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Thursday, June 5, 2008
Saturday, May 3, 2008
PMPH online survey
Dear Visitors:
Thanks for visiting our website and for your participation in our online survey,however we have finished collecting results and the pmph online survey is now closed. For more information please contact us : prestonmph@googlemail.com
Sunday, April 27, 2008
When economy is a driving force
Hitting the spot: designated car club bays remove the agony of parking. Photo: Lara-Marie BarnesThey promise all the convenience of owning a car without any of the downsides. You don't even have to find a parking space. But is it all too good to be true? asks Jim Griffin
Car clubs advertise themselves as the perfect solution to ownership - the flexibility of a car but without the tax, insurance, petrol or depreciation. Got an errand to run? Find a vehicle near you, book it for an hour or two, and return it to its designated parking spot. It's so simple.
And the user figures suggest it's an idea that has caught the public imagination. In London there are now 28,000 members, up from just 25 a decade ago. Countrywide, figures in the past five years have rocketed by more than 5,000%.
But can a car club really be an adequate replacement for the convenience of having your own car? And how much money can clubbers save?
The intro pack I received from City Car Club is all vibrant colours and funky graphics. "Book, jump in and drive away" it boasts. Go online, input your postcode and find a car at a designated location that is most convenient. Book from 30 minutes to a few hours (or more) and pay an hourly rate. Swipe your membership card over a reader to unlock the doors, retrieve the keys from the glove box and away you go.
I'm excited by how futuristic and simple it all sounds.
But remote systems such as this need to work, which - as I discovered - isn't always the case.
I am web-literate. I work predominantly online and see hundreds of websites a week. But the City Car Club site was a struggle. It kept timing out and resetting itself without my completing a booking, and it is a pain to navigate - at one point my account was charged for a reservation that, to my knowledge, I hadn't finalised.
After much struggle and cursing my first booking was made over the phone, to a real person.
Things improve when I pick up the car. The new Kia Ceed 1.4 is fantastic. I swipe my card over the windscreen reader and the doors pop open. The car is in perfect nick both inside and out. I enter my pin into the onboard computer and a few seconds later the engine is mobilised. I grin like an excited schoolboy at how clever it all is. "It's the future!" I announce. The Kia is great to drive - smooth and nippy with sharp brakes. Only the knackered radio and CD player dampen my mood.
Returning the car to the designated parking space is the truly brilliant idea. I could have done something meaningful in all the hours I've wasted driving around suburban streets hunting down a parking space. All this frustration disappears, however, as we ease into the car club spot.
I turn the engine off, replace the keys in the glove box and lock the car with my swipe card. My irritation about the clunky website and broken stereo has lessened, but remains, tarnishing an otherwise excellent experience.
Unfortunately, my misgivings are compounded the next time I take the car out. Or rather don't. I book it for a 30-minute slot. Arriving five minutes late isn't the ideal start, I'll admit, but when the Vauxhall Corsa's onboard computer fails to log me in, I'm very annoyed. Calling the helpline, each automated option I choose rings out before bumping me back to the main automated menu without speaking to anyone. Around 15 minutes later, the engine finally mobilises and I can start the car. I don't bother. I have just under 10 minutes left on my slot and haven't moved an inch.
A car club, it seems to me, is meant to win us over with its convenience, ease and economic benefits. We're supposed to think "This is great - I can do without my car altogether!" And it's an admirable ambition, one that despite my experiences, I will pursue. Although there has been a huge upturn in users, it's a fledgling idea. But it will continue to grow and eventually there will be a car within five minutes of every urban dweller - economies and environmental pressures decree it.
I'm convinced there's a good car club out there. I'm just not convinced that I've found it.
money@guardian.co.uk
Streets ahead? How the companies compare
These are the main nationwide companies. But look out for many more that operate on a local level.
City Car Club (citycarclub.co.uk)
Members: 5,000
Cars in fleet: 300
Locations: London, Edinburgh, Norwich, Brighton, Hove, Bath, Bristol and Camberley
Joining fee: £75
Membership fee: N/A
Cost per hour: £4.50 outside London, £4.75 in London
Petrol: Club fuel card
Cost per mile: 50 free a day, 20p a mile thereafter
Streetcar (streetcar.co.uk)
Members: 30,000
Cars in fleet: 800
Locations: London, Brighton, Cambridge, Guildford, Maidstone and Southampton
Joining fee: N/A
Membership fee: £49.50 a year
Cost per hour: £3.95
Petrol: Club fuel card
Cost per mile: 30 free a day, 23p a mile thereafter
WhizzGo (whizzgo.co.uk)
Members: 4,000
Cars in fleet: 200+
Locations: Leeds, London, Brighton, Liverpool, York, Southampton, Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham and Newcastle
Joining fee: £150 (inc £125 refundable insurance deposit)
Membership fee: N/A
Cost per hour: £4.95
Petrol: Club fuel card
Cost per mile: 30 free a day, 20p a mile thereafter
For more frequent users, recurring fees can be used to lower the hourly rates, and monthly packages are available. There are also day rates. See individual websites for more details.
Caring and sharing
Grant Hewson sold his car - an ageing and costly 4x4 - in February. The recent credit crunch put him off getting a loan - and he cannot afford a replacement vehicle without one. Instead, he joined Streetcar.
"My car was costing me around £60 a month in insurance alone," he says. He spends slightly less than that on a VW Golf car club car. "I use it to do a weekly shop and to go to B&Q - it's ideal for an hour or two. The cars are all new, clean and of a good quality.
"There is a car three minutes away from my house, and another, four minutes away." But does he think the viability of the service as a genuine replacement for owning a vehicle is based on your location? "The further into central London you get, the more availability there is," he says. "I don't think it would work living in a rural area."
And although he has plans to buy when he moves further out of town, he's enjoying the feelgood factor. "You feel like you're doing your bit by sharing a car - for the economies involved and also for the environment."
And the user figures suggest it's an idea that has caught the public imagination. In London there are now 28,000 members, up from just 25 a decade ago. Countrywide, figures in the past five years have rocketed by more than 5,000%.
But can a car club really be an adequate replacement for the convenience of having your own car? And how much money can clubbers save?
