LSC Connect - London School of Commerce

LSC
C O N N E C T
Spring 2015
News from The LSC
Group of Colleges
Alumni Network
Contents
Welcome from Lord Tomlinson
The Latest From LSC
In His Words: Dr Lester Massingham
Alumni News & Success Stories
Alumni Spotlight: Nainaz Shroff
Staff Spotlight: Roger Telfer
Student Spotlight: Sanan Aliyev
From The Desk of Dr Rajendra Kumar
Sporting Times
COPTE Project
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Welcome
“
I am delighted to introduce you to the first edition of the London
School of Commerce Group’s new Alumni magazine: LSC Connect.
On a personal note, I can testify to the importance of connections
in my own career. I can trace links from my early work as a lecturer
directly to my work on the Advisory Board of LSC: I was introduced to
LSC’s Chief Executive by a former employer from my younger days!
Equally, my career in the House of Commons, the European Parliament
and latterly at the House of Lords has been marked by the value of
networks to enhance my own personal and professional development.
As successful graduates, I trust you share my enthusiasm for the
transformational power of higher education for individuals and
the communities from which they come. As an alumni of the LSC
Group in particular, I hope your own experiences fill you with pride
and satisfaction.
It is my wish that this regular magazine provides you with a valuable
forum within which to keep up to date with your colleagues, to
connect with new networks, and to work with us to make these
opportunities available to others across the globe. Perhaps the next
”
exciting business opportunity, for you or LSC, will come from one of
your connections!
Lord John Tomlinson of Walsall
Chairman of the LSC Advisory Board
3
The latest from LSC
BSB ARMENIA CAMPUS OPENING
The LSC Group of Colleges recently opened a new, eighth campus in Yerevan, Armenia. This is a unique project
in collaboration with Armenian State University of Economics and Anglia Ruskin University.
The Prime Minister of Armenia, Mr Hovik Abrahamyan, opened the British School of Business, Armenia in
Yerevan in September 2014. The Rector of Armenian State University of Economics, Mr Koryun Atoyan, also
performed the opening ceremony along with the attendance of Her Excellency British Ambassador to Armenia,
Katherine Leach, and many other highly esteemed guests from the UK and Armenia.
BSB Armenia campus offers an MBA for executives programme for both Armenian and international students.
The course is run at the same standard as those offered in the other campuses such as London and Malta. The
programme offers students the opportunity to study two of the modules in one of the LSC overseas campuses
at no additional tuition fee.
4
OPENING OF LSC MALTA
In June 2014, the London School of Commerce, Malta was officially opened by the Prime Minister of Malta,
Dr Joseph Muscat. Dr Muscat said that Malta is becoming “a buzzing centre of academic excellence and an
educational hub”.The event was attended by dignitaries from Malta and the UK including the Malta Minister
for Education and Employment, Evarist Bartolo and the British High Commissioner in Malta, Rob Luke.
Lord John Tomlinson of Walsall, Chair of the LSC Advisory Committee speaking of our mission with LSC Malta,
said, “We aim to complement and reinforce the educational hub of the Maltese Islands and strengthen
the education of adult students through a diverse student experience which goes beyond simply core
academic achievement.”
LSC Malta offers a full-time and part-time portfolio of graduate and postgraduate courses in business,
management, and information technology, leading to internationally recognised qualifications accredited by
the National Commission for Further and Higher Education. The campus is located in the vicinity of the historic
city of Valletta, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5
The latest from LSC
LSC MALTA PRESENCE AT MALTA YOUTH TO BUSINESS FORUM 2015
LSC Malta International Marketing Officer, Ludmilla Yoshida, gave a talk at the recent Malta Youth to Business
Forum 2015 hosted by AIESEC Malta. AIESEC is a global youth organisation focused on leadership development
in students and recent graduates. Ludmilla spoke on the importance of breaking out of your comfort zone
and taking risks. Over 90 delegates, mostly students, participated this year, including LSC Malta MBA student
Augusto Cesar Pereira from Brazil.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATING STUDENTS
A group of delighted LSC London students enjoyed
their Graduation Party at Chaucer House on Friday,
20 March 2015. They were joined by course leaders,
Dr Rajendra Kumar and Anand Walser. Food and
drinks were arranged by party host and Student
Services Manager, David Staley and dancing took
place to the sounds of LSC House DJ, Kerwin.
