Background
I was born in the United Kingdom and came with a large family group to New Zealand in 1973.
Qualifications
Master of Management (Southern Cross University), 2003.
Numerous Massey University papers in Management-related subjects
Certificate in Adult Teaching
Areas of academic interest
- Management – general theory and commercial applications
- Human Resources Management - Current research focus on human resources management in Northland businesses
- Small and medium enterprises management
- Marketing for business
Currently teaching in the following programmes
- Bachelor of Business Management
- Applied Business Diplomas
- New Zealand Diploma in Business
- New Zealand Institute of Management Diploma in Management
- National Diploma in Hospitality Management
- STAR programmes in high schools
- In-house workshops for business
Experience
I have lectured all the above areas in the tertiary sector since 1984. Since that time, my teaching has also included contributions to the training needs of the Retail and Wholesale Sectors, the Sport and Leisure industry, the Tourism industry, On-the-Job Instruction and programmes for senior high school students. I have over twenty years’ experience in the business sector in the UK and New Zealand. I have been employed by large companies in the UK and have owned, with family members, small businesses in the retail and tourism sectors in New Zealand.
Some of my views
When in business in my earlier years, I wasn’t much concerned with formal education but I came to realise that it is very helpful, if not absolutely essential, to success in today’s business environment. I see qualifications as being far more necessary than in previous years, and believe that scenario will continue for those seeking the best jobs or advancement in their current employment.
I had no idea how much I would love teaching. So many students come here with no idea of their potential. It is a constant thrill to be able, as a lecturer, to make a little bit of difference in a student’s life and to wake them up to their potential.
I think relatively small classes where students’ ages range from between 18 and 50+ years old is an amazing scenario. It enables students to benefit from the variety of experiences each has to offer.
I really care about my students and the progress they make. I try to encourage ‘lively debate’ in my classes, knowledge and expertise sharing with a business-like and professional approach, and a good dose of humour whenever possible.
Students must learn to take the initiative to develop their own career paths in this rapidly-changing world. People who can become valuable employees and have the skills to become great managers of the future are just what we need for Northland (and New Zealand) to reach its potential. I’d love to play a part in that.