The intro pack I received from City Car Club is all vibrant colours and funky graphics. "Book, jump in and drive away" it boasts. Go online, input your postcode and find a car at a designated location that is most convenient. Book from 30 minutes to a few hours (or more) and pay an hourly rate. Swipe your membership card over a reader to unlock the doors, retrieve the keys from the glove box and away you go.
I'm excited by how futuristic and simple it all sounds.
But remote systems such as this need to work, which - as I discovered - isn't always the case.
I am web-literate. I work predominantly online and see hundreds of websites a week. But the City Car Club site was a struggle. It kept timing out and resetting itself without my completing a booking, and it is a pain to navigate - at one point my account was charged for a reservation that, to my knowledge, I hadn't finalised.
After much struggle and cursing my first booking was made over the phone, to a real person.
Things improve when I pick up the car. The new Kia Ceed 1.4 is fantastic. I swipe my card over the windscreen reader and the doors pop open. The car is in perfect nick both inside and out. I enter my pin into the onboard computer and a few seconds later the engine is mobilised. I grin like an excited schoolboy at how clever it all is. "It's the future!" I announce. The Kia is great to drive - smooth and nippy with sharp brakes. Only the knackered radio and CD player dampen my mood.
Returning the car to the designated parking space is the truly brilliant idea. I could have done something meaningful in all the hours I've wasted driving around suburban streets hunting down a parking space. All this frustration disappears, however, as we ease into the car club spot.
I turn the engine off, replace the keys in the glove box and lock the car with my swipe card. My irritation about the clunky website and broken stereo has lessened, but remains, tarnishing an otherwise excellent experience.
Unfortunately, my misgivings are compounded the next time I take the car out. Or rather don't. I book it for a 30-minute slot. Arriving five minutes late isn't the ideal start, I'll admit, but when the Vauxhall Corsa's onboard computer fails to log me in, I'm very annoyed. Calling the helpline, each automated option I choose rings out before bumping me back to the main automated menu without speaking to anyone. Around 15 minutes later, the engine finally mobilises and I can start the car. I don't bother. I have just under 10 minutes left on my slot and haven't moved an inch.
A car club, it seems to me, is meant to win us over with its convenience, ease and economic benefits. We're supposed to think "This is great - I can do without my car altogether!" And it's an admirable ambition, one that despite my experiences, I will pursue. Although there has been a huge upturn in users, it's a fledgling idea. But it will continue to grow and eventually there will be a car within five minutes of every urban dweller - economies and environmental pressures decree it.
I'm convinced there's a good car club out there. I'm just not convinced that I've found it.
money@guardian.co.uk
Streets ahead? How the companies compare
These are the main nationwide companies. But look out for many more that operate on a local level.
City Car Club (citycarclub.co.uk)
Members: 5,000
Cars in fleet: 300
Locations: London, Edinburgh, Norwich, Brighton, Hove, Bath, Bristol and Camberley
Joining fee: £75
Membership fee: N/A
Cost per hour: £4.50 outside London, £4.75 in London
Petrol: Club fuel card
Cost per mile: 50 free a day, 20p a mile thereafter
Streetcar (streetcar.co.uk)
Members: 30,000
Cars in fleet: 800
Locations: London, Brighton, Cambridge, Guildford, Maidstone and Southampton
Joining fee: N/A
Membership fee: £49.50 a year
Cost per hour: £3.95
Petrol: Club fuel card
Cost per mile: 30 free a day, 23p a mile thereafter
WhizzGo (whizzgo.co.uk)
Members: 4,000
Cars in fleet: 200+
Locations: Leeds, London, Brighton, Liverpool, York, Southampton, Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham and Newcastle
Joining fee: £150 (inc £125 refundable insurance deposit)
Membership fee: N/A
Cost per hour: £4.95
Petrol: Club fuel card
Cost per mile: 30 free a day, 20p a mile thereafter
For more frequent users, recurring fees can be used to lower the hourly rates, and monthly packages are available. There are also day rates. See individual websites for more details.
Caring and sharing
Grant Hewson sold his car - an ageing and costly 4x4 - in February. The recent credit crunch put him off getting a loan - and he cannot afford a replacement vehicle without one. Instead, he joined Streetcar.
"My car was costing me around £60 a month in insurance alone," he says. He spends slightly less than that on a VW Golf car club car. "I use it to do a weekly shop and to go to B&Q - it's ideal for an hour or two. The cars are all new, clean and of a good quality.
"There is a car three minutes away from my house, and another, four minutes away." But does he think the viability of the service as a genuine replacement for owning a vehicle is based on your location? "The further into central London you get, the more availability there is," he says. "I don't think it would work living in a rural area."
And although he has plans to buy when he moves further out of town, he's enjoying the feelgood factor. "You feel like you're doing your bit by sharing a car - for the economies involved and also for the environment."
Ref.: http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2008/apr/26/motoring.consumeraffairs
Monday, April 21, 2008
Feedback
This is first feedback for the presentation from Professor Bob Ritchie.
i should say thanks very much to Professor Bob Ritchie and Dr. Wing Lam and also Dr. Dorota Marsh for all their supports.
PMPH board members
Driss,Richard,Shweta,Sia
*******************************************
Colleagues
We had no real opportunity on Friday to feed back initial thoughts on your presentations. I must congratulate all of you for what I considered to be excellent presentations. Not only were the business ideas novel, interesting and innovative but in every case were feasible and potentially profitable. I may be less optimistic than many of your sales, cost and profit forecasts but nevertheless applaud the time and effort you spent in researching your markets and assessing the key cost and revenue drivers. The evidence of team working both prior to and during the presentations themselves was highly commendable. If this were the 'Dragons' Den' then I guess that all five proposals would be worthy of support by the 'Dragons'! I would like to do a feature on your presentations for the UCLan website and will send you the proposed copy after Wing and I have marked and returned your written assignments.Well done and thanks for being an interactive group which made our sessions highly enjoyable and interesting.Best Wishes
Bob
Professor Bob Ritchie
i should say thanks very much to Professor Bob Ritchie and Dr. Wing Lam and also Dr. Dorota Marsh for all their supports.
