Students Explore the Role of AI in Education for Amsterdam Project Week

Master’s and Bachelor’s Students Choose AI Tools and Interview Professionals

Amsterdam's December Project Week brought together bachelor’s and master’s students for an exciting exploration of the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on education. The event provided an opportunity for students to explore how AI tools can enhance learning experiences, streamline research methods, and revolutionise educational practices. It wasn’t just about theory — hands-on engagement and real-world applications were key elements, leading to insightful presentations and creative solutions.

Nikita Pahwa, Assistant Professor at Wittenborg, explained the core objective of the project to the master’s students: "The project presented a unique challenge to students, asking them to select an AI tool and train the bachelor’s students in using AI to support their learning. The primary goal was not just to familiarise students with these tools but to equip them with the knowledge to train others, all while maintaining a focus on quality education."

Students were divided into teams and assigned AI software such as Scholarcy, Prezi AI, Perplexity AI, Napkin AI, and Gamma AI to train bachelor’s students.

The winning group, consisting of Sara Etefagh, Roza Karimi, Rana Soltani, and Nhan Nguyen Hoang (Patrick), chose Lumen5. Lumen5 is a tool that enables users to create videos easily, a skill that is highly relevant in today’s digital age. "Lumen5 allows anyone to take a few key points and transform them into a full video with voiceovers—making it ideal for educational content. It has an excellent library of music and content, so it generates everything you need," Etefagh explained.

The group was first introduced to Lumen5 in a marketing class. "Nowadays, videos are so important. You can impress everyone and communicate your message within seconds," she added.

Karimi, on the other hand, mentioned that Project Week was very enjoyable as it required them to not only use AI but also master it since they were tasked with teaching it to other students.

"We’d never taught before, so we had to go through the process of learning how to teach, while also finding the best ways to present the material within a limited time. It was a challenge, but it was also enjoyable," she said.

She also credited their success to strong teamwork. "Everyone contributed something, and it turned out to be a great team effort. We truly enjoyed every moment of it."

Soltani spoke about the feedback from bachelor’s students: "The majority of the feedback was positive. The students found the session easy to follow, and many said they could immediately apply the skills to their own projects. However, they suggested we could have made the session more practical by including more hands-on exercises."

Reflecting on what she learned, Soltani noted: "Collaboration was key — learning how to cooperate and share responsibility. The second important lesson was teaching others. Training requires patience and a thoughtful approach. It’s a reminder that you learn more by teaching, as you tailor the material to different individuals. I also learned a great deal about AI. It’s used daily, but its potential is vast, and we have to keep up."

Pahwa was very impressed with the students' creativity: "The success of the project week was evident when I saw my students transform into trainers, applying design thinking principles and curating training sessions on these software tools from scratch. Witnessing their success brought me immense pleasure as a lecturer!"

Similarly, bachelor’s students were tasked with interviewing professionals about the use of AI in personal and professional development and providing their findings as part of the project week. The winning bachelor’s group, comprising Aliaksandr Karol, Xiaoying Wei, Savva Morozov, Arsenii Vinnitskii, and Michael Olufade, were evaluated on the Quality of Interview Questions, Analysis and Findings, Key Takeaways and Reflective Learning.

According to Dadi Chen, Deputy Head of School of Business, the group won the prize due to their exceptional teamwork, insightful research design and findings, and excellent data visualisation and presentation skills.

The bachelor’s group interviewed professionals from various industries to understand how AI tools are being used in everyday tasks. They surveyed five interviewees, including an HR Assistant, an Entrepreneur, Study Location & CRM Manager, Business Development Manager, and Head of Interns. The professionals highlighted several ways AI is being applied across different sectors, such as text generation, search engines, analysis, brainstorming, and learning. AI was particularly noted for its ability to save time, provide data-driven insights, automate repetitive tasks, and assist in advanced learning. However, there were also concerns regarding AI’s limitations, including privacy issues, lack of transparency, and accuracy problems.

