University News Last updated 08 April 2011
Innovation, design and creativity will be at the heart of Birmingham City University’s offer to business in a bid to give them competitive advantage.
Enterprising academics apply this approach in their teaching and research throughout the University’s portfolio, which includes technology and engineering, business management and leadership, the professions and the social sciences, health and social care, media, journalism and the performing arts, as well as art and design.
This ‘never afraid to innovate’ philosophy has resulted in some of the most advanced learning techniques in the sector, including pioneering virtual technology and simulated real world environments.
Birmingham City University is offering this innovative approach as part of a business partnership strategy led by Beverley Nielsen, Director of Employer Engagement at the University.
Beverley explained that the employment engagement strategy she and her team are delivering had been re-branded Birmingham City University Employable STudents (BEST).
To ‘Be the BEST’ ambitious business leaders are looking for much more from their enterprise partners, said Beverley, who believes Birmingham City University has an exciting offer for employers.
“Innovation, design and creativity – together they make us unique as a university in the region and beyond.
“Innovation is delivered though the application of new ideas and cutting edge technology, such as converting algae into a sustainable bio fuel – a project being developed by colleagues in our environmental technology team. Innovative thinking can be found across Birmingham City University’s provision, whether it’s the social sciences, education, health, musical composition or business leadership.
“Design is just as crucial in developing must have-products that will stand out in fiercely competitive markets. Look at Apple - one of the international companies the University works with – its global success has been based on innovative thinking which has included bold design principles.
“But design is more than an aesthetic. Applying good design to improving support systems, services and processes can also make a big difference to businesses needing to be ever more efficient.
“Creativity - this refers to the University’s strengths in areas such as branding, communications, digital media where understanding what people in the real world actually want is essential. For example, our students showcase trends in the interior design industry every year to buyers from around the world.
“Bringing these elements together provide holistic solutions to modern businesses wanting to make an impact.”
The University’s revamped employer engagement is to be formally launched at the Awards presentation of a new competition that will reward enterprising academics and professional colleagues throughout the University. Their work ensures Birmingham City University students graduate with a real world advantage.
The inaugural Birmingham City University Employable STudents (BEST) Awards will be held on Monday, May 23, at the University’s School of Jewellery, on Vittoria Street in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
The BEST Awards will identify best practice across the University among colleagues who have demonstrated excellence in developing student employability and entrepreneurship through innovative teaching, curriculum activities and successful employer engagement.
The Awards will also recognise students who have taken the initiative in developing their employability skills through enterprise, personal development and extra-curricular activities.
To contact Beverley Nielsen, Director of Employer Engagement at the University, call 07791 301325 or 0121 331 5606.
For more information about the BEST awards, contact Caroline Thorley on 0121 331 7787 or email caroline.thorley@bcu.ac.uk.