Michaelmas 2014 Newsletter
Dear All,
I am pleased to introduce the latest IfM Alumni newsletter, where we pick out highlights to give you a snapshot of recent developments.
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The big event from an alumni point of view was the celebration of Mike Sharman’s life. Mike, as you will know, launched, developed and ran ACPMM/ACDMM (now ISMM) for 30 years – a real pioneer and mentor to many of us. 300 people popped in for lunch last Saturday for an exchange of reminiscences and acknowledgement of Mike’s many contributions. You can find information about the event at this link and pictures from the day on our Flickr page.
The new term is about to start, and we shall be planning for the year over the coming weeks. Do please keep an eye on the website and keep in touch. If you haven't already done so, you can update your contact details here.
We are always keen to hear from you, particularly if you would be interested in joining one of our IfM teams as our activities expand.
The next challenge is to build a new wing as we are already full! We would be pleased to hear from anyone who knows of potential benefactors.
With all good wishes,
Mike Gregory
Head, Institute for Manufacturing
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Hundreds of delegates take part in IfM’s ‘Conference Season’ The IfM held several major events for industrialists and academics in September, which were attended by over 350 delegates from over 20 countries: the Cambridge International Manufacturing Symposium, whose 2014 theme was: “Capturing value from global networks: implications for manufacturing, supply chains and industrial policy”; the 3rd Annual Sustainability conference, titled “Delivering Impact - knowledge into action”; and the Cambridge Service Alliance conference part of Service Week, “Future of Services in a Digital Age”. Relevant reports will follow in due course. |
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New head of SME support team for IfM ECS Dr Karen Smith has joined IfM Education and Consultancy Services (IfM ECS) to lead its work helping SMEs to develop and grow their businesses. She takes over from Dr Derek Ford, who is retiring. The team at ECS supports SMEs across all sectors by helping to identify their priorities, develop strategies for the future and build capabilities in key areas. It is expanding its support in specific industry sectors, most recently in the aerospace and civil nuclear sectors, while Karen brings expertise in biotech and pharmaceuticals. |
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Pitch your innovative idea to Food & FMCG giants such as Unilever, Tesco and Mars The Open Innovation Forum, whose members are major Food and FMCG firms such as Unilever, Tesco and Mars, is holding the 3rd Food & FMCG Innovation Pitching Event on Wednesday 19 November at Food Matters Live, ExCel centre, London. Up to 15 entrepreneurs, research groups and companies will be able to pitch their innovative ideas to senior leaders and innovation scouts. Deadline for application is Friday 17 October. Click here to apply. |
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The second issue of the IfM’s new publication is now online. It features articles on intelligent supply and resilience, servitization, managing risk in industrial investment and new business models for sustainability as well as a case study on Linde Gases, and much more. You can find it here. |
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IfM ECS - supporting industry and government in achieving sustainable, long-term growth The Institute for Manufacturing’s dissemination arm, IfM Education and Consultancy Services (IfM ECS), has issued two new documents which show some of the key services it can provide for industry and government, and how it supports firms and policymakers in achieving sustainable long-term growth. Read more... |
Opportunities at IfM ECS
IfM Education and Consultancy Services (IfM ECS) is seeking to expand its activities for industry and government through the appointment of a small number of high-calibre Associates. Our Associates apply IfM research via consultancy and/or education services, working nationally and internationally with government and government agencies, large and multinational firms and smaller and mid-size firms.
The characteristics we seek in our Associates include a high calibre academic background; 15-25 years’ experience in industry and/or related policy areas, much at senior levels; and in interest in applying academic management and policy research to real industrial challenges and communicating learning from application to researchers.
Upcoming courses and events
Valuing and Selecting Technology Projects
Thursday 23 October
This workshop will explore techniques applicable at different stages of the project life cycle, including both new approaches and established techniques.
Visual Approaches for Strategy and Innovation Management
Tuesday 4 November
Explore and apply the fundamental principles of visual design for presenting management information.
Open Meeting - Strategic Technology and Innovation Management Consortium
Wednesday 19 November
The Strategic Technology & Innovation Management (STIM) Consortium is a practice-oriented research and networking collaboration between industrial member companies and the Centre for Technology Management. It is an annual programme and new members are welcome.
An open meeting will be hosted to explore and define the research programme for 2015. If you are interested in attending, or would like to find out more about the programme, please contact Dr Robert Phaal rp108@cam.ac.uk
The Sharman Fund
The Sharman Fund has been set up by the Sharman Family and IfM to celebrate the achievements and vision of the work started by Mike Sharman and his colleagues back in the 1960s.
In its broadest sense, the fund hopes to increase access to IfM’s courses and promote its potential to the students of the future. In no small way this would focus on the links between the course and its partners in the wider world to help support a practical and dynamic relationship between new ideas and those who might benefit from them.
The fund would help to resource initiatives that reach out directly to the students of the future and introduce them to manufacturing industries of today, inspiring new generations to the benefit of all. Importantly, it would offer students who may have never considered a future career in manufacturing the chance to benefit from Mike’s legacy at IfM.
Click here for more information, and to find out how to get involved.
