Wittenborg Lecturer Delivers Online Guest Lecture on the Role of Data Analytics

Session by Nikita Pahwa Engages Indian Students from Reva University

What is the importance of data analytics for businesses, and how can professionals leverage these tools to achieve the best possible results?  

To discuss these questions, Wittenborg Assistant Professor Nikita Pahwa delivered the online guest lecture ‘Role of Data Analytics in Business’ to a group of business and management students from Reva University, based in Bangalore, India. Held on 25 September, the event was organised by Reva’s School of Management Studies.  

Among other topics, the guest lecture introduced students to the use of live dashboards on Tableau, as well as other relevant software currently used in the market for data analysis. The session also covered various data analysis techniques, including regression analysis, Monte Carlo simulations and cluster analysis.  

Different types of data analysis, namely descriptive, predictive, prescriptive and diagnostic, were discussed. The activity further emphasised the use and advantages of Big Data, making it highly interactive for the students. Pahwa also addressed the real-world applications of Big Data in a business context, highlighting the ethics of Big Data and its impact on businesses. 

According to the Assistant Professor, the lecture was an enriching experience and students were highly engaged, asking interesting questions. 

“Understanding the role of data and analytics is crucial for future managers. The students’ questions about the usability of data analytics techniques and their advantages for businesses made the session engaging. On top of that, job prospects in data analytics were also discussed, while students were taught various techniques and tools for data analysis,” she sums up.

WUP 06/11/2024 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Representative Michael Sheppard Connects with Experts from Various Countries

On 18 October, Wittenborg Recruitment and Sales Representative Michael Sheppard attended the Study.eu Digital Marketing Day in Prague, Czech Republic. Organised by Study.eu, the most-visited study choice website to find universities in Europe, the event aimed to provide participants with opportunities for networking and learning more about market trends and innovative approaches to digital marketing.  

Approximately 60 people attended, among social media managers and marketing professionals from European higher education institutions of multiple countries. The programme included various speakers covering topics such as content audit and user journey mapping, student recruitment, data-driven content creation, community building, Google and Meta campaigns and working with student ambassadors. The venue was the traditional restaurant Kolkovna Celnice, located in the heart of Prague’s Old Town, amid an enchanting medieval atmosphere. 

Sheppard commented that his participation in the Digital Marketing Day increased his understanding of digital markets, and allowed him to look more closely at Wittenborg's digital presence.

“The event was excellent, very well-organised and full of interesting and relevant content. The most important aspect was recognising how my work as a primarily in-person representative is linked and affected by the online presence that Wittenborg has. While events like this always offer new ideas and practices, it was great to recognise the many great things Wittenborg and our staff are already doing,” he summed up.  

WUP 05/11/2024 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Warming Up the Season: Discover the Hottest Attractions in Apeldoorn This November

City Hosts Art and Photography Exhibitions, Parties, Performances and More

November has begun, and although temperatures are dropping and the year is drawing to a close, there’s still no shortage of fun, interesting and enriching events in Apeldoorn. Check out some of the best activities happening in the city this month.

Life through lenses

Photography lovers have the chance to explore the prestigious Zilveren Camera exhibition, which is returning to Apeldoorn for the third time. Until 18 November, over 275 stunning photojournalistic works will be exhibited at Apeldoorn City Hall, showcasing the very best of Dutch photography, including award-winning shots from categories such as News, Sports and Documentary. Entry is free, and the exhibition can be visited during the City Hall’s regular opening hours. 

Another photo exhibition running until 29 November is ‘Unique Combination Photos’, featuring the work of the photo club AFV de Veluwe, whose photographers have creatively portrayed both nature and the city. This exhibition can be viewed free of charge at Ontmoetingscentrum Dok Zuid (1e Wormenseweg 460). 

Finally, CODA (Vosselmanstraat 299) hosts the exhibition ‘From Outside to Inside’ by Imca Schoots until 8 December. Schoots, the fourth City Photographer of Apeldoorn, took over the camera from Sven Scholten in September 2022 and turned the lens on the city, the surroundings and its inhabitants until September 2024. Tickets to the museum can be purchased here.  

Stage & Screen 

On 10 November at 13:00, Britain’s Royal Ballet and Opera’s adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ will be screened at Gigant, offering viewers a chance to enjoy its rich settings, intricate costumes and enthusiastic performances. For tickets and more information, check out this page. 