Congratulations to our graduating students who
join a growing community of LSC alumni.
HIGH COMMISSIONER OF MALTA VISITS LSC LONDON
The High Commissioner of Malta in London, His Excellency Norman Hamilton along with his Political and Press
Officer, Ms Nerissa Sultana, visited the London School of Commerce on Tuesday 3 March 2015. His Excellency
was given a tour of the facilities and met with the senior management of the School. He subsequently met with
the Chair of the Advisory Committee Lord John Tomlinson, Chief Executive, Mr Tim Andradi and other members
of the senior management team at the House of Lords for lunch. His Excellency was keen to understand
the significance of the LSC Malta Campus which is part of the LSC Group of Colleges and assured the senior
management of all his help and support in making the LSC Malta campus a success.
SENIOR LSC FACULTY ARE JUDGES IN EUROPEAN BUSINESS AWARDS
In September 2014, Dr Uma Mohan and Dr Rajendra Kumar, senior members of the LSC faculty, attended the
European Business Awards (EBA) and represented LSC on the Judging Panel. Since 2007, the European Business
Awards have recognised success, innovation and ethics across the most innovative businesses in the European
business community. In 2014, the EBAs engaged with over 24,000 organisations in over 33 countries. Showcasing
the best in class, past winners are from a diverse range of industries including cosmetics, pharmaceutical,
engineering, fashion, online businesses, manufacturing and transport, were congratulated by an audience
comprising heads of state, leading industrialists, entrepreneurs, business leaders, media owners and senior
academics from across 33 European nations. Judges are selected to participate in the competition based on
their experience, business acumen and expertise. Well done Dr Mohan and Dr Kumar for flying the LSC flag at
the awards.
6
Organisational structure
LSC Group of Colleges
7
In his words...
“
Welcome to the global LSC Alumni!!!
Anticipating, experiencing and benefitting from the MBA have
been a unique journey for everyone. Your newly enhanced
Mature Business Attitude enables the application of distinctive
perspectives from which to harvest sustainable rewards in
the years to come. I am sure that you will look forward to
inspiring career growth simply because you are now even more
employable than before. The acquired knowledge, skills and
renewed managerial mind-sets are a powerful formula for the
longer term future, not just in the short term.
Stop Press
Launching DBA
Programme in London &
Colombo in May 2015
From my international experience, for you to achieve
acknowledged
success
will
probably
depend
upon
three imperatives:
• Your technical skills.
• Your interpersonal skills.
• Your ability to think both strategically as well as critically
to contribute to individual and team based decisions.
The fine tuning of these skills has in fact been an incremental process throughout the MBA as you have
networked and negotiated with your classmates and work colleagues. This, I am sure, has been fulfilling.
But… is there yet more to be gained beyond the horizons of MBA graduation? This is a question we have been
asked so frequently. The answer will soon be announced officially. Our next journey together could be at the
doctoral level. Over the past two years, the LSC DBA has been undergoing development in the UK. In fact we
are currently approaching the final stages.
Our innovative DBA is a Professional Doctorate with taught modules delivered in a pattern very similar to the
MBA. It is designed to prepare you for the integrated top management roles of value creation, implementing
change strategies and leadership for sustainable shareholder outcomes. Yes, this is truly exciting and moreover
relevant to your current business environment, whether in the UK or overseas. For those of you who have
upwardly mobile career ambitions attached to board level aspirations, then our DBA will provide ‘the answer’.
It will enable you to achieve new organisational discoveries, improve your managerial effectiveness, and boost
career accession potential.
