OUBS alumni gather to explore thought-provoking idea that “less is more”

The Business School hosted an exclusive face-to-face event for alumni focused on the transformative idea that “less is more”, encouraging delegates to think about how they could apply theories around decentralisation, self-sufficiency, sustainability, and different measures of productivity to achieve more in their own organisations.

This thought-provoking seminar, held at the spectacular Institute of Directors’ premises at Pall Mall in London, was led by Dr Richard Longman, Lecturer in Management at The Business School. Richard explored some of the disruptive ideas at the heart of the degrowth movement, suggested ways businesses can adapt, and asked delegates to break out into groups to discuss their thoughts and ideas for applying these concepts in their own working practises.

Alison Sturgess Durden, Director at healthtech company Mayden, also generated a lively discussion around operating in a ‘manager-less’ environment. Mayden have chartered innovative territory by operating entirely without managers, as they believe businesses should “manage the work, not the people,” and have become more productive as a result.

The evening ended with networking, allowing attendees to build their own professional networks and continue to discuss some of their take aways from this stimulating event.

Tackling big business issues in The Bottom Line

Our Lecturer in Strategic Marketing, Dr Haider Ali, is the academic consultant for the current eight-part series of the OU / BBC co-production, The Bottom Line, which discusses the big issues with business leaders from Britain and around the world.

With early episodes discussing allegations of profiteering by supermarkets and asking if the airline industry has managed to end the post-pandemic chaos experienced by many travellers in summer 2022, Haider said: “The series examines business issues that are top of mind for both consumers and businesses.”

OU honorary graduate Evan Davis (pictured) presents this business conversation programme which airs on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds on Thursday evenings and repeated on Monday mornings. Each episode directs listeners to the OU Connect website which features an interactive resource exploring how the choice of business model affects an organisation’s success.

Free access to accounting software for students

Our Department for Accounting and Finance (DAF) are in talks with technology firm Zoho to provide free access to its accounting software for students on a core module of the new degree, BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance.

Kevin Amor, our Lecturer in Accounting and Financial Management, met with two representatives from Zoho Books, Reshma and Dheeraj (pictured), at the accounting software exhibition Accountex last month.

Kevin said: “It’s fantastic news that Zoho have offered our students free access to its complete accounting package during this module. We agree that it is vital for accounting students to have early access to the everyday tools of the job, to help build their CVs and improve their employability in a crowded marketplace.

Meet our new Professor of Entrepreneurship!

Congratulations to Michael Ngoasong (pictured), Head of Department for Public Leadership and Social Enterprise (PuLSE), who has been promoted to a Chair and Professor of Entrepreneurship.

Michael said: “I am delighted to be promoted to Chair (Professor). It recognises the valuable contribution that I make, alongside the opportunities that I have had, and will continue to have, to grow as an academic.”

Can you support OU’s Giving Day?

Join us from 9:00 on Wednesday 5 July to 21:00 on Thursday 6 July for an incredible 36-hour challenge to raise funds for vital scholarships and bursaries that keep education open to all.

As a member of the OU family, you know the incredible power of education. Your support will ensure disabled veterans, unpaid carers, Black students, those forced to leave their homes and seek sanctuary in the UK, and young people who have spent time in the care system, can have a future full of hope and opportunity.

Take a look at Rebekah Zammett’s story. Rebekah didn’t think she would be able to gain a degree after becoming a carer for her first son who had multiple diagnoses but, thanks to the OU Carers Scholarship, she is now successfully completing a Law degree. Her achievements have given her a huge boost in confidence which, she says, have had a really positive effect on her overall wellbeing both in and outside of her studies.

Your kindness and generosity really can help us to transform lives and rewrite futures.

Policing event honours its former Chair Steven Chase (pictured)

Our Centre for Policing Research and Learning (CPRL) has held an event to honour its former Chair Steven Chase, who sadly passed away in 2022, in recognition of his huge contribution to the Centre. Steven was Chair of CPRL from 2016 to 2021 and was also Director of People for Thames Valley Police.

This inaugural memorial lecture was delivered by Martin Hewitt, CPRL Visiting Fellow and former Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, who spoke about the challenges he had faced during his past four years in post.

