Four Institute students come out on top with professional bodies…

Three business students from the Institute of Technology, Sligo received recognition from one of Ireland’s leading accountancy bodies, the Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CPA). The Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) students received the special Merit Award from the CPA for research conducted as part of their final year studies. The CPA represents over 5,000 accountants and students throughout Ireland.

Certified Public Accounts Awards
Denise Murray from Newport, Co Mayo and Lorna Goulden from Ballinacarrow, Co Sligo were awarded for their research on ‘Performance Appraisal with a particular emphasis on the Balanced Scorecard’ which concluded that measuring performance is critical to performance management and improving productivity. Their presentation was very effective in combining text book theory with a practical illustration of how a balanced scorecard is actually used at Lorna’s workplace.

Maria Duffy from Gurteen, Co Sligo was awarded for her presentation on ‘Variance Analysis’. She was part of a group who investigated the hypothesis that ‘variances are redundant in the modern business environment’. Her enthusiastic presentation explored the many changes in the modern business environment that impact on current management accounting practices.

Ciara Murphy, Marketing Executive with the CPA said, ‘The calibre of these projects shows that Denise, Lorna and Maria are readily equipped to face the challenges they will meet as graduates in the current economic climate. On behalf of the CPA Institute I would like to congratulate them on this great achievement.”

Caroline McNulty, Lecturer in Management Accounting, commented at the prize-giving, ‘Independent learning is greatly encouraged throughout the BBS degree in Sligo IT and it is fantastic to see such a high standard among our business students. We are delighted to work with the CPA in identifying the recipients of this year’s awards and look forward to their continued support on the launch of our new BA in Accounting which will commence this September.” Students were given a topic related to management accounting to research and deliver a one hour presentation of their findings.

CPA presenting IT Sligo Accounting students presented with the CPA Merit Award for Research. L-R: Lorna Goulden, Ciara Murphy Marketing Executive with the CPA, Denise Murray and Maria Duffy.

Management Accountant Awards
The CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) recently awarded a medal to IT Sligo graduate Nomazwe Timile, currently working for Price Waterhouse Cooper. Nomazwe obtained the highest marks in her class in Management Accounting.

Ciara Murphy, CPA said at the awards ‘ We are pleased to sponsor in class activity and hope to continue this association with the new three year BA (Hons) in Accounting (SG146) commencing September 2009.’

Students were given a topic related to management accounting to research and deliver a one hour presentation of their findings.

IT, Sligo is pleased to have CPA sponsor in class activity and hope to continue this association with the new three year BA (Hons) in Accounting (SG146) commencing September 2009.

Nomazwe wit lecturer Caroline McNulty at her recent conferring.

For further information contact:
Ms. Caroline McNulty
Institute of Technology, Sligo.
Direct: +353(0)71 9155227

Fax: + 353 (0)71 91 60475
Email: mcnulty.caroline@itsligo.ie

A team from National College of Ireland was announced today as the winner of the Newstalk 106-108fm Student Enterprise Competition by Mr Denis O’Brien, Chairperson of Newstalk 106 – 108fm and Chairperson of the Competition. The prize-giving ceremony took place today at the Institute of Technology, Sligo, host of this year’s competition.

The winning team beat off strong competition from the three other finalist teams from Dundalk Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology Carlow and Cork Institute of Technology. The four finalist teams were given a case study based on a real-life business scenario for which they had 3 hours to devise a detailed solution. Each team was then given 30 minutes to present their business plan to a panel of judges including Elaine Geraghty, CEO, Newstalk 106-108 fm, Michael Carey, Executive Chairman, Jacob Fruitfield and Lorraine McDonnell, Enterprise Europe Network Manager, Sligo Chamber of Commerce.

At the finals today L-R: Niall McEvoy, Technology Transfer Manager, IT, Sligo; Denis O’Brien, Chairperson, Newstalk FM; Professor Terri Scott, President IT, Sligo; Ms Ann Higgins, Head of Marketing, Tourism and Leisure and one of the event judges Denis Walsh, Lotus Works

Speaking at the ceremony, Denis O’Brien said, “I congratulate the winning team on their fantastic achievement. Their hard work demonstrates what the competition is all about – fostering a spirit of enterprise among students by encouraging teamwork and solution-driven approaches to business challenges. The competition aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice and complement what the students are learning in the classroom.”