The interviewees also discussed both the positive and negative impacts of AI. On the positive side, AI helps with cost-cutting through process automation, content generation, and real-time recommendations for decision-making. On the negative side, concerns included the decline in human interaction, over-reliance on AI, and the potential loss of entry-level jobs.

Vinnitskii said that they spent around three weeks carefully developing the interview protocol to incorporate all aspects needed for their research. "Various tools and methodologies were used to both understand and implement the required background for our study.

"After completing this research, the time came to plan the interviews, and this is where our team's flexibility proved beneficial. We were able to create a schedule of interviews where each member was able to contribute, allowing us to include as many interview participants as possible within a limited time frame.

"Even though a lot of time went into interview design, it is impossible to account for everything, so our agility was useful at that stage as well. What has also helped is the shared understanding of our research end goals."

WUP 19/02/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Exploring Warehouse Automation's Impact on Customer Satisfaction in Last-Mile Delivery

Kalu Agwu Kalu’s Research Explores Impact of Warehouse Automation on Customer Satisfaction

Kalu Agwu Kalu, a master's student in Business Management, specialising in Logistics and Trade at Wittenborg, has completed a comprehensive thesis examining the role of warehouse automation in shaping customer experiences during last-mile delivery. His research compared the impact of automated, semi-automated and manual warehousing systems on customer satisfaction, with a focus on package delivery efficiency and service quality.

Why the Topic Matters

Kalu chose this topic because he believes that understanding the relationship between warehouse automation and customer satisfaction in last-mile delivery is vital for businesses aiming to improve operational efficiency.  

“I believe that this research would contribute to a nuanced understanding of how warehouse automation influences the experiential aspects of last-mile delivery in the package delivery industry. It will offer insights to last-mile delivery companies on how to optimise their operations and improve customer satisfaction based on diverse automation strategies.”  

His goal was to explore how varying levels of automation in warehousing affect customers' overall delivery experiences, providing guidance for logistics companies.

Research Methodology

To investigate this topic, Kalu used a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The surveys provided a broad view of customer satisfaction, while the interviews allowed deeper insights into the operational processes and views of key industry figures, including warehouse managers, operations managers, logistics experts and order processing managers. He interviewed eight participants from both Nigeria and the Netherlands.

“The interviews covered topics such as how warehouse automation has influenced day-to-day operations, the challenges in implementing automation, how automation contributes to customer satisfaction in terms of timely deliveries, and overall service quality. The customer survey aimed to identify which factors most influence the delivery experience and where companies should focus their improvement efforts.”

Main Findings

Kalu’s research identified three primary factors influencing customers’ last-mile delivery experience: timely delivery, convenience and the condition of the package upon arrival. These factors were essential to customer satisfaction in both countries.

A key finding was that customers in the Netherlands, where automated warehousing is integrated with agile last-mile delivery, reported slightly higher satisfaction than their counterparts in Nigeria, where semi-automated or manual systems were used. “When automated warehousing works alongside agile last-mile delivery, customers were generally more satisfied. However, even with semi-automated or manual systems, when paired with agile last-mile delivery, companies could still provide a positive customer experience,” Kalu noted.

This suggests that while fully automated systems offer benefits, the combination of efficient last-mile strategies with semi-automated or manual systems can also deliver positive results if last-mile processes are optimised.

The Role of Automation and Scalability

Another significant finding was that warehouse automation plays a crucial role in scalability. Automated systems allow businesses to adapt quickly to fluctuating customer demands, improving efficiency and accuracy in order processing. Kalu stressed that scalability is particularly important in the logistics and warehousing industries, where order volumes and customer expectations often vary.

“These technologies enable companies like DHL to adapt their warehouse operations to changing customer demands and market dynamics while maintaining high service quality,” Kalu explained. “However, warehouse automation is not a one-size-fits-all solution. For it to have a wider impact on customer satisfaction, it must continue to evolve, addressing factors like cost, ease of use and adaptability.”

Looking Ahead

Kalu is currently working in Canada with a consumer goods manufacturing company, where he plans to apply the insights gained from his research to improve the company’s logistics and distribution operations. “The knowledge gained from this study will empower me to propose solutions to improve logistics and distribution efficiency,” he shared.  

