JMU Center for Assessment and Research Studies (CARS)’s Post

Since the end of last week, student teams from around the world have been meeting in Dublin for the annual NIBS Worldwide Case Competition. Qualifying was already in November and fortunately Djelo (IB), Jorik (BDK), Kenzi (TBK) and Victor (IB) managed to make it to the last 16. The draw resulted in a Dutch coloured pool, one more reason to want to win. The first case on Saturday was about Blue Bird, a mobility provider in Indonesia that is looking for a clear strategy for sustainable growth and digitalisation. A very large and complex case, but perfectly suited to the themes of the Rotterdam Business School. Victor, Djelo, Kenzi and Jorik gave a very convincing solution and vision for the future and deservedly won with 6.5 - 4.5 against Avans, Breda. A great start! 'Beyond Meat: beyond an uncertain future' was the case on Sunday. This company that makes plant-based alternative meat has been doing very well for years, but is now facing some very serious issues. The share price has collapsed and action really needs to be taken now. After that, Beyond Meat needs a convincing plan to win back customers. Therefore a much better market positioning is desperately needed too. "Our" team struggles tremendously, but luckily so does our opponent from South Korea. In the end, we win again with 6.5 - 4.5. The quarter-finals are within reach (the top two teams from each division advance), but to be sure of that, Zuyd from Maastricht will first have to be beaten this morning. How can a small Finnish gin and whisky distillery conquer the Japanese market? That is the key question. Different culture, fierce competition, the right framing, limited resources... not an easy task. But this Dutch opponent is also beaten by a wide margin. Rotterdam is going to the next round and is the clear winner of this "Dutch division"! There, a tough opponent awaits, a university from Canada. There they learn how to solve cases rather than taking the first steps. Tension rises …

We made it into the student council! Leadership can be seen as a chain of embarrassing events and your reaction to them. And there were plenty this campaign: - Going class to class to pitch is nerve-wrecking - Students smirking at me(maybe I am that funny) - Literally stopping people in the corridor and them circling around me - Going public and facing the consequences in a public manner But "embarrassment is the cost to entry". I see the above processes as constructive for what I will do in life, because it amounts to over 1k cold approaches/calls. I honed my selling skills. And of course, you can only sell convincingly if you believe in the product. In this case, it was me. Looking ahead, I will represent students by listening to their problems and feedback, hoping to integrate the input into the Faculty of Science (BETA). This is where the actual leadership comes into play. SRVU Studentenbond is the association who backed me, together with our members: Sylke van Kempen, Bart Dylan Verkerk, Yannick, Berfin Baran, Noah Chan whose efforts did not go unnoticed. Same goes for the members of the previous board of FSR. Aziza Filal, Yusuf Ziya Yokus, Derk Beemer, @David Congratulations! Let's use our positions to make a difference in Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam). Let's see where this path leads us, what problems we encounter and the solutions we find.

Are you interested in learning more about the first annual SENSE and ITI Utrecht Unconference? In our newest #SENSEblog, Lloyd Bingham discusses the inspiration behind the conference and what you can anticipate in November. You can read the full blog post at https://lnkd.in/geWwKyuC

Ballard Power Systems from Canada is known for its hydrogen fuel cell technology, applied in buses, trucks, rail, marine, and stationary power. There were ambitious plans to invest extensively in China, but escalating geopolitical tensions and delays in China's hydrogen market adoption have made the company hesitate. Should that $130 million investment proceed? Or is a more balanced strategy better, with the company focusing more on opportunities in North America and Europe? Victor (IB), Jorik (BDK), Kenzi (TBK), and Djelo (IB) only have 3 hours to come up with a well-thought-out plan. A thorough analysis, exploring various options, and then implementing what they consider the best strategy. Naturally, they are nervous, but they confidently enter the packed room. Some students from All Stars Consultancy from last year and this year have come to Dublin specifically to support the Rotterdam team. The support is immense.   They provide a solid analysis of the issues currently facing Ballard Power Systems, delve into the possibilities of hydrogen, and clearly recognize that the “headache of China” must be tackled first. In their solution, they don't completely abandon China but clearly opt for other markets, primarily Europe with a focus on Germany. During the Questions & Answers session, the jury, consisting of a mix of alumni, professors, and business professionals, grill our students. The chosen solution seems to be well-received, but it's unclear what the team ultimately wants to do with China. The opponent from Canada is clearer in this regard. They specifically advocate for much more focus on China. It's a very risky strategy, but they do have strong arguments for it.   While the jury is deliberating, it's nerve-wracking in the hallway. It's clear that it's a close call. Last year, we lost in this round with a score of 6-5 and narrowly missed the final where the top 4 teams would compete against each other. Surely, it won't happen to us again this year, will it? We're allowed to enter; the jury has reached a decision. With bated breath, Djelo, Kenzi, Victor, and Jorik step inside; their coach, Britta from the Rotterdam International Case Academy, is even more nervous. Noooo... 6-5 again, and again against us.   Unbelievable. What a disappointment. There's frustration, there are tears. But well, those are part of the game, especially in case competitions. The Rotterdam team has done amazingly well and has truly exceeded expectations. Another great showcase for Rotterdam University AS and the Rotterdam Business School. The medal will have to wait until next year. Even now, we can be immensely proud...