The winning team, along with their mentor, will travel to the Caribbean this summer, where they will shadow decision makers in Digicel’s operations. Digicel is the fastest-growing telecommunications operator in the Caribbean and new entrant to the Central American market.

Record Entry

With a record 330 teams entering in the preliminary round, over 1,300 students from Ireland’s 14 Institutes of Technology and the National College of Ireland (NCI) took part in this year’s Newstalk 106-108fm Student Enterprise Competition, which is in association with The Irish Times.

Commenting on the level of participation in this year’s competition, Mr. O’Brien added: “I am delighted with the record level of entries this year. There is pressure on students to achieve first class results in exams, which, while important, do not always fully reflect the reality of enterprise. I hope that the experience gained by all the students throughout the competition will benefit them in their future conquests.”

Commenting on the success of the competition IT, Sligo Head of Department of Marketing, Tourism and Leisure, Ms. Ann Higgins ‘ As winners of the competition in 2008, we were delighted to host this year’s event which brought a substantial number of visitors into the region for the weekend. I ‘m very proud of the manner in which IT, Sligo once again rose to the challenge of hosting a major event so soon after last weekend’s World Rally Championship…While we didn’t repeat last year’s victory IT, Sligo was ably represented by Ciara, Emma, Suzanne and Gillian. We are particularly grateful to the panel of judges who so keenly gave of their time and invaluable expertise to enhance the competition.

Dr. Bill O’Gorman, Chairperson of INTRE (Irish Network for Teachers and Researchers of Entrepreneurship) said, “I congratulate not only the winning team but the team mentor and lecturers that have guided and tutored the students. To take part in the competition alone is an excellent opportunity for participants to develop their business analytical and presentation skills. But to win the competition and to have the opportunity to visit Mr Denis O’Brien’s organisation in the Caribbean is an unforgettable experience.”

For further information contact:

Sophie Clare
Fleishman-Hillard
01 6188438 or 087 645 6243

Email: sophie.clare@fleishmaneurope.com

Neal Cummins
Fleishman-Hillard
01 6188482 or 087 629 1091

Email: neal.cummins@fleishmaneurope.com

PARTICIPATING COLLEGES

1. Athlone Institute of Technology
2. Institute of Technology Blanchardstown
3. Institute of Technology Carlow
4. Cork Institute of Technology
5. Dublin Institute of Technology
6. Dundalk Institute of Technology
7. Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology
8. Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
9. Letterkenny Institute of Technology
10. Limerick Institute of Technology
11. National College of Ireland
12. Institute of Technology, Sligo
13. Institute of Technology Tallaght
14. Tipperary Institute
15. Institute of Technology Tralee
16. Waterford Institute of Technology

RTE’s primetime environmental magazine programme ‘Eco-Eye’ features two IT, Sligo Lecturers

RTE presenter Duncan Stewart and Eco-Eye team visited the rich and ever changing landscapes of Sligo this week to taste the stunning diversity and potential of one of Ireland’s best kept secret tourist destinations. IT, Sligo lecturers, Ecologist Dr. Don Cotton and Eco-Tourism specialist Dr. James Hanrahan guide the presenter through the landscape, mountains, lakes, rivers and five estuaries of Sligo.

The county holds a unique attraction for tourists, not just in the summer months, but through the entire year – with much appeal for visitors interested in outdoor activities such as hill walking and fishing. Long known as inspiration and home for artists and poets, Sligo is also the winter home for up to 20-30,000 migrating birds including one third of the entire national seasonal population of Barnacle geese with up to 4,000 visible at Lissadell in one day….IT, Sligo’s Don Cotton feels that ‘ …the richness and diversity of the environment surrounding the Institute is an invaluable teaching tool for us and for the students who study our environmental science and management courses.