Wrapping up the month, Orpheus will welcome the colourful and energetic spectacle ‘Cirque Kalabanté – Afrique en Cirque’ by Yamoussa Bangoura. Inspired by daily life in Guinea, this unique show shares the beauty, youth and artistry of African culture. The performance will take place on 30 November from 20:00 to 21:30.  

It’s party time!

To bring a bit of warmth to Apeldoorn, Gigant hosts the Latin-inspired party ‘Piña’ on 16 November at 21:00, featuring a mix of reggaeton, merengue, bachata, dembow, salsa, dancehall and more.  

On the same night, Qmusic the Party will be happening at the Zwitsalhal (Vlijtseweg 126B), celebrating hits from pop icons like Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, ABBA, KISS, and other big names.

Art & Colour

Exploring the concept of fragility and its interconnections with the current sociopolitical context, CODA hosts ‘Fragile’ until 2 February. Comprising more than 40 sculptures and installations by various Dutch artists, the exhibition features works made from fragile materials such as ceramics, porcelain, glass, plaster, eggshells and mirrors as a starting point to reflect on the major issues of our time. 

Until 1 January, Het Loo Palace hosts the exhibition ‘Queens’, showcasing Andy Warhol's vibrant 1985 ‘Reigning Queens’ series. This colourful pop art collection features screen prints of four iconic queens: Beatrix of the Netherlands, Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Margrethe II of Denmark, and Ntombi Tfwala of Swaziland (now Eswatini). 

A special ‘royal edition’ of 16 prints, part of Het Loo Palace’s collection and adorned with diamond dust, will be on display. Due to its fragility, this collection will be stored away after the exhibition for at least five years.

Winterfair Oosterhuizen

It’s starting to look a lot like Christmas, and a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season is at Winterfair Oosterhuizen on 30 November. Held at Het Oude Veen 19 in Lieren, the fair runs from 12:00 to 19:00 and features over 65 beautiful stalls, performances and plenty of food and drinks. In the evening, from 19:00 to 00:30, there will be a party with live music by DJ Stefan.

WUP 04/11/2024 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Winter Wonderland: Top Winter Events in Amsterdam in 2024

Discover Amsterdam's Winter Magic in 2024  

As winter casts its enchanting spell over Amsterdam, the city transforms into a magical wonderland filled with festive lights, ice skating, and vibrant markets. For Wittenborg students and staff, this is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. Here’s your guide to the top winter events happening in Amsterdam in 2024!

Amsterdam Light Festival

Dates: 23 November 2024 – 19 January 2025

Locations: Canals, streets, and iconic buildings throughout Amsterdam

The Amsterdam Light Festival is a highlight of the winter season, illuminating the city with stunning light installations from international artists. Each year features a unique theme, making every visit a new experience. Explore the artworks on foot or enjoy a scenic boat tour through the canals, offering a magical perspective of the city’s winter landscape.

Discover more about the festival here.

Winter Paradise Amsterdam: A Festive Extravaganza

Dates: 19 December 2024 – 5 January 2025

Location: Europaplein 24, 1078 GZ Amsterdam

At Winter Paradise Amsterdam, RAI Amsterdam transforms into a festive wonderland filled with holiday cheer. This large indoor and outdoor event features a variety of attractions, including carnival rides, food stalls, and winter activities. Perfect for a day of fun, you can enjoy ice skating, meet Santa Claus, and indulge in delicious seasonal treats.

Ice Amsterdam: Skate in Front of the Rijksmuseum

Dates: 15 November 2024 – 2 February 2025

Location: Museumplein, Amsterdam

Ice Amsterdam is an annual winter favourite, offering a large outdoor ice skating rink set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rijksmuseum. Open to all ages, this festive activity allows you to glide across the ice while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. Skating rentals are available, making it accessible for everyone, whether you’re a novice or a pro!

Amsterdam Christmas Market

Dates: 12 – 26 December 2024

Location: Museumplein, Amsterdam

Adjacent to Ice Amsterdam, the Amsterdam Christmas Market is a bustling hub of holiday spirit. With a variety of stalls selling handcrafted gifts, festive foods, and seasonal treats, it’s the ideal place to find unique presents or enjoy a warm drink. The market’s cosy ambience makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to embrace the holiday season.