”
You are now part of a new community, a new family... the LSC Alumni. Once again, a warm welcome ...and...
please share your success stories with us. Stay in touch, all the very best... remember.... ‘who cares wins‘
Dr Lester Massingham
MBA for Executives, Course Director
8
Alumni spotlight
NAINAZ SHROFF
MBA (2008), LSC London
Director, Taylor & Shroff
Nainaz came to LSC London in 2007 to pursue an MBA after graduating
from Ahmednagar College with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2006. While
still a student in LSC London, Nainaz met David Carr Taylor, one of five
pioneers in the English wine industry and shared with him her idea
to innovate and create a wine that will complement hot, spicy and
full-flavoured foods. After the idea was jointly researched by Nainaz
and Carr Taylor, Taylor and Shroff Wines (http://taylorshroff.com/)
was born.
After qualifying with her MBA, Nainaz has been developing the brand
of Taylor & Shroff in Maharashtra State where she has achieved a highly
respected reputation for ethical business and is well respected in the
Parsee community in Mumbai and Pune. Today, Taylor and Shroff offer
an exciting new range of wines to suit all palates and have won over
130 awards and medals since the vineyard was founded. Here, Nainaz
looks back at her time at LSC and shares her ambitions for the future.
LSC Connect: What did you enjoy most during your time at LSC?
Nainaz: I enjoyed discovering myself the most at LSC. I loved being
able to make my own choices with absolute freedom. I enjoyed taking
responsibility for my choices and more importantly bouncing out of the
negative each time and surprising myself by doing my best. And through
it all, I made the most precious bonds with beautiful people who all
stood as one force pushing me forward in life to achieve my dreams
and goals.
I enjoyed the kindness and guidance of my teachers, I enjoyed fun
times with friends and I enjoyed earning my own money and paying my
bills on time. I enjoyed being me! I learnt to make my choices and stick
with them.
9
Alumni spotlight
LSC Connect: That is a really positive and happy experience. If you had your time at LSC again, is there
anything you’d do differently?
Nainaz: Yes! I would never leave because at LSC, I had the best time ever. I am an ‘LSC Patriot’. If I had my
time again, I would help more if I could. I would get involved with key business clubs or resource clubs so that
my friends would to be able to learn more about the options available to them for their future careers.
LSC Connect: We love the concept of an ‘LSC Patriot’. What do you think LSC best prepared you for in
your career?
Nainaz: The multicultural exposure at LSC helped me break away from my shell and move into a secure,
practical, and strong cosmopolitan space with my thoughts, actions and attitude. It gave me a filter for life for
me to be able to tell right from wrong.
LSC Connect: You have been very successful in your industry. What advice do you have for current students
looking to start a career in your sector? What could they be doing now?
Nainaz: This is not a trade or sector for regulars. It is a trade for the tough ones
So they (interested students) better be drinking lots of good wines and being good spirits about it all. More
importantly, they need to be ready and able to stand back up after every shot in life.
The alcohol industry is a tough industry with intense trade, market, legal and commercial limitations for any
and every big and small operator globally. You must only venture into it if you are willing to sustain, fight and
push till you succeed. Even if you are only but a mosquito in a room full of people, they are out to get you.
Fly higher each time, raise the bar, and keep your ethical standards high as there must be no looking back,
only progress by breaking new ground. I personally would love to see more girls venturing into this field. But
remember, it’s tough.
LSC Connect: Keeping in good spirits and willing to take shots… we love the puns. But seriously, determination,
grit and a strong sense of ethics… which is what you have demonstrated in making Taylor and Shroff a success.
What are your future ambitions?
Nainaz: I would like Taylor and Shroff to be the biggest retailer of wines and spirits globally. In the longer term,
I would love to set up schools for the young and homes for the old and undertake a range of charity work.
LSC Connect: Thank you Nainaz. We wish you every success in your career and hope that as an LSC Patriot,
you will continue to keep in touch with us as your business goes from strength to strength.
