Queen's University Management School

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The QUMS undergraduate open days have been specifically designed for prospective undergraduate students who have recently received an offer for September 2013 entry for one or more of the degree programmes within our School.

The purpose of these events is to give you an opportunity to speak informally with staff and students within the School, to find out more about the specific degree programmes for which you are holding offers, to learn more about Queen’s University Management School and life at Queen’s University in general. Ultimately, we hope that you choose our programmes as your firm (CF) and insurance (CI) choices.

The events will be held on Friday 15 February and Wednesday 10 April 2013, and you can choose to attend whichever event suits you.

Further information and online booking

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The second instalment of the ‘QUMS Trading Club Industry Professional Speakers Series’ continues this week welcoming Grace Smith from First Derivatives (FD) to Queen’s.

Grace has worked as a Business Analyst for FD for over 2 years and in this time has worked on financial projects with CIBC in Toronto for 6 months and most recently completed an 18 month project with Crédit Agricole in New York.  Prior to working for FD she worked as a trader with Delta Index in Dublin where Grace traded US equities, European equities and FX.  She also worked with UBS in London as a Deliveries Analyst in Exchange Traded Derivatives.  Grace graduated with a BSc in Actuarial and Financial Studies from University College Dublin in 2007 and is currently studying for her CFA Level 3.

The seminar will be held on Friday 22 February 2013, 2.15-3.15 pm in the Lecture Theatre, Teaching and Conferencing Block Riddel Hall. 

To secure a place please email your interest to tradingclub@qub.ac.uk 

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Pupils represented from a number of schools across Northern Ireland attended an interactive day on 11  February 2013 with Spence & Partners Ltd to form part of their work experience.

Hosted at Queen’s University Belfast this practical one day allowed pupils to understand both the academic and commercial aspects of becoming an Actuary and the potential opportunities that exist. The day proved a great success with excellent feedback from pupils who attended the event.

One of the pupils stated "I thoroughly enjoyed the Spence work experience day and found it very useful, I especially enjoyed the talk from Brian Spence and the opportunity to network and meet other students and actuaries at Spence. It was a great idea to have Mark Farrell there, the Programme Director of the Actuarial Science and Risk Management degree at Queen’s."
Eva-Jayne Doherty, Rathmore Grammar School

This popular event, was specifically designed for any pupils who had applied to Spence for work experience opportunities in the actuarial field. Pupils were also provided with an insight into the life of an Actuary, the science behind the equations, and took part in some challenging exercises relevant to the current pensions climate and industry.   Mark Farrell delivered a presentation to the pupils on the BSc Actuarial Science and Risk Management programme offered by Queen’s University which provided the pupils a full outline of the steps they need to take to become a future Actuary.

Brian Spence commenting on the event said " Investing in students who are interested in what our business does and wish to study an actuarial course is important to us. We value talent whatever level of experience and encourage individuals to progress through to professional careers and continue to increase the attainment of professional qualifications within Northern Ireland. "

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This semester will see the launch of a Trading Club at Queen’s University Management School, run in conjunction with the new First Derivatives Trading Room. Students will gain an invaluable glimpse into the real world of the capital markets. The club will provide a new learning environment and give students a head start in the graduate job market.

Activities include an industry professional seminar series, which will be open to all. The first of the seminars is on 8 February, 2.00 -3.00 pm in the lecture theatre in the teaching and conferencing block in Riddel Hall, where Mr Jamie Leonards will present.

Jamie is a trader in European Oleo Chemicals for Archer Daniels Midland (ADM).  Previous to this, Jamie worked on the UK and Ireland high net worth desk with Lloyd’s private bank.  Now based in Geneva, Jamie has a proven track record and experience in trading FX, stocks, bonds, funds, options, futures, OTC’s and physical commodities namely biodiesel.

Numbers are limited, so to secure a place please email your interest to tradingclub@qub.ac.uk

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The recent Taster Programme proved a hit again with schools from across Northern Ireland, with excellent feedback from teachers and pupils that attended the event.