National Tulip Day: The Start of Tulip Season

Date: 18 January 2025, 13:00 – 16:00

Location: Museumplein, Amsterdam

Marking the official start of tulip season in the Netherlands, National Tulip Day features a stunning display of around 200,000 tulips arranged in a temporary garden at Museumplein. Visitors can pick a free bouquet to take home, making this event a beautiful way to celebrate Dutch culture and look towards the arrival of spring.

WUP 04/11/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Insights Into Intercultural Communication: Adrian Borggreve Delivers Session to Students

Guest Lecture Features Discussions on Various Aspects of Business Communication

To provide students with valuable insights into navigating an intercultural business environment, Wittenborg recently hosted the guest lecture ‘Disputes and Conflicts in a Cross-Cultural Business Context’. Offered to a group of bachelor’s students, the session was delivered by Adrian Borggreve, an experienced academic and professor who has worked at Saxion University of Applied Sciences and Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Arts.

During the activity, Borggreve discussed various aspects of intercultural communication, encouraging students to understand cultural differences and adjust their actions and behaviours according to different contexts. Among other topics, he introduced the notions of high and low-context cultures, cultural assumptions about time and the concepts of linear-active, multi-active and reactive people. Additionally, the professor provided hints and tips on how to negotiate and interact with individuals from different cultures.  

According to Borggreve, these topics are fundamental for business students because, in our globalised business environment, professionals from different cultural backgrounds come together to work on projects and negotiate. “Cultural differences can easily lead to misunderstandings, stress or even serious conflicts. To succeed when working with business partners or colleagues from different cultural backgrounds, it is essential to understand and respect their manners and values, and, if possible, turn these differences into synergy and mutual gain,” he says. 

The scholar adds that, while culture can be a form of soft power, it may also have hard consequences. “While knowing cultural theories and tools doesn’t guarantee an in-depth understanding of the essence of other cultures, it provides a useful foundation for building awareness and understanding.” 

Indonesian student Freya Lee, pursuing a Marketing, Communication & Information (MCI) degree in Business Analytics, commented that the guest lecture was engaging and relevant. “This will definitely be useful if I end up working for an international company, because it will make me more aware of my actions, helping me to be more respectful and preventing misunderstandings.” 

WUP 01/11/2024 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Unlock Your Potential with Wittenborg's Career-Boosting Module

Wittenborg's Career-Enhancing Module: Students Invited to Register

Wittenborg is happy to announce the return of the Work Experience Preparation Module, an opportunity for students eager to boost their career prospects. Open to all students, this module takes place twice a year, with four sessions offered each in September and February. The primary goal is to equip students with essential insights into career design and the skills necessary for landing internships and achieving their dream jobs.

During the recent September academic block, Sophia Faraji, External Relations & Events Manager, underscored the essential topics covered in the module once more. These include crafting impactful CVs, writing persuasive cover letters, and optimising LinkedIn profiles. "These skills are vital during the job hunt but also play a significant role throughout one’s career journey," she said. Faraji also highlights the importance of employability, stressing the necessity of effective networking and strategic job search techniques.  

Wittenborg IBA (International Business Administration) student Alexandra Kukhtina, who is also the External Relations & Events Administrator, delivered a presentation during the module this September. "The main focus of my presentation was to share practical strategies for finding internships," she said. Alexandra covered essential topics such as effective LinkedIn usage, writing a strong CV, emerging AI trends in recruitment, and maintaining a positive mindset throughout the hiring process.

Although she has not yet started her work placement, Alexandra based her strategies on her personal experience in securing an internship, allowing her to provide students with up-to-date insights on labour market trends, employers' expectations, and the various types of recruitment assessments and interviews. She noted that students found her presentation highly useful and practical, with many becoming more active on LinkedIn and taking a proactive approach to their career paths.  

Wittenborg's Commitment to Career Development

Wittenborg's commitment to career development goes well beyond the Work Experience Preparation Module. The business school actively shares job vacancy information from various companies through the Wittenborg Connect platform, providing students with a convenient way to apply for positions. In addition, Wittenborg Connect promotes numerous networking events and activities, offering students opportunities to refine their hard and soft skills.

