The annual IT Sligo Careers Fair has been postponed until Wednesday March 24th 2010 due to unpredictable weather conditions since Christmas and the New Year.  ‘After consulting with the various companies committed to coming to the Fair, we have decided to postpone the event until later in the year to ensure that we gain maximum attendance at the event,’ stated Lesley Walsh, Careers Office at IT Sligo.   ‘This event is about facilitating the maximum number of post graduates including students, mature applicants and job seekers to meet with the wide range of companies at the Fair. Companies wishing to participate in the Fair can contact Lesley Walsh at 071 9155448 or walsh.lesley@itsligo.ie IT Sligo also welcomes queries from CAO applicants in advance of the 1 February deadline.

Anna Eicke talks to  Lesley Walsh from Institute of Technology, Sligo at the Institute of Technology Careers Fair 2009.  (Photo: Declan Bray)

For further information contact:

Lesley Walsh

Careers Office

IT Sligo

P: 071 9155448

IT Sligo broadcast the first of a series of ten ‘webinar’ lectures on Wednesday 14 January. A flexible, convenient way of learning, the interactive online lecture was shared by participants from three continents.

The event was launched by Professor Terri Scott, President, IT Sligo. Larry Ragan, Penn State University, U.S.A. delivered a lecture on Learning to Thrive: Strategies for Saving Time Online. This was followed by Brian Coll, IT Sligo who spoke on Technology for effective and timely feedback. The lunchtime learning session was followed by lively discussion. The lectures and discussion are available on – www.itsligo.ie/online.

Brian Mulligan, Open Learning Coordinator at IT Sligo and organiser of the webinar series comments: ‘Webinars will play a major role in the continuing professional development of educators and others.  This series will expose many educators to teaching techniques that they have not used before.  Although many of the techniques presented will not be based on technology the medium itself will illustrate the power of the Internet and reflects the need to develop these educators in using new technologies.

Online learning and webinars have the capacity to massively increase access to learning by reaching more people and reducing unit costs.  This is a prime example of innovation in the public service – innovation that reduces costs and improves the service to the public.

The internet potentially provides easy access for all to education and online learning is a clear way of increasing this access.  Webinars can be used in many areas including professional associations.  Live online events are cost efficient and have the capacity to reach huge audiences both during and after an event.  They can reduce training development times dispensing with the need to travel to a central venue.  Not only can the people participating in the webinar be from anywhere in the world, the speakers can be brought in from anywhere at very reasonable cost.  Environmentally too, this mode of delivery has minimum impact.’

Delivering courses in this mode has become a standard procedure in IT Sligo.  A leader in the use of this technology, IT Sligo delivers over thirty hours of live classes a week.  Programmes are delivered to a range of audiences from the Polymer Industry, Engineering professionals and the Irish Prison Services.  This is an economical and widely accessible form of education.  Experts at IT Sligo anticipate that the recession will accelerate the rate of change in education delivery.  ‘This is just the start of what will be commonplace in the future’ concludes  Mulligan.  ‘These techniques could be used by any professional association and we are willing to assist any group that approaches us with their informal or formal training requirements.  For more information on the free webinar series or to register for a lecture, just log on to  www.itsligo.ie/online.

Abbott Ireland & the Institute of Technology, Sligo were delighted to partner in the Abbott Ireland Internship Programme 2010. Caroline McClafferty, Business HR Manager in the Sligo Pharmaceutical facility with Deborah Seddon and Lesley Walsh Careers Office IT Sligo are seen here meeting some of the interns who will join the Abbott organization in 2010 for 3-9 month placements.

IT SLIGO INAUGURAL CHARITY BALL

Early Childhood Care and Education and Social Studies students at IT Sligo came together to organise the inaugural IT Sligo Ball which was held in December in the Clarion Hotel, Sligo.

Presentation of proceeds of inaugural IT Sligo Charity Ball to North West Hospice: (Front Row) Fiona O Neill (l), Cáit Keaveney, John Kelly (NW Hospice), Roisin Mc Glone, Orla Mongey, Tatum Mc Padden, Sarah Conlon L-R (Back Row) Joanna Wynne, Roisin Mc Loughlin, Aileen Brennan

The President of IT Sligo Terri Scott also attended the event and spoke highly of the students and their contribution not only to the college but the work they put into organising this event.  The ball was attended by nearly 360 guests comprising of students and staff.  The band that provided music on the night was Aviator who was followed by DJ Lisa Brady from i102104.

