University of Salford students collaborate with HAN University for third annual North Sea Challenge
Earlier this month, around 120 students from Salford Business School (SBS) and HAN University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands, came together to take part in the third annual North Sea Challenge. The two-day challenge once again provided SBS students with an invaluable opportunity to be immersed in experiential learning. The activity centred on the Edumundo Phone Ventures business simulation: a competitive, real-time scenario where students manage the launch of a new mobile phone internationally. Working in mixed Salford-HAN groups, students made decisions related to marketing, budgeting, sustainability and strategy, applying the financial and business knowledge they have developed in the classroom. As part of the simulation, students were also encouraged to consider the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), prompting strategic discussions around sustainability within a commercial context. Students have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback following the event, with many saying they valued the opportunity to gain an international outlook and further develop their global citizenship. Marvellous Emotan, a third-year Business Management with Economics student whose team won the challenge, said: “This experience tested our strategic decision making, teamwork and adaptability. It was both challenging and rewarding to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios under time pressure. “A huge thank you to the organisers for creating such an inspiring and collaborative atmosphere. Grateful for the learning, connections, and memories gained along the way!” Reflecting on the event, Fleur Middlebrough, Group Subject Head of Accounting, said: “Seeing our students thrive during this year’s North Sea Challenge has been fantastic. Not only did they work on a scenario that mirrors the real-life challenges they may face in their future careers, but they also gained meaningful international experience that cannot always be replicated in the classroom. “Confidence grew, perspectives widened, and it was wonderful to see genuine collaboration across cultures. A huge thank you to colleagues Charlene Pattison, Charlie Seager and Tahir Rashid, whose support was instrumental in delivering such a successful event.” The North Sea Challenge continues to play an important role in SBS’s commitment to practice-based learning offering cross-cultural perspectives, and forms part of the School’s broader strategy to enhance international collaboration and student experience. What began with a small Salford cohort has now grown into a significant partnership, with around 50 SBS students taking part this year and new international links developing across the University. Professor Vish Maheshwari, Associate Dean Academic: Student Experience, added: “This challenge embodies the skills and experiences we want our students to develop, including global awareness, teamwork, adaptability and the confidence to work across cultural boundaries. The partnership with HAN University continues to grow, and opportunities like this prepare our students to become future-ready business leaders as well as responsible global citizens. Well done to every participant for their dedication and enthusiasm.” The strengthening relationship between SBS and HAN now includes Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects across multiple subject areas, and both institutions are exploring further opportunities for reciprocal visits and increased student participation in the years ahead.