How Wittenborg Staff and Students Are Spending Their Summer

The summer break is in full swing and people are making the most of the time off from work or studies. From sightseeing to research, in the Netherlands and abroad, find out what some of Wittenborg's students and staff are up to this summer.

Comfort Kasevhemba Aande, MBM (Master of Business Management) Student

Comfort Kasevhemba Aande, a Human Resource Management student from Nigeria, plans to travel to Cologne, Germany, and then to Türkiye this summer. The main purpose of her summer includes visiting tourist attractions.  

She says: "I am ready to enjoy and smile through the summer after a long wait. I am looking forward to happiness, excitement, fulfilment and more."  

What she enjoys the most is "the sun, clothing and the excitement in the air." Her hobbies in the summer include travelling, shopping and "riding bikes for no particular reason".

Her tips on how to relax and unwind during the summer include shopping, visiting cities with beaches, and trusting in the excitement and calmness that nature provides.  

Amal Orm, Financial Administrator

Amal Orm, Wittenborg's Financial Administrator from Lebanon, is staying in the Netherlands this summer.  

When asked about her specific projects or goals for the summer, she said: "To improve my Dutch language."  

She is looking forward to having a sunny summer in the Netherlands, or at least a warm one, though she admits: "I don't have to have high expectations of that."

Her favourite summer activities include walking with friends or swimming in the countryside if the weather is warm enough.  

"Although summer is a season of vacations, sometimes you can take advantage of it to have a mid-evaluation of your progress and put some goals that you missed during winter on track." 

Maryam Shahpasandzadeh, MBA (Master of Business Administration) Student

Maryam Shahpasandzadeh, an International Management student from Iran, is planning a trip to Rome with her boyfriend. She looks forward to visiting the museums and monuments in Rome. "I'm [also] doing an internship [as Education Quality Assistant] at Wittenborg, and I'm happy since my summer wish of getting an internship is now fulfilled," she shares.

Maryam is most excited about graduating and getting a job offer, even though that's not strictly a summer wish. "What I enjoy most about a European summer is the fact that it's not too hot," she says.  

Back home, her favourite summer tradition is having vacations with her family. Now, she is focusing on her career achievements and hopes to see her family again soon.  

Theo Gerrits, Facility and Operations Coordinator

Theo Gerrits, Wittenborg's Facility and Operations Coordinator, will be on holiday with his classic caravan and car. The main purpose of his travels is to explore the environment wherever he goes and take long walks with his dogs, Border Terriers Tom and Finn. His main goal for the summer is simple: "Relax!"

He always looks forward to "the first beer after putting the caravan and car in place at the camping." Theo enjoys the sun with a glass of something and a bite to eat, and his favourite summer tradition is "going away and doing as little as possible in as much time as possible."  

Cha-Hsuan Liu, Associate Professor

Cha-Hsuan Liu, an Associate Professor at Wittenborg, will be attending an international conference in Indonesia. "I will host a roundtable 'Healing through Humanity' at the International Convention for Asian Scholars (ICAS)," she explains. This roundtable is part of her research project "Global Health Matters."

She looks forward to the internal meeting of the roundtable, where they will discuss potential research funding applications. What she enjoys most about a European summer is that it is usually a time for her to visit places around the world. Her top tip for the summer? "Just enjoy life." 

Chamathi Siriwardana, Marketing and Communications Student

Chamathi Siriwardana, a bachelor's student from Sri Lanka, plans to take a solo trip to Italy. "I want to visit the beaches and travel solo," she says.  

Her specific project for the summer is to start working on her travel content creation plan and have the best time doing it.

She is looking forward to her trip to Italy the most. "What I enjoy about a European summer are the beaches, the nice views, the weather, the architecture and meeting new people." Her favourite summer hobby is travelling, and she plans to finish her PDP1 (Personal Development Plan), influenced by her studies at Wittenborg.  

Her advice for fellow students and staff is to "go on that trip and always remember it is easy to do a budget trip and have the best time ever."  

Ahmed Mehta, Associate Professor

Ahmed Mehta, an Associate Professor from Pakistan, participated in an international research conference to present his research paper in July 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. The main purpose of his travels was "to improve my research exposure as well as strengthen professional networking along with international exposure."