Numbers for the event remain high with approximately 400 pupils and nearly 30 schools and a college in attendance.

The annual event, formerly known as the AS Level Event, was specifically designed for any pupils who are potentially interested in applying for degree programmes within QUMS for September 2014 entry. 

Pupils were provided with an insight into QUMS and the opportunities on offer to students whilst undertaking a degree programme within the School.  Pupils were then provided a choice of interactive taster sessions to attend to help them better differentiate between  the programmes. These were delivered by academic staff, assisted by a number of QUMS' current students.

A Head of Business Studies Department from one of the schools, Therese Donnelly from St Catherine's College, Armagh, thanked QUMS for "an excellent day" and said "the students really enjoyed it".

Degree presentations from the event are available below to download:

Accounting presentation  

Actuarial Science and Risk Management presentation  

Business Management presentation 

Economics/Business Economics presentation  

Finance presentation  

IBML presentation       
 

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The purpose of the award is to encourage a sense of social responsibility and inspirational leadership among students and alumni of the University, and to support stand alone activities or ventures, rather than participation in existing projects, which will demonstrate initiative and the ability to inspire or act as a role model for others. Preference will be given to projects or proposals involving developmental or humanitarian aid overseas, in a post-conflict environment.

Applicants must either be enrolled Queen’s students or Queen's alumni at the time of application.

Awards made are normally in the region of £300 - £1800.

Students who have received the Higginson Leadership Award in recent years have led teams on projects to build resource centres and help impoverished communities in Romania, Kenya, Bolivia, Thailand, and Uganda.

Higginson Leadership Award (Closing Date: 25 April 2013)

Application form and further information

Travel Scholarship Opportunities

Closing dates for the below travel scholarships:

William and Betty MacQuitty Scholarship (Closing Date: 24 January 2013)

University Travel Scholarships – Emily Sarah Montgomery, Sir Thomas Dixon & First Trust (Closing Date: 30 January 2013)

Alan Graham Fund Travel Scholarship (Closing Date: 30 January 2013)

Further information

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Queen's University Management School is offering a DEL sponsored PhD Research Studentship in the area of Management, Economics, Finance or Accounting.

Applications should be submitted by Monday 11 February 2013.

Click here for further information on how to apply and on core research themes and specialisms where supervision is available.

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To view photographs of the QUMS Presentation of Awards and Prize Giving Ceremony please click here

QUMS held its winter presentation of awards and prize giving ceremony in the beautiful setting of Riddel Hall.  The School welcomed its students, graduates, their family and friends and prize sponsors.

The event recognised the academic excellence of the students who recently completed a range of Certificates and Diplomas.  Also prizes were awarded for academic excellence to MSc and MBA students.  Many of which are sponsored by the local business community.

Gratitude is expressed to the sponsors, many of whom have long-standing relationships with the School.  To Anderson Spratt Group Holdings, Belfast Telegraph, Chartered Management Institute, Excelus, First Derivatives, ICAP, Randox Laboratories, and the Ulster Bank, we very much appreciate your continued support.

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To view photgraphs from the QUMS Winter graduation 2012 please click here

Congratulations to QUMS graduates who have completed a range of programmes to include: MSc Accounting and Finance, MSc Finance, MSc International Business, MSc Management, MSc Risk Management and Financial Regulation, MSSc Organisation and Management, Executive MBA.

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A Queen’s University enterprise expert is spreading a Christmas message with a difference – encouraging would-be entrepreneurs to turn their business dreams into reality.

You are an Entrepreneur by David Gibson is a fictional tale which follows the story of Clark, who loses his job at Christmas time. With the help of his ‘Uncle Dave’, an entrepreneurship guru, Clark uses his entrepreneurial skills to turn his fortunes around and help others over the festive period.