They get to spend important time in the surroundings on field trips which adds to the uniqueness of their learning experience here… The Institute works very closely with the major agencies that manage the environment such as Caoilte, the County Councils, An Taisce and National Parks and Wildlife Service. This allows the students deal with ongoing environmental management issues, providing real world perspective… It also provides important networking opportunities with agencies that may later become their employers….Through our eco tourism course we are involved with developing the landscape as a living resource in terms of people’s quality of life and as a base for sustainable tourism that will allow proper use of our exceptional environment here on an ongoing basis…’

For progamme please click here >>
( segment 9m.40sec – 17m.34 secs )

Pictured Dr. Jame Hanrahan, Ecotourism lecturer, IT Sligo.

For further information contact:
IT Sligo
Institute of Technology,
Sligo

Phone: + 353 (0)71 91 55222
Fax: + 353 (0)71 91 60475

The 70 acre campus at Institute of Technology Sligo will be at the centre of activity for the World Rally this weekend. ‘The scale and location of our campus allows us to play a key role in this showcase event and promote the North West internationally,’ commented Professor Terri Scott, President, IT Sligo. “The Service Park at IT Sligo is a vital component of the Rally, with an estimated 15,000 people passing through the campus each day. Rally Ireland brings over 250,000 spectators to the North West an investment of €48 million to the economy. The voluntary effort necessary to the successful running of this event should also be acknowledged, with over 3,000 volunteers throughout the North West becoming involved. The World Rally has come here as a result of collaboration between local authorities, businesses and state bodies; working together to providing the exacting facilities required.’

Working in a voluntary capacity in the extensive Service Park and International Media Centre facilities will be many IT Sligo staff and students. Computing Science undergraduates have assisted Rally Ireland in the preparation and support of the IT infrastructure for this event. They set up the initial computer network are working with rally personnel and the press corps to ensure connectivity for the competitors and press attending this event. Students have technical competencies to step in this role due to the applied nature of the programme and knowledge of the Cisco and Microsoft platforms used by the Rally.

A cross section of the staff from IT Sligo is also making an important contribution. From support staff, John Comiskey is involved with Rally Ireland as Stage Manager on Special Stage 15, Geevagh, and Eamon Price, Lecturer in Mechatronics, as a Media Marshal and water rescue service person. A number of students from the IT Sligo Motorsport Club are also involved including Daniel McKenna (4th year Mechatronics undergraduate) who recently competed successfully in the Galway International Rally winning Class 9, along with Tommy Doyle, another winner at the same event. Diane O’Brien, Lecturer in Computing at IT Sligo and an active member of Connacht Motor Club, and her husband, Jarlath Barry (who won his class in this event last year) are helping out both in the stages and the service park. Finally, IT Sligo computing graduate, Cillian Duffy is back navigating for champion driver, Aaron McHale.

Students from Business and Marketing are playing a central role in providing support for the corporate hospitality provided by IT Sligo at the event. Under the guidance of graduate Sarah Fay, at the Business Innovation Centre, ITSBIC, students are helping organise and co-ordinate the corporate aspect to the event, making certain logistics are correct and organising tours of the Institute ensuring that visitors enjoy their experience at the Institute of Technology, Sligo.

‘This weekend is a unique opportunity to showcase the region and the Institute of Technology, Sligo. Images of our facilities are being seen worldwide, with audiences of 62.8 million viewing IT Sligo as the backdrop to the Rally. I would like to acknowledge the involvement at all levels of the people of the North West as a vital part of bringing this prestigious event to this part of the country. The influx of visitors and media to Sligo is very welcome at this time and we hope that many visitors will return to the North West’ concluded Professor Scott.

Three hands on the wheel – Professor Terri Scott, President IT Sligo gets the lowdown on progress from Killian Duffy, former IT Sligo Computing Student and Aaron McHale during the World Rally Shakedown on Thursday.

For rally information:

www.rallyireland.org
www.wrc.com

For further information contact:

Janette Gillen
Centre Manager
ITSBIC

Email: gillen.janette@itsligo.ie

By the time Dermot Dolan finished his computer science course at Institute of Technology, Sligo he was already an entrepreneur. With classmates Brendan and Colin O’Connor, Dolan co-founded a software development firm called Technical Ideas in 2004.The company, which trades as Socrates, aims to improve the way GPs enter, store and retrieve medical and patient data.