10
Alumni success stories
JOANNA THOMAS
MBAe (2014), LSC London
Director, Hades UK
Using the business proposal from her MBAe dissertation, Joanna set up Hades
UK (http://www.hadesuk.com/), providing women with high-end Steampunk
inspired designer footwear in 2012. “During the 16 months I spent at the LSC, I
learned many invaluable lessons that will continuously help me throughout my
career. The MBAe not only boosted my CV, it also taught me many skills that I use
in my business on a daily basis. From understanding business accounts through to
HR and marketing, the MBAe really helped me to possess all-round skills needed
to be the director of a company. Years later my footwear distribution company,
Hades UK, is thriving and it’s all thanks to LSC where I studied my MBAe and the
wonderful lecturers who helped make my dream of owning my own business a
reality.” Today, Hades is a recognised designer, manufacturer, and wholesaler of
provocative heels and sexy footwear. Hades shoes have featured in numerous
photo shoots, cat walks, TV shows, celebrity events and has been worn by
Hollywood stars like Whoopi Goldberg.
SIMON BURRAGE
MBAe, (2014), LSC London
Director, Westville Associates
After a career in investment banking for more than 10 years, Simon decided he
wanted to do something new and more productive. As he always knew that one of
his biggest aims in life was to work for himself, he decided to enrol on the MBAe
course at LSC. “The MBAe not only provided me with all the core competencies
in running my own company but it also taught me a lot of the softer skills also
required to be successful in business. This was as a direct result of the lecturers
being extremely supportive and accessible. The course was flexible enough for
me to fit in around my work schedule, whilst structured enough that it made
me feel I was progressing steadily.” Simon is directly utilising the skills he has
learnt as he is now in the process of setting up his own business dealing with third
party property renovations involving extensions, loft conversions and general
upgrades, and private property development.
11
Alumni success stories
NYEI MUMTAZ SIRIWARDENA
MBA, 2013, BSC, Colombo
Deputy Chairperson/Managing Director, Lankaloha Hardware Ltd (the former
Ceylon State Hardware Corporation) and Dave Tractors & Combines (Pvt) Ltd
With over 20 years’ overall management experience, Mumtaz came to the
BSC to study for an MBA from a recognised UK university as she believed this
was an essential tool to help her move on to the next level of success. “The
modern business environment demands that organisations continually respond to
evolution, change and transformation. My company has responded to these shifts
in our manufacturing, financial, human resources, distribution and marketing
processes which has made us pioneers in the field.” She believes that the MBA
has given her the recognition and prestige required to succeed in her career
and demonstrated that she has the capabilities, competence and necessary
qualifications to run a company effectively. “The British School of Commerce
was the institution of choice, not only for me, but for many of us who attended
the program, as they ensured consistency, integrity and that excellent facilities
were available to all students for a wonderful learning experience. Enabling
local students to gain a higher education such as an MBA granted by a UK
university is a privilege.” Today Mumtaz is Deputy Chairperson and Managing
Director at her group of companies. Her advice to potential students: “Qualified
local and foreign professors and lecturers conduct classes with high standards
of teaching and the flexible hours and weekend classes make it an ideal MBA
program for executives. Foreign members of faculty provide insights that cannot
be gained unless one has worked abroad. It has given me valuable knowledge of
how businesses thrive in developed countries and has allowed me to apply the
strategies taught into my own business.”
HENRY YAMBA KAMARA
MSc Management Consultancy
(Corporate Governance), 2007, LSC London
Managing Director, Sierra Leone Produce Marketing Company
Henry Yamba Kamara has more than 15 years of experience in Corporate
Governance, Quality Management, Investment Promotion and International Trade.
He spent his early years in Sierra Leone, and did his undergraduate studies at the
Njala University from where he graduated with a BSc in Physics and Chemistry.
He holds n qualifications from institutions around the world including Harvard
University, USA; the University of Leicester United Kingdom; and LSC, where he
is currently pursuing a research degree in International Trade.
