Purpose

The Applied Research Hubs at United Institute stand at the forefront of bridging academic theories with the dynamic realities of the industry. Purposefully designed, these hubs aim to cultivate applied research skills among students while fostering direct engagements with leading companies. Through this initiative, students will immerse themselves in real-world business scenarios, enhancing their analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities. This hands-on approach not only enriches their learning experience but also prepares them for successful careers, strengthening the linkage between academic pursuits and professional practice. The hubs epitomize our commitment to fostering innovation, knowledge transfer, and student success in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

The hub activities connect to the broader themes of the program pillars, linking theory to practice. The hub activities are an opportunity for students to connect with local industry, apply their knowledge, and provide real life recommendations.

Ideally, students take both courses to be fully immersed in the hub activities. However, both courses can be completed individually also.

As the activities are different for each hub, students may enroll only in the hub activities also, not-for-credit and simply out of interest on top of their studies.

Global Business Hub

The Global Business Hub at UIBS serves as a vibrant platform for students to explore and understand the complexities and opportunities inherent in the global market landscape. This hub offers an enriching blend of academic and practical insights into international trade, cross-cultural management, and global strategic planning through direct interaction with multinational corporations. Activities include engaging guest speaker seminars and immersive company visits and discussions, providing students with firsthand exposure to global business practices. This forward-looking initiative aims to equip our future leaders with the skills and perspectives needed to navigate and succeed in the international business arena.

Social Business Hub

The Social Business Hub at UIBS is dedicated to unveiling the transformative potential of business in addressing societal challenges. It emphasizes creating social value and sustaining social impact through innovative business models. Through the lens of real companies leading the charge in social entrepreneurship, students have the unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of ethical business practices, corporate social responsibility, and impact measurement. The hub’s curated guest seminars and company interactions provide a platform for students to engage with thought leaders and change-makers, fostering a deep understanding of the role of business in driving social change.

Digital Business Hub

The Digital Business Hub at UIBS facilitates an exploratory opportunity for students to dive into the digitalization of business operations and strategies. This hub spotlights the significance of digital innovation, e-commerce, and cybersecurity within the business context, guided by insights from digital pioneers and leading tech firms. The experience is designed around interactive seminars and discussions with real companies, allowing students to grasp the challenges and opportunities digital transformation presents. Our goal is to nurture digitally savvy professionals equipped to lead and innovate in an increasingly digital world.

Sustainable Business Hub

Reflecting our commitment to sustainability and responsible management, the Sustainable Business Hub at UIBS offers students a comprehensive view of how businesses can thrive by integrating environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability. Through engagement with sustainability leaders and visits to companies excelling in sustainable practices, students are encouraged to critically assess and devise strategies that contribute to a sustainable future. This hub’s activities foster an environment where students learn the importance of aligning business operations with global sustainability goals, aimed at cultivating a new generation of business leaders committed to making a positive impact on the world.

Activities

Each of our Applied Research Hubs is designed to synthesize academic learning with industry expertise through a dedicated program of seminars and workshops. These sessions are led by distinguished industry leaders who present current real-world challenges, enriching the learning experience for our students.

Each seminar commences with a comprehensive introduction by a company representative who delineates the company’s current challenges within a broader macro-economic context. This session not only fosters an analytical approach among students but also enhances their understanding of external impacts on business operations. Following the introduction, a structured group discussion in the form of an interactive Q&A session allows students to engage deeply with the topics discussed. These seminars conclude with a preview of the corresponding workshop, ensuring a seamless transition in learning modules.

The corresponding workshops offer a practical extension of the seminar topics, where students apply their applied research skills in real-time by consulting directly on a specific project related to the company. Initial findings and research insights are collaboratively discussed, and preliminary conclusions and feedback are provided to the company representative. This sets the stage for further research and the development of detailed recommendations, which typically form a crucial part of the subsequent group assignment for those enrolled in the full course.

Through these structured interactions within the hubs, our students not only gain firsthand insights into pressing industry issues but also develop essential applied research skills that are critical in navigating their future career paths successfully. This blend of theoretical and practical exposure is a cornerstone of our commitment to fostering a thorough understanding of the business landscape amongst our students.