PMPH board members
Driss,Richard,Shweta,Sia
*******************************************
Colleagues
We had no real opportunity on Friday to feed back initial thoughts on your presentations. I must congratulate all of you for what I considered to be excellent presentations. Not only were the business ideas novel, interesting and innovative but in every case were feasible and potentially profitable. I may be less optimistic than many of your sales, cost and profit forecasts but nevertheless applaud the time and effort you spent in researching your markets and assessing the key cost and revenue drivers. The evidence of team working both prior to and during the presentations themselves was highly commendable. If this were the 'Dragons' Den' then I guess that all five proposals would be worthy of support by the 'Dragons'! I would like to do a feature on your presentations for the UCLan website and will send you the proposed copy after Wing and I have marked and returned your written assignments.Well done and thanks for being an interactive group which made our sessions highly enjoyable and interesting.Best Wishes
Bob
Professor Bob Ritchie
Our survey link at UCLAN student messages 22 April
Free Law Clinic for all UCLan students
The 2009 NCGE Flying Start Entrepreneurship Fellowships open Students and Post Graduates
Students – Earn £200 a week as an Undergraduate Intern
Online Psychology Study: Participants Wanted!
Helpers requested for research
Attention all final year students
Scholarships for Excellence
Foster Gallery: A CETH creative space and opportunity
Required ASAP - Paid Home Stays
Car Hire Survey
Free Law Clinic for all UCLan studentsWe can provide advice on most legal matters including:
Landlord and Tenant Employment Rights Accident and Injuries Family and Matrimonial Consumer Rights Criminal matters
Come and see us by appointment and in confidence on Tuesdays at 1.00pm - 2.30pm
For an appointment contact: lclinic@uclan.ac.uk
The Free Law Clinic is run by postgraduate law students and supervised by qualified solicitors
The 2009 NCGE Flying Start Entrepreneurship Fellowships open Students and Post Graduates
The flying start global fellowship takes the best entrepreneurial talent from UK universities and links them with the entrepreneurial environment in America. The purpose of the Fellowship is to encourage UK graduates to develop scalable high intensity businesses.
The Fellowship consists of:
6 months spent in the UK where Fellows work with their sponsor university to develop their science, technology or engineering business idea.6 months in the US as Kauffman Global Scholars where they work with top entrepreneurial universities and intern in leading innovative companies.
Deadline for Applications: 2 May 2008 Further information can be found at : http://www.flyingstart-ncge.com/public/FLYING-STARTBRGLOBAL-SCHOLARS/gs_home.html
Fellows from the 2007 programme can be seen at http://www.flyingstart-ncge.com/public/FLYING-STARTBRGLOBAL-SCHOLARS/gs_2007prog.html
For advice and support in making an application please contact :
Anne Newman, Project Champion Enterprise, ext.5376, janewman@uclan.ac.uk
(NB students must have sponsorship from UCLan in order to make an application)
Anne NewmanEnterprise ChampionKnowledge Transfer,
406 (Fourth Floor) Media FactoryUniversity of Central LancashirePrestonPR1 2HEJANewman@uclan.ac.ukext.5376
Students – Earn £200 a week as an Undergraduate Intern
Want a unique opportunity to work alongside UCLan’s top researchers? Fancy improving your employability and research skills? Like to earn £200 a week in the process?
Then what are you waiting for? Apply now for a summer undergraduate internship; projects available across Arts, Health, Science and Business. Visit www.uclan.ac.uk/internsfor a full list of available projects and application details. Closing date - 9 May
Online Psychology Study: Participants Wanted!
Would you be interested in taking part in a psychological study about aggression? It is an online questionnaire that takes around 10 -15 minutes to complete and is part of a PhD study. If you are interested please follow the link: http://www.drjmb.org.uk/html/eab.htm Thank you in advance! If you would like any more information please email: eabates@uclan.ac.uk
Helpers requested for research
I am looking for students to take part in a research project. The research involves aspects of learning, thinking, and reasoning, and is taking place in Darwin. £20 is available for participation.
For further details, and to book an appointment, please contact Melanie at MPitchford1@uclan.ac.uk.
Melanie PitchfordResearch AssistantSchool of Psychology
Attention all final year students
Re: Assistant European Liaison Officer, Lancashire Brussels Office - July -December 2008
If you have already applied for the position of Assistant European Liaison Officer, which is based in Brussels, Belgium and open to all UCLan students who expect to graduate this summer (2008), please resubmit a copy of your application by email to assistant@lancashire-brussels.org by Friday 25 April. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.If you have not applied for the position of Assistant European Liaison Officer which is based in Brussels, Belgium and wish to do so, please contact assistant@lancashire-brussels.org for copy application forms and further information. The deadline for receipt of completed applications by email to assistant@lancashire-brussels.org is Friday, April 25.Thank you for your interest in the post of Assistant European Liaison Officer and we wish you every success with your application Tricia Norman BA (Hons), MA, M.I.L.Head of International Student Support ServicesFoster Building University of Central LancashirePRESTON PR1 2HEext.5022Fax: 01772 895030www.uclaninternational.org
Scholarships for Excellence
The deadline for applications has been extended to 30 April 2008.
The Scholarships for Excellence scheme is currently open for applications for the 2008/2009 academic year. This enables suitably qualified students from higher education institutions in England to study in higher education institutions in Hong Kong, with recognition of full credit transfer by host and home institutions. Around ten scholarships at undergraduate level for up to one year of study will be provided. Each scholarship is worth between GBP 2,000 and GBP 4,000, depending on the duration of the study period in Hong Kong. An additional private contribution has been received from Paul Kan CBE, chairman and founder of A Better Tomorrow Limited, to support UK students who study either BBA or EMBA programmes at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The deadline for applications has been extended to 30 April 2008.Applicants may visit the Scholarship for Excellence website to downloadan application form and obtain further details of the scholarship scheme:www.britishcouncil.org.hk/SfE
Completed application forms with supporting documents should be returned to British Council Hong Kong by this date.A web-based information pack, Study in Hong Kong, is available on the scholarships website: www.britishcouncil.org/hongkong-education-scholarships-excellence-study-in-hk
The pack provides useful information for UK students about the study and living environment in Hong Kong, an introduction to the eight publicly-funded universities and Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts, testimonials from current students and useful web links. Please help us to promote this scheme to any students who are interested in participating in exchange programmes, so that more can take up this great opportunity to broaden their horizons in this culturally vibrant and economically important region. UK students who are currently studying in Hong Kong are not eligible for this scheme. If you have any queries, please contactsfe@britishcouncil.org.hk.