In the long term, Kalu aspires to establish his own logistics firm with international reach, focusing on innovative and scalable solutions for global delivery challenges.

Advice for Future Students

Kalu has some valuable advice for Wittenborg students starting their own research journeys. “Adequate planning is key. Choose a topic that you are passionate about and comfortable researching. You will face challenges along the way, but be prepared to adapt quickly. The process may not unfold exactly as you imagined, but stay determined and courageous – you will get to the finish line.”

Reflecting on Thesis Journey

One of the most enjoyable aspects of writing his thesis, according to Kalu, was conducting interviews with key players in the logistics industry.  

“It provided me with practical insights from different perspectives and countries,” he said. Kalu also expressed his gratitude for the support he received during his academic journey, particularly from his supervisor, Dr George Bosire.  

WUP 17/02/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

A Global Beginning: More than 100 Students from 20 Countries Join Wittenborg

Introduction Week Offers Valuable Insights Across Wittenborg’s Locations

More than 100 new faces brighten Wittenborg’s classrooms and facilities in Apeldoorn, Amsterdam and Munich. Reflecting the school’s diversity and internationalisation, the new bachelor’s and master’s students come from 20 countries: Türkiye, Morocco, Albania, Iran, Georgia, Zimbabwe, India, the Netherlands, Indonesia, Nigeria, Russia, Italy, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Mozambique, Uganda, Kenya, Ukraine, Vietnam and Uzbekistan.

From 3 to 7 February, the new members of the Wittenborg family participated in the traditional Introduction Week. In addition to attending lectures on the practical aspects and cultural nuances of the countries where they will be living – the Netherlands and Germany – the new students were also given valuable insights into Wittenborg’s infrastructure, services and organisation.

The activities concluded with an Introductory Lunch at all of Wittenborg’s locations, giving staff and new students the opportunity to enjoy delicious food and make new friends. This Introduction Week marked the school’s first intake of the year, out of six. The next intakes will be in March, May, August, October and December. 

During his welcoming speech on 6 February, Wittenborg President Peter Birdsall highlighted that the new students are embarking on a challenging journey at one of the top business schools in the Netherlands. "The applied research in your degree meets the highest standards of quality, so I encourage you all to listen carefully to your supervisors and lecturers to ensure you follow their instructions clearly. Use your time wisely and don’t leave things until the last minute, as that will create unnecessary hurdles." 

Bachelor’s student Layton Leroy Neves, from Mozambique, commented that he first heard about Wittenborg from his older brother, who studied at the school more than 10 years ago. Neves will be pursuing an International Business Administration (IBA) degree in Economics & Management. "I'm looking forward to making the most of my experience here. I know it will be academically challenging at times, but like anything else, there are always obstacles, and I’m ready to face them. I have a very positive outlook on the future." 

He added that he is living in Wittenborg’s student housing, which has been very convenient for him. "I have my own studio, and it’s very comfortable. I’ve already made a few friends, and Introduction Week was really helpful. I had researched Wittenborg beforehand, but I still learned new things from the speakers, and this knowledge will be valuable to me." 

WUP 14/02/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Wittenborg’s Cha-Hsuan Liu Compiles New Book on Asian Diaspora in The Hague

Unveiling Stories of the Asian Diaspora in The Hague Through Language

Wittenborg Associate Professor Cha-Hsuan Liu has played a key role in compiling Asian Diaspora in The Hague: A Multilingual Wordbook, a fascinating exploration of the lives of Asian immigrants in The Hague.

The book brings together stories from various members of the Asian diaspora and focuses on 25 words that hold cultural and personal significance for those who have made the city their home.

Liu, alongside researcher Enrico Joaquin Lapuz, helped compile and shape the content of the book, which features a range of words from languages such as Mandarin, Filipino and Arabic. Through these words, the book captures moments of personal significance, cultural reflection and the challenges faced by people navigating life in a new country.