David, from Ballinderry, Co. Antrim, is one of the world’s leading enterprise educators. A Senior Teaching Fellow at Queen’s University Management School, he has won international awards for his pioneering model of enterprise education, which is now embedded across all disciplines at Queen’s.

He wrote the story to help a young graduate to turn his career around and start his own business. It has been endorsed by well-known sportspeople including boxer Ricky Hatton and Queen’s Park Rangers and England footballer Andrew Johnson. Hatton said the book “shows what you can do if you think of others, take risks and learn from your mistakes”.

David said: “You are an Entrepreneur is aimed at anyone who wants to make a change in their business, career or personal development. The story is deliberately set at Christmas time. This is the ideal time for people to take stock, put their difficulties behind them and realise that anything is possible. So this Christmas, get hunting for the business opportunity in your life and have an enterprising new year.

“The economic downturn is affecting people from all walks of life. Perhaps you thought you were in a job for life, but now you are facing redundancy. Maybe you are a young person or a graduate finding it difficult to get a foot on the career ladder, or a business owner trying hard to make ends meet.

“While it might be tempting to bury your head in the sand and hope that everything will be ok, the best thing you can do is to look for the opportunities in your own situation and make things happen. In other words, find your inner entrepreneur.

“Being entrepreneurial is not necessarily about making millions; instead it is about having a mindset which is geared towards making a contribution, and the skills to turn opportunity into reality. This is what I teach my students at Queen’s, and it is the foundation for You are an Entrepreneur.”

The book rounds off a busy year for David, which saw him named among the top three entrepreneurial educators in the world and the most innovative educator in the UK, for the third year running. Earlier this year, David received the OBE for services to education. He also received the Business Education Award at the 2012 UTV Business Eye Awards.

You are an Entrepreneur is available to download (£10) from www.youare-an-entrepreneur.com or by emailing david.gibson@qub.ac.uk All proceeds will go to cancer charities in Northern Ireland.

Media inquiries to Queen’s University Communications Office +44 (0)28 9097 3087/3091 email comms.office@qub.ac.uk

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Despite having very different personal interests the brothers, from Schull in County Cork, have always ended up studying similar things.

Damien said: “We’re not identical twins but we always seem to have ended up studying similar things. Neither of us knew that the other was applying to study at the MSc in Finance at Queen’s – it was just pure coincidence. By further coincidence we both did our dissertation with Professor Michael Moore and both had it completed in June.”

Patrick said: “We have travelled, lived, and studied together most of our lives, although our interests in sports are very different. I am into sailing and have represented Ireland and Damien is a keen GAA man and has represented Cork at county level. Although we’ve done many things together and are graduating together we’ve both secured jobs in different companies. Damien is working in a graduate role with Coca Cola and I’ve secured a job in Citibank in Dublin.”

Patrick and Damien will celebrate their graduation alongside their parents Paddy and Nuala Hegarty, their aunt Kathleen Hegarty and sister Linda Hegarty.

Media inquiries to Queen’s University Communications Office on 028 9097 3087/3091 or comms.office@qub.ac.uk

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The Actuarial Post proudly presents the Top 30 Under 30 Actuarial Professionals from around the globe, including our very own Neil Buchanan, who graduated with a First Class Honours degree in BSc Actuarial Science and Risk Management.

Neil, who features on the front cover of the November 2012 edition of the Actuarial Post, said "I have much to thank my education for as the Actuarial Science and Risk Management course at Queen's University Belfast has proved to be an excellent foundation for my career.  The structure of the  course lends itself to practical experience at an early stage and I benefitted greatly from my placement year on the course in particular".


Read full story ...

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This is the second year of The QUB Apprentice 2012 competition in partnership with Deloitte and Sean was up against stiff competition in the final task with his opponent, Business Management student, Judith Alexander from Markethill where they had to take control of the Simon Community Shop in Botanic for a day each competing to raise the most profit and tangible donations.

