixons Group PLC , non-executive director of Marks & Spencer – impressivenames and roles for anyone to have on their CV.

5

We are well placed to help our customers through the toughtimes. As people stay in more, the fact that you can get our toppackage for a whole month for less than one family night out atthe cinema is pretty compelling.

BM: Sky appears to have a solid future ahead. But what aboutthe man behind the business? You studied economics at Hull –how do you think this has helped you in your career?

JD: Having a solid understanding of the macro context we findourselves in is helpful. But it's the skills that Hull gave me, morethan the specific knowledge, that have really stood the test oftime: the ability to communicate complex challenges and datasets in clear and concise ways; analytical skills that enable meto drill down into the information in front of me fast andefficiently; and finally, the skill to use that knowledge to get tothe best solution.

Those are the things that I have really benefited from – andthose are exactly the kinds of qualities that you are likely toneed wherever your career takes you.

BM: Finally, do you have any advice for our current studentsand recent graduates, who are looking to start an illustriouscareer in business as you have done?

JD: Only that you need to try to do a little bit better every singleday. That’s how business leaders get to where they are.

There is no magic pill. It really is down to hard work and acommitment to perpetual improvement. Over and above that,don't be scared of change – embrace it – it’s what opens newdoors and new horizons.

Jeremy is one of many impressive alumni who have achievedtop roles in organisations across a range of business sectors.If you would like to put yourself forward to be interviewed aspart of our notable alumni series in our business magazine,please contact Sarah Fewster, our alumni communicationsmanager on +44 (0)1482 463409.

Jeremy Darroch – Curriculum Vitae

1980 – 1983 University of Hull Economics1983 – 1988 Deloitte Haskins & Sells1988 - 2000 Procter & Gamble

Variety of roles in UK and Europe,including European Finance Directorfor health care business

2000 - 2004 DSG International plc (formerlyDixons Group plc)

2004 – 2007 BSkyBChief Financial Officer

2007 – Present BSkyBChief Executive

6

Through events, consultancy and short courses we are helpingbusinesses to manage the demands of the current economicclimate and respond with positive and proactive steps to preparefor the upturn.

For example, in conjunction with the ‘Train to Gain’ enhancementfund, the school is helping eligible businesses from across theregion to train their staff by offering access to 60% fundingtowards the cost of work-based training courses.

From procurement and logistics to leadership and improving salesstrategies, these short courses can make a real difference to thegrowth or survival of businesses, and funding ensures that staffdevelopment can continue even when budgets are tight.

Brian Milsom, external business director at the business schoolsaid, ‘The programmes are flexible and can be delivered both inour world-class facilities and in-house, allowing us to interact withbusinesses in a more holistic way, helping them to remaincompetitive now and achieve sustainable success.

‘With over 30 corporate partners, including household namessuch as Kimberly-Clark and RBS, the school has fostered stronglinks with businesses regionally, nationally and internationally overthe past ten years.’

The business school is also holding two events during theYorkshire & Humber Business Week 2009, opening up ourresources to a wide audience of business professionals.

The school has focused its events on two interconnected areas inwhich even minor adjustments in focus and strategy will have apositive impact – logistics and marketing. Improving marketingstrategies will undoubtedly increase the flow of goods or services,which will have a direct impact on the supply chain. The eventsprovide practical examples to improve operations in these crucialareas and give an insight into related issues affectingorganisations today.

Both events are being hosted at the business school, showcasingthe school’s first class facilities including the impressive purpose-built Logistics Institute.

Engaging with businesses is an integral part of Hull University Business School’smission, and it has never been more important to ensure that organisations canaccess and benefit from our research and expertise.

connecting with business

Funding for our range of short courses can be accessedthrough Hull University Business School, subject toavailability and eligibility. For more information contact PaulSeymour on +44 (0)1482 347523 or visit our commercialweb pages at www.hull.ac.uk/hubs/business.

To reserve a place at our Business Week events pleasecontact Ian Calvert on +44 (0)1482 463183. Moreinformation regarding Business Week 2009 can be found atwww.bizweek.biz.

7

Seven Seas is already a corporate partner of the businessschool and the programme provides an opportunity to buildand strengthen the existing relationship.

This accredited programme draws elements form the school’sflagship MBA, including modules on strategic management andgroup project work. It is aimed at senior managers from acrossthe business, exploring knowledge of specialist functional areasand how these contribute to the organisation as a whole.Learning will be related back to issues and situations unique toSeven Seas, ensuring that skills can be applied in theworkplace.

Those who successfully complete the programme will be entitledto a certificate at Masters’ level, equivalent to 40 credits.

Jeremy Wilcock, business development manager at thebusiness school, believes that the programme ‘is a goodexample of how expertise from across the school can bebrought together to create a quality programme of learning foran important local firm.

‘Throughout this programme, we will equip these managers toperform more effectively in their current roles as well as gaininga greater understanding of other business areas. As a result ofwhich we believe they will be better placed to further theircareers with the company.’

