Catalyst.
Management School — Spring /Summer 2013 Issue — 05
Alumni profile page 14 Professor Anthony Fretwell- Downing reflects on over 80 years of his family’s business.
Interview page 17 Professor of Environmental Sustainability David Oglethorpe examines what makes a sustainable business today.
FEATURE page 20 Case studies from our leading academics demonstrate how their research impacts on your society.
Our research. Creating an impact. This issue Foreword 03 — Message from Professor Lenny Koh, Whilst we make the transition to our your Associate Dean for Alumni new premises over the summer, this issue brings you all the latest from our IN THE PRESS 04 specialist research areas here at the — News from the Management School, our staff, students and alumni Management School. We also catch up with alumni and find out how their ALUMNI PROFILE 14 student experiences have impacted — Professor Anthony Fretwell-Downing upon their careers. FEATURE 17 — What is a sustainable business? CATALYST With Professor David Oglethorpe
The magazine for Sheffield University — The Sustainability Leadership Programme 19 Management School Alumni from FEATURE 20 The External Relations Team at: — Our research is making an impact Sheffield University Management School Case studies from our leading academics The University of Sheffield WE CAUGHT UP WITH 24 Conduit Road — Alumnus Jonathan Bye Sheffield S10 1FL INTERVIEW 26 [email protected] — What leads to a career at PwC? www.shef.ac.uk/management/alumni We spoke to Sheffield alumni Jo Allen, Andy Ward and Ashley Unwin DESIGN WE CAUGHT UP WITH 29 Designed by thecafeteria.co.uk — Alumnus Nigel Turner
PRINT The Arts Economy Conference 30
Print and Design Solutions Get involved 31 www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/printanddesign Keep in touch 32 JOIN THE ALUMNI NETWORK www.shef.ac.uk/management/linkedin www.sheffield.ac.uk/management/ alumni/invite Issue — 5 03
Foreword Message from Lenny
Welcome to the fifth edition of To help you understand more about We hear from alumnus Nigel Turner Catalyst. For this issue we have how our exciting research environment the former CEO of BMI, alumnus chosen to take a closer look at how creates impact, this issue features case Jonathan Bye CEO of Seabrook, and we our research here at the Management studies from our academics including spoke to three alumni whose careers School is having a real impact on the how the Institute of Work Psychology’s have taken them to PwC via different economy and society we live in. Scenarios tool helps organisations better pathways. We also talked with alumnus plan for change; how Dr Geoff Nichols’ and good friend of the Management Our leading academics work with a research has transformed policy and School Professor Anthony Fretwell- wide range of partners and research practice surrounding volunteers in sport; Downing about his family business consortiums tackling issues in the recent projects from CEES including success and his involvement with the areas of work psychology, employment The BIG Energy Upgrade at the SCEnAT school and University over the years. relations, accounting and logistics and software; and Professor David Oglethorpe supply chain management to name explores the sustainability issues in As well as welcoming any ideas or a few. Our research focuses on tackling business today. stories you may like to share with us, some of the most serious problems you could be involved in delivering an facing organisations, governments and With a focus on research impact and expert lecture to our students, you may society today. sustainability, I should mention the be able to provide a project or placement progress of the Management School’s opportunity within your organisation One of which is the growing matter move to our new premises to sustain or help mentor our students through of sustainability. As a result of climate our continuing growth. We have their university experience, or you may change, a decline in energy resources began the transition of academic and even wish to give back financially. We and changes in how customers perceive professional services staff to the new can also help to promote your business business, the issues of sustainability site at Crookesmoor, which should be by featuring it in a future edition of are increasingly defining the way we completed over the summer ready to Catalyst, which is sent out to over do business as well as influencing welcome everyone into the building 10,000 alumni globally. Just get in touch government policy and regulations. for the new academic year 2013–14 which on the email below. You can find out we are very excited about! We will keep more about the different ways to get you posted with updates about the move involved on page 31. and the official opening later this year. We hope you enjoy reading this edition of It is also a good time to consider not only Catalyst and we look forward to working sustaining but developing our diverse with you to continue growing our alumni alumni network at the Management community here at the Management School. The community provides an School, and we hope you do too. opportunity to keep in touch with old friends, make new ones and develop your Yours, social and business networks. We are extremely grateful that you are giving Lenny back to us by enhancing this network of global connections, just by being a part Professor Lenny Koh of the alumni community. You may feel Associate Dean, Alumni Affairs there are other ways in which you would Get in touch at [email protected] like to be involved and give back to the School, by way of sharing your expertise, time and knowledge.
v Professor Lenny Koh Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs 04 Catalyst
In the Press Staff News
Academic Ms Andrea Ward – Mr Jonathan Jeffrey – joined the Management School joined the Management School in May as appointments: in February as University Teacher in Senior University Teacher in Accounting. Project Management. Jonathan joins us from Sheffield Hallam We are pleased to welcome the Andrea has a wealth of knowledge in University where he held the post of business and people development, principal lecturer in finance and risk following members of staff to providing solutions to best support management. His main research area is the Management School: businesses and their strategy. Andrea capita structure and alternative sources supervises dissertations, delivers Human of corporate funding. Resource Management, Organisational Behaviour and Project Management We also look forward to welcoming Modules at undergraduate and the following members of staff later postgraduate levels. in the year:
Ms Laura Dean – Dr David Rast will join the Management joined the Management School in February School in June as Lecturer in Work as University Teacher in Work Psychology. Psychology. Previously, Laura held the post of Head of Employability and Senior Lecturer at Leeds Dr Georgios Fotopoulos will join the Metropolitan University. Laura’s research Management School in June as Senior interests are in widening participation in Lecturer in Entrepreneurship. relation to employability as well as the use of electronic tools such as eportfolios to Dr Andrew Simpson will join the support personal development planning Management School in June as Director and reflective learning. Laura teaches of Accreditations and MBA Programme. across a range of postgraduate courses and is currently working with colleagues Dr Eva Selenko will join the Management across the university on a careers module School in September as Lecturer in Work for final year undergraduates. Psychology.
Ms Susan Thompson – joined the Management School in March as University Teacher in Accounting. Susan began her professional career, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant and a Tax Advisor before moving into academia and lecturing at Huddersfield University and Sheffield Hallam University. She is interested in the teaching of financial accounting and taxation.
Dr Rose Challenger – joined the Management School in April as Lecturer in Work Psychology. Having held previous research roles at the University of Leeds, Rose’s main area of interest is the behaviour and management of crowds. Issue — 5 05
Awards:
Dr Jon Burchill recently won an ESRC The Centre for Energy, Environment Dr Christine Sprigg has been invited by Knowledge Exchange Opportunities and Sustainability (CEES) has secured the ESRC to write a case study based on Scheme grant for Employee Volunteering funding to support the Green Deal the ESRC 2012 seminar ‘Punched from the work, which began in February. Jon initiative. This is a national scheme that screen: Cyberbullying in the workplace.’ and colleagues will be working with an enables the installation of a range of organisation to create a new facilitation home energy efficiency measures such as Dr Ute Stephan has been invited model for linking companies to community solid wall insulation, cavity wall insulation, to join the Editorial Review Board of projects. loft insulation and new boilers with no Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, one up-front cost. of the leading entrepreneurship journals. Dr Angie Carter was appointed Chair of Organizational Development Professor Lenny Koh is leading on Dr Tim Vorley is Principal Investigator of at Tallinn Technical University (TTU), the project at local level working with the successful research bid through RESS Estonia in October 2012. Angie was also Barnsley Council, Groundwork Dearne on ‘Fulfilling lives: supporting people with awarded Outstanding Reviewer by the Valley, Citizens Advice Bureau and multiple and complex needs, evaluation Organizational Behaviour Division of the Keepmoat Homes. Read more about the and learning package.’ Academy of Management in June 2012 centre’s research impact on pages 20-21. and has recently been elected to the BPS’ The European Commission have editorial board for Supervisory Practice. Professor Bill Lee has been elected to sit announced that legislation is to be on the British Academy of Management’s introduced in the European Parliament Dr Alok Choudry, Dr Mike Simpson National Council for three years, which in 2013/14 to establish Professor Colin and Dr Andrea Genoese’s proposal of started in January. Williams’ proposal for a European ‘NEXt Generation Sustainable Freight platform for tackling undeclared work. Transportation (NEX-GIFT)’ for UK–USA– Dr Tina McGuiness secured an NERC Read more about Colin’s work in this India Trilateral Research Partnership, has Environment Agency Policy Placement area on page 21. been accepted. The partnership will involve Fellowship, commencing in January. three other universities from the USA and The placement addresses floods and India. The research aims to ensure long- droughts complementing Tina’s current term sustainability of freight movement EPSRC project. across the three continents. Dr Peter Rodgers has been invited to Dr Rachael Finn has had an invited join the ESRC Peer Review College. entry on ‘Team Work’ accepted for publication in the forthcoming Wiley- Blackwell Encyclopaedia of Health, Illness, Behaviour and Society and has had a paper accepted for publication (with Martin, Weaver, Currie & McDonald): ‘Innovation sustainability in challenging healthcare contexts: embedding clinically led change in routine practice’ in Health Services Management Research.