For the summer, he is looking forward to "peace of mind and peace at heart." He enjoys the warm weather, festivals, beaches, green landscapes, outdoor activities and the food and wine that come with a European summer. His favourite summer hobbies include swimming, horse riding, playing cricket and morning walks.  

He plans to supervise potential research students and continue his research collaboration with fellow colleagues at Wittenborg. His advice for making the most of summer includes:  

"Set goals by reflecting on the past year and setting achievable goals for the summer. Read widely to explore new genres, authors and topics to broaden your knowledge. Learn a new skill by engaging in online courses, workshops or hobbies to develop new skills. Stay active by participating in sports, exercise or outdoor activities to maintain physical and mental well-being. Volunteer to give back to your community through volunteering, internships or part-time jobs."

WUP 26/07/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Enjoy the Best Amsterdam Has to Offer This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to explore Amsterdam, as the city comes alive with a variety of activities and events. From food festivals and outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and vibrant nightlife, Amsterdam offers something for everyone. Here are some reasons why students should make Amsterdam their summer destination.

Street food scene  

Amsterdam's street food scene is a must-try, with festivals like Kwaku or Foodhallen offering a diverse range of cuisine. Also check out local markets for some signature dishes!  

Enjoy art and culture in any weather

Summer is ideal for visiting the Hortus Botanicus gardens or outdoor exhibitions at the Rijksmuseum. Explore museums with secret gardens and enjoy the best museum cafes. For a great day trip, visit the Zaanse Schans or the sculpture garden of Singer Laren. The Concertgebouw will also stage its annual Summer Concerts programme.  

Experience Amsterdam from the water

Hire a boat to explore Amsterdam's canals in the summer. Cruise under bridges and enjoy the city's architecture from the water. Dock at waterside bars like Hannekes Boom and Waterkant for a refreshing break.

Listen to live music outdoors

The Grachtenfestival in August offers ten days of classical music and jazz concerts on the water. The Vondelpark Open-Air Theatre hosts performances of dance, music, comedy and children's events from May to September.  

Visit ARTIS Royal Zoo's Zoomeravonden for a unique night out with performances, picnics and twilight zoo tours on Saturdays in June, July and August.

Explore the Amsterdam forest

Make sure to enjoy swimming, walking, cycling, kayaking, zip-lining and more at Amsterdamse Bos - the city's own forest (that is three times the size of New York’s Central Park!). Visit the goat farm for organic milk and cheese or try goat yoga. The Bostheater offers outdoor musical and theatre performances.

Watch movies outdoors

From July to September, Amsterdam hosts outdoor cinema screenings featuring film classics and new releases. Enjoy movies on the roof or beach with a beautiful Amsterdam backdrop.

WUP 25/07/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Wittenborg Students Highlight Key Challenges for Project Week

On 17 June, students from Wittenborg's EBA (Entrepreneurial Business Administration) and MBA (Master of Business Administration) programmes presented their research findings for a special Project Week in collaboration with Zuidoost Werkt, a local job centre supported by Randstad, the Johan Cruyff Arena and the city of Amsterdam.

At the conclusion of the Project Week, students delivered a summary of their research to Zuidoost Werkt. This included a database detailing 85 job training programmes to be integrated into the job centre’s network, along with a PowerPoint presentation in Dutch outlining their key findings.

Senior Lecturer Amy Abdou expressed her satisfaction with the students’ work, stating, “The organisation was thrilled to receive the output of the students’ research and were impressed by the quality and depth of the presentations.”

Unveiling critical insights

The research undertaken by the students shed light on several factors contributing to high unemployment rates in Amsterdam Zuidoost. Armed with a database provided by Randstad Market Intelligence, students scrutinised all listed job vacancies in the district from 2022-2023. Additionally, Zuidoost Werkt tasked students with identifying available free or employer-paid training programmes for job seekers and entrepreneurs in the area.

Students took varied approaches: some conducted broad surveys of available resources, while others focused on sectors facing the toughest recruitment challenges. They interviewed job seekers and entrepreneurs to understand their needs and pinpoint gaps in existing services and training programmes.