Foster Gallery: A CETH creative space and opportunityFoster Gallery is managed through the Centre for Employability in the Humanities(CETH) and will play a key part as a Realistic Work Environment (RWE). It is currently and simply a group of display cabinets which are situated in Foster reception and refectory. Despite this low profile, artists have generated some success in selling from these displays. We aim to do much more with this gallery space to capitalise on the opportunity it offers as a gallery, a retail space and as a learning opportunity for students. This RWE is being developed during 2007/8, where changes will include: · These cabinets being visually marketed and re- launched as a student/staff display/gallery/exhibition space · Linking this display space with other exhibition space around and outside the University· Some cabinets being moved and given a higher and more visible profile· Artists of the month being featured alongside displays· Students having the opportunity to study on a Running a Retail Gallery/Exhibition space from September 2008· An online ordering/retail system being developed: I am very interested to talk with any colleagues who could help me or advise me on how to develop the online ordering system which I am very keen to have running by September 2008 If you can advise about the online ordering system, are interested in displaying your artwork or crafts or if you think your students might be interested in any aspect of this contact me: Ruth SharpeRsharpe@uclan.ac.uk or phone ext.5069
Required ASAP - Paid Home Stays We need households (preferably English speaking) who are willing to offer paid home stays to international students from Saudi Arabia. Lengths of stay vary from three months to one year. If you are interested please email LPTime@uclan.ac.uk or call Sarah on 01772 894240.
Car Hire Survey Ever wanted to rent a car but couldn't afford it? Preston's first ever student friendly car hire scheme could be just around the corner. A group of MBA students are researching this business idea and need your help. Go online to help them get a picture of your needs as a potential customer at:
www.pmph.speedsurvey.com ( http://www.pmph.speedsurvey.com/ )
www.pmph.blogspot.com
The 2009 NCGE Flying Start Entrepreneurship Fellowships open Students and Post Graduates
Students – Earn £200 a week as an Undergraduate Intern
Online Psychology Study: Participants Wanted!
Helpers requested for research
Attention all final year students
Scholarships for Excellence
Foster Gallery: A CETH creative space and opportunity
Required ASAP - Paid Home Stays
Car Hire Survey
Free Law Clinic for all UCLan studentsWe can provide advice on most legal matters including:
Landlord and Tenant Employment Rights Accident and Injuries Family and Matrimonial Consumer Rights Criminal matters
Come and see us by appointment and in confidence on Tuesdays at 1.00pm - 2.30pm
For an appointment contact: lclinic@uclan.ac.uk
The Free Law Clinic is run by postgraduate law students and supervised by qualified solicitors
The 2009 NCGE Flying Start Entrepreneurship Fellowships open Students and Post Graduates
The flying start global fellowship takes the best entrepreneurial talent from UK universities and links them with the entrepreneurial environment in America. The purpose of the Fellowship is to encourage UK graduates to develop scalable high intensity businesses.
The Fellowship consists of:
6 months spent in the UK where Fellows work with their sponsor university to develop their science, technology or engineering business idea.6 months in the US as Kauffman Global Scholars where they work with top entrepreneurial universities and intern in leading innovative companies.
Deadline for Applications: 2 May 2008 Further information can be found at : http://www.flyingstart-ncge.com/public/FLYING-STARTBRGLOBAL-SCHOLARS/gs_home.html
Fellows from the 2007 programme can be seen at http://www.flyingstart-ncge.com/public/FLYING-STARTBRGLOBAL-SCHOLARS/gs_2007prog.html
For advice and support in making an application please contact :
Anne Newman, Project Champion Enterprise, ext.5376, janewman@uclan.ac.uk
(NB students must have sponsorship from UCLan in order to make an application)
Anne NewmanEnterprise ChampionKnowledge Transfer,
406 (Fourth Floor) Media FactoryUniversity of Central LancashirePrestonPR1 2HEJANewman@uclan.ac.ukext.5376
Students – Earn £200 a week as an Undergraduate Intern
Want a unique opportunity to work alongside UCLan’s top researchers? Fancy improving your employability and research skills? Like to earn £200 a week in the process?
Then what are you waiting for? Apply now for a summer undergraduate internship; projects available across Arts, Health, Science and Business. Visit www.uclan.ac.uk/internsfor a full list of available projects and application details. Closing date - 9 May
Online Psychology Study: Participants Wanted!
Would you be interested in taking part in a psychological study about aggression? It is an online questionnaire that takes around 10 -15 minutes to complete and is part of a PhD study. If you are interested please follow the link: http://www.drjmb.org.uk/html/eab.htm Thank you in advance! If you would like any more information please email: eabates@uclan.ac.uk
Helpers requested for research
I am looking for students to take part in a research project. The research involves aspects of learning, thinking, and reasoning, and is taking place in Darwin. £20 is available for participation.
For further details, and to book an appointment, please contact Melanie at MPitchford1@uclan.ac.uk.
Melanie PitchfordResearch AssistantSchool of Psychology
Attention all final year students
Re: Assistant European Liaison Officer, Lancashire Brussels Office - July -December 2008
If you have already applied for the position of Assistant European Liaison Officer, which is based in Brussels, Belgium and open to all UCLan students who expect to graduate this summer (2008), please resubmit a copy of your application by email to assistant@lancashire-brussels.org by Friday 25 April. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.If you have not applied for the position of Assistant European Liaison Officer which is based in Brussels, Belgium and wish to do so, please contact assistant@lancashire-brussels.org for copy application forms and further information. The deadline for receipt of completed applications by email to assistant@lancashire-brussels.org is Friday, April 25.Thank you for your interest in the post of Assistant European Liaison Officer and we wish you every success with your application Tricia Norman BA (Hons), MA, M.I.L.Head of International Student Support ServicesFoster Building University of Central LancashirePRESTON PR1 2HEext.5022Fax: 01772 895030www.uclaninternational.org
Scholarships for Excellence
The deadline for applications has been extended to 30 April 2008.