12
Henry was the Director of Export Development of the Sierra Leone Investment and Export Promotion Agency
(SLIEPA) where he rose to the position of Chief Executive Officer (Acting). During this period, he has encouraged
and promoted the development of agricultural production and foreign direct investment and other activities
oriented towards export development in Sierra Leone. Henry looks back on his time at LSC with fondness. He
particularly enjoyed meeting students from all round the world. Of his LSC education, Henry says, “Management
Consultancy has provided me knowledge in managing organisations of all types and has increased my ability to
develop skills in dealing with governance issues in a company.” His advice to students looking to start a career
in the agribusiness is to remain focussed. His immediate goal for the future is to attain his PhD in International
Trade.
LSC alumni news
Dinuksha Devasurendra (MBA, 2013, BSC Colombo) is Director of Sales, Middle East and Africa at hSenid
Business Solutions (Pvt) Ltd.
After completing his MBA, Leslie Kok (2013, WIC Kuala Lumpur) moved to Gemalto, a digital security company
in 2014 as Production Manager. In January 2015, he was promoted to Operation Manager.
Anil Kumar (MBAe, 2014, LSC London) is Technical Approvals Manager at Transport for London and has provided
an effective Client’s Sponsorship to deliver a £200m investment portfolio for assets renewal at Transport
for London.
Rhys Lancaster (MBAe, 2012, LSC London) is Contract Director at Tata Communications.
Rakitha Wickramaratne (MBA, 2013, BSC Colombo) is Senior IT Auditor, Group Risk at the Suncorp Group. He
is responsible for performing end-to-end audits across the Suncorp Groups which includes leading general
insurance, banking, life insurance and superannuation brands in Australia and New Zealand
As General Manager Operations at MAS Active (Pvt) Ltd, an apparel manufacturing company, Dimantha Hemal
De Pinto Wickramarathne (MBA, 2013, BSC) is getting the opportunity to apply the knowledge he gained from
the MBA programme to achieve the goals in his corporate and personal life.
Andy Wong (MBA, 2014, WIC Kuala Lumpur) has founded his own company supplying heavy duty trucks
autoparts, Asty Autoparts (M) Sdn Bhd.
13
Staff spotlight
ROGER TELFER
Lecturer, LSC London
Winner, Student-Led Fellowship Award for
Outstanding Teacher, 2014
Roger Telfer recently received a Student Led Fellowship Award for
Outstanding Teacher, 2014 in a graduation ceremony held in February
2015. Our partner university, Cardiff Metropolitan launched the
Student-led Teaching Fellowships in 2011/2012 to provide students
with the opportunity to recognise and reward excellent teaching
practice. The award is the most distinguished that the university can
bestow on an academic colleague. Here we get the opportunity to
talk to Roger about his reaction to receiving this award and share his
experiences of teaching.
LSC Connect: Congratulations Roger. You must have felt so honoured
when you found out you were the winner of the Student Led Fellowship
Award. What was your initial reaction?
Roger: Delighted of course, and surprised that so many students had
felt inclined to take the trouble to vote for me. I felt privileged because
I know, even in my relatively short period lecturing at the LSC, that
there are many very able and inspiring lecturers working here.
LSC Connect: What did you win and how did you celebrate?
Roger: I received a beautiful glass award along with a transcript of
the Fellowship.
LSC Connect: How long have you been teaching?
Roger: Well ...... would you believe 48 years? After graduating from the
University of Exeter in 1966, and undertaking a Diploma in Education
at the University of Newcastle in 1967, I started teaching at The
King’s School in Pontefract in Yorkshire. Over the next 48 years I have
lectured in schools, further education (FE) and higher education (HE)
colleges, and, in the past 15 years for different universities. During
this period I did, at one stage, have a smaller teaching commitment
when I was Head of the School of Business and Management in a large
FE and HE college. After my initial retirement in 2002, I taught at
Anglia Ruskin University for 6 to 7 years. I joined LSC in late 2013 and
have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far .... the students from so many
different countries and cultures are a constant pleasure, and also, so
receptive to learning in the UK.
14
LSC Connect: 48 years! That is amazing. What has
LSC Connect: What are your biggest challenges?
and continues to motivate you to teach?