Among the findings, students discovered that 90% of job vacancies in Amsterdam Zuidoost were concentrated in four sectors: Consumer Discretionary, Financials, Healthcare and IT. Despite a national decline in job openings between 2022-2023, Amsterdam Zuidoost experienced a decline more than twice the national average. Moreover, nearly two-thirds of these vacancies required a college or university degree, highlighting a significant “labour market mismatch”, given that only 30% of residents hold such qualifications. 

Student voices

Reflecting on the impact of the project, Solomon Audu, an MBA student from Nigeria, remarked, “Initially, I viewed the project week as merely an assignment. However, I realised its potential to drive positive change for Amsterdam Zuidoost residents and beyond.”

Audu was part of a team focused on resources available for job seekers seeking retraining opportunities. “Our methodology centred on six key sectors: Energy Transition, Construction, Information Technology, Healthcare, Childcare and Education,” he explained. Each team member researched 15 relevant training and support programmes within their assigned sector, drawing on company websites and expert consultations.

“Through this project, we aimed not just to compile data but to propose actionable solutions that could enhance employment prospects in these critical sectors,” Audu added.

EBA student Michael Olufade emphasised the personal significance of the research, particularly as an international student facing employment challenges due to recent Dutch policy changes. “This project highlighted gaps in policies affecting international students like myself,” he said. “It was an opportunity to provide valuable insights that could catalyse meaningful change through initiatives like Zuidoost Werkt.”

Olufade’s team focused on understanding the barriers faced by international students seeking employment opportunities in Amsterdam-Zuidoost. “We identified bureaucratic hurdles and policy inconsistencies that hinder international students from fully contributing to the local workforce,” he noted. “Addressing these issues could not only benefit students like me but also enrich the diversity and skill pool of the job market here.”  

WUP 24/072024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

MBA, MBM, and BBA Graduates from 25 Countries Attend Summer Graduation  

On 12 July, the Grote Kerk in Apeldoorn was filled with excitement as 131 students from 25 countries gathered to celebrate their graduation from Wittenborg. This memorable summer graduation ceremony highlighted the diverse and international nature of the Wittenborg community, with graduates from the Amsterdam, Apeldoorn and Munich study locations. 

Dr Cara Antoine, the keynote speaker and Executive Vice President and Chief Technology, Innovation & Portfolio Officer at Capgemini, kicked off the event with an inspiring address. Antoine, also the author of the Amazon bestseller Make it Personal, encouraged the graduates to embrace the theme of “Be the First”.

“At 14, I became the first girl in my school to delve into electrical engineering,” Antoine shared. “It was daunting, yet exhilarating. I found confidence in the unwavering belief of my teacher who said four important words to me: ‘I believe in you.’ Those words transformed my path and instilled in me the conviction that I could achieve anything I set my mind to.”

She went on to reflect on her own experiences as a trailblazer, from her early days in a male-dominated field to becoming the first female Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at her company. “Being the first often involves being a catalyst for positive change,” she explained. “It’s not merely about reaching a milestone but about creating a path for others to follow.”

Antoine also presented her book as a gift to the graduates and took the time to sign each copy personally. She later shared her favourite moments from the ceremony: “My favourite moment was witnessing the joy and pride on the faces of the graduates as they walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. It was a powerful reminder of the dedication and hard work each student invested in their education, and it was truly moving to see their achievements celebrated.”

She also expressed her fulfilment in seeing the graduates’ reactions to her speech. “Their enthusiasm and positive energy were palpable, and it was heartwarming to know that my words resonated with them. The opportunity to connect with such a talented and driven group of individuals left me inspired and hopeful for the future they will create.”

Dadi Chen, Deputy Head of the School of Business, also gave a speech and welcomed the Master of Business Administration students to the stage. Chen praised the graduates for their outstanding achievements and reflected on their journey over the past two years in the Netherlands. He highlighted the rapid development of Wittenborg’s educational programmes and emphasised the graduates’ role in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future. “You are graduating during a pivotal moment,” Chen stated. “The world needs change more than ever to become more peaceful, prosperous, and very importantly, more sustainable. The world needs future leaders who can navigate complexity and forge solutions to our challenges.”