Five years on, the Patient Management System developed by the Sligo natives is used by almost 250 GPs and other healthcare practices around the country. Their company now employs 12 people and is expanding, according to Dolan, who is the company’s Managing Director.

”While I was at college, I did some part-timework in IT support for small firms,” he said. ”By final year, Brendan and I realised there was a gap in the market to develop software systems aimed at GP practices. We realised there were still many GPs across the country storing patient data by hand and others who were using outdated software systems.”

Dolan said the initial idea for the product arose when a family member who was a GP said his current system was inadequate. ”He was complaining that the existing system was fraught with technical problems.”

Twelve months later, following consultation with an expert group of GPs, we launched the first version of Socrates. We want our software to be user friendly so that everyone in a surgery can operate the system after a short introductory training session.”

The company continues to work closely with doctors, and ongoing product development is central to its strategy, according to Dolan. ”We have focus groups with GPs to continue to drive software enhancements. We’re continuing to develop systems with the aim of improving the quality of patient care.”

The company recently rebranded from Technical Ideas to Socrates to improve brand awareness. It has also increased its marketing with the aim of expanding in the coming years, according to Dolan.

”A lot of people knew us as Technical Ideas, but link us with our Socrates product, so we’re now trading as Socrates only. We’ve found this has helped improve our recognition, and also our client numbers. We expect to achieve significant growth this year, despite the recession, especially in the areas of physiotherapy and occupational health.

”We want to expand our product offering abroad – we are looking at increasing our staff numbers to at least 15 and offering the service in a number of English-speaking countries,” he said.

For further information contact:
http://www.itsbic.ie

The Centre for Biomolecular Environmental and Public Health Research (BEPH) at the Institute of Technology, Sligo, recently welcomed a distinguished research partner to the North West.

Associate Professor Thaddeus Graczyk from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH), Baltimore, USA has been working with colleagues in IT Sligo over the last seven years. BEPH is a multidisciplinary research and education centre, committed to leadership in the field of biomolecular environmental health research. Professor Graczyk’s research is focused on the molecular epidemiology of human pathogens, and incorporates state-of-the-art molecular techniques into environmental monitoring of microbiological contaminants that negatively impact on public health worldwide.

Professor Terri Scott, President of IT Sligo, said, ‘I am delighted to acknowledge the achievements and on-going collaboration resulting from this international collaboration. Over the last seven years staff from IT Sligo and John Hopkins have targeted current environmental and public health issues, notably human pathogen dispersal via wastewater discharges and spreading of sewage sludges and farm wastes on agricultural lands. This research is timely given the recent increase in the scale of Cryptosporidium epidemics in Ireland.’

Associate Professor Thaddeus Graczyk’s US laboratory provides training and education for international students from around the world. Staff and students from IT Sligo have already benefitted from visiting his lab in terms of skills and technology transfer.

IT Sligo received research funding from Enterprise Ireland and the EPA, which has enabled the Centre for Biomolecular Environmental and Public Health Research to acquire state-of-the-art equipment and project support to develop and sustain their research programme. The Centre also benefits from the continued support of Local Authorities, the Regional Fishery Boards and other government agencies. Irish project partners include University College Dublin. During this research visit to Ireland, Professor Graczyk will evaluate progress and development of IT students who received training in his laboratory and as a BEPH partner will jointly respond to recently issued research calls.

In 2007, BEPH welcomed its first international PhD student Hui-Wen Cheng, providing links with Tatung University, Taiwan. Several undergraduate students are also involved in research projects with the Centre.

Through research collaboration with Associate Professor Thaddeus Graczyk, a number of significant discoveries have been made, which can be utilised for best environmental management practice to protect human health. These include the assessment of the extent of manmade environmental contamination of the River Shannon, the efficacy of pathogen removal by wastewater treatment processes in the West of Ireland and the quality of drinking water.