Roger: At the LSC, the main challenge is delivering
Roger: I have often asked myself this. When I tell
long three hour sessions to large groups of students
people that I have taught all my life, many of them
from a huge number of countries, with different
are amazed. However, I have always believed that
cultures, different expectations and different grasps
education can be a powerful force for good. I still
of the English language. I have to be constantly
find great delight in sharing with students what I have
inventive with the words, phrases and images I use
learned over the years, and giving them the facility
in these sessions. At a personal level... as you can
to enhance their own lives through learning. The
imagine, age does start creeping up on you and the
day-to-day experience of the teacher can be very
real challenge I want to continue to overcome is that
wearing and tiring what people underestimate is the
of maintaining my standards of work for a few more
amount of preparation that good teaching entails.
years yet!
Nevertheless, the rewards, like the one I received
recently, outweigh all those negative experiences.
LSC Connect: What are your future plans?
Roger: I suspect that I am in the twilight of my
LSC Connect: In nominating you for the award,
career ...... so I would like to continue to work part-
students spoke not only of your total enthusiasm and
time as I am doing at the moment; continue to learn-
ability to breathe vitality into the subject but also
you are never too old for that; enjoy my family and
your skills in inspiring the development of knowledge
particularly my lovely grandchildren; and, in the
outside their class time. How do you motivate your
immediate future, enjoy the Disney cruise we are
students, and what do you do to help them learn?
taking them on!
Roger: Motivating students is not always easy of
course. However, I have always been enthusiastic
LSC Connect: What advice do you have for a teacher
about the importance of the subjects I have taught
who is just starting out?
for all these years mainly Economics and Research
Roger: Never think that you have got teaching
Methodologies. I find no difficulty in enthusing about
‘sorted out’. There are always new ways to approach
both of them. Economics is a ‘living’ subject and
your teaching. Remember to is inspire enthuse, coax
there is no shortage of current events occurring
and cajole your students, they will appreciate it
which I can use as examples in my lectures; students
in the end. Also remember what I said earlier that
too are aware of the economic world around them
much hard work is necessary never go into a class
and between us we have no problem in filling our
unprepared or underprepared.
time together positively and productively. Research
Methodologies is a highly academic subject with a
LSC Connect: Thank you for taking the time to share
received protocol attached. I enjoy the passing
your experience with us. I hope you continue to be
on of that form and academic protocol. The skills
inspire and enthuse in all that you do whether it’s
learned through the subject should, I firmly
teaching at LSC or taking the grandchildren on a
believe, lead to better decision-making in all walks
Disney cruise.
of life where evidence-based decision making
should be paramount.
15
Student spotlight
SANAN ALIYEV
Masters in Business Administration (MBA)
Sanan Aliyev, MBA student at LSC, is used to success. Sanan is a
senior black belt in Karate and is the current champion of the
British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) Gatorade Nationals
Karate Under 67kg. Sanan is also the reigning World Champion for
the under 67kg weight class, having won the World Championships
in London in September 2013. His other karate achievements
include British Open 2012 Scotland, Glasgow Kumite Seniors –
67kg (bronze) and TKF National Open Championships 2012 Kumite
Seniors (gold). Kumite is a form of fighting much like boxing or
wrestling. Sanan took time out of his busy study and training
schedule to talk to us.
LSC Connect: Hi Sanan, can you start by telling us a little
about yourself?
Sanan: I was born in Azerbaijan in 1990. I started karate when I was
8 years old. I was European Champion in 2005, World Champion in
2013, and I am the current British Universities Champion (2014). I
have also won many international karate championships.
LSC Connect: When did you come to the UK and why did you
choose to study at LSC?
Sanan: I came to the UK in 2012, after I finished my Bachelor
degree in my own country. I chose LSC to study English and
then I went on to complete my MBA. I was very happy to choose
LSC as it is the best place you can get quality education and
a nice atmosphere.
LSC Connect: You are the current BUCS champion in 60+ Category
Karate Kumite and also reigning European Champion. How do you
combine this with your studies?
