This week was the first back at BCU after an extended Christmas break. Over the period, I’ve had the opportunity to progress the Enterprise module in practice by linking in with some top-quality business events, forming some strong partnerships in the process, gathering new and potential clients and earning some money in the process (see http://eventwith.me for more information)

Now though, we move onto module 2- Production Lab.

Like it says in the title, this module is all about experimentation, evaluation, risk management, development, action and measurable outcomes. Not too much heavy reading of theory- this is all about putting my learning into practice.

Firstly, here’s Dave Harte’s introduction lecture on what the module is all about:

Linking in nicely with some of the content delivered by EASN at the recent Communication and Collaboration – the future of automotive strategy – event, where much discussion revolved around the development and cross-European integration of different technologies and fuel sources, and the sharing of such information and collaborative strategy work, there appears to be a good link into my next project: Sustainability and Social Media.

The aim is to work with Advantage West Midlands and industry to support companies working in the environmental sector to encourage an increase in digital engagement. The Production Lab project came about because, even though the managers at AWM have great contacts in local industry, they are looking to improve communications and effective networking opportunities within the Sustainability-related and manufacturing industries.

The cross-over of discussion topics will, I suspect, be very similar those recently seen at EASN (read time taken vs money/profit). The challenge for me will be that I will be working with a completely unfamiliar area of industry, and breaking through the ‘traditional’ communications barrier will be a significant factor of whether this project is successful or not.

The opportunity to integrate my studies, be a representative of BCU and work closely with Advantage West Midlands will come to a climax during the Sustainability Live exhibition and seminars, during which I am hoping to run a social media surgery session with some colleagues. Then, after that, there will be a conference/workshop to deliver, and of course, a full report to write, in addition to my MA study deadline documents.

So, forgive me if this blog takes a different direction for a few months. I hope you will enjoy the journey with me.

In the meantime, here’s a document link from Bridget Fleetwood that I’ll keep in my ‘toolkit’ : http://www.out-law.com//default.aspx?page=10759