Presentation of proceeds of inaugural IT Sligo Charity Ball to North West Hospice: (Front Row) Luke Savage, (Middle Row ) Johanna Wynne (l), Cáit Keaveney, Beirne O Donnell (SHOUT), Roisin Mc Glone, Fiona O Neill L-R (Back Row) Tatum Mc Padden, Orla Mongey, Roisin Mc Loughlin, Sarah Conlon, Aileen Brennan, Bridie Kearns

A massive and sincere thank was extended to both of them for giving up their time and contributing to this event.  The proceeds from the night were donated to two local charities: North West Hospice and SHOUT (patient comfort fund) AT Sligo General Hospital.

For further information please contact:

Roisin McGlone

Lecturer, School of Business & Humanities

IT Sligo

Tel:  071 9155352

Email:  mcglone.roisin@itsligo.ie

Or

Maeve McCormack

connect pr

Tel:  071 913 0484

Mob: 086 317 2161

Email: connectpr@eircom.net

RESEARCH IT – Natural alternatives to fight MRSA and other resistant bacteria

Julien Thibault of IT Sligo, talks about a collaborative study conducted between the School of Science at the IT Sligo and the Department of Microbiology, Sligo General Hospital,which has found potential antibacterial agents from essential oils capable of killing a range of resistant bacteria including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, better known as MRSA.  The results of this research were presented at the recent 10th Annual Research & Education Foundation, Sligo General Hospital, Multidisciplinary Research Conference.

Julien Thibault (PhD student) from IT Sligo and Karen Hickey, Senior Medical Scientist, Microbiology Department, SGH, began the study with funding from the Research and Education Foundation, SGH, to identify essential oils, and more particularly the constituents of these essential oils, which offer the highest efficacy and the broadest spectrum of activity against some of the most clinically significant resistant bacteria.  The resistant bacteria investigated were a range of MRSAs and also Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) producers and other multiresistant clinical isolates. These are often referred to as ‘Superbugs’ as they do not respond to, or are not treatable with a range of modern antibiotics.

Microscope image of coli bacteria

Hospitals now offer alcohol based hand wash dispensers at all entrance points to visitors in an effort to prevent the spread of infection.

In this research the goal was to examine the ability of essential oils and the constituents of these essential oils to kill some of these resistant bacteria. The work involved a wide range of microbiological testing which was carried out in the Microbiology Department of Sligo General Hospital.

Essential oils are available in a wide range of commercial outlets from pharmacies to health stores and supermarkets. Many people use them as antiseptic treatments and in aromatic oil burners. They are composed of plant extracts which generally contain a large number of chemicals, some of which have antibacterial properties. Much research has investigated the antibacterial nature of these essential oils, however, there has been little work carried out on their effect on these resistant bacteria.

The results of this research reveals that some of the oils tested and some of the individual constituents are highly efficient at killing the MRSA, VRE and ESBL strains tested. “We have tested a large range of oils and constituents and observed such activity with some of them, sometimes as low as 0.1% is required to kill 99.99% of the organisms in vitro!” comments Julien Thibault. Of these oils, Clove, Lemongrass, Citronella, Thyme, Oregano, Cinnamon or the popular Tea tree oil can be used quite effectively. Julien adds: “The list is not exhaustive, a large majority of the oils showed activity at relatively low concentrations”.

The study also identified and categorised constituents found in essential oils that are responsible for the oils activity: “The oils are complex mixtures of recurrent constituents where they may play a role on their own or in synergy, but from a pharmaceutical point of view it was important to start identifying which ones were the least and most potent”. Generally, the oils containing high amounts of the identified highly-active constituents are good antibacterial agents.