Sanan: It is pleasure always for me to combine karate with
education. But education always comes first to me. Education is
essential for my future. Though I train twice a day, I don’t miss my
classes and got nearly 90% attendance.
16
LSC Connect: You are currently preparing for the 2015 European Games. Can you tell me what this involves
and what motivates you?
Sanan: I’m preparing for 2015 European Olympics which will be held in Baku in Azerbaijan by training twice a
day. My main motivation is to raise my country’s flag and make them proud.
LSC Connect: What are your future ambitions?
Sanan: In the future I want to continue my studies in LSC and would like to start a PhD degree. I would also
continue to do karate.
LSC Connect: How well do you think is LSC preparing you to achieve these?
Sanan: Teachers and all LSC staff are always good with me and encouraged me to pursue my karate ambitions.
I would like to say thanks to all staff at LSC.
17
LONDON
MALAYSIA
BELGRADE
COLOMBO
ARMENIA
MALTA
DHAKA
From the desk of...
“
Thousands of students have graduated from the LSC Group of
Colleges and I think it is a wonderful idea to bring everyone together
under one platform, LSC Connect. It would have been a long time
since I’ve heard from some of you after you finished your studies with
us and I am so excited to have the opportunity to communicate with
you through LSC Connect.
Lots of developments have taken place both in terms of the growth
of the School and in terms of developments on the MBA programme.
You will have read in this issue about the opening of new campuses in
Malta and Armenia. On the MBA, we have introduced a module called
Managing Human Capital and Entrepreneurship because we wanted
students to be both entrepreneurs and employers as well. This has
gone well and a few students have come back and shared the products
and services they have launched. For instance, Ali Eren Balikel (MBA,
2011) has opened Kilikyas Restaurant serving authentic Turkish cuisine
in London’s St Katherine’s Docks, Tower Bridge (www.kilikyas.com).
Maduabuchi Henry Boniface Mbagwu (MBA, 2011) has started his own
magazine, PING (www.pingmagazine.tv). I will share more of these
exciting developments and stories through LSC Connect in the coming
months.
We are always so happy to meet our alums again. Quite a few past
students have turned up at LSC when they have been on holiday in
London with their famillies. It was such a pleasure to see them and
hear their stories.
I am also keen to hear your stories. I know you will all have busy
schedules but we would love to hear from you about your experiences
since graduation. How’s life? How have you been? How’s your
experience in the corporate world? Do remember to share your stories
with us at LSC Connect: http://alumni.lsclondon.co.uk
As you all know, networking is a key to success and so I strongly
encourage you to join the LSC Connect Alumni Network. Better yet,
share these developments with the course mates you are still in touch
”
with and invite them to join the LSC Connect Alumni Network too. Till
next time, do get connected and stay connected!
Dr Rajendra Kumar
MBA Full-time, Course Director
19
Sporting times
Spring is here, and it is time to dust off the
cricket gear and get ready for another season.
LSC has been very successful in the British
Universities and College Sports (BUCS) Cricket
League. We are now playing in the Second
Division and will be playing against established
universities like the University of Kent and the
University of Essex.
An interesting development this season is that
we have switched our training location from
the Kennington Oval to a certain place called
the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Academy,
located at Lords Cricket Stadium. Yes, you read
it right. We will be indeed training at the Home
of Cricket itself. Our chief coach is Clive Radley
MBE, former England International and one of
the most recognised and well respected coaches
on the circuit. Clive has been Head Coach at the
MCC Academy at the Lords Cricket ground for
50 years. Under his guidance in the last 4 years,
the LSC cricket team has gone from strength to
strength and is in the middle of a remarkable
run defeating many university teams in the
BUCS league.
A selection of results from the past years:
• Kingston University
by 430 runs (LSC
500/9 in 40 over declared KU 70/10 in
22 overs)
• University College London by 10 wickets
(UCL 88/10 in 24.5 overs LSC 89/0 in 5.4
overs)
• University of Kent
by 278 runs (LSC
337/4 in 42 overs declared Kent 59/10
22 overs)
We are confident that we will continue with our
success. Watch this space in the next edition for
an update on our sporting performances.