The students managed to raise almost £15,000 for the Simon Community throughout this year’s series of tasks. In addition to the coveted title, Sean has the opportunity of a prestigious two-week placement with Deloitte as well as winning £300 worth of vouchers and a cash prize of £3,495 towards his university fees.

Star of the BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’, Jim Eastwood, teamed up with Queen’s Students’ Union to host the final boardroom this week, where he ‘hired’ the lucky winner.

Contestants were short-listed based on a CV application and a 30-second elevator pitch recorded to camera.  They then embarked on a series of tasks which put their presentation, team work, creativity and negotiation skills to the test.  Along the way they encountered some of the most experienced business people in Northern Ireland, including Dr Trefor Campbell, former Director of Moy Park; John Blisard, owner of Boojum; Stephen Moore Group Creative Director of AV Browne Group; and Gary Carpenter, Deloitte.  

Commenting on the initiative, Queen’s Students’ Union Vice-President Community Aidan Hughes said: “Queen’s Students’ Union is committed to enhancing the employment prospects of all our students and graduates, through a range of extra-curricular activity such as The QUB Apprentice.  It encourages students to develop their entrepreneurial skills while also having a lot of fun!”

View the episodes

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This Wednesday's final of the QUB Apprentice will feature Sean McNally (Year 3, BSc Accounting) and Judith Alexander (Year 1, BSc Business Management), both students from Queen's University Management School.

The final challenge sees the candidates (and their teams) running the Simon Community's charity shop on Botanic Avenue for one day only: Sean McNally on Tuesday 13 November and Judith Alexander on Wednesday 14 November.

Best of luck to both candidates and congratulations on getting this far!

The competition, organised by Vice-President Community Aidan Hughes with support from Enterprise SU and officially launched by the BBC's Apprentice star, Jim Eastwood, is now in its second year, with this edition proving to be even bigger, better and more competitive.

Further information about QUB Apprentice including all of the episodes is available online

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Where some women work can increase their risk of developing breast cancer by almost double, according to researchers at Queen’s University and the University of Stirling.

A study, published in public health journal Environmental Health, involved 1006 women with breast cancer and 1147 without the disease revealed that women who worked in jobs where they were highly exposed to a “toxic soup” of chemicals for 10 years increased their breast cancer risk by 42 per cent.The research, lead by the University of Stirling’s Occupational and Environmental Health Research Group along with researchers at Queen’s University Management School found several occupational sectors in which there was elevated breast cancer risk:

Farming: showed a 36 per cent increased breast cancer risk. Several pesticides act as mammary carcinogens and many are endocrine disrupting chemicals. Employment in farming and exposure to pesticides in Canada often begins earlier in women’s lives than other occupations and may play a role. The chemicals may be the same in the UK but exposures may occur at a later date.

Plastics: The risk of developing breast cancer doubles for women working in the Canadian car industry’s plastics manufacturing sector. Among those who were premenopausal, the risk was almost five times as great. Many plastics have been found to release estrogenic and carcinogenic chemicals and cumulative exposures to mixtures of these chemicals are a significant concern. Many of the plastics chemicals used in Canada are identical to ones used all over the world, including the UK, in a variety of manufacturing sectors. The UK is proposing weakening inspections in this sector.

Food Tinning: The risk of developing breast cancer doubles for women working in the tinned food sector. Among those who were premenopausal, the risk was five times as great. Exposures to chemicals in the food canning industry may include pesticide residues and emissions from the polymer linings of tins. There has been little research conducted on women’s health in this industry anywhere in the world.

Metalworking: A statistically significant 73 per cent increased breast cancer risk was found in the metalworking sector. Women working in tooling, foundries and metal parts manufacturing are exposed to a variety of potentially hazardous metals and chemicals. There has been little research conducted on breast cancer risk in this area, but this could have relevance for a broad range of unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled workers in various industrial operations.

Bar/Casino/Racecourses: The risk of developing breast cancer doubles for women working in the bar/casino/racing sector. The elevated risk of developing breast cancer may be linked to second-hand smoke exposure and night work which has been found to disrupt the endocrine system.