As President of the Research Committee for the Sociology of the Arts of the International Sociological Association (RC 37), Dr Marta Herrero is leading on the Arts Economy Conference: New directions in an age of austerity, hosted by the University and Management School, in September. Read more about the conference on page 30. http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ management/events/arts-economy-2013 06 Catalyst
In the Press School News
in Sheffield, Sir Bernard began his career Dr Karoline Strauss was invited to A shining knight for in the forces with South Yorkshire Police showcase her work, as an illustration Sheffield in theN ew before moving to Merseyside Police in of exemplary research suitable for the 1997 and four years later he joined the upcoming Research Excellence Framework Year’s Honours List Met as an assistant commissioner, before review. Dr Strauss’ presentation focused returning to Liverpool in 2004. on proactive behaviour at work and its The New Year’s Honours list saw the relation to individuals’ careers. Vice-Chancellor of the University of We congratulate Professor Sir Keith Sheffield,P rofessor Sir Keith Burnett Burnett and both Management School Recent graduates from our Masters in and Management School alumni Sir alumni Sir David and Sir Bernard on their Occupational Psychology programme also David Brailsford CBE, MBA and Sir special achievements. had the chance to showcase their work. Bernard Hogan-Howe, MBA amongst Natalie Clarke, presented her dissertation the names in line for Knighthoods. on employee development, which examines Plain sailing for how an organisation can maximise its An eminent atomic physicist who return on investment in austere times. has also played an important role in Institute of Work Natalie worked alongside Stuart Duff from developing science policy in the United Psychology at BPS Pearn Kandola Business Psychologists and Kingdom, a member of the Council of was supervised by Prof John Arnold. Emma Science and Technology reporting to the flagship conference Rowett presented a poster on her MSc Prime Minister, and Vice-Chancellor of project, which investigated the factors that the University of Sheffield since 2007, Staff and students from theI nstitute lead to proactive behaviour. Emma was Professor Burnett leads a University which of Work Psychology (IWP) proved once supervised by Dr Karoline Strauss. combines world-class scholarship with the again to be a powerful presence at the highest quality teaching. British Psychological Society’s Division Leanne Ingram and Marc Van Huizen, of Occupational Psychology Conference also Occupational Psychology MSc In responses to being awarded his in Chester in January. graduates, co-presented their study into knighthood for services to science and the implementation and evaluation of higher education, Professor Burnett said: During the event, which is a flagship mindfulness training. Marc and Leanne ‘I am delighted to accept this honour, conference amongst Occupational carried out their MSc projects with Dr which I do as the leader of an outstanding Psychology professionals in the UK, posters Nadine Mellor of the Health and Safety team here at the University of Sheffield. and symposia were delivered by our recent Laboratory at Buxton and were supervised Our staff and students are drawn from IWP MSc graduates, PhD students and by Prof John Arnold. the brightest and most talented people academic staff from the institute. We were from all over the world, and others see in also please to see a number of IWP alumni Stephen McGlynn, a PhD student at us the vision, expertise, determination and presenting their work. IWP, hosted a series of communication culture to use that knowledge to make a workshops at the Conference, and is also difference.’ Presentations included an overview graduating from the Division’s Leadership of Dr Kamal Birdi’s research which looks Development Programme, a new initiative Sir David (MBA 1994) is the Performance into the effectiveness of knowledge designed to develop future leaders of the Director of British Cycling and received his sharing in European police organisations profession. Knighthood for services to the London 2012 as well as a symposium of papers relating Olympic and Paralympic Games in which he to how Occupational Psychologists can We look forward to next year’s conference led Britain to eight cycling gold medals for support young people in their pursuit and exhibiting even more of our cutting- a second successive Olympics and Team of employment organised by Dr Angela edge research from the Institute of Work Sky to a historic one-two in the Tour de Carter. Psychology. France in 2012.
Sir Bernard (EMBA 1999) was awarded his knighthood in recognition of his services to policing. He took the position of Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police in September 2011 and was previously the Chief Constable of Merseyside Police. Born Issue — 5 07
Award winning “Forgemasters has come a long way and In May last year Graham was named the I think it’s important to help the next winner of the Bessemer Gold Medal by steel boss secures generation of businesspeople as much as The Institute of Materials, Minerals and university chair possible. I have been highly impressed by Mining (IOM3) after his work was judged the enthusiasm, energy and commitment to have promoted the manufacture of of the staff and students at the University engineering components to national and SheffieldF orgemasters of Sheffield and look forward to working international importance. International’s Chief Executive with them as they develop their ambitious has been appointed chair at the plans for today’s challenging business Previous to this he was presented with Management School. environment.” the silver medal from the Royal Academy of Engineering, a CBE for his services to Dr Graham Honeyman will assume Dean of the Management School, the steel industry and was named Overall the role of Honorary Professor and Professor Keith Glaister, said: “We are Director of the Year at the Institute of will be invited to give guest lectures to delighted to award Graham Honeyman Directors in 2010. undergraduates and postgraduates and the title of Honorary Professor in Strategic his proven business acumen will be used Management at the University of Sheffield Graham studied Engineering Materials when expert advice is required. He will Management School.” Technology at the University of Aston and hold the title for an initial three years complemented his degree with a PhD for after which it can be renewed. “Graham is a dynamic leader who has his study of armour plate welding from made a significant impact at Sheffield Teesside University. On securing the position, Graham said: Forgemasters and across our region. “It is a great honour to have been Having a business leader of Graham’s More recently, Graham was shortlisted appointed Honorary Professor at such calibre associated with the Management for the accountants and business advisers a vibrant University. My role will allow School provides a great learning Ernst & Young’s coveted Entrepreneur me to pass on many years’ experience opportunity to our student community.” Of The Year Award, the finals of which leading a business in a challenging but will take place in June. rewarding industry.” Graham is set to formally receive his chair at an official ceremony later this year to be held in the newly-refurbished Crookesmoor site once the school move is complete.
b h Vice-Chancellor of The University of Sheffield Forgemasters International’s Sheffield Professor Sir Keith Burnett Chief Executive Dr Graham Honeyman 08 Catalyst
The Sheffield Beta Gamma Sigma Chapter was officially established in January as the Management School held its first induction ceremony of new members into the society.
Sheffield joins the Dr Gary Simpson of Aston Business Professor Koh said: “This year marks the School and BGS Inducting Officer officially Centennial year of Beta Gamma Sigma International inducted the Management School and its making it even more of an honour that the Honor Society Beta new members into BGS at a ceremony Management School was able to establish held at the University of Sheffield on 10th its own Chapter during this special Gamma Sigma January. Aston University was the first anniversary year. It gives us great pleasure institution in the UK to establish its own to be able to recognise our students’ The Sheffield Beta Gamma Sigma BGS chapter. excellence in the study of business and Chapter was officially established in management, and also the school’s January as the Management School Dr Simpson said: “I was honoured to be accreditation from AACSB, through this held its first induction ceremony of asked to induct the Sheffield Chapter highly-esteemed society. We hope that new members into the society. into BGS and gladly accepted the offer. becoming a Member of BGS is something We are now in our tenth year of inducting all of our management students will aim Founded at the University of Wisconsin members into the society at Aston for and we look forward to inducting more in 1913, action was initiated in 1919 to Business School and it’s great to see members into the Sheffield BGS Chapter.” establish Beta Gamma Sigma, or BGS, as others such as the Management School the only scholastic honor society of AACSB in Sheffield gaining the eligibility to share The prestigious society recognises International – The Association to Advance this prestigious association with.” students of high academic excellence. Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Those in the top 10% at undergraduate To date BGS has inducted over 700,000 The ceremony began with Dr Gary giving level, top 20% at Masters level and students outstanding students into its membership a short history of the society and explaining who have completed their PhD in business from more than 160 countries around the the key values behind it: to encourage and management studies are invited to join world. and honour academic achievement in BGS. It is the highest recognition a business the study of business, to foster personal student anywhere in the world can receive Following the Management School’s and professional excellence, to advance in a business programme accredited by accreditation from AACSB last year, the the values of the Society, and to serve AACSB International. school gained eligibility to establish its its lifelong members. He then presented own BGS Chapter here in Sheffield. Professor Lenny Koh with the Charter For further information about BGS at the on behalf of the school and recent Management School visit: graduates were presented with their BGS www.shef.ac.uk/management/alumni/bgs membership certificates. h Professor Lenny Koh presenting Dr Suzanna Hamlin with BGS certificate at the Induction Ceremony on the 10th of January 2013 Issue — 5 09
Unique programme Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Chairman James Newman said: “Creating inspires city region effective leadership is vital to transforming leaders public and private sector industries to thrive in today’s tough economic climate where there is less money, more pressure The University of Sheffield honoured and greater demand for better services. the latest cohort of managers and business leaders to complete the “I believe that creating collaborative Sheffield CityR egion Leadership partnerships is key to the success of the Programme, now in its third year, at Sheffield City Region – collaboration a celebration event held in December between the public sector, the private last year. sector, higher education and schools and colleges.” Run together by the University of Sheffield Management School and The ceremony honoured more than 30 Sheffield Hallam University, the innovative delegates from a range of organisations programme is designed to work with including the NHS, Sheffield City Council, local leaders and managers to develop Rotherham Metropolitan Borough business solutions to help take forward Council, South Yorkshire Police and South the economy of the local region. Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
h The City Region Leadership Programme graduation ceremony at the University of Sheffield on December 12th 2012 10 Catalyst
In the Press Student News
Entrepreneur and business founder Nick Holzherr, who was runner up on The BBC’s Apprentice last year, gave an inspirational speech into the challenges and successes achieved through his own work experiences.