Craig Wright, HR director at Seven Seas agrees: ‘We're delightedto be launching our new management development programmein conjunction with the business school. Ensuring that ourmanagers have the skills and knowledge to perform in their roles,coupled with a wider understanding of all business areas, is keyto enabling Seven Seas to achieve its business targets.

‘In addition, this investment in our management team willprovide genuine personal development. With the support ofthe business school, we have developed a bespoke solution tomeet our needs and are looking forward to commencing theprogramme in June.’

For more information regarding professional development andtraining at Hull University Business School, please contactBridget Freer on +44 (0)1482 463332 or email b.freer@hull.ac.uk.

navigating a course of successfulmanagement for Seven SeasThe business school is sharing its expertise in leadership and organisationaldevelopment with the implementation of a new programme of managementdevelopment for Seven Seas, part of international pharmaceutical company, Merck.

8

driving through new legislationDid you know that from September 2009, all drivers of professional large goodsvehicles (LGV) and passenger carrying vehicles (PCV) will need five days ofcertified training every five years to stay on the road?

Our Logistics Institute is once again at the cutting edge ofinternational thought and practice in its field, with the appointmentof Professor David Grant to the Education Strategies Committee(ESC) of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals(CSCMP).

Professor Grant, who was appointed director of the institute inJanuary 2009, will be an integral part of the global committee whichis responsible for developing and delivering educational productsand programmes in logistics and supply chain management.

This appointment builds on his previous experience as a memberof the CSCMP Careers in Supply Chain Management Committeeand his current role as Young Researcher’s Track Chair for the2009 Supply Chain Management Educator’s Conference.

Professor Grant will also be sharing his expertise duringBusiness Week 2009 – see p6 for more details.

logistics professor’sinternational appointment

With the implementation of the new Driver Certificate inProfessional Competence (CPC) regulations later this year, ourLogistics Institute has created specific programmes, DriverCPC Training and Drivers Adding Value, which go one stepbeyond the basic legislative demands.

In addition to meeting legal requirements, organisations need toprepare for increased demands on their logistics capabilities.For example, as more people choose to shop online, a boom isexpected in the home delivery market. With this in mind, theinstitute is helping organisations prepare the backbone of theirsupply chain – their drivers – for the future by training them in‘softer’ skills like customer service and helping them tounderstanding their role in cost-saving across the business.

‘Drivers are the public face of the organisation, but all too oftenthey are not equipped with formal customer-facing skills.’ saysRichard Faint, commercial manager at the institute.

‘It is up to individual organisations to ensure that their front-linestaff have the know-how and skills to represent them in thebest way possible, and we are offering the tools to ensure thatthis happens across the board.

‘Our programmes cover lots of practical areas and aredesigned for professional drivers, whether they are new recruitsor returning to the industry. There is also information which willbe of use to those who manage professional drivers, such asfleet managers, transport planners and managers of driveragencies, which will help to cement a commitment todeveloping drivers at every level in an organisation.’

The Drivers Adding Value and Driver CPC Training programmesare both available at the Logistics Institute in association withIan Carmichael Training Ltd.

Businesses located in the Yorkshire region may be eligiblefor 60% funding for the Drivers Adding Value and CPCcourses course through the ‘Train to Gain’ initiative. Formore information, please contact Paul Seymour on +44(0)1482 347523 or p.seymour@hull.ac.uk.

And in the present economic climate, where disposable incomehas been reduced, bargain hunting is becoming one of thenation’s favourite pastimes. But does this mean that acounterfeit is always a good deal?

Not according to Dr Xuemei Bian, marketing lecturer at thebusiness school, who is currently undertaking extensiveresearch into the counterfeit market and the consumerbehaviours behind its growth.

‘Everyone likes bargain but, with limited budgets, people areaware that counterfeits can be a false economy and are notwilling to spend £5 on a watch which may not last more thanfive minutes.

‘Consumers are demanding more robust and more convincingimitations and, in response to this, we have seen the quality ofcounterfeits improving over the last ten years, broadlyspeaking.’

Xuemei predicts that in this environment we can expect to seean increase in non-deceptive counterfeiting where theconsumer knowingly purchases counterfeit goods of ‘low-risk’items where the quality can be seen and tested before apurchase.

She continues, ‘past research suggests that about one-third ofconsumers in Asia, the US and the UK would knowinglypurchase low risk counterfeit goods, such as clothing andaccessories, and we would expect to report an increase in thisactivity in response to the economic downturn. In themeantime, we may also see an increase in deceptivecounterfeiting in marketplace in the UK driven by shrinking profitmargins of businesses during the economic downturn’.

‘Although buying the odd fake watch or handbag might seemlike a bit of harmless fun we need to monitor the situationcarefully to ensure that consumers and reputable businessesalike do not suffer.’

counting thecost ofcounterfeitingComing home with a £5 ‘Rolex’ watchand a ‘designer’ handbag or two inyour suitcase was once a feature of atypical summer holiday.

9

10

As a general public, we tend to demand contradictory things ofthe public sector. Lower costs and taxation, but more services ofhigher quality. Greater regulation of banks and the financialsector, but smaller government. Economies of scale, and yetlocalised decision making. Public sector managers have longhad to wrestle with these dilemmas but now do so in anincreasingly challenging and pressured environment.

