School of Tourism undergraduates highlight research at national gatehering of BCUR

Posted . Filed under News, Research.

School of Tourism had an impressive presence at last week’s BCUR (British Conference of Undergraduate Research) gathering held at Nottingham University www.bcur.org.

Now in its fourth year, the 2014 conference was the biggest yet with 350 undergraduate students from university’s all over the UK and beyond.   The students were joined by other undergraduates from: London School of Economics, University(s) of Cambridge, Aberdeen, Leeds, Exeter and Reading, Roehampton & Newcastle, Trinity Dublin and Tennessee.  Topics ranged from Genetic engineering; Preparing youth for the UK labour market; to advances in water purification, archaeology and recent controversies in the meat industry affect buying behaviour. Katie Azulay, is studying a BSc (Hons) Sports Development and Coaching Sciences and said “BCUR is an experience I will never forget. Seeing other students research from all around the world was extremely interesting, as well as presenting my own research to them – a proud moment representing BU”.  Katie presented her research on ‘Investigating the impact of motivational interviewing on exercise adherence among Exercise Referral Scheme patients with a BMI <35’.

Dr Ian Jones, Dr Joanne Mayoh, Amber Madkour, Adam Doherty, Rachel Luff and Katie Azulay at BCUR in Nottingham.

Dr Ian Jones, Dr Joanne Mayoh, Amber Madkour, Adam Doherty, Rachel Luff and Katie Azulay at BCUR in Nottingham.

BU’s wider presence at BCUR ties nicely into raising the profile of undergraduate research in future from a successful Fusion Bid led by Luciana Esteves to host SURE@BU (Showcasing Undergraduate Research Excellence) in March 2015.  The SURE@BU gathering is meant to give students the opportunity to gain key experience and skills, but also make their work visible to potential employers or placement hosts.  There will be awards and prizes for the best posters and oral presentations.  It is hoped that the successful hosting of SURE@BU places BU in a position to also host the national BCUR gathering in 2017.

The School of Tourism final year undergraduate students saw the true benefit of participating at BCUR in Nottingham last week.  Adam Doherty, who studying BSc (Hons) Sport Psychology and Coaching Science said “I thoroughly enjoyed it and was amazed at the wide variety of research that was being conducted at this level (Undergraduate). I learnt a vast amount about subjects in which I had little or no prior knowledge of and I was glad to be able to showcase my work to others who were equally interested”. Adam’s research is entitled “Is there a science behind saving penalties?  A study looking into the psychological approach in a goalkeepers positioning and movement from 12 yards”.

Other ST students also took part earlier in the year in BCUR’s led up event called Posters in Parliament, held in the Jubilee Room at Houses of Parliament.  Amber Madkour studying BSc (Hons) Sports Development and Coaching Sciences presented her research on ‘Exploring Feminity in fitness:  Crossfit as a site for empowering embodiment for Women’ and Rachel Luff presented hers on ‘An Investigation into volunteer management techniques used to achieve expected volunteer experience at Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity’.

Rachel Luff presented hers on ‘An Investigation into volunteer management techniques used to achieve expected volunteer experience at Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity’

Rachel Luff presented ‘An Investigation into volunteer management techniques used to achieve expected volunteer experience at Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity’

A number of MP’s were also on hand during the day to meet and chat with students on their research.  This included among others David Blunkett, Angela Smith, Simon Hart, and Mark Williams.  There was a judging panel made up of Ben Wallace MP;  Sean Coughlan, Education Correspondent at the BBC; Professor Julio Rivera, President of the US Council of Undergraduate Research; and Katherine Harrington of the Higher Education Academy.  Amber had the following comments about profiling her research in Parliament “Partaking in this event allowed me to share what I have learnt by discussing the focus of my dissertation with other students and academics. Being able to present my research in Parliament is a day I will remember looking back at my University career, and I am very proud to have such an opportunity”.  Rachel Luff, who also took part said “The feedback I gained was very positive, people saying how interesting and relevant my topic is, this reaffirmed my interest in the research and took away from the ‘dread’ of the dissertation journey. The benefits from this opportunity has outnumbered the extra work I initially put in”.

Amber Madkour studying BSc (Hons) Sports Development and Coaching Sciences presented her research on ‘Exploring Feminity in fitness: Crossfit as a site for empowering embodiment for Women’

Amber Madkour studying BSc (Hons) Sports Development and Coaching Sciences presented her research on ‘Exploring Feminity in fitness: Crossfit as a site for empowering embodiment for Women’

Students and academics involved in BCUR activity are encouraged to seek platforms to share their research, including Reinvention – International Journal of Undergraduate Research.  Reinvention is an online, peer-reviewed journal, dedicated to the publication of high-quality undergraduate student research, and only houses papers written by undergraduate students or papers written collaboratively by undergraduate students and academics.