“I was incredibly shocked to win the award. I couldn’t quite believe that I was shortlisted for the final four so this is amazing,” said Amy.
“To me all I had done was my job – just being given the opportunities I had at ERAC was enough. I was very grateful to be nominated and to win was definitely the icing on the cake of a fantastic year.”
She added: “Because I completed the graduate training programme five months ahead of the usual schedule I will be able to be promoted straight away when I return to ERAC which is fantastic.”
“A placement not only allows you to First-class placement “As with any business placement, I learnt develop professionally but it also helps you lots of new skills as well as developing to improve personal skills such as time for Amy Brereton existing ones such as organisational skills, management. Even if you decided on your communication and negotiation skills, placement year that this career isn’t for Talented business management student and marketing and accounting for a small you, it is something much better learnt Amy Brereton won a national award business – however some of the biggest whilst still studying and learning at the for her innovative business skills which skills I learnt were softer, personal skills University then as a post graduate.” helped to transform a workplace. such as time keeping and consistently getting up early!” The University of Sheffield’s Careers Amy Brereton, 22, was specially chosen as Service provides students the invaluable the UK’s Best Placement Student at the She added: “Skills that I learnt on opportunity to develop skills for success National Placement and Internship Awards placement are hugely beneficial to my through a variety of careers workshops, after proving herself as a determined and degree. Everything I have learnt in my third placements, internships and part-time jobs. hardworking business leader of the future. year so far has made so much more sense Visit myVacancies, the Careers Service As part of her course the Business as I can practically see where different online jobs board to view live vacancies Management student took part in a 12 theories fit in practice.” month placement at Enterprise Rent-A-Car You can find out more about placement (ERAC) in Sheffield. Throughout the placement, which was opportunities through the Management organised through the University’s Careers School Employability Hub. “I loved my placement from start to Service, Amy transformed the under- finish,” said Amy. “There were times that performing branch of ERAC and helped to [email protected] were hard, but the best thing about the double its revenue in a short space of time. placement was how much autonomy In recognition of her intuitive business and support I was given right from the management skills, Amy was presented beginning. No matter how crazy my with the prestigious award at a special ideas were – ERAC were happy for me to ceremony which took place in London in h pursue them. In turn this led to changes in February and was attended by over 400 Management student Amy Brereton representatives from both the corporate is presented with her award for UK’s employee development, diversity training Best Placement Student at the National and community projects.” and higher education sectors. Placement and Internship Awards 2013 Issue — 5 11
Management School students compete in the national final to create the UK’s best student beer
114 Sheffield Students’ Beer made it through to the international finals of the AB InBev Best Beer Competition having won the UK finals held on 0th2 of March in Luton.
Organised by AB InBev and aimed at students, the objective of the Best Beer Competition is for teams to develop a new beer concept for their respective University. In this case, The University With help from the Student’s Union Sheffield Students’ Beer headed for the of Sheffield. The beer also has to be and The Sheffield Brewery Co. Ltd, the Grand Final of the competition. This was sustainable and in line with AB InBev’s team were able to launch an innovative held at AB InBev’s headquarters in Brussels, core values. marketing campaign. Graeme Wood, Belgium on the 30th of April and saw the Commercial Operations Manager of the best out of more than 130 universities who AB InBev is a leading global brewer of beer Student’s Union, said: “This has been entered the competition. in its industry and is the owner of well- an amazing project to assist with. known brands such as Stella Artois and The team captured the essence of the Unfortunately one Belgian Team was Budweiser. University in so many ways from the stronger than the 114 concept as “La Louve” original student numbers and the links from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven The University of Sheffield team, made with our bio diversity project and the won the contest. However, 114 Sheffield up of Arjun Krishna and Damini Mahajan sampling events allowed Sheffield Students Students’ Beer did amazingly well at from Chemical Engineering and Alexandra to contribute to the process as well – the reaching this point of the competition. Nicolau and Martin Fuentes from the end product is stunning – and it is no Management School, created 114, an surprise that they have progressed to the The Management School is proud of 114 for outstanding smooth, crisp blonde beer next stage of the competition.” getting to the finals and wishes them every with a refreshing taste and a tinge of success with the future of 114. honey, as their successful entry into the The campaign involved ‘teaser’ posters competition. being strategically placed around the 114sheffieldstudentsbeer.webs.com University which built up to the mystery of Each element of the brand was carefully the posters being unveiled at a taster event developed to embed the University’s a week later at the Interval Café. The event origins and values. The significance of 114 proved to be highly successful and 114 being the number of students enrolled at received very positive reactions from both the time of the University’s foundation on students and staff at the University. 1905 and the honey used to brew the beer is from the University’s very own beehives. The team also received invaluable help The white rose of York incorporated in from the Union’s president Abdi Suleiman the logo gives a signature of locality to the and Interval Cafe Manager Chris Aucott. product and the tagline indicates its origin Proving to be a strong concept and with its and destination – by students, for students. bready notes of malt and the sweetness of honey on the nose and palate, the 4.5% ABV h beer brewed in Sheffield in partnership 114 Sheffield Team: Martin Fuentes, with The Sheffield Brewery Co. Ltd, 114 Alexandra Nicolau, Damini Mahajan and Arjun Krishna 12 Catalyst
x Kate Robbins, Forum’s Manager, presents Joel Logue (MBA) with the P&A Prize for Organisational Leadership at the Winter Graduation Ceremony 2013
Honorary awards for Management alumni
The Management School is pleased to announce that two of its alumni will be awarded Honorary Degrees at this summer’s graduation ceremonies.
Recently Knighted Sir Bernard Hogan- Howe (EMBA 1999) will receive this special honorary award in recognition of his outstanding career in the police force. Although a Management School alumnus, Sir Bernard will receive his honorary award on behalf of the School of Law in acknowledgement of his services to the Metropolitan Police.
Simon Moran, now owner and Managing Director of SJM Concerts, the largest UK based concert promoter, began his entrepreneurial music career at the University of Sheffield where he booked bands for the Students Union whilst – The Charted Institute of Winter Graduation studying Business Studies (BA 1987.) Marketing Prizes for performances celebrations on the MSc programmes were Having produced his first live music event presented by Daragh O’Reilly. The in the Students’ Union 30 years ago, his best overall performance across As well as celebrating all those who company now operates over 2000 shows Marketing modules for the MSc in successfully graduated at this year’s per year, including pop and rock music, International Management and Winter Graduation, the Management classical, comedy events and major Marketing programme was awarded to School was especially pleased to award festivals including V Festival and T In Charalambos Charalambous. The best the following prizes at a celebration The Park. event held in January: overall performance across Marketing modules on the MSc in Marketing An alumnus of the Management School, – The P&A Prizes for Management Practice programme Simon will receive a DMus from the Music Organisational Leadership for was awarded to Rodrigo Afonso. the best overall performances in Department at this year’s graduation Experiencing Enterprise, New Venture – The Geoff Sykes Memorial Prize ceremonies because of his achievements Planning and the final project on for best overall performance on the in the Music industry. the MBA course, presented by Kate MBA programme was presented by Robbins, Forum’s Manager, were John Cullen and went to Peter Clayton Congratulations to both Bernard and awarded to: Peter Clayton, Zahra Simon on their outstanding achievements Alomani, Lyubomir Mishkov, Joel Congratulations to all our prize winners in each of their professions. Logue, Xun Zhao. and to all our Management School graduates this year. – The Chartered Institute of Marketing Prize for the best MBA Project in the area of Marketing was presented by Professor John Cullen and went to Peter Clayton. Issue — 5 13
In the Press Alumni News
IWP graduate wins Mentor rewarded Practitioner of the for engagement Year Award work in the student community Congratulations to Kate Bonsall-Clarke, an alumna of the Institute of Work The Management School was Psychology (IWP), on winning the delighted to hear of Richard Bruce’s coveted Practitioner of the Year Award commendation for his role as 2012 for Occupational Psychology. Residential Mentor in winning this year’s ACS People´s Award for This prestigious award is granted by the Services to the Student Community. British Psychological Society’s Division of Occupational Psychology, and is annually Management School Alumnus (MBA 1991) awarded to a Chartered Psychologist who and Advanced Visiting Fellow, Richard demonstrates excellence in the practical has recently taken up the challenge of application of Occupational Psychology. becoming a Residential Mentor to 155 able to recognise his commitment with families and couples living in University the Services to the Student Community Kate received the award for her work accommodation. Award.”Pat continued: “Although Richard with the Rail Safety and Standards Board, is only required to organise three activities where she developed, implemented, and On receiving his award, Richard per year, his dedication to his residents evaluated a programme for non-technical commented: “I feel greatly honoured to and his job has seen him organise regular skills training for train drivers in the British be given this award, particularly as the events and activities to engage with the rail industry. role is such an intrinsically rewarding one couples and families and develop a real anyway. I’m able to help student families sense of community.” Almuth McDowall, Chair-Elect of the and couples with a wide range of issues, Division of Occupational Psychology, from visa problems, schooling for their Last term, Richard arranged for a coach commended Kate’s work as standing children and Council Tax to helping them trip to Derbyshire which was a great out from others in the shortlist, in that it overcome cultural differences and adapt success in bringing the families’ community evaluated its effect at the individual, team to living in the UK.” together. and organisational level. Such an evaluation approach was inspired by the work of Dr The new role of Residential Mentor for Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Keith Kamal Birdi, a researcher at the world- couples and families was created within Burnett, attended the ceremony held leading IWP, and one of Kate’s lecturers the Accommodation & Commercial on 1st March and presented awards to during her Masters course. Services department this year as a result deserving staff from the departments of of feedback indicating that more could Accommodation & Commercial Services be done to further engage with this and Finance. particular group of residents. http://www.shef.ac.uk/acs Pat McGrath, Director of Accommodation & Commercial Services said: “Richard has done a fantastic job of supporting the couples and families who live in our accommodation. He really goes out of his way to look after the residents and resolve any issues they might have. He’s been an invaluable addition to the Resident Support team and I’m thrilled that we were