In the current context, the public sector faces the worst of bothpossible worlds. It needs to meet an increased demand for itsservices at a time when its financial capacity to do so will beseverely constrained by a lower resource base and rising costs.The current economic climate means that the capabilities of thepublic sector will be tested to the limit.

Public sector organisations have a major role to play in helpingindividuals, families, communities and businesses cope with therecession. The response provided across all areas, from schoolsto health services to benefits advice, needs to be nimble,imaginative and supportive.

An effective response by public sector organisations will involvethe delivery of excellent services but also requires communityleadership. Articulating a vision of a better tomorrow is an essentialpart of this process. Sustaining a narrative of place, of hope,vibrancy and resilience, is vital to supporting people throughdifficult times and rebuilding local economies, livelihoods and esteem.

Crises are times of transformation. How the public sectorperforms in the next period is closely linked with how it will beseen in the future. Can we rely on the public sector when weneed it to support us and play a part in recovery? In other wordsthe crisis is political as well as economic – how the public sectorperforms now is linked to its future role and scope.

Finally, where do recent events leave the market values the publicsector has been taught to imitate? In the past, the public sectorhas been encouraged to adopt principles similar to those in theprivate sector, and take a more ‘business-like’ approach. Butnow that times are not so good, and the excesses of some partsof the private sector have been exposed, should we re-evaluatethis strategy? The dilemmas faced by the public sector areheightened in the present economic and social climate. Thismeans the need for effective leadership allied to excellent servicedelivery has never been greater. More than ever the public sectorneeds to play to its strengths and deliver upon its distinctivevalues.

Dr Kevin Orr is Director of the Centre for Management andOrganisational Learning. Email: k.orr@hull.ac.uk

is crisis bringing out thestrengths of the public sector?

11

a world of work experience forstudents

management development

Established in 2007, the office acts as a connecting point forbusinesses that have a skills gap and undergraduates whowant a first taste of the ‘real world’ through a one-yearplacement in industry.

And our students are well placed to take these early steps.Their practical skills, fresh ideas and innovative approaches tobusiness practices have been of considerable benefit to thoseorganisations which have already taken part in the programme.

Students from across the school’s degree subjects haveachieved placement success with national and internationalbusinesses, including Kimberly Clark, Corus and Argos – acompany which this year, thanks to the exceptional quality ofour previous students, is exclusively offering placementopportunities to Hull business students.

One of our high flying marketing students, Rosie Sherwin, hasrecently been offered a prestigious placement at KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL*. Rosie starts her post in June asMarketing Coordinator in the organisation’s Kent office, takingresponsibility for activities including creating specific marketingliterature and updating the UK channel website.

Rosie found that the selection process, which culminated in atwo day assessment, really stretched her capabilities. She saidof the procedure, ‘I am delighted to have been offered the roleat Kimberly-Clark and I am really looking forward to the challengeof working for such a successful and innovative company.

'I hope to learn a lot from the experience and plan to make themost of every opportunity offered. It will not only give me aheadstart towards earning a top business degree, but I hope itwill also give me the advantage when I graduate and help mestand out from the crowd in a very competitive environment.’

Other undergraduates have won prominent placements withorganisations including Disney, the NHS, Rolls Royce andPricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the world of work office iscurrently looking for businesses who can provide placementopportunities for students for 2010.

Business students are being given the chance to prove their worth in thecompetitive jobs market, with a little help from the school’s world of work office.

For more information regarding the world of work office,please contact Valerie Monaghan on +44 (0)1482 463302or email v.monaghan@hull.ac.uk.

Hull University Business School

events diary

research revealed seminars10 June 2009Made in Ireland II – benchmarking Irish SME practice andperformance

Open evenings for part-time studyWednesday 10 June 2009Wednesday 2 September 2009The business school offers a range of part-time studyopportunities to enhance your business and managementknowledge and skills.

BA Business Management, BA Business Management andLogistics and the Hull Executive MBA provide participants withthe knowledge and skills needed to respond to constantlychanging market conditions and ensure long-term success.

To register for any of these events contactPostgraduate OfficeT +44 (0)1482 463254F businessmasters@hull.ac.uk

Open days for full-time coursesSaturday 11 July 2009Saturday 10 October 2009Open days offer the chance for anyone considering studying onany of our undergraduate programmes to visit the businessschool at either the Hull or Scarborough campuses.

Visitors will meet members of staff in the business schoolsubject area or areas that are of interest, as well as interactingwith current students, helping applicants to make an informeddecision about their future education.

To register to attend, please visit the business school’s openday web page at www.hull.ac.uk/hubs.

Peter Thompson lectureThursday 29 October 2009This year’s Peter Thompson Lecture will be delivered byChristine Loh, former graduate and honorary graduate of theUniversity and a highly respected figure in Hong Kong.

Further dates and information will be added throughout theyear, please visit the events section of our website,www.hull.ac.uk/hubs.

Hull University Business SchoolHullHU6 7RX

T +44 (0)1482 347500E businessschool@hull.ac.ukW www.hull.ac.uk/hubs