The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt address by Maggie Feng, CEO of Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences. Feng marked the occasion as her first official address at a Wittenborg graduation ceremony, saying, “You are the first to witness my official talk at a Wittenborg graduation ceremony, so give yourselves a round of applause.”

Drawing from her 20+ years of career experience, Feng shared insightful advice on the importance of love, honesty, and trust. “Love is what you want to be surrounded with,” she said, emphasising how positive emotions can lead to opportunities and success. She also spoke about the necessity of authenticity and being true to oneself, rather than focusing on superficial appearances. “Be truthful and faithful, and always strive to improve yourself,” she advised. Feng concluded her address with a call for graduates to be responsible individuals who build trust and spread love, stating, “Be a good person, a responsible one, who deserves all types of love. We love you all! Thank you.”

As the formal part of the ceremony came to a close, the event transitioned into a celebration with drinks and snacks, allowing graduates, faculty and guests to mingle and commemorate the occasion. 

Ikheloa Henry, one of the graduates from Nigeria, reflected on his transformative experience at Wittenborg. 

“Receiving a diploma in Entrepreneurship and Innovation is an exhilarating experience. Walking across the stage felt like a culmination of hard work, dedication and perseverance,” he shared. 

Henry plans to advance his career in the automotive industry, focusing on roles that blend technical expertise with customer service, and he expressed an interest in lecturing. 

Arash Radmehr, a graduate from Iran who completed a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) in Marketing and Communications, also reflected on this significant milestone.

“Walking across the stage and receiving my diploma was one of the greatest moments of my life,” he said. “The feeling of accomplishment and finally achieving what I came here to the Netherlands to achieve three years ago was beyond joyful!”

Radmehr described his time at Wittenborg in three chapters: “‘Fitting in,’ during my first year as I adjusted to a new country and formed my social network. ‘Figuring out,’ in my second year, focusing on self-improvement and understanding how to succeed as an international student. Finally, ‘flourishing,’ in my third year, marked by completing my thesis, fulfilling an internship, and receiving a potential job offer.”  

WUP 23/07/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press

School Included in Organisation’s Tour of the Netherlands 2023-2024

To engage in open discussions about mutual experiences, expectations and developments regarding both internal and external quality assurance processes, a delegation from the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO) visited Wittenborg on 2 July. 

The activity was held as part of NVAO’s Ronde van Nederland (Tour of the Netherlands) 2023-2024, which includes over 20 higher education institutions. The organisation’s delegation featured chairman Arnold Jonk, director for the Netherlands Luut Kroes, policy advisor Henri Ponds and student panel member Tim van der Putten. 

During the visit, three sessions were conducted, each focusing on different stakeholder groups: Wittenborg’s Executive Board, the school’s Quality Management Team and a group of lecturers, staff members and students.  

The discussions were not related to any assessment. Instead, the findings will contribute to NVAO’s reflection on its own operations, agenda setting and communication with institutions. Additionally, the Ronde van Nederland offers an opportunity for meeting and strengthening relationships.  

Among other subjects, the sessions addressed the school’s internationalisation and educational programmes, quality assurance & accreditation procedures and research initiatives. Other topics of discussion were the impact of Artificial Intelligence, teaching and learning at Wittenborg and the well-being of lecturers and students.  

Wittenborg Director of Governance Karen Penninga commented that it was very nice to be able to have an open discussion with NVAO, since schools do not usually engage with the organisation in this manner. The session with the Executive Board, of which she is a part, covered topics such as internationalisation, the current political situation and Wittenborg’s perspective on it, as well as the upcoming changes to the accreditation system, including institutional accreditation.

“We also discussed the structure of Wittenborg’s programmes, our pathways and specialisations and their impact on our programme accreditation. We explained that this approach works really well. The sessions with NVAO were productive, and they appreciated our transparency and willingness to engage. On top of that, they expressed their satisfaction with the visit, because now they have a better understanding of Wittenborg,” she underlined. 