h Alumnus Richard Bruce (MBA 1991) at the ACS People´s Award’s ceremony 2013 14 Catalyst
Alumni profile Professor Anthony Fretwell-Downing
The challenge was obvious. How could a businessman with a PhD in Chemistry lead 70 academics in business, accounting and economics away from the school’s financial cliff edge and restore morale? Issue — 5 15
Chairman of F. Fretwell-Downing go ahead was given for the nationally memorable events included the first of Ltd & Director Fretwell-Downing recognised Cutlers’ Feast the following FFD’s Royal Opening events, a luncheon Hospitality Ltd, Anthony shares spring. Sir Winston Churchill was their on 22nd October 1962 at Llanwern Steel guest of honour with five hundred male Works for the Queen with 1800 guests with us the history of his family’s guests dining.’ supported by 700 auxiliaries. company from the boom of the Anthony continued: ‘Eight years later, catering arm in the 1960s and Having negotiated a wide range of even though my father was seriously ill, early ‘70s to the diversification prestigious contracts, FFD grew from BSC awarded Alistair and me the £1m (in of the business into computing in strength to strength throughout the today’s prices) contract for the Royal ‘50s into the ‘70s and the brand was well Opening of the Port Talbot Steel Works the ‘80s and how his relationship established at the Cutler’s Hall delivering and Dock Complex, on 12th May 1970. I with the University of Sheffield major banquets and events for the was a 29 year old Chemist and Alastair a impacted dramatically on his Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, the 27 year old Oxford graduate with a degree career. Bankers Association for example and in Politics Philosophy & Economics. Our numerous Mayoral entertaining events. Port Talbot challenge was in a different league to Llanwern. We were faced with Founded in 1924 based at 27 Rustlings This also saw the beginning of FFD’s a site covered in 17ft sand dunes with a Road, Sheffield 11, F. Fretwell-Downing professional relationship with the catering area the size of a football pitch!’ Ltd was the product of a charismatic University of Sheffield which would later young man with a fascination for see Anthony as a member of the Political Although the day’s events proved testing bakery. Anthony’s father Francis Economy Research Centre (PERC) and for Anthony and his brother, their success Fretwell-Downing, managed to of the Advisory Committee of the ESRC was underpinned by years of shop floor persuade his parents to support his Centre for Organisation and Innovation experience and the ability to create an bakery ambition but his father (COIC) at the University. He was also inspiring atmosphere time and time again. (Anthony’s Grandfather) died before it chairman of the Computer Science was realised. Despite this set back, at Industrial Liaison Board and a member But in the early ‘70s industrial politics the age of 19, Francis found backing to the Career’s Advisory Board since 2002. came to a head. Luxury catering was help finance his bakery concept and F. His most challenging role would be becoming unfashionable. It was then that Fretwell-Downing Ltd (FFD) was born. Chairman of the Management School Anthony decided to turn his computing from 1991 to 1997. hobby into a business. FFD made the ‘My father left school at 15 with two decision to invest in a number of handicaps, a club foot from polio and an One of the most spectacular events computer companies including Hallam incomplete education,’ Anthony told us. Anthony recalls was for the Burma Star Computer Systems Ltd, Fretwell-Downing Association held in the Weston Park Computer Programmers & Analysis Ltd ‘Having established himself as a Master Museum for 1,000 guests in 1977: (FD CPA) and Fretwell-Downing Data Baker and extending into haute cuisine, he Systems Ltd (FDDS). In 1980 Anthony had very few competitors at a time when ‘The guests were survivors of WWII made the decision to join the team clients in the 1920s and ‘30s were wealthy against the Japanese. The plan was for alongside his brother fulltime on the families who entertained at home. He was the thousand veterans to move down demise of the Cutlers’ Hall bookings. known as Frank F-D and soon became a to the 210ft x 50ft marquee for dinner. household name,’ says Anthony. ‘Not just Unfortunately, a force eight gale had built By the end of October, having come up as a baker but as a result of belonging to a up during the afternoon. By dinner the with the design of a possible application group of politically active leftwing friends.’ marquee walls were flapping so generator concept that was bought into dangerously that it was unsafe to use by the computer professionals, Anthony With a young family (Anthony 1940 and the tables next to them! It was decided put together a team of workers. The brother Alistair 1942) Anthony’s father to split the guests into two sittings of Micromanager System was born and began looking into outside catering events five hundred’. later trademarked. to expand the business and his political contacts provided access to the Town Hall ‘The challenge was to keep the second ‘Its first application was a student record and the Cutlers’ Company decision makers. group from drinking too much whilst they system for Granville College, Sheffield. awaited their turn! In true FFD form, we After a mail shot to all UK Further ‘Father’s first Cutler’s company tender was all kept our nerve, completed the first Education Colleges, orders poured in. in 1950 for their first post war official sitting and managed the transfer.’ FFD went from near bankruptcy to rapid celebrations. The Master Cutler, Sir Wilton expansion.’ Lee, was impressed. And as a result, the ‘Life was chronically busy, challenging but profitable and fun. Our reputation was Alongside the growth of the computing everything – the show must go on. This arm, FFD were outgrowing their premises sentiment and implied loyalty drove on Rustlings Road and Westbourne. v everything,’ recalls Anthony. In 1987 the Brincliffe House office block Alumnus Professor Anthony Fretwell-Downing (BSc on Ecclesall became vacant and the Chemistry and Physics 1962, Outside catering was the main stay of FFD Whirlowbrook Hall (WBH) was up for PhD 1996) at the 2012 Sheffield Management Lecture until its decline in the ‘80s. Other lease and the decision was taken: 16 Catalyst
‘In a matter of weeks we signed 25 year Anthony’s appointment as Chairman of leases for Brincliffe House and WBH! the Management School lasted for six years ‘Life was chronically Today, such a long term decision would be from 1991 to 1997 and subsequently saw commercial madness,’ said Anthony. an internal restructure in the department. busy, challenging The experience was a personal revelation but profitable and The catering and software duality and eye opener: continued throughout the ‘90s and the FD fun. Our reputation software companies went on developing ‘From the family perspective, my university and expanding. In stark contrast HCS was network turned out to be crucial. The was everything - the decimated. All but a few hardware combined reputations of our companies suppliers went bankrupt. FFD adjusted as enabled us to raise millions of pounds from show must go on. best it could to the rapidly changing social UK and EU funds to develop education circumstances. ‘Sheffield had seen the learning systems (including LearnDirect).‘ This sentiment and demise of its 19th Century groundbreaking implied loyalty steel and engineering businesses during In the ‘90s FD Education transferred their the industrial and political strife of the ‘60s, Micromanager based Student Record drove everything’. ‘70s and ‘80s’. Anthony explains: ‘Now it System to Microsoft, becoming the lead was the turn of technology companies to player in Further Education. FD Informatics adapt or die.’ Alastair and his catering team created the worlds Oracle based Library also struggled to resonate within the IT Automation System and it became a global culture. trail blazer. The Catering software gained similar recognition as a supplier to The FFD and FDDs response to bank Buckingham Palace. It was awarded their concerns led to the Fretwell-Downing Royal Appointment. (FD) companies being linked together in a group structure. The holding company In 1997 disaster loomed again when the was Fretwell-Downing Group Ltd (FDG). family lost the Cutlers’ Company catering It had initially four trading subsidiaries: concession. Fortunately, the WBH lease FD Education Ltd (FDE), FD Informatics Ltd was updated in 1996 to reflect FFD being (FDI), FD Hospitality Ltd (FDH) and the allowed to expand the kitchen capacity original F. Fretwell-Downing Ltd (FFD). to support outside catering, funded by the computer profits. A few months later, FFD ‘I chaired FDG. MDs were appointed was re-launched and outside catering to head up the individual companies. continued, putting WBH on the regional Brincliffe House was christened with the map for special venues. title The Fretwell-Downing Computer Group.’ Today, Fretwell-Downing Hospitality exists as a Catering Management It was around this time that Anthony’s Software Provider and Anthony rejoined relationship with the University began to the Management School Advisory Board take off. ‘In 1989 I was invited to chair the three years ago as Chair. Most recently, Advisory Board of the University of the Management School was delighted to Sheffield’s Management School, soon accept an offer of generosity from Anthony after I was elected to the University which has been recognised through the Council. I had zero indication awareness naming of one of the lecture theatres at that it would transform my career and the new premises of Sheffield University open up numerous research opportunities Management School. We look forward for our computer companies.’ to hosting expert talks and student lectures in the Fretwell-Downing lecture ‘The new Vice Chancellor at the time, theatre and are most grateful to Anthony Professor Gareth Roberts, asked me for my for his continued support of the school honest views of the Management School’s and for our students to be able to benefit standing in the local business community. from such generosity. My responses led to my being asked to take on the turnaround challenge myself. My appointment took everyone by surprise. The challenge was obvious. How could a businessman with a PhD in Chemistry lead 70 academics in business, accounting and economics away from the school’s financial cliff edge and restore morale?’ Issue — 5 17
The Bigger Issues What is a sustainable business?