Furthermore, students and graduates can take advantage of Wittenborg's 'Hire Our Graduates' initiative. Through this initiative, the communications team creates and publishes profile articles that highlight individual achievements, showcasing students and graduates within the Wittenborg network. 

WUP 31/10/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Research Centre Kick-Off Meeting Outlines Plans for New Academic Year

Wittenborg Research Centre Outlines Strategic Focus and New Initiatives for 2024-202

The first meeting of Wittenborg's Research Centre for the academic year 2024-2025 was held on 9 October, gathering faculty and staff for insightful discussions on future initiatives. This hybrid event took place at Brinklaan and online, allowing for a broad participation.

Dr Ron Tuninga, Wittenborg’s newly appointed rector, opened the meeting with a warm welcome and emphasised the need for strategic adjustments to prepare for the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation. “While accreditation is important, we must also focus on enhancing the effectiveness of the Research Centre and assessing the progress of our educational programmes,” he stated.

The agenda featured a comprehensive evaluation of the 2024 Globalisation Conference, presented by Dr Dennis von Bergh, who is a scientist, officer, veteran, diplomat and manager. He shared key insights and feedback from the event, drawing on his extensive experience to highlight opportunities for growth and collaboration. Following this, Professor Ad Kil also spoke about the second Globalisation Conference, planned for 2025.  

Aydan Holtrigter, the Research Centre Manager, provided an exciting update regarding international teaching mobility for faculty. She announced that Wittenborg has secured several grants from the European Commission to support these initiatives, underscoring the importance of internationalisation in the business school's mission. Holtrigter explained that while minimum requirements exist to qualify for Erasmus partnerships - such as having an Erasmus segmentation - faculty are encouraged to actively pursue potential partner universities. Once identified, they should consult with the Research Centre to confirm eligibility.

The new mobility programme offers short teaching assignments of at least eight hours, with the possibility of extending up to 40 hours for a full week of teaching. This initiative aims to enrich faculty experience and foster international collaboration.

Holtrigter outlined two types of grants available to support mobility: one for European countries, including selected non-EU nations like Norway, Turkey and Liechtenstein, and another specifically targeting Georgia and Azerbaijan. While this initiative will primarily focus on teaching mobility, it will also consider opportunities for professional staff. Further details regarding this policy will be communicated to faculty in the coming weeks as it is finalised.

WUP 29/10/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Wittenborg Joins Education Abroad Exhibition in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Wittenborg Highlights Higher Education Opportunities in Kyrgyzstan

Wittenborg recently participated in the annual Education Abroad Exhibition hosted by Kyrgyz Concept at the Novotel Bishkek City Centre in Kyrgyzstan. The event was attended by over 200 educational institutions from around the globe, including representatives from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and the UAE.

Mykhailo Huba, Regional Admissions Manager at Wittenborg, was present to provide valuable insights and guidance on study options available to Kyrgyz students. “It’s essential for students in Kyrgyzstan to explore their opportunities for studying abroad,” Huba stated. “Our presence here underscores Wittenborg's commitment to promoting Dutch higher education as an accessible and viable alternative for students.”

Approximately 300-400 attendees, primarily high school graduates seeking higher education options, participated in the event. The primary purpose was to expose students to opportunities for studying abroad and encourage them to engage proactively by asking questions.

Huba remarked, “I was particularly impressed by the open-mindedness of Kyrgyz students. Their intelligence and curiosity stood out to me throughout the day.” He noted that many students expressed a strong desire to study in Canada, the US, or the UK but faced challenges such as rising tuition fees and visa rejections. “The Netherlands presents a great alternative,” he added, highlighting that students can apply directly after completing 11 years of high school, avoiding the need for a foundation programme.

Despite this, Huba observed a significant shortfall in awareness in Kyrgyzstan about Dutch education opportunities. “Many students are unaware of the Netherlands as a study destination or the specific admission criteria,” he said. “Events like these are crucial for us to promote Wittenborg and the broader Dutch higher education landscape.” 

WUP 28/10/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

More Than 100 Students from 28 Countries Join Wittenborg for October Block

New Students Start Academic Journey with Introduction Week

As autumn settles in across Europe, Wittenborg has welcomed over 100 new students for its October block. These students will be based at the institution's Apeldoorn campus and its study locations in Amsterdam and Munich.