For Head of Education Development and Quality Management Kriszta Kaspers, the visit went very smoothly, and the discussions were intriguing and insightful. “It was an honour to be visited by NVAO. Their representatives were glad to meet our enthusiastic team, motivated students, staff and faculty who have participated in this exercise. The discussions were open and fruitful.” 

MBM (Master of Business Management) student Allegra Zazzaro, also an Admissions Administrator at the school, participated in the session involving lecturers, staff and students. “We talked about how Wittenborg fosters a family-like environment for international students, equipping them with the right mix of theoretical knowledge and practical skills to step directly into the workforce. I was very glad to share my personal journey, from being a bachelor’s student to now pursuing my master’s. From my perspective, the outcome was positive. The discussion was transparent and direct, making for a pleasant conversation that flowed naturally,” she remarked. 

WUP 22/07/2024 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

MBA Thesis Investigates Adoption of Telemedicine in Nigerian Healthcare Industry

Olasunbo Okesola’s Research Highlights Advantages and Challenges Related to New Technologies

To better understand the adoption of telemedicine technologies in the Nigerian healthcare industry and propose ways to improve it, Wittenborg graduate Olasunbo Okesola chose this topic for her thesis research. Originally from Lagos, the most populous city in Nigeria, Okesola recently completed an MBA degree in Health & Social Care.

According to her, the current implementation of telemedicine in the Nigerian healthcare industry is still below average, requiring significant improvements in both urban and rural contexts. “This is a relevant and interesting topic, and I decided to research it for my thesis after studying it during one of my courses,” the graduate points out.

Titled ‘Investigative Study on the Accessibility and Affordability of Telemedicine Among Patients in the Nigerian Medical Industry’, Okesola’s research is based on a mixed-methods approach.

In order to gather quantitative data, she administered a survey to 271 participants, out of which 200 were patients who had previously used telemedicine and 71 were doctors and nurses experienced in the use of telemedicine resources.

Additionally, she interviewed 10 doctors and nurses who have used telemedicine technologies to provide medical services.

Among other topics, her survey and interviews addressed how accessible and affordable telemedicine is in Nigeria, as well as the quality of the services and the digital infrastructure and literacy associated with the use of these resources. Participants were also questioned about their previous experience of telemedicine, the circumstances in which they have used these technologies and the policies and measures that could be implemented in Nigeria to disseminate these innovations.

Okesola’s study concludes that the level of accessibility and affordability of telemedicine services among patients in Nigeria is still a work in progress and requires more attention and awareness.

Nevertheless, these technologies offer considerable advantages when compared to in-person medical services. In addition to making healthcare services more accessible and affordable, telemedicine improves patient-provider relationship regardless of location. Moreover, it makes patients’ medical records and appointments easily accessible, which helps track and monitor their condition effectively.

The study also underscores the limitations of telemedicine. Among them is the fact that it can be more costly if not properly managed by the government, and also that it might not work if there is lack of maintenance. Another problem is the lack of awareness of these technologies among people living in the rural regions of Nigeria as well as in some of the country’s urban areas.

Okesola’s research interests are connected to her career plans. “I would like to work as a healthcare administrator and also further my education by pursuing a PhD,” she highlights. 
 

WUP 19/07/2024
by Ulisses Sawczuk
©WUAS Press
 

Event Gathers 100 Participants at Unique Alte Utting Venue

On 14 June, Wittenborg’s Munich study location, the New European College (NEC), celebrated the start of summer with a memorable event: the Captain Summer Bash. The party was themed around a nautical adventure, with Sascha Liebhardt, NEC's chancellor, as the captain of the evening. The venue could not have been more suitable, with the activity taking place at Alte Utting – a historic ship dating back to 1950, repurposed into a bar and restaurant situated on decommissioned train tracks on a bridge. 

Beginning at 19:00 and concluding at midnight, the event gathered approximately 100 participants. The mix included students, lecturers, friends of NEC and members of Munich’s German Dutch Business Club.  