Recently appointed the ‘However, basic resource economics ‘Clearly, one way to achieve the targets set University’s Chair in and operations management principles out could be to simply curb consumption Environmental Sustainability, tell us that the best way to minimise so that supply is reduced in response to environmental impact is to reduce the demand, production is reduced and Professor David Oglethorpe is natural resource use per unit of associated emissions cut. However, an environmental and natural consumption or stock-keeping unit. given a growing global population and resource economist who has At an aggregate scale, consumption of increasing westernisation of consumption spent over twenty years looking most products or services is largely static habits, it is unlikely that any reduction, let at the sustainability of resource in the short-run and so the fewer natural alone an 80% reduction in consumption is resources we can use to supply that likely to happen without some catastrophic use, operations and supply aggregate demand, the better.’ population-reducing event.’ networks, particularly in the food sector and in land use. He talks This would suggest that the key to securing This suggests the solution will therefore to us about the issues of any environmentally efficient future supply need to be achieved through significant sustainability in business today. chain is therefore to make the most of technological change, David says: resource efficiencies. David explains: ‘To illustrate the magnitude of the problem, ‘The breadth of ‘sustainability’ issues ‘This may be particularly true for tackling if we were to achieve this reduction by faced by organisations is very broad,’ says the climate change agenda, where global reducing private car fuel consumption, for David. ‘It’s an agenda that encompasses warming is known to be exacerbated by example, the 7.7m t reduction every year corporate social responsibility, the generation of greenhouse gases, which would mean us reducing car mileage environmental accounting and regulatory in turn are emitted through the direct across all car owners by about 769 miles compliance through to operational consumption of natural resources (e.g. per year , every year. This may seem research, supply chain management and fossil fuels and other organic matter, such plausible initially, but achieving a further even skills and talent management.‘ as those digested by animals or released reduction every year would mean we would by crops).’ soon run out of miles, based on average ‘A critical focus, however, for many annual car mileage, and there would be no organisations is how we respond to the Climate change targets for the next forty more cars on the road. Therein, we see the central notion of sustainability, which is to fifty years are now becoming settled scale of the challenge – in a short space of often wrapped up in the ‘low carbon’ across the world. The UK, for example, is time, we need quite different solutions. agenda.’ now committed to an 80% reduction in Hence the need to have industrial Greenhouse Gas emissions by 2050, which responses that drive technological change.’ His recent research has revolved represents a vast step forward to be around this and has questioned the achieved in a relatively short space of time. ‘If these targets are to be met, in the order typical responses that we may expect of magnitude required, significant step organisations to take. David explains: ‘To reduce any externality changes will be needed and this will require by such a margin so that only 20% of different ways of doing things with different ‘The increasing demand for low carbon previous emissions exist within one technology. However, technology does not production and supply emanates both working lifetime is a huge challenge. just simply arrive and get taken up by from an increasingly environmentally School leavers and university graduates industry, it is driven by necessity and conscious, media-driven, consumer and emerging today will need to deliver this demand from industry. The response from through political will to combat climate over their working life and will need to industry to the climate change agenda change. A central notion behind this rising create a brand new production therefore needs to be right in terms of their demand is that organisations and supply environment. Based on current total operations and processes, so that the chains that are less centralised, that emissions in the UK, for example, this appropriate technology is delivered, and the reduce the use of large distribution challenge will require approximately an correct signals regarding its production networks, that involve less processing, extra 7.7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents and supply behaviour are sent out.’ that reduce packaging and so forth, are to be removed from the UK system every less environmentally damaging.’ year against current trends.’ 18 Catalyst
Perhaps controversially, at least in the face Domestically, we tend to pay a price for of the popularised notions of downscaling, water that enables water companies to decentralising and extensifying operations, maintain a certain level of serviceability ‘A critical focus, the evidence presented in some of David’s guaranteeing supply. Although that price research promotes, rather than includes some insurance against future however, for many discourages larger scale activity where infrastructure replacement needs, such organisations is economies of scale lead to ‘environments insurance is often planned at a very high of scale’. risk and over a very long time horizon how we respond to meaning that society could be at risk from ‘The evidence reveals the joint positive the potential collapse of water mains or the central notion relationship between economic and sewerage systems. In addition, we often environmental efficiency and suggests that forget the positive benefits that access to of sustainability, ‘lean is green’,’ adds David. ‘Indeed, these clean water brings with it, such as the arguments could be taken further to disease avoided (and associated health which is often suggest that environmental efficiency costs), the ecosystems protected by wrapped up in the could be achieved wherever economies of sewerage clean-up, or the landscape and scale are available in production, amenity value in the rural land managed to ‘low carbon’ agenda.’ processing, manufacture, preparation, collect, store and distribute water. All of consumption and disposal. As such, these things have social value and so managers do not need to scope for ‘new’ or efficient pricing is a major part of what different resolutions to the climate change research needs to be done in this area, so agenda; they can continue to pursue that industry, policy and society can be strategies that will achieve best resource assured of sustainable water supplies in use and lowest cost. Such strategies will the future.’ drive the demand for the technological development needed to deliver step-change The University has recently formed an climate change targets and must be good interdisciplinary centre for Water Research news at a time when economic instability and Innovation (WRAIN) and research such is rife and where boardrooms are looking as this, combined with engineering, natural for every cent.’ science, sociology, law and others, will pave x the way for a better understanding of how Professor and Chair of Environmental Sustainability, As highly prominent as it is the ‘low carbon’ water resources should be managed to David Oglethorpe agenda is only one dimension of secure future economies and societies. Photo by Andy Brown Photography sustainability issues that organisations face. Another is Water. With its own challenges, this is an area where David’s research is now focusing and a critical mass of interdisciplinary research at the University of Sheffield is forming.
‘The same arguments around the efficiency of water use as a natural resource still hold true, but unlike carbon, which is treated as a negative externality of production arising in the main from the use of non-renewable resources, water is a resource which has a finite capacity to supply but is regenerative and replenishable through natural and human systems. It therefore presents quite different issues, especially with a world population that we expect to reach nine billion by 2050.’
‘Part of this challenge is finding efficient and meaningful prices that we should pay for water, reflecting current and future use but also accounting for the market externalities associated with its use. Issue — 5 19
The Sustainability Leadership Programme
Interested in developing a strategic What can I expect from the programme? understanding of sustainability for – To develop a strategic understanding of the main your business? sustainability challenges and opportunities in order to lead your business through the current This project-based programme from Sheffield economic challenges and climate change. Putting University Management School and CO2Sense you ahead of your peers and reducing the need for will equip you with practical skills and knowledge external sustainability consultants. to lead your business through this new business – Receive expert consultancy support to work on environment. the real-life issues that your business faces. Giving you the opportunity to put your knowledge What does the programme involve? into practice. – Six months project-based learning with six days – Identify a minimum of £5k extra value within your classroom-based learning covering essential company. Unlike any other course, the benefits of business sustainability themes including: The Sustainability Leadership Programme will be indentifying opportunities, green and motivated clear and measurable with almost immediate effect. employees, planning for severe weather, managing supply chains, resilience and responsiveness. – The course has been designed to compliment your busy schedule with just one day each month of – Practical consultancy support to manage a real classroom-based learning. These sessions will issue that your business faces. feature presentations from internationally- – The opportunity to identify a minimum of £5k renowned business leaders and academic experts extra value within your company. within this field.