For further information on this Centre:

Dr Frances Lucy,
Dept of Environmental Science,
Institute of Technology,
Slig

Phone: 071-9155355
Email: lucy.frances@itsligo.ie

By ANITA GUIDERA, Irish Independent

Thursday January 22 2009

JOB seekers were urged yesterday to promote themselves like never before in a tough environment where only the brightest and best will succeed.

But the mood at the ninth annual Careers’ Fair at the Institute of Technology, Sligo was resolutely upbeat, with college staff encouraging students and graduates not to despair.

“Having a degree is no longer enough. Companies will be looking for the brightest and the best. The responsibility is on the individual to have a flexible attitude and work much harder at marketing and promoting yourself,” said IT president, Professor Terri Scott.

Up to 3,000 people thronged the Aula Maxima at the college yesterday, where 63 stands promoted career opportunities. Significantly, a larger number of older people who have been made redundant or fear for the future of their jobs attended the fair.

Despite the current difficulties, Prof Scott insisted the recession was nothing like what was experienced in the 1980s. “The term ‘emigration’ is no longer applicable. It’s about mobility. International travel is now affordable and the world has become a smaller place,” she said.

She also said the jobs graduates would walk into 10 years from now did not even exist at the moment. Careers officer Adette Ring said: “Just because there is a downturn in the economy doesn’t mean that there is nothing you can do. Our message is: get an education and in four years time be ready to take up jobs, because this will end.” But one former graduate, Lena Rochford (27) from Sligo, said she had been job hunting since last November and was finding conditions tough.

“I am applying everywhere and I am not even getting replies back. It is very disheartening.”

Click here to view Six One news report

For further information contact:

Lesley Walsh,
Institute of Technology Sligo,
Sligo.

Email: walsh.lesley@itsligo.ie
Phone: +353 (0)71 9155448

A recent programme on RTE television “Blood of the Irish”, featured Dr Marion Dowd from the School of Science, at Institute of Technology Sligo, talking about the excavation of human remains in Glencurran Cave (the Burren) and analysis of ancient DNA. The two part television documentary programme explored the origins of the Irish.

It featured research which resulted from excavations carried out in Glencurran Cave that were led by Dr. Dowd, a leading expert on Irish cave archaeology, and a team of archaeologists. Skeletal remains of a 2-4 year old child that were placed in the cave in the Bronze Age (about 3,500 years ago) were subject to ancient DNA analysis. This is the first instance where ancient DNA has been successfully extracted from prehistoric human bone on the island of Ireland, and is cutting edge archaeological science.

Research excavations took place in the summers of 2004, 2005 and 2008 funded by the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government and latterly by the Royal Irish Academy. They revealed a unique site, unparalleled in Ireland or Britain, used in the Bronze Age as a place of ritual. It would appear that human bones and newborn animals (calves, lambs, piglets) and adult hares were deposited in the cave as some form of ritual offering. In addition to these were several Bronze Age pots, necklaces made from seashells and dog/wolf teeth and amber beads. In total about 60 human bones were recovered but these represent at least eight individuals – a newborn baby, two young children (2-4 years old) and five adults.

In most cases the bones seem to have been removed from burials outside the cave and brought in as disarticulated bone. However, one of the young children appears to have been a complete fleshed individual when placed in the cave. In 2007, in conjunction with Crossing the Line Films, a project was initiated in an attempt to see if ancient DNA could be extracted from one of the child’s bones. This type of scientific analysis is notoriously difficult because ancient DNA is degraded by the passage of time and also by fluctuating temperatures and standing water. Caves are relatively stable environments with little change in temperature or conditions, this seemed like an ideal environment from which to select a bone for DNA analysis. The bone was a fibula, a lower leg bone. It was sent to one of the foremost European DNA labs in the University of Mainz, Germany. After a few months good news was returned: the lab had successfully extracted ancient DNA. The bone was also radiocarbon dated and indicated that the child had been placed in the cave in the Middle Bronze Age, approximately 3,500 years ago.

