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8 Mar 2007 10:52:28
Taking part in a collaboration project has paid off for a University of Bedfordshire graduate and a Hertfordshire firm.
The University brought together 21-year-old Babul Miah with Kings Langley firm, Emtex, to develop a special project via the KEEP (Knowledge Partners East of England) scheme.
The software development experience has not only opened up a new door for Babul, but Emtex is now discussing the possibility of further collaboration with the University.
Under KEEP, local companies and organisations work alongside the University to develop a specific project with a graduate, for anything between three and 12 months, with the support of an academic expert in a related area. The aim is to provide a cost-effective solution to a project or on-going problem.
The University’s Knowledge Transfer Manager, Veronica Rigby explained: “The KEEP programme is an excellent example of how collaboration between universities and businesses can bring huge benefits for everyone involved. We are directly meeting the strategic needs of companies by using University expertise to help companies grow.”
Working alongside Emtex and Babul is Computing and Information Systems’ Academic, Dr Fiaz Hussain. He said: “This is knowledge transfer in action. Working with the region’s employers is a core part of the University’s ethos and this project links perfectly into this. Academics are a great source of expertise and more companies should tap into this resource via partnerships where graduates can also benefit.”
Emtex, founded in 1992, is a leading provider of enterprise output management solutions for high volume print and mail production. Staff identified demand from customers to provide a knowledge base of error messages for reference and the initial work for this knowledge base was started two years ago.
Due to the success of the company, the knowledge base remained incomplete so Emtex joined the KEEP project and enlisted the help of Babul Miah, who was looking for a work placement after he graduated with a BSc in Computing.
The 12 month project has been a huge success and the Emtex have been impressed with both Babul’s work and the input of Employer Fellow, Fiaz Hussain as Ayo Adewale, Development Director for Emtex, described: “The KEEP project brought in people such as Fiaz and Babul who had new and independent ideas.”
“Being focused on specific tasks meant they were completed in a very timely manner. We have been very pleased with the quality of the work and dedication of all those involved.”
Software Developer Babul said: “The KEEP project has enabled me to gain invaluable experience in software development and has greatly aided my development. It has allowed me to liaise with staff from different areas of the company and work alongside experienced professionals.”
To find out more about KEEP, contact Veronica Rigby at the University of Bedfordshire on 01582 743764 or visit www.beds.ac.uk/knowledgehub.
Latest news» 2007» Mar» Business and uni collaboration shows partnership is the way forward