– Exclusively designed for senior business leaders. The cost per delegate is £2,750 plus VAT. This includes an opening dinner, all modules plus an additional half Taking place over six months later this year, the course day consultancy support. is designed to compliment your busy schedule as a senior-manager or business leader, looking to move For more information on the programme, please beyond short-term challenges and embed sustainability contact Ian Proctor, Head of External Relations on as a core driver of business success. [email protected] 20 Catalyst
Feature Research Impact
The BIG A multidisciplinary team of academics Kamal has run training workshops based are monitoring the performance of on the model with over 200 managers from energy upgrade installed energy efficiency measures 18 public sector organisations in the Tackling fuel poverty in including: Sheffield City Region since 2010. Quantitative and qualitative evidence deprived areas of Yorkshire – looking at behaviour of those living shows significant improvements in both and Humber in the newly insulated houses and the the innovation skills and work attitudes of overall response from the communities; participants, leading to notable innovations There is significant scope and – monitoring energy consumption in of organisational services and processes. opportunities in the way Local selected households; For example, to improve both efficiency authorities stimulate economic – supporting the supply chain and effectiveness of their services, growth and their approach to associated with the energy efficiency managers from Sheffield City Council have procurement strategies, according measures; and studying the material’s set up a new performance-tracking system to research carried out at the performance and assessing the and have redesigned the Adult Social Care University of Sheffield under the environmental impact of the retrofit Services. Likewise, South Yorkshire Fire BIG Energy Upgrade Programme. measures. and Rescue have used the CI techniques to Energy efficiency improvement in housing tackle a number of specific problems To date the BIG Energy Upgrade has stock is high on the agenda as one of the including reducing the costs of fitting installed over 829 measures into homes key strategies of the UK’s efforts to meet smoke alarms and improving road safety across the region to cut their energy costs. its carbon emissions reduction target. To communication across the region. drive this improvement, several initiatives www.sheffield.ac.uk/bigenergyupgrade have been implemented, including the In the NHS, the application of learning from tightening of new-building regulations and the CI workshops has improved the quality energy supplier requirements. of a specific medication regime and has led Clear Ideas one participant to develop an interactive Piloted in the Yorkshire and Humber area, Improving delivery of app that they anticipate will reduce service demand in their area. This year, South the BIG Energy Upgrade Programme led by public services Professor Lenny Koh, was the forerunner of Yorkshire Police also decided to widely the Government’s new national Green Deal adopt the CI approach to drive their scheme. Launched in September 2011 by The public sector is facing organisational continuous improvement the Secretary of State for Energy and unprecedented demands to strategy. Climate Change, the innovative project improve the quality of services installed low carbon measures in homes of while also reducing budgets. http://www.shef.ac.uk/management/ some of the most deprived areas in research/projects/creativity Yorkshire and Humber. The innovation training model ‘CLEAR IDEAS’ has been used by public sector The programme is part of a collaborative organisations to enhance their £15 million project which the University is innovativeness in dealing with these working alongside local authorities, housing challenges. associations and energy providers to tackle fuel poverty in these deprived areas. Developed by Dr Kamal Birdi of the Institute of Work Psychology at the Management School, the model translates research findings on effective innovation into organisational practice by systematically developing the skills of employees to both better generate (IDEAS) and implement (CLEAR) new ideas in the workplace. Issue — 5 21
Reverse Logistics The SCEnAT tool Tackling undeclared toolkit Achieving low carbon and energy work in the Reducing customer return rates efficient supply chains European Union in the UK Retail Sector The effectiveness of policy Recent policy debates on climate change have significantly transformed measures and approaches Companies can see up to 30% of their the regulatory environment in which products returned by customers and businesses operate. Organisational Undeclared work, or what is sometimes total UK retail returns have been valued practices and processes are under called the ‘cash-in-hand’, ‘informal’ or at around £6 billion per annum (Bernon increasing scrutiny for their impact on ‘off-the-books’ economy, is a growing and Cullen, 2007). Reverse logistics has the environment and resources used. problem for governments throughout become an area that retailers and the world. The Cluster for Informal manufacturers cannot ignore. Professor Lenny Koh’s research has Sector and Policy (CRISP) has been advanced theory within this field. This looking at what can be done about it. To confront this issue, Professor John balanced, supply chain system approach, Cullen, together with Mike Bernon of improves both the understanding of, and Professor Collin Williams’ research in the Cranfield University, developed a Reverse decision making for, carbon accounting field has advanced understanding both of Logistics toolkit. across the whole supply chain. the nature of undeclared work and what can and should be done to tackle the issue. The toolkit was developed in collaboration One of the key outcomes from this two with managers from around 40 companies year project, funded by Yorkshire Forward, In 2007, he was asked by the connected to the UK retail sector. is the powerful new software tool, SCEnAT. Eurofoundation based in Dublin to evaluate Retailers, manufacturers and third party This tool allows organisations to analyse what could be done to facilitate a joined-up logistics providers took part in workshops their supply chain environment, identify approach towards this issue. This research and industrial forums to help create the carbon hotspots, and assess potential highlighted the need for a ‘knowledge bank’ toolkit. interventions. Thus improving business to share good practice. As a first step an productivity and efficiency, and online ‘knowledge bank’ was created, This process of co-design was highly importantly, regulatory compliance. which evaluated the effectiveness of policy significant in terms of the impact arising measures in five countries and a synthesis out of the project. The managers involved in The tool was developed in collaboration report was produced calling for a more the industrial forums and workshops were with industry by an interdisciplinary, coordinated approach. taking ideas back to their organisations, multi-university research team led by sharing good practices, identifying Lenny. A fully functional version of SCEnAT The knowledge bank of over 100 best benchmarks, and implementing new is already deployed on the cloud: www. practice policy measures is available at: processes. scenat.com. To date, six organisations have used SCEnAT to inform their supply chain http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/areas/ The resultant toolkit enables companies to decisions. labourmarket/tackling/search.php. audit their returns management activities and identify opportunities to reduce costs Organisations can expect to see the The European Parliament then took up this and waste and improve customer service. following key benefits of the tool: issue, citing his work in a 2008 Resolution to step up the fight to combat undeclared One of the organisations involved in the – improved efficiency and bottom work (A6-0365/2008). The Resolution project was Halfords plc. As a result of line costs; recommended the development of a more making a number of changes to its reverse extensive knowledge bank of best practice logistics processes, their returns level was – closer relationship with suppliers, policy measures as well as investigating the reduced by 40%. customers and stakeholders; creation of a European platform to join up – cost-effective, informed and the fight against undeclared work. The work was funded by the Department quantifiable intervention and for Transport and was promoted on their innovation strategy in key areas Colin has been directly and centrally Freight Best Practice Site. The Reverse of the supply chain; involved in the subsequent European-level Logistics Toolkit also features on the – and the ability to balance economic actions that have arisen out of this Chartered Global Management demands with a reduced carbon resolution of the European Parliament. He Accountants (CGMA) website. footprint. was awarded the European Commission contract to evaluate the feasibility of http://www.cgma.org/Resources/Tools/ SCEnAT has been endorsed by the Carbon creating a European platform to join up the Pages/manage-reverse-logistics.aspx Management Association and has been fight against undeclared work and his included as part of the Sheffield City recommendation for a European agency Region Low Carbon Sector strategy plan. for tackling undeclared work is now on the legislative programme of the European www.sheffield.ac.uk/lscm Parliament for 2013/14. www.scenat.com 22 Catalyst
The National Infarct Angioplasty Pilot Improving the treatment of heart attacks in the UK
A heart attack is caused by a blood clot blocking one or more arteries supplying the heart. The Pilot, funded by the Department of Health, tested the feasibility of implementing primary angioplasty, using a balloon on a catheter to remove the clot, to treat heart attacks at ten pilot sites in the United Kingdom.
