School of MPO Gains Valuable Insights and Opportunities through GETM4 UK Sandpit at Northumbria University.
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In June, a team from our School, including Dr. Siobhan Killion, Caoimhe Kiernan, Dr.Gultekin Cakir, and Bill O’Mahony, attended the GETM4 UK Sandpit at Northumbria University. This event provided an incredible opportunity for our staff to engage in interdisciplinary workshops, networking, and discussions on future collaborations and funding opportunities, reinforcing the potential benefits of our School's involvement in the GETM4 project.
Key Takeaways from the GETM4 UK Sandpit:
Interdisciplinary Workshops:
Our team participated in a series of interdisciplinary workshops that addressed key issues in higher education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Notably, Caoimhe took part in a workshop led by Dr. Aldo Valencia, focusing on the narrative framing of problems and problem-solving. Dr. Cakir engaged in sessions on entrepreneurialism, researcher development, and mentoring.
LEGO Problem-Solving Workshop:
Caoimhe also participated in an all-day LEGO workshop, which explored problem-solving through a hands-on approach. Caoimhe believes that this innovative method could greatly benefit both School of MPO staff and students, and she is currently investigating how to fund similar training initiatives within the School of MPO.
Networking and Collaborations:
The event was also a fertile ground for networking. Dr. Killion connected with colleagues from the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, and the University of Warsaw, Poland, to explore the potential development of the Business Game initiative. Dr. Cakir had productive discussions about joint publication opportunities and the possibility of a joint-funded research project. Additionally, Caoimhe explored the adaptation of an entrepreneurial game for use in the modules that she teaches, which could lead to a future ERASMUS+ funding application and collaborations with other universities.
European Funding Opportunities:
Our team is now actively exploring avenues for European funding to support the expansion of the initiatives discussed at the Sandpit.
Project Steering Committee:
Bill O'Mahony, in his role as Risk Manager and Data Manager for the project, attended the Project Steering Committee meeting which focused on the strategic direction of the GETM4 project, ensuring alignment with the broader goals of GETM4. Bill O'Mahony's membership of this important project committee will be instrumental in guiding our School’s role in this ambitious project.
This event, along with Elaine Rossiter’s recent participation at the International Business Research and Industrial Conference at Kenyatta University, Kenya, highlights the growing opportunities and benefits emerging from the School of MPO involvement in the GETM4 project. The potential for new collaborations, innovative teaching methods, and funding avenues is an exciting prospect for the future of the School of MPO.
Further information on the GETM4 UK Sandpitcan be found at the following link.