Guests were greeted with packets of Ahoj Brause, a popular German fizzy drink, setting a festive tone for the evening. The party featured various engaging activities, including temporary tattoos, a live stream of the UEFA Euro 2024 match between Germany and Scotland (ending in a 5-1 victory for the German team), continuous music and name tag games with a role-playing twist. Attendees also had the opportunity to take Polaroid photographs, capturing moments to take home as souvenirs. One of the highlights was a party quiz with 15 questions about NEC, Wittenborg and even Leonardo DiCaprio and the Titanic.

The party atmosphere was enhanced by a variety of snacks, including crisps, pretzels, popcorn and nuts, along with lollipops at the bar. Guests received vouchers to redeem for drinks of their choice, and dinner featured a selection of traditional Italian pizzas from a local food truck, offering various flavours, including vegetarian options. 

MBM (Master of Business Management) student Andrea Aberde, specialising in Digital Marketing and Communication, shared her excitement about the event. "Coming from the Philippines only a couple of months ago means I have only been acquainted with the students in my MBM courses. The party was such a blast and an amazing opportunity for me to get to know more of the other students and lecturers outside the classroom setting. The fake tattoos were such a great feature. If you're partying, you might as well make bad decisions – but only temporary ones. Having a memento from the Summer Bash Party was a fun touch, thanks to the Instax photography. Can't wait for the next party!” 

Brunilda Puci, a BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) student from Albania specialising in Economics & Management, echoed these sentiments. “The party was amazing. There were more people than I expected, and I got to know new people including students and lecturers. Fortunately, we saw the match on TV and cheered for Germany's victory which was something not so usual in parties but anyway fun. The place was cosy but fun at the same time, so the atmosphere was exciting. This was the best party I have been to in Munich since I moved here.” 

NEC chancellor Sascha Liebhardt explained that this was the first summer party organised by Wittenborg’s Munich study location since 2019, following the interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. “From the moment we were allowed by our government we started holding many leisure academic events with the German Dutch Business Club and the American German Business Club. In September 2023, we had our first big event when faculty and students attended the Oktoberfest. But we were missing a big summer event celebrating the past academic block and this was the perfect opportunity.” 

Liebhardt added that organising parties for students and faculty is crucial for fostering a sense of community and belonging within the institution. “These events provide invaluable opportunities for networking, collaboration and the exchange of ideas in a relaxed environment. Additionally, they enhance the overall campus experience, promoting well-being and strengthening the bonds that contribute to our institution's success.” 

With everyone playing their part as sailors on the NEC ship, the evening was a success, setting the bar high for future events. 

WUP 18/07/2024 
by Ulisses Sawczuk & Domenica Delgado 
©WUAS Press 

Wittenborg Professor Champions Humanising AI Implementation and Adoption Challenges 

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the business sector has ushered in a new era of digital transformation. AI is revolutionising processes, functions and practices within organisations by enhancing system efficiencies, conducting advanced data analysis and significantly contributing to value creation. However, the implementation and adoption of AI systems in organisations are not without challenges, ranging from technical issues to barriers rooted in human factors, often resulting in unsuccessful AI initiatives or lower than expected benefits.

In response, Human Resource Management (HRM) emerges as a critical facilitator, ensuring that AI integration aligns with human values and organisational goals.

A paper by Gabor Molnar, Associate Professor of Applied Sciences at Wittenborg, alongside co-authors Ali Fenwick and Piper Frangos, titled ‘The critical role of HRM in AI-driven digital transformation: a paradigm shift to enable firms to move from AI implementation to human-centric adoption’, investigates HRM's pivotal role in harmonising AI's technological capabilities with human-centric needs.  

Published in the Springer journal Discover Artificial Intelligence in May 2024, this paper underscores HRM's potential to drive AI success by enabling digital transformation, humanising AI decision-making, providing strategic foresight on AI, and facilitating adoption while addressing concerns such as ethics and employee well-being.

The paper highlights that AI is poised to revolutionise the global economy, potentially contributing approximately $15.7 trillion by 2030. However, current statistics reveal a significant gap between AI's potential and actual outcomes, with 70–85% of AI initiatives failing due to deployment issues or inadequate business value creation.

