Challenging business

Jun 18 2008 The Journal

Newcastle Business School is transforming the landscape of the region – and not just thanks to its award-winning new £70m City Campus.

The astonishing new building which houses the business school underlines the institution’s bold ambitions for the future.

These ambitions are also reflected in the groundbreaking programmes being run by the school which are helping to develop influential leaders for the region both for today and for the future.

The school, part of Northumbria University, is utilising its state-of-the-art facilities to deliver programmes, host events, seminars and master-classes that deal with the real issues faced by organisations.

"We are an international business school at the heart of the North East, delivering solutions that meet the leadership needs of our region," explains Professor Paul Croney, dean of Newcastle Business School.

At the heart of these bold ambitions is the Executive Development Portfolio, which delivers courageous, challenging and relevant developmental experiences for senior leaders.

It is based upon a philosophy of personal and organisational transformation within a business context, which enables leaders to work "on" themselves and "on" their business.

This approach moves leaders forward, enabling them to move their organisations forward.

Jane Turner, associate dean of Newcastle Business School states: "Our philosophy refreshes, challenges and develops senior leaders – this is not traditional executive development, this is inside out development, facilitated by a team with immense corporate experience."

There are three core parts to the portfolio: Executive coaching service: This is business coaching delivered by qualified coaches with an impressive business background.

This is a process that enables personal and organisational transformation and to date, the executive portfolio has coached senior leaders from the public, private and third sectors with a particular emphasis upon SMEs, recognising the vital role they play in the region.

Bespoke executive masters programmes: Many leaders in organisations achieve an MBA early in their career but neglect their ongoing development once they are in senior roles, resulting in feelings of isolation, frustration and vulnerability.

These Masters programmes provide a framework that enables senior staff to continually develop their skills, learn from other leaders and experience learning and development in a work-based context.

Leaders have the space to question organisational practices and identify areas to create value and develop corporate performance.

Short courses: Timely interventions that enable and develop senior team coherence and consistency, with a specific focus upon creating high performing top teams.