Have you saved the date for the entry exam of our Bachelor Specialization (SBWL)? If not, see all the details in the post below! But here is an addition on when and how you can apply for the exam: The enrollment for the exam will be open between  🗓 29 August and 2 September 2024 Within this period, sign up for "2182 Access to Specialization: Responsibility and Sustainability in Global Business" on Canvas. You can find it here: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/daDeBE8N We hope that you are having an interesting time while processing our reading list: 📖 https://lnkd.in/dt36-XvE Also, don´t forget to upload your mission statement until 3 September! We wrote more about it here: https://lnkd.in/duFNSAcT Will we see you on 4 September? Let us know in the comments! #SBWL #RSGB #CSR #sustainability #responsibility #globalbusiness #entryexam #missionstatement

🎉 Exciting Announcement! 🎉 We are thrilled to share that VISTAS (Vels Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies), accredited with NAAC A++ Grade, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TVS Training Services Limited. This collaboration, led by the Departments of ECE and EEE, marks a significant step towards empowering our students with cutting-edge training and industry-relevant skills. Together, we aim to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring our graduates are future-ready. Stay tuned for updates on this dynamic partnership and the exciting opportunities it will bring to our students and faculty! #VISTAS #NAAC_A++ #MoU #TVSTraining #Innovation #SkillDevelopment #ECE #EEE #AcademicExcellence

Today Rudi Bekkers opened the conference Education on Standardisation in Europe at TU Delft with 'Perspectives on standardisation education from academia, industry, and standardisation bodies'. https://lnkd.in/eszYTrrp 🎞️ With videomessage of Thierry Breton of European Commission and Speakers: 🎤 Andreea Gulacsi from CEN and CENELEC 🎤 Magnus Madfors from Ericsson, representing DIGITALEUROPE 🎤 Knut Blind from Technische Universität Berlin, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam & Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, representing the EDU4Standards.eu consortium. They shared their strategic vision for establishing standardisation education and the practical implementation of this vision with the audience. Like: 💡 Coordination at European level and national level on training programs (ESOs & NSBs), 💡 Examples of steps taken by Member States to support educational programs, 💡 The strategic vision of universities, vocational training institutions, and other training structures to incorporate standardisation in their programs, 💡 The role of the industry in fostering – through training – the necessary expertise to ensure competitiveness, market access, and compliance. Moderated bij Omar Dhaher of DIGITALEUROPE and Amelie Leipprand of DIN Normenausschuss Informationstechnik und Anwendungen Tomorrow more parallel workshops and a fireside session for a productive conversation and concrete recommendations. Like serious games for standardisation and much more. Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties Ministerie van Economische Zaken en Klimaat Ministerie van Onderwijs, Cultuur en Wetenschap Digitale Overheid #openstandaarden

Excellent news for other University of Portsmouth S&C students!🎉 I won't lie that throughout my studies I have felt aggrieved at the prospect of having to gain accreditation after doing a Masters degree... The fact that my industry experience coupled with (hopefully) a degree classification that fulfills the criteria to gain accreditation equivalent to notable industry equivalents (UKSCA, ASCA, NSCA CSCS) is not just a relief but rather what feels like justice and common sense. Accreditation this way isn't *easier* either, the requirements are significant and there will be some that won't meet accreditation criteria after their degree... I think this is a good thing as it raises the standards (something that feels rare these days as standards seems to lower to the candidate in lots of things) It is fortunate though as had I been a full time student (or even a year earlier) I would've missed out - but better late than never! International accreditation is always a plus too because you never know where you might end up in this industry...✈ Hopefully I meet the requirements and get accredited - we will see when the results come in...🤞 To anyone looking to tick qualification boxes in S&C, I'd recommend looking at an IUSCA Accredited University as this will ultimately save you pennies on extra post-degree workshops, assessment days (and potentially re-attempt costs) that other accreditation processes offer.

Continuing conversation from the Assessment Update (special issue released in December), Dr. Megan Rodgers Good and Dr. David Eubanks delivered an outstanding presentation at the University of Florida's 6th Annual Assessment Conference on "Assessment in a Time of Change." Depth and insight characterized their presentation, enriching the academic dialogue. #AssessmentConference #UniversityofFlorida #AcademicExcellence #JMUCARS #Assesement #HigherEducation

Highlights and Challenges: The 2023-2024 School Year in Review: Achievements and Milestones😊 #Highlights #Challenges #BilingualEducation #GlobalCitizen #ZfA #DSDI #DeutchesSprachdiplom #AATG #OutstandingGermanAward #DeltaEpsilonPhiNationalHonorSociety #GlobalSealofBiliteracy #CollegeBoard