Between 2006 and 2008 Dr Angela Carter from the Institute of Work Psychology was part of a research team, led by Steve Goodacre in the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), funded by the National Institute for Health Research to undertake descriptive analysis of data Individual cardiology centres underwent from the pilot sites, cost-effectiveness large-scale organisational change projects modelling using data from the ten pilot with many workforce issues that required sites and four control sites, and exploration facilitation. This study enabled cardiology of staff, patient and carer perspectives. centres to accommodate changes into their working practice and move towards This treatment would replace the current the effective delivery of primary 90% of drug treatment and although it is an acute angioplasty. procedure requiring specialised staff and eligible facilities to be available over a 24 hour In 2010-11 90% of eligible patients in period; the recovery time and prognosis England, 68% in Wales and 87% in Belfast patients in are superior. Primary angioplasty is more were treated with primary angioplasty effective the earlier it is given. Angela’s within 90 minutes of arrival at the heart England role within the team was to examine the attack centre. heart attack pathway and assess the were treated organisational and workforce issues that Furthermore, 81% of eligible patients in with primary could influence the feasibility and success England, 75% in Wales and 90% in Belfast of implementing primary angioplasty. were treated with primary angioplasty angioplasty within 150 minutes of calling for The findings of the study led to a professional help. within 90 substantial change in the National Guidelines for Heart Attack Treatment. The results were cited in The Myocardial minutes Primary angioplasty has replaced Ischaemia National Audit Project (MINAP) thrombolysis (the use of use clot-busting Tenth Annual Public Report, University drugs) as the standard treatment of heart College London, 2011 and by the attacks which has resulted in a reduced Department of Health in the Impact risk of death and adverse outcomes. Assessment of Treatment of Heart Attacks – National Guidance (2008). Angela’s organisational evaluation and recommendations enabled the smooth An Evaluation of the National Infarct implementation of the new strategy and Angioplasty project can be found at helped to ensure that time delays in providing primary angioplasty were limited. www.netscc.ac.uk/hsdr/projdetails. php?ref=08-1604-120 Issue — 5 23
By understanding the theoretical Volunteers in Sport Work Roles in relationships between job design and Improving management practice Organisations outcomes and comparing ratings across Anticipating, planning and scenarios, stakeholders can make decisions about which changes are likely Sports clubs in the UK are supported designing by volunteers in various formal and to have the most beneficial impact. informal roles. Despite central government in the UK having a When implementing change, The stream of research related to the commitment to developing organisations can focus too much on scenarios tool itself has evolved from the volunteering, clubs are having to the technology or structural aspects, 1990’s and has since involved several adjust to new relationships with local and risk neglecting the human or social organisations including Rolls Royce, Allied government as funding and subsidy impact. This can lead to sub-optimal Lyons, Royal Mail, Driving Services Agency, of facility use is reduced. use of the new technology and jobs and BUPA. It has affected large numbers which are boring, repetitive and of people at various levels in these Dr Geoff Nichols’ research on volunteering detrimental to wellbeing. organisations, but particularly those in sports clubs and the volunteering legacy working directly with technology and of mega-sports events has impacted both Based on a long-running stream of their supervisors. policy and practice. research conducted by several academics within the Institute of Work Psychology Post 2008, impacts have mainly been Geoff’s 2003 report Citizenship in Action at the Management School including Dr in call and contact centres and have was presented in evidence to a House Carolyn Axtell, the Scenarios tool was produced improvements in: of Commons committee in 2005 and was developed to help organisations make used by the Central Council for Physical changes to how work is organised and – staff absence; Recreation (CCPR) to help convince processed, especially in times of change or – motivation; when new technology is being introduced. government ministers of the importance – quick resolution of problems of sports clubs and to persuade them at source; to promote an amendment to the 2006 The tool helps managers to consider the – improved communications Charities Act. human and organisational implications of change. Through a series of workshops between managers and workers; This amendment allowed clubs to retain with stakeholders and front-line employee, – and better change management the status of Community Amateur Sports participants describe how work is processes. Clubs (CASC) without having to apply for currently done and consider a range of full charitable status. CASC status provides future scenarios for how the work could These changes are significant as they many of the same financial benefits as be done. have implications for cost reduction and charitable status but involves less improved employee engagement in paperwork and is much easier to apply for. These scenarios are rated against different a challenging service-based industry. job design criteria (like control, skill-use) By October 2012, 6268 clubs had and outcomes (like performance and CASC status. wellbeing).
Similarly, collaborative research with Rita Ralston (Manchester Metropolitan University) into how and why the volunteer broker organisation Manchester Event Volunteers (MEV) contributed to a long-term volunteering legacy after the 2002 Commonwealth Games, which helped Manchester City Council staff argue the case for retaining the MEV initiative within the council in a time of great change.
An academic paper based on this research (Nichols and Ralston, 2012) is also cited in the Scottish Government’s (2012) review of the evidence of volunteer legacies from previous events, which was drafted in preparation for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. 24 Catalyst
Alumni profile We caught up with Jonathan Bye
My advice is join a sports club – be a winner, realise the real world is competitive, learn how to get the best from teams, but have fun at the same time. Issue — 5 25
Jonathan Bye graduated with a BA What do you remember most about in Business Studies in 1985 from your time at Sheffield? ‘It’s great to see the Management School. He talks Cheap buses, walking miles up hills, the to us about his career in the FMCG Notty, finally beating Loughborough (and help) the University at UAU hockey and meeting business sector and tell us his Amanda Hitchborn, my future wife. Oh Management School three top tips for a Management yes, and getting a top degree of course! School Student today. in any way we can What are the highlights of your career Tell us a little bit about your so far? by bringing real current job. Patak’s – taking a small family branded life business and I’m the CEO for Seabrook Crisps Ltd. business and turning it into the Number A Family owned crisp business, started 1 ambient Indian brand. management in 1945 and still based in Bradford. Vimto – grew it from £30m to £60m I have overall responsibility for the experience to the in four years, doubling profits and business, the P&L performance and trebling the share price. the 150 employees. academic world’. Seabrook – early days but the signs What attracted you to study at the are good. Watch this space! University of Sheffield Management School? Helping to recruit, train and develop some fantastic people who have all What do you like to do in your spare I’m from Yorkshire, wanted to study played leading roles in the above time? and live in the north and loved Sheffield successes. as a place. Travel and holiday in Orlando. Watch Middlesbrough FC, the only Did your degree help you with your north-east team to win a trophy in the Also, the University of Sheffield is a top career? university and at the time I was deciding last 40 years! Relax with friends over where to go, it was one of the earlier Yes, in that many of the topics studied a good meal and bottle of red – but adopters of business studies degrees. are directly relevant to working in an not posh food! FMCG business e.g. Finance, Market From your experience at Sheffield, research. But it could have been better And finally, is there anything else you what three pieces of advice would with a year’s placement in industry. would like to tell us about yourself or you give to a first-year Management So the more real experience you can your time at Sheffield? student today? get during your studies, the better. I am a Vice President of the Food and Drink Federation, the trade association 1. Do as broad a range of topics as you can What are your plans for the future? but get good at finance and the for the industry. The role involves numbers! To take Seabrook Crisps from a small, lobbying government, Defra etc to help regional brand and turn it into a £50m SME businesses succeed. It’s also a 2. Join a sports club – be a winner, realise national brand. To take on some great networking role. the real world is competitive, learn how Non-Executive Director roles. To find to get the best from teams, but have time to travel and enjoy the world. fun at the same time. 3. Try to get practical work experience As an alumnus of the Management to compliment the academic studies. School and University, do you think that it is important for us to keep in touch with you as a former student? Yes. It’s great to see (and help) the Management School in any way we can by bringing real life business and management experience to the academic world.
v Alumnus Jonathan Bye (BA Business Studies 1985) CEO of Seabrook Crisps Ltd. 26 Catalyst
Sheffield Alumni PwC
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) is a professional services firm delivering global services in accounting, consulting and corporate finance to public sector and human resource services. The Management School and University has a well established relationship with PwC. A large number of our graduates consistently go on to take up positions within the organisations, both regionally and nationally. We spoke to three University of Sheffield alumni about how their careers have led them to PwC.
From your experience at Sheffield, Would you say your degree helped you what three pieces of advice would you with your career? give to a first-year Management student Yes and no – it was not directly related today? and the study style at University could 1. To get involved in extra-curricular have better prepared me for the ACA activities and make an effort to use exams but the project work and choice third party involvement in modules of modules has benefited me most post to aid your future career choices. qualification within PwC. Jo Allen graduated in Business Studies 2. Choose modules that you enjoy and What attracted you to PwC and how in 1998 and works at the Sheffield reflect your style of learning to give did you come to being based at the branch of PwC. We talked to Jo about you the best chance of success. her time at Sheffield and how her Sheffield office? degree impacted on her career. 3. Make an effort to get to know your There were two main aspects that tutors and use their experience and attracted me to PwC. The people focus advice – particularly with regard to and importantly the chance to study Tell us a little bit about your current coursework. for the ACA qualification, which helped job at PwC. set me apart from other graduates. I am a Director in our Assurance What do you remember most about I love the family feel at the Sheffield practice and have a portfolio of audit your time at Sheffield and the Office which reflects the culture of clients across industry sectors with a Management School? the city itself. focus on industrial manufacturing and I remember the friends I made and specialist engineering. I also lead the the success of the intra-mural hockey What do you enjoy most about your Transaction Services team here at team. Having an activity outside of job? And is there anything you don’t the Sheffield branch. your studies helps takes your mind enjoy? off of your work! I also particularly The hours can sometimes be long and What attracted you to study at the remember taking part in a group it definitely isn’t a 9 to 5 job! But this is University of Sheffield Management project studying the Royal Armouries outweighed by the rewards of working School? in Leeds. with so many fantastic people and The feel of the city and the flexibility variety of business. in the modules that were offered both What are the highlights of your appealed to me - particularly those that career so far? What are your plans for the future? were project or coursework focused Succeeding in a smaller office and I have a young family so for me the rather than pure exams, as this learning making the most of opportunities to future is most definitely to stay with style suited me more. I also played work overseas and within a varied PwC as they offer a flexible way of hockey and being active part of the number of businesses – no day is the working that suits my family. I can active intra-mural sports team was same which is both challenging and work part-time but still do a job I important to me. interesting. love working with many people and businesses. Issue — 5 27
k Images courtesy of PwC Left: PwC Sheffield Office. Right: More London
As an alumnus of the Management local marketplace. I am an assurance What are the highlights of your School and University, do you think partner working with a portfolio of career so far? that it is important for us to keep in clients based principally in South I would have to say working on the touch with you as a former student? Yorkshire working with businesses in successful US stock exchange listing of Yes I do. As alumni, we may be able to the manufacturing, construction, and an oil and gas company whilst being on offer support to current students or retail sectors. I get to work with some secondment to the Houston office. get involved in lecturing and tutoring for amazing businesses and I am always example. Having been a student at the impressed with how committed to their Would you say your degree helped you Management School we can relate to work our teams are and the overall with your career? quality of service we deliver. what students will be going through I haven’t applied any learning directly and share our experiences with them. but the time at university definitely From your experience at Sheffield, broadened my horizons, matured what three pieces of advice would What do you like to do in your my thinking, and set me up for the you give to a first-year Management spare time? working world. student today? Spend time with my family. I have two girls both under 4 so the other 1. Embrace fully the opportunity to study What attracted you to PwC and how passions of cooking and exercise take and enjoy yourself. It is increasingly did you come to being based at the a backseat at the moment. hard for graduates to get work so make Sheffield office? the most of your opportunity. I needed a job! I knew I wanted to work 2. I would encourage getting to know in business and PwC seemed the best businesses for real, in a real-life working place to start with a strong graduate and environment. So going to see them recruitment structure and qualification to understand how the business world as a chartered accountant. It was a fluke works at a practical level would help to be in Sheffield as a place appeared prepare a student for working life after last minute following a drop out and studying. I swapped my initial choice so I could stay in the city. 3. Challenge the accepted and be confident to find your voice and give Andy Ward is an alumnus of the What do you enjoy most about your an opinion. University from the Mathematics job? And is there anything you don’t department. He graduated in 1996 enjoy? with a BSc in Mathematics. Andy What do you remember most about I enjoy the everyday challenges that sits on the Management School your time at Sheffield? I work on. No day is the same and it is Advisory Board. I spent three great years at the very rewarding to work with clients University and the memories have to get to solutions. There are days that stayed with me. I had great fun getting Tell us a little bit about your current can be very stretching but the Firm is to know lots of new people, cultures, job at PwC. great at supporting you. and being responsible for my own I am the office managing partner for the destiny. Sheffield Office and responsible for the overall service of PwC to clients in the 28 Catalyst
What are your plans for the future? From your experience at Sheffield, As an alumnus of the Management I would love to continue to grow the what three pieces of advice would School and University, do you think PwC business in South Yorkshire you give to a first-year Management that it is important for us to keep in and develop and nurture the next student today? touch with you as a former student? generation to take over when I am 1. Select a broad mix of subjects if Yes, I think it is very important. ready for a new challenge. you can. What do you like to do in your 2. Try and apply the concepts you learn As an alumnus of the University, do you spare time? externally in the business world, even think that it is important for us to keep if only by reading the business press. Spending time with my family, I enjoy in touch with you as a former student? good food and wine, design and sport. Yes I do. It is great to still hear from 3. Make friends quickly on your course. your university as it is often a really The ones I met early on are still some Anything else you would like to tell important stage of your life. It was of my closest friends. us about yourself, PwC or your time for me. at Sheffield? What do you remember most I had a great time! And I got to see about your time at Sheffield and What do you like to do in your The Stone Roses before they released the Management School? spare time? their first album! I spend time with my family, run the I will never forget the theory of the occasional half marathon, and play Firm by COASE 1973 from the golf (badly!). ‘The Nature of the Firm.’