Professor Matthias Beck from Queen’s University Management School said: "The link between occupations and cancer is still poorly understood and much of the literature in this field ignores the importance of occupational exposures.  I hope that others will follow our lead in acknowledging the relevance of investigating work-based exposures."

Lead researchers for the study, Dr James Brophy and Dr Margaret Keith, work for OEHRG as well as the University of Windsor in Ontario. Dr Brophy said: “Breast cancer causality is complex. It is believed to result from a combination of factors including genetic, hormonal and lifestyle influences as well as environmental exposures. However, studies have shown that breast cancer incidence rose throughout the developed world during in the second half of the twentieth century as women entered industrial workplaces and many new and untested chemicals were being introduced. Diverse and concentrated exposures to carcinogens and hormone disrupting chemicals in some workplaces can put workers at an increased risk for developing cancer.”

The study, which also involved researchers from Canada, USA and the UK, contributes to a better understanding of cancer causation, particularly for work related cancer. While the research was conducted in Southern Ontario, Canada where there is extensive manufacturing and agriculture, its findings have relevance to women working in a variety of industries across the globe.

Professor Andrew Watterson, Head of the OEHRG at Stirling and a co-investigator on the project said: “Many workers face multiple exposures to chemicals, not only from their employment, but from their everyday environment. Many of the women included in the study were exposed to a virtual “toxic soup” of chemicals. Untangling work and wider factors in the possible causes of breast cancer is an important global issue.”

The study could also have wider implications for society as a whole. Dr Keith added: “The findings from this occupational study have important implications for the general public. We may be exposed to many of these same cancer-causing and endocrine-disrupting chemicals on a daily basis, albeit likely at much lower levels. The study also points to the need to re-evaluate occupational and environmental exposure standards, keeping in mind that there may be no determinable safe levels to cancer-causing or hormone-disrupting chemicals.”

Media inquiries to Claire O’Callaghan at Queen’s University Communications Office on +44 (0)28 9097 5391

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Dr Geoff Simmons' article produced for the Ulster Business Magazine .....

Dylan wrote the album The Times They are a-Changin' back in 1964. There is no doubt that back then the times certainly were a-changin'.

Fast forward to 2012. The rate and pace of change in global trade, communications, politics, culture and technology is, like Felix Baumgartner, about to break the sound barrier.

On Felix, and his space diving exploits, what strikes me most is not so much the jump, although that was spectacular, as the fusion of global trade, communications, culture and technology in the jump. In that jump, and in that fusion, the essential element was marketing.

The jump was part of a global brand narrative: 'Red Bull Gives You Wings'. Red Bull has built its story around extreme sports and innovation. With the jump, the brand ascended with Felix to new heights and, in doing so, transcended how brands relate to us. The spin-off from the jump in space travel innovation and in inspiring millions, took the Red Bull brand as a social construct into the realms of higher order benefits way above the often timid concept of corporate social responsibility.

Read more ...

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Queen’s University Management School Placement Office recently held a very successful Finance and Actuarial Careers Fair targeted at second year students undertaking the BSc Finance and BSc Actuarial Science and Risk Management programmes.  Attending employers came from a range of local, national and international businesses seeking not only to secure the best placement student but also graduating talent from these programmes. This fair has doubled in numbers over the last two years and has become an annual event to meet the growing demand from employers to target this core group of students. It was attended by thirty-three employers and also the Institute of Actuaries and the Ulster Society of Chartered Accountants Ireland.

This is a unique part of the Placement Learning process where students can meet face-to-face with recruiters from many of the top employers and also to find out about placement and career education opportunities that can help them make more informed decision about their chosen profession.

Students also had an opportunity to network with senior figures from Blackrock during an earlier Breakfast Seminar.

Many of those representing the companies at the fair are current placement students and alumni of Queen’s University Management School.

View Finance and Actuarial Careers Fair photo gallery

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