One example is the Mandarin word shing fu, which translates as “fortune” or “fortunate.” The contributor from Taiwan shared how this term is used to express good luck and well-being, especially during Chinese New Year when families make dumplings with coins hidden inside for good fortune. This word carries a deeper meaning for the interviewee, who reflects on how the feeling of shing fu — luck and balance — doesn’t quite feel the same in The Hague, where life can feel more structured and planned.

Another example is the word laban, which means “to strive, to fight.” An interviewee from the Philippines shared: “It wasn’t my dream to have a restaurant in The Hague. We bought it from a government auction; the previous owner was deported, and they were looking for someone to take the entire property. We’ve been at our location in Centrum for almost 9 years, and I work very hard to run it. For the business, I always say, ‘I want to work hard for my money now because later on, I want my money to work hard for me.’ If I had to share one word about how I feel about work, it’s laban. You can use it in different ways — when someone’s facing a challenge, whether with family or within yourself. When it happens, you are fighting against these obstacles. It’s something you say to keep going, to never give up.”

The project, which took place over several months in 2023, involved students from Leiden University College (LUC) and volunteers who worked together to conduct interviews with people from diverse backgrounds. The aim was to provide a platform for members of The Hague’s Asian diaspora to share their stories in their own words, creating a more authentic and personal account of their lives.

Liu, who hails from Taiwan, worked closely with the team to ensure that the participants’ voices were heard and that their cultural contexts were respected.

“The goal of this book is to give people from the Asian diaspora an opportunity to share their experiences and languages,” says Liu. “It’s a way to highlight the richness of our multicultural society and offer insights into the different ways people adapt to life in The Hague.”

One of the key aspects of the project was its focus on presenting the words and stories directly from the interviewees, allowing them to guide the conversation and express their feelings and perspectives without the filter of traditional academic research.

With Liu and Lapuz being residents of The Hague and having come from Asian backgrounds themselves (Taiwan and the Philippines), they have a personal connection to this project.  

This connection was amplified once contact was made with the interviewees. In the end, this responsibility led to some difficulty in putting together the final list of words and presenting the stories, as the concept of the project at this stage often clashed with the traditional role of an academic researcher. Conventional research requires the researcher to act as a bridge between their subject and the rest of the world, interpreting and representing their stories on their behalf. However, in doing so, this perpetuates an “outsider looking in” or top-down point of view that inevitably takes away from the voices of the interviewees themselves. In participating in this project, not only were the researchers able to connect with their interlocutors, but many members of the Asian diaspora were also able to meet and connect with each other, further enriching the local communities in The Hague.

Through Asian Diaspora in The Hague, Liu and the team hope to spark greater understanding and dialogue within the local community. By showcasing the linguistic and cultural diversity that exists within the city, they aim to promote inclusivity and empathy, encouraging readers to reflect on their own relationships with the people and cultures around them. The book has since gained attention from the Den Haag municipality, and copies are being distributed to libraries by Leiden University. The eBook is also available for free download via the webpage. 

WUP 13/02/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

MBA Thesis Analyses Impact of SEO for B2B and B2C IT Companies

Ali Mohamed Júnior’s Study Highlights Importance of SEO For Businesses

Digital marketing is becoming increasingly essential for businesses in an irreversible trend that was only accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, techniques such as Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) have become crucial to the success of companies.  

To better understand this scenario, Wittenborg graduate Ali Mahfudh Mohamed Júnior wrote his thesis on the impact of SEO as a marketing tactic for Dutch business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) Information Technology (IT) start-ups.  

Ali, who recently completed an MBA degree in Digital Marketing and Communication, explains that he was motivated to choose this research topic as a result of his professional experience in the field of digital marketing.  

“This topic was a natural choice for me because I am very experienced in SEO, having helped three startup companies get to the first pages and positions of Google’s Search Results Page (SERP). Later, I went on to start my own digital marketing agency in Amsterdam, AM Digital Marketing, to help small and medium-sized businesses from around the world. I established my agency in June 2023 and have already helped and assisted more than 25 companies, primarily in the US, Netherlands, Brazil, Portugal, Peru, Colombia, New Zealand, Germany, South Africa and Oman,” he highlights.  