By: Mary Beth Gouthro

School of Tourism graduates nominated for Employee of the Year!

Posted . Filed under News, Student Experience.

Hannah Parsons (Events Management 2012) and Jesse Banovic (Leisure Marketing) have both been nominated as the Heart 2014 Employee of the Year in the NatWest Venus Awards Dorset 2014.

Hannah Parsons

We are so proud and wish them all the best!

To vote for Hannah please follow this link http://vala.venusawards.co.uk/vote/24

To vote for Jesse please follow this link http://vala.venusawards.co.uk/vote/24?v=1567

You can read more about Hannah’s recent visit to BU when she along with two other graduates talked about their experiences from placement year and getting the first job. Please see  http://microsites.bournemouth.ac.uk/tourism/2013/10/14/lets-talk-events-leisure-industry-guest-speaker-series-2013/

Students from School of Tourism went to Germany

Posted . Filed under Featured, News, Student Experience.

Students from School of Tourism went to Germany for a one-week study and work experience in a multi-cultural setting on a superb campus for the first time.

Students worked in 15 groups mixed with students from other universities over three and a half intense days on a real case (setting up a sports university in Saudi Arabia). Universities involved were German Sport University Cologne (students and staff were very impressed by their campus, facilities and the sports atmosphere), Hanze University Groningen, Coventry University, Bournemouth University and Qatar University. The BU colleagues actively involved were Dr Tim Breitbarth (co-organiser of game), Andy Callaway, Louise Hanlon-Brooks.

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Tim Breitbarth from Bournemouth University said: “each day, the students listened to 2 lectures delivered by myself and my Dutch, German and Qatari colleagues and had to work within their groups towards 2 assignments”. In addition, on the final day all groups had to provide their advice to the management board of the consortium bidding for the several hundred million project (in this case, the board were the tutors). In all the four teams that received awards, BU students played an active role.

“Students very much appreciated the trip and this opportunity for active cross-cultural learning. Also a few mutterers about the intensity of the workload, but guess this is a good sign” said Tim.

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“There were also social activities in the evenings and it was great to see how the international students mingled. In addition and as always, we had many very valuable discussions amongst the tutors and are working towards a number of future opportunities” said Tim Breitbarth.

Spotify comes to Bournemouth University – with a chance to win £10k!

Posted . Filed under News.

Spotify“Music for every moment. Play, discover, and share for free.”

Spotify is an increasingly popular digital music streaming service. Allowing people across the globe to access millions of songs, it has been rivalling services such as iTunes since it’s inception in 2008. The free service allows subscribers to stream, discover and share music. Spotify is diverse and is seeing a constant incline in subscribers as it offers more and more serbices for FREE.

Students are a huge market for Spotify so they have decided to give back and there is nothing students love more than a cash incentive! The first campaign that Spotify are rolling out is the “Society Sound Clash”. Sports teams, clubs and socs across the UK create the ultimate 30 track playlist to win £10k in support. The most “followed” playlist wins the prize. Simple! Six BU societies have already entered (from cheerleaders to the men’s rugby team) and the playlists can be found on the official BU profile. Make sure you share and follow now!

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Aside from this, the hub of activity can be found across the BU spotify profile with new playlists being released for your enjoyment every week! Chances to share and collaborate playlists on the facebook group.

Watch out for exciting prizes, events and merchandise on offer as Spotify take over campuses across the UK. For any information on the campaigns, contact Kirsty Simms (Spotify Student Brand Manager) at buspotify14@outlook.com.

Follow official profile – bournemouthuniversity

Spotify competition – check out the leaderboard! – http://spotifyssc.tumblr.com/

Facebook group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/666841276711188/

Hotbox – New DJ event at the Old Fire Station

Posted . Filed under News, Student Experience.

A group of 2nd year event students organised a live event at the Old Fire Station recently. Kirsty Simms, one of the students tells us more about it below.

Hotbox Team

The Old Fire Station club is a venue known and loved by students and non-students alike. It’s unique setting and diverse range of events draws a different crowd in most nights of the week. Hosting club nights and live music acts, the stage has welcomed talent from the Black Keys to Hot chip. However, 3rd of April offered a new opportunity for those less known, a competition open to the new soaring talent of bedroom DJs of Bournemouth. Those who create and produce amazing tracks yet hid in the shadows now had the chance to take to the big stage and play to a buzzing crowd. Offering something completely different to the average Thursday night in Bournemouth, students and music-lovers were drawn to the low priced yet high quality event.