The results are extremely exciting and important in terms of genetics, archaeological science and our understanding of early inhabitants of this island. This is the first time where DNA has been extracted from prehistoric human bone found in Ireland and is also the oldest DNA yet recorded on the island. The haplogroup (genetic family) of the child originated in Northern Europe approximately 52,000 to 45,000 years ago. This is the oldest Europe-specific haplogroup, known as U5. Further research was undertaken to establish whether that genetic signature was represented in modern populations living in the Burren today. DNA samples were taken from 13 school children living in the vicinity of the cave and remarkably, 3 of these showed a strong genetic link with the 3,500 year old child.

Further excavations and research are to take place at the cave in Summer 2009.

For further information contact:

Dr. Marion Dowd,
Lecturer in Prehistoric Archaeology,
School of Science,
Institute of Technology Sligo,
Sligo.

Email: dowd.marion@itsligo.ie
Phone: + 353 71 9155255

At a time when the media is full of bad news on the jobs market, Institute of Technology Sligo is leading the way as it forges ahead with the annual Careers Fair on Wednesday 21 January from 10.30am – 2.30pm. Remarkably, the number of companies and organisations is nearly the same as last year, a considerable achievement in the light of the cancellation of other national careers fairs. The annual IT Sligo Careers Fair is the biggest in the North West.

There are some key new features at this year’s Careers Fair. For the first time ever, there will be a CAO help desk where students will be helped through the CAO application process. UK college expert Deborah Seddon will also be on hand to help with late applications to UCAS’.

Consultants will give advice on CVs and interview techniques for those who are looking for a career change, starting out or looking to return to work. IT Sligo Admissions Office and Life Long Learning staff will give advice advice on choosing the best course of study for students of all ages and experience. Information will be also available on a range of research opportunities at IT Sligo.

The IT Sligo Careers Fair runs on Wednesday 21 January from 10.30am to 2.30pm. The event will be opened by Professor Terri Scott, President IT Sligo and will be attended by the Mayor of Sligo Cllr Veronica Cawley.

For further information contact:

Lesley Walsh,
Institute of Technology Sligo,
Sligo

Email: walsh.lesley@itsligo.ie
Phone: +353 (0)71 9155448

Institute of Technology Sligo Sports Scholarships have been awarded at a special ceremony hosted by Professor Terri Scott, President IT Sligo. The sports scholarships provide financial and mentoring support to athletes of outstanding talent. Many have already represented IT Sligo or their county in their respective sports. Sports scholarship recipients are supported by IT Sligo in keeping up their sporting commitments at the same time as pursuing their educational commitments and goals.

Announcing the awards, Professor Terri Scott said “I am delighted to congratulate our outstanding and talented athletes who have demonstrated commitment and brought distinction to the Institute of Technology Sligo. Each award winner is also a role model for other sportsmen and sportswomen. In achieving success at the highest level in your respective sports, you have exhibited commitment, determination and drive that will be invaluable to you in the years ahead.” Chairman of the judging panel, Dr Bill Crowe remarked that the standard of applicants had been the highest in many years, reflecting the ever increasing sporting achievements of students at IT Sligo.

Noelle Gormley, Christina Hughes, Kenneth

Niall Costello, Rory Kelly, Sarah Finnerty, Patrica Coyle

Lamar Walsh

Patrick Clarke

The following awards were given: GAA Men’s: Gary Gaughan, Sligo; Stephen Henry, Sligo; Kenneth Sweeney, Boyle; GAA ladies:; Noelle Gormley Ballymote; Christina Hughes, Tuam, Co Galway; Basketball, Lamar Marsh from Ballina; Cycling: Patrick Clarke, Castleconnor Co Mayo; Ladies Soccer: Patricia Coyle, Ballina, Co Mayo; Sarah Finnerty from Roscommon and Men’s Soccer: Rory Kelly, Buncrana, Co Donegal and Niall Costello, Balla Co Mayo.

Photos:
For further information contact:
Sheelagh O’Gara
Student Support Services Manager
Institute of Technology, Sligo

Ph: 071 9155204
Email: ogara.sheelagh@itsligo.ie