To gather information for his study, Ali used electronic questionnaires and brief interviews with founders, marketing managers and managing directors from B2B and B2C IT firms. His research involved 50 participants in total, covering topics such as digital marketing efforts, familiarity with SEO, website performance ranking observation, SEO impact & importance, Click Through Rate (CTR), SEO budget & tools, keywords and inbound lead generation measuring.

Ali’s study finds that while 62% of Dutch IT B2B companies utilise SEO, 65% of B2C IT companies use it. As a result, the latter have attained better results in terms of conversions and sales. “Due to the popularity and effectiveness of SEO as a marketing tactic for these firms, they were able to witness a growth of more than 70% in their sales and client acquisition along with an increasing number of online visitors or organic traffic,” he underlines.  

The graduate adds that SEO is increasingly recognised as a vital marketing tactic by Dutch IT companies, playing a key role in the success of both B2B and B2C businesses. Particularly for B2C companies, the impact of SEO in driving business growth is evident, with many seeing significant results in customer acquisition, revenue generation and overall growth. “SEO has not only played a pivotal role in the growth of established Dutch IT companies but has also contributed to the rise of new start-ups in the Netherlands. As SEO enables businesses to increase visibility and reach a broader customer base, it has become a key factor for start-ups aiming to establish themselves in competitive markets. This growing reliance on SEO has, in turn, fuelled an ever-increasing demand for digital marketers with expertise in executing these strategies.” 

According to Ali, the aspects he enjoyed most about his thesis were writing the literature review, findings and recommendation sections. “I also enjoyed the data collection process and the brief but very interesting interviews I had with a few companies,” he says.  

The graduate advises current Wittenborg students to choose a thesis topic that they are truly passionate about and dive deep into it. “Start off strong from the first month and don’t wait for the Research Methodologies class to nail down your topic. Get those ideas flowing and start working on your project early. This way, when it’s time to present, you’ve already got a solid foundation. Plus, you’ll save yourself from the last-minute crunch. Here’s a tip: dedicate a few hours every day to your research. Consistency is key. And remember, it’s not just about finishing quickly; it's about enjoying the journey and learning along the way. So, keep that passion alive, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. You’ve got this!”

Regarding his plans for the future, Ali comments that through his agency, AM Digital Marketing, he is looking to expanding his network and creating fresh business opportunities. Additionally, he is working on launching a fully remote SEO and Digital Marketing bootcamp in his native country of Mozambique starting in June 2025. “This is especially important because Mozambique faces challenges with limited technology access and a high illiteracy rate. I want to empower the youth in my home country to learn how to make money online and start their own businesses. By doing this, I hope to help boost the local economy and encourage growth in our community.”

The graduate concludes by remarking that his journey in the field of digital marketing has shaped his identity as a self-made individual. “I deeply believe that I can make a meaningful impact on humanity by bringing joy to small and medium-sized business owners through increased customers and sales for their enterprises. My mission is to empower these businesses, helping them thrive and succeed in a competitive landscape.”

WUP 12/02/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Wittenborg Annual Teachers’ Meeting 2025: New Developments, Accreditation and Global Expansion

Agenda includes AACSB Accreditation, global expansion and AoL updates

On 5 February, Wittenborg hosted its Annual Teachers’ Meeting, gathering faculty members both in person at Brinklaan and virtually. The event provided a comprehensive update on key institutional developments, accreditation progress, and plans for global expansion, all reinforcing Wittenborg’s commitment to excellence in education and innovation.

The meeting opened with a welcome from Head of the School of Business Rauf Abdul, who introduced new faculty members. This was followed by an address from Wittenborg President Peter Birdsall, who shared exciting updates regarding the school’s future. Birdsall outlined the upcoming launch of the first-year bachelor’s curriculum in collaboration with Cambridge Education Group (known as OnCampus). This new curriculum will be offered at a Triple Crown accredited business school at the University of Amsterdam starting in September 2025. With an expected intake of around 250 students, the school will operate from two locations in Amsterdam, marking a significant expansion.