The lavender flower, rich source of essential oil

These initial results are promising in the fight against resistant organisms as they show unspecific broad-spectrum action against all isolates: “It is reassuring that not only are the essential oils’ constituents good antibacterial agents, they are also able to kill clinical isolates regardless of their resistance to conventional antibiotics. Further work is obviously needed to provide viable alternatives to patients: “This is a starting point, but we have to admit that natural products such as essential oils can be beneficial in the fight against resistant isolates”. Dr. Fiona McArdle, Sligo IT, supervisor on the project comments: “This study between the Institute and the Hospital is a good example of local collaboration. This study was initially funded by the Institutes of Technology, Strategic Innovation Fund and continued with the generous grant from the Research and Education Foundation, SGH, awarded in 2008. It is hoped that we will be able to further develop this research as there is huge potential in the use of natural products in the treatment and eradication of these resistant bacterial strains”.

For further information contact:

Julien Thibault

Email:  thibault.julien@itsligo.ie

Very few businesses are upbeat about 2009; however this is certainly not the case at Innovation Centre, IT Sligo. The Head of Innovation, Niall McEvoy, is delighted with progress during the year. “We are now home to 22 businesses employing 60 people with sales in excess of €2.4 Million”, commented Mr McEvoy reviewing progress in 2009.

“Like all businesses we examined our offering and decided to rebrand and reposition ourselves. This review has certainly paid dividends, as we now provide a one stop shop for all entrepreneurs, start-ups and existing businesses who wish to develop and expand.”

He continued, “Our highlights of the year include attracting Equinoxe AIS who announced their intention to set-up in the Innovation Centre bringing much needed high value jobs to Sligo. This new operation is a provider of administration services to the hedge fund industry, and is establishing a new asset servicing operation in Sligo. Equinoxe AIS will employ over 50 people over three years, with the potential for further growth as the operation develops. In addition the Innovation Centre has encouraged two significant regional businesses to establish R&D Centres here.”

Looking forward to 2010 the Innovation Centre is hosting a regional Enterprise & Innovation Week in February to promote entrepreneurial skills and encourage regional businesses to expand into international markets.

The major theme in the Innovation Centre for 2010 is ‘Going Global’.  “We need to encourage our businesses to expand beyond Ireland and to offer products and services internationally”, says Janette Gillen, Business Development Manager at the Innovation Centre.  Our Enterprise Platform Programme, now in its sixth year is upgrading to an international programme where regional entrepreneurs will study in Ireland, North America, India and China.

IT Sligo was one of the first Institutes of Technology to establish an Innovation Centre and now boasts one of the largest in the sector.  “Our plan is to add additional incubation space in 2010 as we are bursting at the seams” added Niall McEvoy. “The downturn in the economy has certainly increased interest in start-ups. Not only are we seeing greater numbers of start-ups but more importantly the quality of these new business plans is exceptional.”

Professor Terri Scott, President of IT Sligo is very supportive of developments, “The Innovation Centre is the hub for regional development in the North West.  We use the expertise in IT Sligo to create a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that is easily accessible”.

IT SLIGO INNOVATION CENTRE BUSINESS INCREASES HOTEL ONLINE BUSINESS BY €250K

Travel Logic, the tourism marketing software company based on the campus of IT Sligo, has announced that it facilitated a €250k surge in online business for Enniskillen’s Killyhevlin Hotel (www.killyhevlin.com) through its integrated sales and marketing technology platform.  This represents a 310% annual increase over the year to May 2008. The Travel Logic marketing and online booking system has been fully integrated with the hotel’s website.

Travel Logic’s technology enabled Killyhevlin to achieve each of these objectives by allowing it to create its own online marketing campaigns, newsletters, special offers and trade promotions.  The software manages personalised one-to-one relationships with customers via customer relationship management technologies (CRM).   The solution has delivered significant increases in online revenues with the additional benefit of significantly reducing traditional marketing costs.

The Killyhevlin Hotel Website witnessed 310% increase in online revenues with the help of Travel Logic which is based in the Innovation Centre, IT Sligo

The new approach to Killyhevlin marketing was driven by a desire to capitalise on the flexibility and targeted marketing reach of online business.  The marketing team at the hotel had found themselves constrained by cost and lack of flexibility in dealing with outsourced web developers.   They wanted to use web marketing to optimise room utilisation, increase online bookings, and to be able to self-create and deliver online campaigns and offers in-house at short notice.