The Scholarships for Excellence scheme is currently open for applications for the 2008/2009 academic year. This enables suitably qualified students from higher education institutions in England to study in higher education institutions in Hong Kong, with recognition of full credit transfer by host and home institutions. Around ten scholarships at undergraduate level for up to one year of study will be provided. Each scholarship is worth between GBP 2,000 and GBP 4,000, depending on the duration of the study period in Hong Kong. An additional private contribution has been received from Paul Kan CBE, chairman and founder of A Better Tomorrow Limited, to support UK students who study either BBA or EMBA programmes at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The deadline for applications has been extended to 30 April 2008.Applicants may visit the Scholarship for Excellence website to downloadan application form and obtain further details of the scholarship scheme:www.britishcouncil.org.hk/SfE
Completed application forms with supporting documents should be returned to British Council Hong Kong by this date.A web-based information pack, Study in Hong Kong, is available on the scholarships website: www.britishcouncil.org/hongkong-education-scholarships-excellence-study-in-hk
The pack provides useful information for UK students about the study and living environment in Hong Kong, an introduction to the eight publicly-funded universities and Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts, testimonials from current students and useful web links. Please help us to promote this scheme to any students who are interested in participating in exchange programmes, so that more can take up this great opportunity to broaden their horizons in this culturally vibrant and economically important region. UK students who are currently studying in Hong Kong are not eligible for this scheme. If you have any queries, please contactsfe@britishcouncil.org.hk.
Foster Gallery: A CETH creative space and opportunityFoster Gallery is managed through the Centre for Employability in the Humanities(CETH) and will play a key part as a Realistic Work Environment (RWE). It is currently and simply a group of display cabinets which are situated in Foster reception and refectory. Despite this low profile, artists have generated some success in selling from these displays. We aim to do much more with this gallery space to capitalise on the opportunity it offers as a gallery, a retail space and as a learning opportunity for students. This RWE is being developed during 2007/8, where changes will include: · These cabinets being visually marketed and re- launched as a student/staff display/gallery/exhibition space · Linking this display space with other exhibition space around and outside the University· Some cabinets being moved and given a higher and more visible profile· Artists of the month being featured alongside displays· Students having the opportunity to study on a Running a Retail Gallery/Exhibition space from September 2008· An online ordering/retail system being developed: I am very interested to talk with any colleagues who could help me or advise me on how to develop the online ordering system which I am very keen to have running by September 2008 If you can advise about the online ordering system, are interested in displaying your artwork or crafts or if you think your students might be interested in any aspect of this contact me: Ruth SharpeRsharpe@uclan.ac.uk or phone ext.5069
Required ASAP - Paid Home Stays We need households (preferably English speaking) who are willing to offer paid home stays to international students from Saudi Arabia. Lengths of stay vary from three months to one year. If you are interested please email LPTime@uclan.ac.uk or call Sarah on 01772 894240.
Car Hire Survey Ever wanted to rent a car but couldn't afford it? Preston's first ever student friendly car hire scheme could be just around the corner. A group of MBA students are researching this business idea and need your help. Go online to help them get a picture of your needs as a potential customer at:
www.pmph.speedsurvey.com ( http://www.pmph.speedsurvey.com/ )
www.pmph.blogspot.com
Friday, April 18, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Club PMPH coming soon
- Pre-register at least seven days in advance
- Pay membership fee to join - Refundable after 6 month
- Book and enjoy Driving with PMPH
- The scheme will only be open to UCLAN students.
- NO cars for students with motoring convictions or refused insurance
- “Three strikes and you are OUT”
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Our survey link at UCLAN student message 27 March
Student messages 27 March
Students’ Union elections
Have you got a business idea?
Progressing onto Year 2?
Women into Enterprise Development Programme: 12-16 May 2008
The Royal Writing Fellow Easter Break
Foster Gallery space
Interested in sharing your Language & Culture with others?Car Hire Survey
Students’ Union elections
Students across all UCLan campuses are set to be hit with election fever in April when the annual UCLan Students’ Union elections take place.
This year is set to be a hard fought battle with four of the five sabbatical officer positions being contested and 17 candidates standing for six positions.
Students will be able to vote online this year as the Union moves to an e-voting system, ditching the paper format, in an attempt to get more students involved in the elections.
Every UCLan student eligible to vote will receive an email on Monday April 14 to their uclan.ac.uk account with a unique pin code that allows them to log-in and cast their vote.
Acting returning officer for the election, Karen McNicholl, said she was delighted to see so many candidates standing.
She said: "It is always the aim to have contested elections and this year is proving to be quite a contest with 17 candidates going for six positions, providing a real sense of importance and anticipation about elections, which we hope will raise the profile of what student officers do and potentially encourage more students to get involved with the Students' Union in the future.
“The elections are particularly exciting this year because it is the first year that we are going to run the voting part of the election online, enabling students wherever they are to have the opportunity to vote, so it completely opens up the process. “
This year’s sabbatical positions were reformed after students voted yes in a referendum to reduce the number of sabbatical officers from nine, six full-time and three part-time, to five full-time roles. The roles are now president, education officer, activities and participation officer, media officer and the newly created campaigns officer.
Sabbatical officers form part of the Student Affairs Committee who represent all UCLan students and act as trustees of the organisation.
There is one Student Council position in the April ballot, which is the black students representative.
To find out more information about the elections and to see the candidates vying for students’ votes visit www.uclansu.co.uk/elections08
Have you got a business idea?
Do you feel inspired to create a social enterprise?Have you longed to run your own business?Would advice, support and a little money help you make a decision? If you are a UCLan student or graduate of the UCLan College network you can take time out to develop your action plan with the support of our experienced business mentors. Apply now for a 12 week award of £960 Plus up to £2000 worth of support, including optional FREE use of office facilities in the Media Factory’s Business Incubation Space
You do not have to know about business, finance, tax or VAT - you just need an exciting idea. Visit our website and complete the short application form now - what have you got to lose? For more information contact:Shazia AfzalTel: 01772 895954Email: enterpriseawards@uclan.ac.uk Web: www.uclan.ac.uk/enterpriseawards Deadline for first round Entries: 18 April 2008 A number of these awards have been funded by the Centre for Employability Through the Humanities (ceth)
Progressing onto Year 2?