AACSB Accreditation  

A major focus of the meeting was the school’s progress toward AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) Accreditation, which Birdsall described as a stamp of excellence that places Wittenborg among the top business schools worldwide.

"But we can now prepare our self-assessment report, which will be submitted in April, and a panel will visit us in September," Birdsall noted. "This is a really important milestone. AACSB accreditation is more than just a badge — it's a mark of excellence that signals to students, employers, and academic partners that we meet the highest standards in applied research."

Wittenborg rector Ron Tuninga further elaborated on the process and its significant implications for the institution. He emphasised that the accreditation would help the school remain competitive globally while also enhancing the quality of education delivered. "Once we check in, AACSB will be with us forever," Tuninga remarked, referring to the continuous improvement process that follows accreditation. "It’s a recognition of the value that you give to your students."

Tuninga highlighted the practical benefits of AACSB accreditation, noting that an accredited degree can ease graduates' job prospects, particularly in countries where Wittenborg has fewer established connections. “This accreditation strengthens our reputation, opens doors for research partnerships and funding, and positions Wittenborg as a leader in business education, not just in the Netherlands, but globally,” Tuninga added.

Birdsall also emphasised the numerous other benefits of achieving AACSB accreditation, including:

• Global recognition for the school’s academic work
• Opportunities for collaboration and industry partnerships
• A push to innovate in curriculum and assessment to ensure graduates are well-prepared for the modern business world

Additionally, Tuninga discussed Wittenborg’s commitment to societal impact through research and teaching. "What is the next step? How can we deliver on societal impact?" he asked, urging the faculty to think about the broader implications of their work.

Tuninga also shared details about an upcoming roundtable conference in May, which will bring together representatives from 10 countries to discuss business practices in research and education. "It’s helping us put a foothold in the conversation on quality of education and business practice," Tuninga said.

Dutch FMCG Sector Boosted by AI Study Highlights Key Benefits and Challenges

How AI is Revolutionising Inventory Management in the FMCG Sector

Wittenborg student turned Admissions Administrator, Maulik Barot, has shed light on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming inventory management in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector in the Netherlands. Through his MBM (Master of Business Management) thesis, Barot explores how AI is helping companies optimise efficiency, reduce costs and improve decision-making.

“I worked in the logistics area for an FMCG company in the Netherlands during my studies,” Barot shared. “I noticed many challenges, like warehouse management, that could be solved with AI. It got me curious, and I began researching solutions online. I realised many companies weren’t using these technologies yet because they’re still so new and there’s not much written about them.”

What the Study Found

Barot’s study is based on interviews with 12 mid-level managers in the Dutch FMCG industry, who shared both the opportunities and hurdles associated with AI integration.

Barot’s research highlighted several key advantages of integrating AI into inventory management systems. He mentioned that AI tools analyse past and real-time sales data to predict customer needs more accurately, minimising overstocking and stock-outs. Automated systems dynamically adjust inventory levels, ensuring availability while reducing excess. Furthermore, real-time tracking and analytics empower managers to make quicker, smarter decisions, improving overall operational efficiency.

The study found that these advancements lead to measurable benefits, such as increased inventory turnover rates, lower storage costs and improved customer satisfaction.

Real-World Insights from the Field

Managers reported that AI automation saved time and reduced costs by handling routine tasks like inventory tracking and stock replenishment. However, they also noted challenges in integrating AI with older systems and training staff to adapt to the technology.

Barot further concluded that while AI has immense potential to revolutionise inventory management, companies must address barriers like high costs, staff resistance and regulatory challenges to achieve seamless integration.

From Student to Change-Maker

For Barot, this research was personal: “I decided to write my thesis on this topic to make a slight impact in improving this area. By combining examples and expert insights, I hoped to highlight how AI can transform warehouse management and inventory systems.”

