University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) and Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau (WHZ), University of Applied Sciences Strengthen Partnership
A delegation from WHZ, University of Applied Sciences in Germany visited the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) on June 10, 2024, to explore potential areas of collaboration. The delegation comprised Prof. Dr. Rene Schubert, Prof. Dr. Tom Karl Schaal, faculty of Healthcare Sciences and Tim Tischendorf, a master's student. The discussions included student and faculty exchange, joint research projects, and capacity building.
"We're here to visit our partnering universities, hear ideas on what's possible, and strengthen our partnerships through brainstorming," Prof. Schubert said.
The Dean of UGBS, Prof. Justice N. Bawole, welcomed the team and expressed interest in student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and capacity building. "We have had students from European universities visit us, and we're interested in faculty and student mobility, as well as research projects for publication," he mentioned. He also showcased the UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub and its potential for collaboration.
Prof. Elikplimi Komla Agbloyor, the International Relations Coordinator shared UGBS' connections with African universities and international universities, he also talked about the Global Network for Advanced Management (GNAM) Week which was in progress. Prof. Abeka Nkrumah, a Senior Lecturer from the Public Administration Department, also spoke about experiential learning for health programmes, where students can intern with international partners and gain certification.
Prof. Schaal added that their school is interested in the dean's suggestions, as they already practice some of them. According to him, they are starting a new master's programme and seeking funding, which will be a great start for the programme when launched," he said.
The UGBS delegation also included Mr. Emmanuel Poku-Sarkodee- the School Administrator, Ms. Saratu Salifu- the Assistant Registrar of General Administration, Mr. Yaw Tsen Yeboah- the Assistant Registrar of Human Resources, Ms. Catherine Emefa Aziaku, Asst. Registrar - Academic Affairs (Undergraduate & Affiliate Units), Prof. Albert Ahenkan-Head of Department (HOD) for the Department of Public Administration and Prof. Damoah Obi Berko from the Organisation and Human Resource Management Department.
The delegation returned on Thursday with representatives from the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) and the University of Cape Coast (UCC) to continue the discussions. They explored opportunities for working together, sharing expertise and skills, and devised an action plan. The discussions aimed to improve life in Western Africa by strengthening the role of management in the health sector.
Prof. Agbloyor suggested leveraging existing courses to train applicants in West Africa and introducing online programmes to be integrated into master's programmes. Prof. Gordon Abekah-Nkrumah from the Department of Public Administration and Health Services Management encouraged the partners to be true to themselves and each other to work effectively.
The partnering schools explored areas of common interest, including health services, elderly care, and geriatric care. They discussed the exchange of skills and knowledge, the promotion of rehabilitation in health, and leveraging existing courses to build on their partnership.
The Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau team presented the funding structure to partners and how it could be used to reach their goals.