The night hosted 6 carefully selected entrants taking part in the “battle” as well as a great opening duo and a host “Kai Marley” from Loud Noise club night in London. Genres ranged from deep house to old school and some classic pop mixed on for good measure. The crowd swarmed to the dance floor of the main room and the vibe was fantastic!

Hotbox Crowd

Aside from the music, attendees had the chance to interact with and help and co-create the event. Upon arrival, they were given a token to vote at the voting station which was guarded by two lovely ladies all night allowing for a fair chance for all DJs. As well as this, Hotbox utilised a fantastic piece of social media called “evenstagram”. This allowed attendees to instagram and tweet photos which were projected onto a large screen behind the DJs. This got a great reaction and allowed the crowd to create great personal memories of the night as well as providing everyone with a few laughs!

The Hotbox creators involved students and locals in the creation of the entire event concept. Volunteers were photographers on the night. Students from AUB and BU created a unique logo and poster design which was displayed around Bournemouth and across social media. Another BU student created a unique visual animation sequence for each DJ which was projected on another screen on stage.

Sponsors of the event included “sknddy” clothing and “The Block Party”. They supplied one-off clothing for the winner and a set at the well-established “Block Party” event. The winner James Quilliam provided an amazing, professional and well mixed set with style despite technical hitches which he made unapparent to the adoring crowd.

hotbox Winner

Since the event, the feedback has been nothing but positive with interest from DJs and agencies in being involved in another one. Although this event was a one-off held by second year event students, who knows what the future of Hotbox could be? Check out the facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/BUHotbox and follow us @HotboxBmouth.

By: Kirsty Simms, 2nd Year Event Student

Student campaigns for improved sports facilities for the disabled in Milton Keynes

Posted . Filed under News, Student Experience.

Sports Psychology and Coaching Sciences student Curtley Ewins is calling for the Milton Keynes to implement better sporting facilities for the disabled. Curtley has started a campaign to encourage disabled residents to participate in sport. He is currently on placement from Bournemouth University.

For the full article please click the following link MKWEB

 

 

 

Graduate Creates “A Portrait of Boscombe”

Posted . Filed under News.

Leisure Marketing graduate Nadia Amura is close to completing her personal project entitled “A Portrait of Boscombe.”

A Portrait of Boscombe

Living and working in Boscombe, Nadia views the area as one filled with hardworking, friendly and creative people – but is very aware of the negative opinions and prejudices associated with the district.

By taking pictures and telling the stories of the people who visit, live or work in Boscombe, Nadia hopes to challenge stereotypes and highlight the positives of an interesting and diverse local community.

Nadia intends to put together an exhibition of the work in the near future. In the meantime, her work can be explored online at: www.nadiaamura.com/portfolio/boscombe/

Nadia completed her degree, BA (Hons) Leisure Marketing, in 2009. Successfully running her own photography and film business in Boscombe, her work has been used in documentary series and national ad campaigns, as well as recently being published by Vogue Italia.

From: http://microsites.bournemouth.ac.uk/alumni/2014/04/07/graduate-creates-a-portrait-of-boscombe/

£1million boost to Dorset economy

Posted . Filed under News, Research.

Rallye Sunseeker Winners 2013

A report by students at Bournemouth University’s Centre for Event and Sport Research has shown the economic benefit of hosting the final stages of the MSA British and Historic Rally Championships in Dorset.

Read the full article from Poole Tourism below.

Based on research conducted during face to face interviews at the 2013 Rallye Sunseeker, the report outlines an overall benefit to Dorset from spectators, competitors and activities of £1.2million.

With 20,000 spectators over the two days spending in the region of £614,000 and the 1784 attendees officials/competitors spending of £516,000, on accommodation, food and transport. Since 2012 Poole has hosted the starting ceremony and prize giving presentations, with stages of the race taking place at locations around Dorset.

The successful rally, sponsored for the last 15 years by Sunseeker, is scheduled to take place 17-18 October.  Renamed Rallye Dorset, it will see the final round of the the MSA British Historic Rally Championship and MSA British Rally Championship take place.  2013 saw many visitors from Scandinavia who cheered on Finland’s Jukka Korhonen and Marko Salminen, winners of the MSA 2013 British Rally Championship title.