Barot’s journey from student to Wittenborg’s Admissions Administrator has given him a unique perspective. “My time at Wittenborg in the admissions team has shown me the importance of operational efficiency, even in education. It’s something I aim to continue focusing on in my career, whether in inventory, data management or administrative roles.”

Advice for Future Researchers

Barot also shared valuable advice for students starting their own research projects. He emphasised the importance of starting early and selecting a focused, relevant topic. Engaging with existing research is key to strengthening your understanding, while ensuring that your research question remains manageable is crucial for staying on track. Barot also stressed the need to consult with your supervisor regularly for feedback, stay systematic in collecting and analysing data and ensure your findings are clearly presented.  

WUP 10/02/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Wittenborg's Cha-Hsuan Liu Showcases 'Breathe' Painting in Tapei

Liu's Painting Featured in Art Charity Without Borders Exhibition in Taipei

A new painting titled Breathe by Associate Professor of Applied Sciences Cha-Hsuan Liu has been featured in the 'Art Charity Without Borders: Endless Love' exhibition in Taipei. The painting was commissioned by the non-profit organisation Art Charity Without Borders, which uses art as a means to connect, heal, and inspire, all while supporting a compassionate cause.

Art Charity Without Borders is a global non-profit organisation dedicated to using art as a tool for healing and uplifting disadvantaged groups, particularly children. It aims to bring comfort and joy to vulnerable communities, fostering creative expression and positive emotional growth. The organisation’s mission revolves around three key pillars: healing through art, uniting artistic volunteers for global impact, and engaging communities in meaningful artistic activities.

The Breathe painting exemplifies these values by offering a space for reflection and solace, contributing not only to the exhibition’s success but also to Art Charity Without Borders’ larger goal of raising awareness for those in need.

Liu has expressed that her involvement in the charity goes beyond just being an artist. “As a contributor to Art Charity Without Borders, I am not only an artist who participates in the exhibitions, but also an ambassador to advocate their vision and mission with my international networks,” she explained. “At the same time, I attend field charity works across borders. In the coming year, I might take the role of Vice Chairperson for International Affairs.”

Since its inception, Art Charity Without Borders has operated with a clear vision of using art to bring lasting impact to underserved communities. In previous years, the organisation has run workshops and exhibitions in countries such as Germany, Greece, Eswatini, Ukraine and Taiwan. By fostering collaboration with local artists and communities, it continues to provide emotional support to vulnerable populations. The exhibition in Taipei is another crucial step in bringing global attention to the cause.

“The happiness of children shapes a brighter future for the world,” Liu said. “Through art, we are able to touch lives and foster a sense of unity, hope, and compassion that transcends borders.”

The exhibition was open until 17 January, and the organisation continues to work towards supporting underprivileged children around the world, aiming to bring much-needed intervention and hope.

Looking ahead, Art Charity Without Borders remains focused on its mission and welcomes new collaborations. “Next stop? Perhaps Africa?” Liu teased, hinting at the organisation’s next steps in expanding its global reach.

WUP 07/02/2025 
by Erene Roux
©WUAS Press 

Ben Birdsall to Appear as Special Guest at Whisky Festival in Apeldoorn

Meet Ben Birdsall at the Whisky Festival in Apeldoorn This March

Whisky enthusiasts in the Netherlands are in for a treat as the Whisky Festival Apeldoorn returns for its third edition on 1 and 2 March at Station Royaal in Apeldoorn. The whisky event, organised by the Yourright Foundation, will feature exhibitors, tastings, and a special guest appearance by Ben Birdsall, writer and artist.

Ben is the author of two whisky-travel books, both published by Wittenborg University Press, documenting his adventures exploring distilleries across Scotland and Ireland. The first book, Whisky Burn, tells the story of a three-week odyssey around the highlands and islands of Scotland. Birdsall visits distilleries, speaks with whisky experts, and learns about the craft — all while travelling on his classic 1979 50cc ‘vespino’. The book is illustrated with twelve oil paintings created by the author at various points during his trip.