As a result, Molnar and his co-authors reviewed the best practices for implementing human-centric AI through culture, leadership, knowledge, policies and tools, emphasising HRM's role in reshaping roles, advancing skill sets and fostering workplace dynamics conducive to AI integration.

"Our research provides a comprehensive framework for HRM to influence internal stakeholders, driving effective AI implementation and adoption while anticipating broader impacts on industry and society," Molnar explains.

Apart from best practices, the paper also introduces an HRM roadmap for human-centric AI implementation, addressing key challenges and tools to augment human capabilities and values. In this roadmap, for example, the authors emphasise HRM's crucial role in shaping a workplace culture that supports AI adoption.

They highlight HRM's ability to foster innovation and build trust in AI systems from the outset. This involves promoting a human-centred approach in all AI decision making across the organisation, creating an environment that welcomes new technologies. The roadmap outlines specific steps for implementation, such as fostering an innovative mindset, encouraging risk-taking with appropriate rewards and promoting a culture of experimentation. For adoption, HRM advocates for transparent AI processes ensuring psychological safety for employees interacting with AI and promoting approaches that prioritise human well-being.

"This paper helps organisations grasp the significance of humanising AI in the workplace and outlines HRM's essential role in achieving this," Molnar concludes. "It not only fills critical gaps in existing research but also offers practical guidance for improving AI outcomes and fostering a human-centric digital transformation." 

About Gabor Molnar:  

Molnar has also authored and published papers on the Future of AI Integration in the Workplace and the Benefits of a Data-Driven Approach in Delivering Video Content. Recently, he also joined the Divitel advisory board. He has been a long-time collaborator with the professional services company and has played a crucial role in shaping their strategy. Molnar regularly publishes research on the impact of AI in companies, particularly in Human Resources and Operational Excellence in IT ecosystems, achieved through an Algorithm Factory.   

WUP 17/07/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Michael Sheppard Highlights Vietnamese Students’ Growing Interest in the Netherlands

Wittenborg continues to strengthen its international ties, with significant efforts being made in Vietnam. Michael Sheppard, the school’s Recruitment & Sales Representative, was in Ho Chi Minh City from 10 to 21 June, with the goal of solidifying relationships with education agents and prospective students. 

Sheppard’s visit was strategically planned around the ICEF South East Asia event, where he had a packed schedule. “At ICEF South East Asia I had over 50 meetings with student agents and other stakeholders from various countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand,” he noted. 

According to him, the response from these meetings was overwhelmingly positive. “I had discussions with agents and with current students at Wittenborg, as well as people going through the application process and prospective students for the future. They are always impressed with the opportunities and course packages we offer, and the school’s student support services also stand out.” 

Besides attending the ICEF event, Sheppard visited 10 individual agencies in Ho Chi Minh City. These partners are crucial for Wittenborg because they act as key promoters of the school’s offerings to students. “The meetings with agencies went well. I had met many of them before which is really great because you can build personal relationships this way. That’s something Wittenborg in general is amazing at,” the representative said.

Sheppard points out that there is a growing interest from Vietnamese students in the Netherlands and Wittenborg. “I did talk to potential students through the agency visits, and they seemed really enthusiastic and interested in the Netherlands. When I asked them why, they mentioned reasons such as the quality of life, the high standards of education and the fact that it’s a reasonably priced country, with an interesting culture and access to the European Union,” he explained. 

Regarding Wittenborg, one of the most attractive factors for Vietnamese students is the range of courses and specialisations offered by the school, which are highly sought after by the market. “We have interesting specialisations dedicated to relevant fields including Logistics and cutting-edge subjects like Cybersecurity, Applied Artificial Intelligence and Entrepreneurship & Fintech. These are really exciting topics and rapidly expanding new industries,” he remarked. 

The representative concludes by underlining that Vietnam holds a special place in Wittenborg’s international strategy. “Wittenborg is well established there and we have a strong community of Vietnamese students. Moreover, because we are the most international business school in the Netherlands, and we are teaching globalised business practices, it is fundamental that we have people from all corners of the world. So, Vietnam has always played an important part in the globalisation of our courses and experience.” 

WUP 15/07/2024 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press