Conor Daly, founder and managing director of Travel Logic, said:

“Our Sales and eMarketing system has been developed in close partnership with leading hotels in the North West Region.  Since signing our very first customer, the Mill Park Hotel in Donegal Town, we’ve been committed to developing our software to meet the changing needs of the tourism market.  This has been driven directly by customer requirements and feedback.  As a result of this commitment we’ve won a significant amount of our new business from customer referrals, including the Killyhevlin Hotel.”

Rodney Watson, managing director, Killyhevlin Hotel, said:  “The Travel Logic system has had an immediate impact on our bottom line.  It enables us to optimise our occupancy levels by driving seasonal promotions and responding immediately to lower occupancy rates with special promotional offers.  It positions us to compete on an equal footing with the global hotel brands.  The new technology allows us to significantly improve customer service and drive ancillary business at the same time.  Essentially we can customise better package offers and provide the customer with a much greater degree of self-service options to really personalise their stay with us.  Guests are choosing to add extras, upgrade their rooms, and add dinner and other special personalisations.  This is yielding a distinct service advantage for Killyhevlin that our customers are embracing.

For further information please contact:

Conor Daly

Travel Logic

Tel:   +353 71 9141749

Email:  Conor.daly@travellogic.ie

STUDENT COUNCIL OF THE MII NORTH WEST REGION APPOINTED

The North West Council of the Marketing Institute of Ireland recently appointed a student council. The five student council members are all studying for their Bachelor of Business at IT Sligo.

Members of the North West Council of the Marketing Institute of Ireland recently appointed student council Left to right: Grainne Freyne, Carol Moran (chair-MII NW), Suzanne Ryan, Dr Catherine McGuinn, Brendan Conlon, Paula Keenan, Deirdre McDermott and Jackie McMullen

Carol Moran chair of the NW region welcomed the students to the council. As part of their Professional Development in Marketing Programme, Dr Catherine McGuinn acknowledges that this is an example whereby a professional representative body and students can work together to achieve mutual benefits and further raise awareness of professional practice. New elected members to the Regional Council for 2009/10 are Stuart Milne and Mairead McMullin. The MII NW will shortly announce an exciting line up of events for 2010!

For further information on all national marketing events please visit www.mii.ie

For further information please contact:

Dr. Catherine McGuinn

Lecturer of Marketing

School of Business & Humanities

Institute of Technology, Sligo

Tel: 071-9155382

IT Sligo Hosts Local Final of NEWSTALK 106-108 fm Student Enterprise Competition

IT Sligo has selected the team to go forward to the National finals of the 2009/2010 Newstalk 106-108 fm Student Enterprise Competition.  At the nail biting final, four teams battled it out over three hours, to come up with sound business strategies using a case study format.  The competition encourages participants to devise solutions to ‘real life’ business scenarios.

Each team then presented their findings to an expert panel of local judges.  The winning team members were Philomena Sharkey, Thomas Connolly, Michael Rogers and Liam Maguire, who are fourth year Bachelor of Business (Hons) Level 8 Students. Their team mentor is Stacey Gurrie. Ann Higgins, Head of Department of Marketing, Tourism and Leisure, was a judge at the final and said on behalf of the judges ‘We were very impressed with participants ability to critically evaluate the case study under tight time constraints and defend their recommendations to our panel of judges.’

The winners  and judges of the Sligo final of the 2009/2010 Newstalk 106-108 fm Student Enterprise Competition.  L-R Janette Gillen, Manager, Business Innovation Centre, IT Sligo ,Thomas Connolly, Liam Maguire, Mark Walton, Voya Products and Services, Philomena Sharkey, Michael Rogers and Ann Higgins, Head of Department of Marketing, Tourism and Leisure.

The winning team will now go through to represent IT Sligo at the national finals being held in the National College of Ireland in January. Now in its fourth year, the competition is designed to foster a spirit of enterprise among third level students and develop their understanding of business management, with a view to cultivating early-stage entrepreneurship.

The overall prize for the winning team and its team mentor is a study trip to the Caribbean where they will shadow ‘senior executives’ in the Digicel Group.

The IT Sligo team are hoping to bring the title back to Sligo after having won it two years ago.

For further information please contact:

Orla Mongey

SIF ACE Student Intern

IT Sligo

Mobile:  086-151-3669

Email:  S00065485@itsligo.ie