YOU need an elective... time to choose one! The Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences offers a diverse range of level 2 elective modules to choose from. Subject areas include: page layout for design & publishingcareer planningemotional intelligencestarting a businesssociologyeducation & policyrace, ethnicity & human rightspolitics & ideologiesglobal governancecitizenship & identityvolunteering & community leadershipIslamic law & uranic studiesEuropean unionsex & genderfamily history & history of familymilitary marauders & rogue traders: the British in Indiastate & society under the Tudors & StuartsVictorian Britainlearners with disabilities & learning difficultiesimages of deviancetheories & approaches to learningthe reflective practitionerEnglish as a foreign languagemodern languages (e.g arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Urdu, Turkish and many more)
For Further information visit http://www.uclan.ac.uk/other/sas/records/electives.htmor or email classhelp@uclan.ac.uk
Women into Enterprise Development Programme: 12-16 May 2008A highly interactive business development programme just for women. Ideal if you are interested in or have already set up your business and want to learn about the basics of business.
You will focus on personal, professional and business development.
The benefits of participating
Helping you to develop your business idea
Receiving feedback on your business idea
A forum for issues specific to women in business
Developing confidence in yourself and your business idea
Developing your personal skills and knowledge of business management
A chance to develop a network with like minded women/women who undergone the process of setting up a business
Indicative content for the programme as follows *
Finance – how to keep it legal
Creation of a Marketing Strategy
Confidence in presenting yourself
Know what makes your business tick!
Delivering exceptional customer service
Understand how to market your products and services
How to be more dynamic when selling to your customer
How to use problem solving techniques to reduce your stress
Discover the real you and review how your business is performing
How to add value by creating more time for planning, preparation and thinking
If you are interested in the programme, please download a registration form. All registration forms should be e-mailed or posted to the contact details below.
An application form will be sent to you within 7 working days of the submission of your registration form.
Places are limited: Apply Early!
Deadline for receipt of application forms: 11 April 2008Shazia AfzalNorthern Lights TeamKnowledge Transfer ServiceMedia Factory Room 408University of Central LancashirePreston, PR1 2HE
Email SAfzal1@uclan.ac.ukTelephone 01772 895954
* Please note that content may be subject to change and will be dependent on the final cohort of participants and their motivations/ideas.
Programme is free of charge.
The Royal Writing Fellow Easter Break Helen Farrall, the Writing Fellow, will not be available from Wednesday. March 12 until Monday April. However she will then be here two days a week (Monday & Tuesday) for 1:1 tutorials to discuss any aspect of writing. Just to remind you, she is a television screenwriter who has written over thirty hours of television, storylined many more and been involved in developing new series ideas. She has worked for various educational institutions teaching both undergraduate and post graduate programmes. Helen will be able to share her knowledge and expertise on academic writing with any students here at UCLan. She is based in the Fylde building Fy24 but for more details on how to make an appointment go to www.uclan.ac.uk/facs/class/studyskills/
Foster Gallery spaceAre you interested in displaying your artwork and/or products in Foster Building at the University? As Senior Tutor for CETH, I am making some important changes to the display space which we offer for free use. I am having two display cabinets moved into Foster corridor and am getting signs put up advertising the space. Students are helping me to create a leaflet advertising the space and I am investigating creating an online ordering system. I am also hoping to showcase the display space through an event scheduled for early summer. I currently have two large cabinets (approximately 2m tall x 1 m wide x 50cm deep) which I can offer free display space for you if you want to try and display your artwork. This are kept locked but customers can buy from them through me or directly from the artist. I can help you to merchandise your products and price them too (if you need that help)/ Please get in touch if you would like to use some of this space Ruth Sharpe: Senior Tutor: CETH: ME43501772 895069Email: Rsharpe@uclan.ac.uk
Interested in sharing your Language & Culture with others? The Department of Languages & International Studies needs native speakers of: FinnishDutchKoreanGreekVietnamese to work as Language assistants. Work will be on a casual basis assisting lecturers from LIS with the provision of taster sessions in the above languages. Training will be provided. For an application form please email LPTime@uclan.ac.uk or call Sarah on 01772 894240.
Car Hire Survey
Ever wanted to rent a car but couldn't afford it? Preston's first ever student friendly car hire scheme could be just around the corner. A group of MBA students are researching this business idea and need your help. Go online to help them get a picture of your needs as a potential customer at:
http://www.pmph.speedsurvey.com/
Students’ Union elections
Have you got a business idea?
Progressing onto Year 2?
Women into Enterprise Development Programme: 12-16 May 2008
The Royal Writing Fellow Easter Break
Foster Gallery space
Interested in sharing your Language & Culture with others?Car Hire Survey
Students’ Union elections
Students across all UCLan campuses are set to be hit with election fever in April when the annual UCLan Students’ Union elections take place.
This year is set to be a hard fought battle with four of the five sabbatical officer positions being contested and 17 candidates standing for six positions.
Students will be able to vote online this year as the Union moves to an e-voting system, ditching the paper format, in an attempt to get more students involved in the elections.
Every UCLan student eligible to vote will receive an email on Monday April 14 to their uclan.ac.uk account with a unique pin code that allows them to log-in and cast their vote.
Acting returning officer for the election, Karen McNicholl, said she was delighted to see so many candidates standing.
She said: "It is always the aim to have contested elections and this year is proving to be quite a contest with 17 candidates going for six positions, providing a real sense of importance and anticipation about elections, which we hope will raise the profile of what student officers do and potentially encourage more students to get involved with the Students' Union in the future.
“The elections are particularly exciting this year because it is the first year that we are going to run the voting part of the election online, enabling students wherever they are to have the opportunity to vote, so it completely opens up the process. “
This year’s sabbatical positions were reformed after students voted yes in a referendum to reduce the number of sabbatical officers from nine, six full-time and three part-time, to five full-time roles. The roles are now president, education officer, activities and participation officer, media officer and the newly created campaigns officer.