- Guru Srinivasan
20
COPTE project
COPTE
(Combating
Poverty
is
Charitable
Foundation
the
Through
supported
Education)
by
the
London School of Commerce.
There are currently three main overseas projects:
Maw Sevana Boys’ Home in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
A safe refuge for street orphans, Maw Sevana is run purely
through charitable donations and a small stipend from the
local Catholic Church. The role for COPTE is to provide the
ongoing funding in order to raise the level of both educational
attainment and expectation. We have arranged extra tuition
in IT, Maths & English for all the children in addition to
providing them with new computers and audio books. As the
boys grow into teenagers, it is the aim of COPTE to provide
support for those moving into Secondary level education and
to the Diyagala Boys’ Town in Ragama.
Morning Star School for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Children
in Bamenda, Cameroon
The school was founded eight years ago by group of dedicated
nuns in the Northwest Province of Cameroon and at that time
had six pupils.
As there is no state school provision for deaf children, they
were often neglected and discriminated against even within
their own family and community.
Thanks to COPTE donations, there is now a new school building,
fresh drinking water, electricity and a safe playground for all
108 children.
Nyumbani Home and Village in Kitui, Kenya
The Nyumbani project was founded to protect and help AIDS/
HIV infected and affected orphans. The children are adopted
by surrogate ‘grandmother’ helpers who are supported within
their family group.
COPTE has provided the Nyumbani Village with a schoolhouse
and adjoining library, which also ensures that the children can
make the right kind of academic progress.
- Gill Phillips
21
LSC
C O N N E C T
You are part of LSC Connect
We are extremely proud of the exceptional talent across our global alumni community. As an alum, you are
part of a group of over 20,000 alumni in over 130 countries.
Open up a world of connections
LSC Connect is the alumni network for you to stay connected with us and with each other, providing opportunities
to connect with like minded professionals, form new friendships, to continue your personal and professional
development wherever you may be and build social networks that can help you move ahead in your career.
Stay Connected
LSC Connect is open to all past and current students. To join. please visit http://alumni.lsclondon.co.uk and
begin to benefit from being a part of our wider alumni community. If you are already a member, please make
sure we have your up to date contact details login at http://alumni.lsclondon.co.uk
Enjoy key alumni benefits
As a member of LSC Connect you can access a number of benefits for you including a free subscription to our
online LSC Connect magazine, discounts on full and part time Masters and doctoral courses, invitations to
events and the use of our online community. There are also opportunities to play an active role in the alumni
network by organising a reunion for your Course or Year group or by joining or leading a regional group.
We want to hear from you
We are always interested to hear from our alumni and find out what you’re doing now, and hear your memories
of your time with us. So, whether you’ve found your dream job, set up your own business, published research
findings or swum the English Channel, we want your story to inspire the next generation of students and
encourage potential students to choose the LSC Group as their place of study. Share you stories with us.
22
£250 reward when you successfully
refer a student
Here’s an exciting opportunity to spread the word about LSC. You know firsthand about your quality LSC
education and wonderful LSC experience... so why don’t you so why don’t you share the good news? One of
the biggest compliments you can give us is to recommend us to your friends, family and co-workers. If you
think someone you know will also benefit from studying with us, please send us their contact details and one
of our admission team will contact them. To show our appreciation, you will receive a £250 reward for every
referral we receive who successfully enrols with us. Please note that admissions criteria apply.
You are our greatest - and most authentic - ambassadors. Keep telling the LSC story and help transform the
life of someone you know.
Make a referral by filling in a short form at http://alumni.lsclondon.co.uk today.
23
LSC
C O N N E C T
LSC Group of Colleges
Email:alumni@lsclondon.co.uk
Website: www.alumni.lsclondon.co.uk
Copyright © London School of Commerce Group of Colleges 2015. All rights reserved. Date of Publication April 2015.