What are the highlights of your career so far? Making partner with Andersen and also meeting my wife whilst at Andersen too. Other highlights would have to be running a music company and joining the Executive Board of PwC.
Would you say your degree helped Ashley Unwin graduated with a BA Hons you with your career? in Business Studies in 1991 from the Yes, it gave me a lot of content which Management School and is based at I could draw upon in a real working PwC’s London office. He talks about his environment. memories of studying at Sheffield. What attracted you to PwC? Tell us a little bit about your current Their leadership ethos and the fact job at PwC. that they are the world’s leading I am a member of the UK Executive professional services firm. Board and the UK & Central Cluster Consulting Business Leader. What do you enjoy most about your job? And is there anything What attracted you to study at the you don’t enjoy? University of Sheffield Management Motivating teams and building a School? compelling vision of the future is what Sheffield was my home town and I enjoy most. If there’s anything I don’t I was still heavily involved with football. enjoy it would be the amount of travel! The Management School had a great reputation and the University was What are your plans for the future? known to have a great student nightlife. To take each day as it comes, to stay fit and enjoy my family. Issue — 5 29
Alumni profile We caught up with Nigel Turner
Nigel Turner graduated From your experience at Sheffield, Also being part of the consortium to what three pieces of advice would purchase NATS from HMG in 2001 and with a BA in Business you give to a first-year Management to successfully turn that into a highly Studies in 1980 from student today? effective commercial company 1. That a minimum of a 2:1 degree is operating in a safety critical industry the Management required. was very fulfilling and something I am School. He went on to still involved in as a NATS Board 2. Relationships matter in business member. become the CEO of as much as raw talent British Midland Airways. 3. Be demanding of your lecturers and Did your degree help you with your career? We caught up with Nigel fellow students, requiring high standards in your professional First and foremost it opened doors for to find out what else interactions. Treat your time at interviews. Had I not had a good quality he has been up to since University as a young professional degree from a reputable institution a as much as a student. career in management would have been his time at Sheffield. unthinkable. What do you remember most about Tell us about your current role? your time at Sheffield? Secondly, it gave me the confidence to operate in what is often a very highly It was a fun time to be a student in the Currently I am a Non-Executive Director charged atmosphere, to hold my own late 70s, definitely the best years of my and Deputy Chairman for Jetscape and intellectually with contemporaries and life. I was a member of the Sheffield Rag the Airline Group, and a Non-Executive to argue my points cogently and committee which was a big social event Director and the Main Board Director coherently. for NATS plc. NATS provides effective at the time. and expert business solutions and What are your plans for the future? advice to services in the aviation Crookesmoor was a new facility at the industry. time and people were rightly proud of I am focused on my NED career for the it. Staff and students were fiercely loyal foreseeable future but I am excited to What attracted you to study at the to the University. be part of the Management School University of Sheffield Management Advisory Board as we seek to improve School? What are the highlights of your career the quality and the reputation of the so far? school going forward and it would be The reputation of the University a fabulous position if we were to My career highlight was becoming the attracted me initially to Sheffield as I achieve the status of one of the top CEO of British Midland Airways and thought a Russell Group University was Management Schools not only in the running it for five years. BMI was a important for my CV. UK but also in Europe. billion pound turnover company Secondly, the University worked very operating in the hyper-competitive aviation sector. It allowed me to do As an alumnus of the Management hard to welcome potential new School and University, do you think students and the friendliness and business in many different parts of the world; this stretched me to the limits. that it is important for us to keep in professionalism of the institution was a touch with you as a former student? constant theme for the whole of my Running the company I was involved in time here. Always important to keep in touch, several M&A activities whereby I bought people benefit from feeling they still and sold companies to enhance the Thirdly, I knew I would be stretched belong to an institution, long after prospects on the company. Particular academically and that is important as they have left in a formal sense. you enter the commercial world. highlights were launching services to Sheffield was able to provide me with the USA, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Iran to name a few. Finding different ways And finally, what do you like to do the likelihood of a thorough grounding in your spare time? and education in this area. It wasn’t just to do business in different cultural a vocational course. environments was both a challenge and Cycling, running reading and music. very stimulating. 30 Catalyst
The Arts Economy Conference: Keynote speakers include: New directions in an age – Professor Michael Hutter, Director at the Social Science Research Center of austerity Berlin, WZB and Professor at Technische Universität Berlin; 9th and 10th September at Sheffield – Professor Susanne Janssen from University Management School Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands; Organised on behalf of the Research Committee for the – Professor Angela McRobbie, Goldsmiths Sociology of the Arts of the International Sociological University of London, and; Association (RC 37), this conference will explore the key factors that have influenced the funding and support – Professor Andy Pratt, King’s College, of arts and cultural organisations and activities. London. Looking to bring together an international audience of academics, For further information: practitioners, independent researchers and policy makers, Visit: www.sheffield.ac.uk/management/ the conference aims to debate how the arts sector can move events/artseconomy-2013 forward in the midst of austerity measures. Email: [email protected] The conference will be formally opened by Professor Sir Keith Burnett, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield. Get Involved
Here are just some – Attend an event: this may be an alumni reunion or networking event near you, or there may be an of the ways that you expert lecture that you are interested attending become involved at the to help develop your business knowledge. Management School: – Host an event: you may be in contact with a group of alumni from your course, or want to get back in touch with friends through hosting your own alumni event. You may be a leading expert in your field and wish to share your expertise by delivering an expert lecture at the University.
– Access our students: our talented students could help you solve a business issue by working on a company-based project at your organisation. You may even be able to supply a placement opportunity.
– Become a Mentor: having been through University and having made the transition from student life to a professional career, you can enhance our student’s learning experience through sharing your experience and knowledge. We are currently seeking alumni who would be able to mentor students at Sheffield over the next 12 months. If you are interested in mentoring , would be able to meet your mentee in Sheffield over the next 12 months and have five or more years professional working experience, we would like to hear from you.
Do you work or live in London and graduate from the Management School from 2000? We’d like to hear from you! You can be a part of our new Young Professional’s London Alumni Networking group.
If you are interested in getting involved with the Management School or would like more information about any of the activities mentioned above email [email protected] or visit www.sheffield.ac.uk/management/alumni Keep in touch
You can keep in touch by joining our online alumni network on LinkedIn at: www.shef.ac.uk/management/linkedin
To ensure you receive up-to-date communications and invitations about alumni events and activity at the Management School, register you details at: www.sheffield.ac.uk/management/alumni/invite
If you have an idea for an article for a future issue of Catalyst or ways in which you would like to be involved email: [email protected]