Sabbatical officers form part of the Student Affairs Committee who represent all UCLan students and act as trustees of the organisation.
There is one Student Council position in the April ballot, which is the black students representative.
To find out more information about the elections and to see the candidates vying for students’ votes visit www.uclansu.co.uk/elections08
Have you got a business idea?
Do you feel inspired to create a social enterprise?Have you longed to run your own business?Would advice, support and a little money help you make a decision? If you are a UCLan student or graduate of the UCLan College network you can take time out to develop your action plan with the support of our experienced business mentors. Apply now for a 12 week award of £960 Plus up to £2000 worth of support, including optional FREE use of office facilities in the Media Factory’s Business Incubation Space
You do not have to know about business, finance, tax or VAT - you just need an exciting idea. Visit our website and complete the short application form now - what have you got to lose? For more information contact:Shazia AfzalTel: 01772 895954Email: enterpriseawards@uclan.ac.uk Web: www.uclan.ac.uk/enterpriseawards Deadline for first round Entries: 18 April 2008 A number of these awards have been funded by the Centre for Employability Through the Humanities (ceth)
Progressing onto Year 2?
YOU need an elective... time to choose one! The Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences offers a diverse range of level 2 elective modules to choose from. Subject areas include: page layout for design & publishingcareer planningemotional intelligencestarting a businesssociologyeducation & policyrace, ethnicity & human rightspolitics & ideologiesglobal governancecitizenship & identityvolunteering & community leadershipIslamic law & uranic studiesEuropean unionsex & genderfamily history & history of familymilitary marauders & rogue traders: the British in Indiastate & society under the Tudors & StuartsVictorian Britainlearners with disabilities & learning difficultiesimages of deviancetheories & approaches to learningthe reflective practitionerEnglish as a foreign languagemodern languages (e.g arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Urdu, Turkish and many more)
For Further information visit http://www.uclan.ac.uk/other/sas/records/electives.htmor or email classhelp@uclan.ac.uk
Women into Enterprise Development Programme: 12-16 May 2008A highly interactive business development programme just for women. Ideal if you are interested in or have already set up your business and want to learn about the basics of business.
You will focus on personal, professional and business development.
The benefits of participating
Helping you to develop your business idea
Receiving feedback on your business idea
A forum for issues specific to women in business
Developing confidence in yourself and your business idea
Developing your personal skills and knowledge of business management
A chance to develop a network with like minded women/women who undergone the process of setting up a business
Indicative content for the programme as follows *
Finance – how to keep it legal
Creation of a Marketing Strategy
Confidence in presenting yourself
Know what makes your business tick!
Delivering exceptional customer service
Understand how to market your products and services
How to be more dynamic when selling to your customer
How to use problem solving techniques to reduce your stress
Discover the real you and review how your business is performing
How to add value by creating more time for planning, preparation and thinking
If you are interested in the programme, please download a registration form. All registration forms should be e-mailed or posted to the contact details below.
An application form will be sent to you within 7 working days of the submission of your registration form.
Places are limited: Apply Early!
Deadline for receipt of application forms: 11 April 2008Shazia AfzalNorthern Lights TeamKnowledge Transfer ServiceMedia Factory Room 408University of Central LancashirePreston, PR1 2HE
Email SAfzal1@uclan.ac.ukTelephone 01772 895954
* Please note that content may be subject to change and will be dependent on the final cohort of participants and their motivations/ideas.
Programme is free of charge.
The Royal Writing Fellow Easter Break Helen Farrall, the Writing Fellow, will not be available from Wednesday. March 12 until Monday April. However she will then be here two days a week (Monday & Tuesday) for 1:1 tutorials to discuss any aspect of writing. Just to remind you, she is a television screenwriter who has written over thirty hours of television, storylined many more and been involved in developing new series ideas. She has worked for various educational institutions teaching both undergraduate and post graduate programmes. Helen will be able to share her knowledge and expertise on academic writing with any students here at UCLan. She is based in the Fylde building Fy24 but for more details on how to make an appointment go to www.uclan.ac.uk/facs/class/studyskills/
Foster Gallery spaceAre you interested in displaying your artwork and/or products in Foster Building at the University? As Senior Tutor for CETH, I am making some important changes to the display space which we offer for free use. I am having two display cabinets moved into Foster corridor and am getting signs put up advertising the space. Students are helping me to create a leaflet advertising the space and I am investigating creating an online ordering system. I am also hoping to showcase the display space through an event scheduled for early summer. I currently have two large cabinets (approximately 2m tall x 1 m wide x 50cm deep) which I can offer free display space for you if you want to try and display your artwork. This are kept locked but customers can buy from them through me or directly from the artist. I can help you to merchandise your products and price them too (if you need that help)/ Please get in touch if you would like to use some of this space Ruth Sharpe: Senior Tutor: CETH: ME43501772 895069Email: Rsharpe@uclan.ac.uk
Interested in sharing your Language & Culture with others? The Department of Languages & International Studies needs native speakers of: FinnishDutchKoreanGreekVietnamese to work as Language assistants. Work will be on a casual basis assisting lecturers from LIS with the provision of taster sessions in the above languages. Training will be provided. For an application form please email LPTime@uclan.ac.uk or call Sarah on 01772 894240.
Car Hire Survey
Ever wanted to rent a car but couldn't afford it? Preston's first ever student friendly car hire scheme could be just around the corner. A group of MBA students are researching this business idea and need your help. Go online to help them get a picture of your needs as a potential customer at:
http://www.pmph.speedsurvey.com/
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Business Proposal
PRESTON MILES PER HOURPreston Miles Per Hour is a fun, friendly and easy to use car hire scheme for UCLAN students. We will rent out cars by the hour rather than the day, making it a cost attractive alternative to public transport, taking a taxi or staying home studying!
HOW WILL IT WORK?
Before renting a car for the first time, students will have to pre-register at least seven days in advance so we can carry out necessary checks regarding insurance, motoring convictions, etc. There will be a membership fee to join the scheme – either £25 (non refundable) or £100 (refundable after six months). Membership fees will provide working capital to help cover start up costs such as the purchase of insurance, renting of parking facilities, etc.