Following the lecture, the OU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Tim Blackman, presented the Steven Chase Memorial Award to Dr Paul Walley, Director of Learning in CPRL, for his work with Gloucestershire Constabulary. Paul’s research looked at ways to reduce ‘failure demand’ which is the time police officers spend on non-urgent repeated activity, chosen because it clearly demonstrated ‘research into practice and practice into research’, which was the mantra of Steven Chase.

Short courses to explore!

Have you seen the latest short courses which have been developed by our business and management academics? They are aimed at aspiring, new and more experienced managers, looking to develop skills in the areas of people, finance, strategy, creativity, communication, digital and organisational skills, who are wanting to top-up their continuing professional development (CPD) hours.

These exciting short courses are designed to be bite-size chunks (10 and 20 hours) of learning and can be studied flexibly, over a weekend or over a number of months. Being practice-based, the skills, techniques and models learned can be immediately applied in the workplace or as part of a jobseeker’s learning for their next job.

Supporting diverse new motherhoods for work inclusion

Our Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership (CVSL) hosted an Evidence Café to present research findings from a recent pilot study of new mothers from diverse backgrounds. This face-to-face event welcomed participants from a range of groups including voluntary and community organisations.

The ‘Motherhood project’, which involves several OUBS academics, aims to improve the awareness of the diverse experiences of new mums and seeks to explore how public policies and communities support diverse new motherhoods for work inclusion.

OUBS alumni event “an intellectual Cirque du Soleil”

Cass Swallow, MBA alumnus and one of the delegates from our “Less is More” alumni event (mentioned in News above), has shared his thoughts from the evening in a brilliant blog post: ‘LinkedIn Roulette: My Unexpected Dive into the World of 'Less is More' and 'I'm Possible'. He refers to the evening, which explored how businesses can consider alternative, more sustainable methods of success and productivity, as “a speed dating event, where the only constant was the electric hum of brilliance ready to collide”.

Cass is a self-proclaimed ‘Chief Pickle Fixer’ of eEnergy, whose vision is to make NetZero possible and profitable for all organisations.

He said: “Ever since my grad cap took flight, I've been riding the 'Less is More' rollercoaster, journeying through a maze of experiences, challenges, and personal growth. A toast to OUBS for sparking this thrilling expedition, for igniting the innovator within me, and for fuelling a passion that now illuminates my daily life. Here's to turning the 'impossible' into 'I'm Possible!' and to a sustainable future driven by belief and tenacity.” 

"Banking’ my qualifications as I went along felt like a game”

MBA graduate and gaming industry expert, Jamie Campbell, began his journey with the OU after feeling like he needed a formal qualification to enhance his employability and future-proof his career. He began with some short courses before embarking upon a degree and soon found that ‘banking’ his milestone qualifications felt so rewarding that it led to an MBA in Technology Management.

With a background in the gaming industry and an MBA under his belt, Jamie was inspired to set up his own company specialising in work-for-hire gaming services.

Jamie said: “I am quite a risk averse person but the MBA gave me a real sense of confidence. As with any new company, there are challenges to face but having the MBA under my belt meant I was more empowered to tackle challenges and overcome those hurdles.”

Jamie later sold the company and now works as a Global Head of Innovation for Keywords Studios, looking at the opportunities brought about by artificial intelligence (AI). 

MBA alumnus becomes Tunbridge Wells’ Deputy Mayor

Nicholas Pope, an MBA alumnus, was elected as the Deputy Mayor of the Borough of Tunbridge Wells in May. He set up the Tunbridge Wells Alliance (TWA) Party, an independent political party, and defeated the local council’s plan to borrow £100million to build a new theatre and Town Hall on Calverley Grounds, the Grade II listed park which was part of Decimus Burton's Calverley New Town development in 1828. Decimus Burton is famous for designing the Wellington Arch, Kew's Palm House, and a number of other well-known buildings.

Nicholas said: “I would just like to thank the Borough councillors here for considering me for this role. It’s a great honour and I look forward to working on behalf of the Borough as Deputy Mayor.”

Webinar: Investing in Sustainability

Sustainability is an essential tool in the mission to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). 

Academic, business and voluntary sector stakeholders will discuss the role of sustainability in public, private and voluntary sector organisations, and why investing in sustainability is key to an organisation’s growth, in Monday’s webinar from 11:00 – 12:30.