Reflecting Wittenborg’s commitment to internationalisation and diversity, the new students hail from 25 different countries, including Latvia, China, Sri Lanka, the United States, Vietnam, Ghana, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Afghanistan, South Africa and more. They bring with them a wide array of academic interests, having chosen specialisations across the BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration), MBM (Master of Business Management) and MBA (Master of Business Administration) programmes.

Wittenborg’s six annual intakes are designed to offer flexibility for students, with additional enrolment opportunities scheduled for December 2024. Looking ahead to 2025, prospective students can plan for intakes in February, March, and beyond—ample opportunities to join Wittenborg throughout the year.

This October intake kicked off with Wittenborg’s traditional Introduction Week. The week was packed with sessions designed to familiarise new students with the school's staff, infrastructure and facilities. The programme included workshops on academic writing, immigration procedures for those studying in the Netherlands and Germany (for those at Munich), career development, and a Support English assessment for all master’s and bachelor’s students. The week culminated in an Introductory Lunch at each location, giving students and staff the chance to meet and connect.

Lasantha De Silva, Head of Operations, welcomed the new students to Apeldoorn, emphasising the importance of focusing on their studies. He advised, "Make sure you keep in touch with your process tutors, and then everything is going to be fine." Acknowledging the challenges of being in a new country, he assured students, "If you feel confused or lost, we are always there to help."

De Silva highlighted the significance of integrating into a new culture and taking advantage of Wittenborg’s diverse international environment. "You have to learn how and what they do in these countries," he said, noting that Wittenborg operates on three pillars: internationalisation, diversity and ethics. With over 112 different nationalities among students and 65 among staff, students have a unique opportunity to forge connections that will benefit them in their future careers.

"Don't try to stick to your own people," he advised. Sharing his own experiences, he mentioned two students who went on to create a successful business, illustrating the importance of networking. He urged students to mingle, stating, "Your next venture or business plan could start from your own class."

De Silva also encouraged students to create LinkedIn profiles and share their learning experiences online. "You show to the rest of the world what skills and knowledge components you gain," he explained, highlighting that this visibility could lead to future opportunities. He concluded by reiterating, "Education is the priority, and the rest will follow."

Some students shared their thoughts:

Wegner Chidocoro, a BBA student from Mozambique enrolled in Munich, said, “In the heart of Europe, where tradition meets innovation, the new European College stands as a beacon of academic excellence. Munich, with its vibrant culture and rich history, provides the perfect backdrop for young minds to explore the world and shape its future.”

Joining the Amsterdam study location are BBA students Elliot Eans, originally from the United States and Yentle Lorandi from South Africa.

Elliot Eans, an 18-year-old originally from Atlanta, Georgia, shared his journey to Europe, highlighting the opportunities that accompanied the move. “My parents moved to Valencia two years ago, both being chefs, and I grew up in the restaurant industry,” he explained. Now living in Amsterdam, Eans is embracing this new chapter of his life as he studies business at Wittenborg. “For an American, it’s pretty wild to be going to be studying in Europe, but I like it here,” he said. He described his experience so far as positive and expressed excitement about learning more about business and exploring the Netherlands, all while enjoying the comfort of being able to speak English in a European environment.

Yentle Lorandi, a 20-year-old student who moved to the Netherlands two years ago to work as an au pair, feels at home in the country. "I know the Netherlands very well," she said, adding that Wittenborg’s introduction week was a learning curve but that she's enjoyed getting to know new people. Lorandi particularly values the practical aspect of her studies. "It opens up a few doors if you have a bit more practical experience," she noted. With a positive start to her studies, she's now looking forward to her classes as well as social events, such as Wittenborg's upcoming annual Halloween party in Amsterdam.

Dilnozakhon Abdulloeva, from Tajikistan, recently arrived in the Netherlands to pursue a bachelor's in Marketing and Communication. "I arrived about a week ago, and it's my first time in the Netherlands," she shared. What stands out to her most about the country is how green it is and how friendly the people are. Abdulloeva chose Wittenborg as the perfect match due to its international environment and her chosen major. She has already made friends and aims to successfully graduate and find a job. During the introduction week, she learned useful information, including tips on finding part-time jobs and understanding work hours.

WUP 25/10/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press