INDUCTION

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INDUCTION A TAILORED APPROACH
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Project Team

• Dr Joan Henderson
• Shirley-Ann Hazlett

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what is INDUCTION?

• It is about coming to know and feel confident in
  the new culture (Olsen, 1988)
• Seeking reassurance about disorientation, seeking
  clarification about expectations and gauging the
  demands of the new environment (Simons et al,
  1976)
• Socialisation of newcomers - structure, goals,
  history,traditions and personalities

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what is the value of INDUCTION?

• Simons et al (1976) - meets a genuine need among
  students arriving at university feeling insecure,
  disorientated and not knowing the academic
  demands and expectations of their lecturers
• orientation to facilities - libraries, teaching
  areas, accommodation, pastoral offices,
  administration area, restaurant facilities
• (Martin, 1997) - Introduction of IT

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rationale for this project

• Genuine need to address the existing approach to
  induct management students
• QAA - Incentive
• CELT Funding - facilitated the development of a
  new approach
• Academic Staff Interest

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aims

• Design a Comprehensive Induction Programme to
  address the knowledge and information needs of
  Level 1 management students
• Use this as a Platform to develop similar
  tailored activities for Level 2 and level 3
  students.
• Aims To be achieved over a 2 -Year Period

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objectives of project

• Objective 1
• To introduce management students to academic life

• Activities
• Intensive One-day induction and follow-up
  sessions incorporating
• Computer Services practical Exercises
• Library Talk and Tour
• Formal Talks by Dean of Faculty, Associate Dean
  Head of Division
• Informal Meetings over coffee with school staff
• Informal discussions with level 2 students

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photo
informal talks over coffee
the library and tour guide
Seamus Heaney lab computers
computer services practical
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objectives of project

• Objective 2
• To discuss the Code of Practice Provide the
  framework for working together

• Activities
• Intensive One-Day Induction -Opening Presentation
  - Head of Division explains student handbook
• Presentation 1 - An Introduction to the Division
• Presentation 2 - Getting to Know Each Other and
  Seeking Help
• Ongoing Clarification - during compulsory
  semester 1 module including procedures for
  submitting assignments, exam procedures, illness
• Special email address set up to facilitate all
  level1 students Informal discussions with level 2
  students

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photo
example of team work in action
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objectives of project

• Objective 3
• To emphasise the link between the degree
  programme and the world of work

• Activities
• Careers Talks with recent graduates in a variety
  of different positions
• Work Placement Discussions with Careers Officer,
  School Placement Officer, Work Placement Centre
  students who had recently completed work
  placement or a year abroad
• What Skills are Employees Looking for? -
  External Recruitment Consultant
• Grads invited to give formal presentations
• Business Leaders in level 1 Programme

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photo

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objectives of project

• Objective 4
• To further enhance compliment existing skills
  (communication, negotiation, report writing,
  problem solving and thinking skills

• Activities
• One Day Intensive Induction Business Game
• Business Game Discussion
• Communication Report Writing Skills in MGT101
  module
• Sample Management Report developed and available
  on the web

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testimonials
I found the symbol-building task so helpful.
Without the group work I wouldnt have forged the
strong relationships I know enjoy in my final
year. I felt more comfortable with staff, the
university, and clear about what was expected of
me! J Haveron
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testimonials
For me it was important to see the staff at the
event. They looked excited both for us and the
year ahead. I was more confident leaving that I
was when I arrived. The talks certainly give me
an idea of what was expected K Morrow
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testimonials
It was a considerable part of the day but
definitely worth it I only realised how valuable
it was to me once I started classes. I had made
friends with people I had never met before, I
knew the staff in my lectures (which made me feel
more at ease) and I knew staff expectations (and
student expectations), especially with the new
student handbook. If I was to start over again I
wouldnt miss an induction. K Kelly
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objectives of project

• Objective 5
• To promote group
• interaction and
• discussion

• Activities
• One-Day Intensive Session
• Business Game Discussion and Feedback Session
• Getting to know you Bingo Game
• Ongoing Development in MGT101, to include group
  project

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objectives of project

• Objective 6
• To provide social opportunities for students to
  meet with each other and members of staff

• Activities
• One-Day Intensive Session
• Opportunities to meet with key staff, academic
  and administrative, their peers and level 2
  students in an informal environment.

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photo
students with staff
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findings

• Survey of ONE-Day Intensive Session - 80
  attendance
• 97 satisfied or very satisfied with the day
  overall
• 37 indicated IT component most useful
• Business Game - most enjoyable
• Too long
• Overall participants indicated that they felt
  more confident about starting the degree

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further developments

• Integrate with Faculty Induction
• Deliver several subject specific induction items
  during term 1 and 2
• Roll out to level 2 and level 3
• Involve more staff

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conclusions

• Establish the Primary Objectives of Induction
• Review and Clarify the Interfaces between central
  university and tailored induction
• Phased Implementation
• Information Balance
• Facilitate Student Learning
• Benefits to staff

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thank you
School of Management Economics