Advance bookings will be taken by telephone or text initially. As the business grows we will develop an online booking service. Payment will be taken by credit or debit card at time of booking, minimising our bad debts.
Cars will be bookable for a minimum of two and a maximum of twenty four hours. Our pricing structure will be such that renting a car for a whole day may be cheaper with a normal car hire company.
Cars will be available from parking bays in a secure town centre location (to be decided) and should be returned to the same place. The cost of fuel is included in the rental price.
The scheme will only be open to UCLAN students. We will not rent cars to students with motoring convictions or refused insurance.
START UP FUNDING
Funding for the business will come from four main sources:
a) Start up capital of £10,000
b) bank loan of £10,000
c) start up grants from Preston City Council/Lancashire County Council
d) membership fees paid by club members.
CAPITAL OUTLAY
The primary up front costs will be vehicle leasing and renting parking spaces.
REVENUE COSTS
Revenue costs will be:
a) fuel
b) staff costs associated with bookings/payments/queries
c) daily cleaning of vehicles
d) insurance
e) maintenance/repairs
f) breakdown cover.
MAINTENANCE/SERVICING OF VEHICLES
To maximise our return, we will clean and refuel vehicles during the period of least demand (between 6am and 8am).
VEHICLE DOWNTIME
There will be a 30 minute slot between each vehicle being booked in and being booked out again. This will allow for overruns because of delays due to traffic, etc. (although vehicles returned late will incur a charge equivalent to 15 minutes’ rental) and to deal with any minor repairs or cleaning issues.
PRICING STRUCTURE
To be decided, but we anticipate charging differential rates dependant on the time of day.
SWOT ANALYSIS
We have carried out a SWOT analysis .
Our business model assumes four cars available from Day 1. Subject to demand we would be able to increase the number of available vehicles at short notice through the acquisition or leasing of additional vehicles as necessary.
MEDIUM TERM GROWTH POTENTIAL
Subject to demand, this business model could be replicated or franchised in other university towns.
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
LANCASHIRE BUSINESS SCHOOL
VENTURING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Module: MD4048
Tutors: Bob Ritchie & Wing Lam
Students: Driss Boussif
Siamak Esfehanian
Richard Houghton
Shweta Kharate
Submission date: 7th March 2008
HOW WILL IT WORK?
Before renting a car for the first time, students will have to pre-register at least seven days in advance so we can carry out necessary checks regarding insurance, motoring convictions, etc. There will be a membership fee to join the scheme – either £25 (non refundable) or £100 (refundable after six months). Membership fees will provide working capital to help cover start up costs such as the purchase of insurance, renting of parking facilities, etc.
Advance bookings will be taken by telephone or text initially. As the business grows we will develop an online booking service. Payment will be taken by credit or debit card at time of booking, minimising our bad debts.
Cars will be bookable for a minimum of two and a maximum of twenty four hours. Our pricing structure will be such that renting a car for a whole day may be cheaper with a normal car hire company.
Cars will be available from parking bays in a secure town centre location (to be decided) and should be returned to the same place. The cost of fuel is included in the rental price.
The scheme will only be open to UCLAN students. We will not rent cars to students with motoring convictions or refused insurance.
START UP FUNDING
Funding for the business will come from four main sources:
a) Start up capital of £10,000
b) bank loan of £10,000
c) start up grants from Preston City Council/Lancashire County Council
d) membership fees paid by club members.
CAPITAL OUTLAY
The primary up front costs will be vehicle leasing and renting parking spaces.
REVENUE COSTS
Revenue costs will be:
a) fuel
b) staff costs associated with bookings/payments/queries
c) daily cleaning of vehicles
d) insurance
e) maintenance/repairs
f) breakdown cover.
MAINTENANCE/SERVICING OF VEHICLES
To maximise our return, we will clean and refuel vehicles during the period of least demand (between 6am and 8am).
VEHICLE DOWNTIME
There will be a 30 minute slot between each vehicle being booked in and being booked out again. This will allow for overruns because of delays due to traffic, etc. (although vehicles returned late will incur a charge equivalent to 15 minutes’ rental) and to deal with any minor repairs or cleaning issues.
PRICING STRUCTURE
To be decided, but we anticipate charging differential rates dependant on the time of day.
SWOT ANALYSIS
We have carried out a SWOT analysis .
- STRENGTHS
Unique opportunity
No obvious competitor
Cheaper than car hire or taxi
Student friendly
Low initial investment
Can build business based on demand and scale up accordingly
Link with UCLAN
- WEAKNESSES
Need critical mass
Need to manage demand
Insurance issues for under 25s
Insurance issues for non UK students
Insurance cost
Need central parking/secure storage
Demand not assessed
Ongoing maintenance/build in down time
Appetite for ‘membership’ idea unknown
Can’t just ‘walk up and go’/need to pre book
Will need phone based bookings to begin with
Need to exclude those with motoring convictions
- OPPORTUNITIES
Book online
Driving school link/referrals
Link with local garage?
Green image (use hybrid cars)
UCLAN for marketing
Advertising on cars/sponsorship
Fun/friendly image – use Smart cars, Beetles, etc.
Link with UCLAN
Expansion to other towns
- THREATS
Public transport
Existing car hire companies
Lack of demand
Weather conditions could impact bookings
Out of term time/seasonal lows
Car crashes/damage
Theft of cars/sat navs
Rising/fluctuating fuel costs
Fuel duty escalator
Our business model assumes four cars available from Day 1. Subject to demand we would be able to increase the number of available vehicles at short notice through the acquisition or leasing of additional vehicles as necessary.
MEDIUM TERM GROWTH POTENTIAL
Subject to demand, this business model could be replicated or franchised in other university towns.
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
LANCASHIRE BUSINESS SCHOOL
VENTURING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Module: MD4048
Tutors: Bob Ritchie & Wing Lam
Students: Driss Boussif
Siamak Esfehanian
Richard Houghton
Shweta Kharate
Submission date: 7th March 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
I PRESTON MILES PER HOUR
Please take a few moments to complete our survey and help us build up a picture of your needs as a potential customer.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
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