 The second book, Whiskey Burn: Distilleries of Ireland by Vespa, sees Ben embark on a 1,600-km journey from Dublin, exploring the distilleries of Ireland. With wit and anecdotes, he sheds light on both traditional and emerging Irish whiskey distilleries while savouring their unique flavours along the way.

In a previous interview with Wittenborg, Ben spoke about Whisky Burn, saying that it is for people who, like him, “know a little bit about whisky and want to learn more about the distilleries that produce them.” He continued: “It’s not a book written by a connoisseur that grades the whisky. I don’t give recommendations. It is a reference book for distilleries. It could also be for people going on holiday, wanting to do a similar trip. You could do it on a bicycle in the same time I did!”

Commenting on this year’s Whisky Festival in Apeldoorn, Ben said: “It sounds like a fantastic event celebrating the craft, culture, and passion behind whisky. I’m really looking forward to engaging with fellow enthusiasts, sharing insights, and of course, raising a glass to the occasion.”

At the festival, visitors will have the opportunity to meet Ben, hear his stories, and get their books signed. Other notable exhibitors and experts include Nicole Schuijer & Branko Driessen – festival organisers and collectors of rare whiskies; De Cognactheek – Apeldoorn’s premier liquor store, showcasing an extensive whisky selection; Stichting Dutch Whiskyteers – passionate experts in Dutch whisky distilleries; and Dutch Bourbon Base – featuring rare American bourbons from a private 400-bottle collection.

Supporting a Good Cause

The Yourright Foundation is a Dutch non-profit that helps individuals with disabilities engage in volunteer work abroad. Proceeds from the event will support the foundation’s initiatives. Tickets can be purchased online. For general event questions, contact whiskyfestivalapeldoorn@gmail.com. 

WUP 05/02/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press

Study Analyses Influence of Transformational Leadership in Educational Contexts

https://www.wittenborg.eu/study-analyses-influence-transformational-leadership-educational-contexts.htm

Sadaf Bafandeh’s Master’s Thesis Highlights Importance of Motivating Employees

Leadership plays a crucial role in the success of organisations, directly impacting both employee motivation and well-being. To better understand the influence of transformational leadership on employees’ self-esteem in the higher education context, Wittenborg graduate Sadaf Bafandeh chose to write her master’s thesis on this topic. 

Originally from Iran, Bafandeh recently completed a Master of Business Management (MBM) degree in Human Resources Management. “I chose the topic of transformational leadership for my thesis because I believe this leadership style is essential for enhancing the self-esteem and motivation of employees in any business setting, especially in educational institutions. This leadership approach focuses on the individuals within the team rather than just the team as a whole, with the leader caring about individual development in addition to team success,” she highlights. 

To gather data for her study, the researcher used surveys, which were administered to 122 faculty members from Dutch universities of applied sciences. Among other topics, the questionnaire covered the respondents’ level of familiarity with transformational leadership, the presence of this style of leadership in the organisation, the effectiveness of communication within teams/departments and the institution’s organisational culture.  

The research finds that transformational leadership affects employees’ efficiency and corporate performance. Additionally, effective leadership is critical in education, as faculty members shape the students’ intellectual and emotional development. For this reason, transformational leaders contribute positively to organisational culture by motivating, inspiring and boosting education professionals’ self-esteem, which creates a more pleasant and efficient workplace. 

Bafandeh argues that organisations should make efforts to boost workers' confidence a top priority. She underlines that to further enhance the positive effects of leadership, it is important to foster a supportive organisational culture that encourages open communication, recognises employee achievements and promotes a collaborative work environment. 

The graduate comments that, for her, the most gratifying aspect of doing her thesis was learning how to use SPSS Statistics software. Additionally, she advises students who are working on their graduation assignments to believe in themselves and research their topics in depth.  

Regarding her future plans, Bafandeh says that she is seeking to improve her proficiency of the Dutch language and looking for jobs in business administration or Human Resources. “I am also in contact with universities in the United States to explore the possibility of pursuing a PhD in leadership,” she points out.

WUP 03/02/2025
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press