Rick Smith, Event Director, on behalf of organisers Southern Car Club, said: “We are often applauded for bringing real financial benefits to the region, the Bournemouth University independent research and report has now confirmed this. £1.2 million of inward income is very much in line with patterns seen on other British Rally Championship rounds, so we are certain that they are a true trend, and we trust that the region gets behind us to ensure the future of the rally”

Bruce Grant-Braham, Chairman of the Poole Tourism Partnership, said: “The British Rally Championship’s annual visit to Poole has boosted tourism out-of-season and fills many tourist beds across the County. A sizeable number of spectators come from all across southern England for the day too – day visitors being a key tourist market for Poole.  Not only that, there is huge local interest in this major event from local residents.  We are pleased too that there is so much interest from our local population. The Southern Car Club’s volunteer organisers are very business-like and are working with Poole Tourism in many ways to enhance the spectator and competitor experience in 2014 and beyond”.

Article from: http://www.pooletourism.com/news/ref:N533D57CAC1DC6/

Global hotel chain staff at BU for professional development course

Posted . Filed under News.

Corinthia Hotel

Around 30 managers from Corinthia Hotels International have joined the university to undertake the Certificate in Higher Education (CHE) in Business and Hospitality Management.

The course is part of a programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities offered by BU, and is the equivalent of the first year of an Undergraduate degree.

Franco Valletta, Chief Officer for Organisation, Development and Human Resources at Corinthia Hotels, said: “I wanted to work with the best in the UK, and I knew Bournemouth University was one of them. We have lots of students from BU coming to work as interns at our London hotel, and they do fantastically well.”

He added: “I specifically wanted to create a programme that has that mixture of academic and life skills. We are hoping it will help them when it comes to problem-solving and decision-making.

“We are among the best in the world, and we want to make our staff even better and help them develop leadership behaviours and styles.”

The course will be delivered over 14 months and the Corinthia Hotels staff will cover topics including hospitality marketing, financial reporting and how to recruit the right candidates for jobs. They will spend at least five days on the Bournemouth University campus per unit and will also have access to resources and lecturers through online e-learning facilities. Corinthia Hotels International was founded in Malta and now has hotels in locations including Prague, St Petersburg, Lisbon and Budapest, as well as a hotel in central London.

Keith Hayman, Head of Continuing Professional Development in BU’s School of Tourism, said: “Five star hotel operators like Corinthia Hotels International recognise the need to develop their people so that they can exploit the many opportunities within the international hotel sector.

“Bournemouth University degree level personal development gives Corinthia the advantage over competitors by ensuring the organisation has the best people ready and able to accept the challenges of company growth.

“CPD study at Bournemouth University is tailored to accommodate the specific needs, requirements and objectives of every client.”

Find out more about CPD opportunities at BU

Article from: http://news.bournemouth.ac.uk/2014/04/01/hotel-staff-from-around-the-world-at-bu-for-cpd-course/

Tourism, Alcohol and Public Health – tensions and opportunities

Posted . Filed under News, Research.

Philip Long and Andy Adams of the School of Tourism are collaborating with Ann Hemingway and Will Haydock of the School of Health and Social Care in a Fusion CCP project that aims to explore issues associated with alcohol consumption, public health and tourism. The project will examine the views of producers and distributors of alcohol products in Bournemouth, Dorset and the New Forest on visitor markets and their regulation. The research team will also explore public health, tourism, planning and local political perspectives on the relationships between policy and practice concerning alcohol and tourism (the visitor and ‘night-time’ economy) in the region.

This project will address research, policy and media discourses on public health concerns about excessive consumption of alcohol among visitors to coastal resorts such as Bournemouth. Although much of this focuses on public order issues relating to young drinkers, captured in the phrase ‘binge’ drinking, there is increasing anxiety surrounding older drinkers.  Nationally, 2012 saw the publication of The Government’s Alcohol Strategy, which noted the importance of ‘chronic diseases’ related to alcohol amongst those aged 25 and over, and promised a review of consumption guidelines that would include specific work on those aged over 65.

Alongside this there is a research, policy and media focus on more positive connotations of alcohol, such as real ale, rural and urban ‘gastro pubs’, micro-breweries and festivals that are packaged and promoted as tourist attractions in areas such as the New Forest and Dorset. The importance of the real ale industry in the revitalisation of tradition and social, cultural and regional identities is increasingly acknowledged. In addition, given that social capital is understood to affect people’s long-term health, it may be that the social networks involved in real ale appreciation and tourism actually help to foster psychological health and wellbeing.

The key objective of the project is to establish how researchers, practitioners, policy-makers and the wider community can contribute to reconciling these apparently conflicting perspectives.

The research team is developing a mixed-method approach focusing on the consumption, production and distribution and, regulation dimensions of the relationships between alcohol, public health and tourism. We are now working to identify and secure participants in the research and would welcome comments and suggestions from colleagues across the University.

Article from: http://blogs.bournemouth.ac.uk/research/2014/03/03/tourism-alcohol-and-public-health-tensions-and-opportunities/