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Home > About The IBS > Press Releases

Press Releases

Focklaghyn-naight

Press Release 17/10/00

A MANX FIRST

For the first time, a full-time academic researcher in the Isle of Man has been appointed by a Manx Higher Education Institution rather than the University of Liverpool. 

Christina O'Loughlin has been appointed by the Isle of Man International Business School as Isle of Man Post Office Research Fellow. 

Christina joins the International Business School from the University of Ulster where she was working as a researcher. She will now conduct a sponsored research project for the Isle of Man Post Office to develop a customer satisfaction index, which will involve close contact with Post Office customers and staff.

This is a significant appointment for both the International Business School and the Isle of Man. The IBS is delighted that its first academic appointment is of a full-time researcher. Such appointments are considered to be a mark of a high quality Higher Education Institution. The presence of research staff both develops the reputation of the institution as a centre of excellence and also attracts the best students who know that their teaching will be informed by the latest research. 

Christina describes the benefits of this type of research:

"Recent developments in research methodology and statistical analysis have increased the reliability and validity of measures. This allows causative relationships to be more accurately identified. By understanding these relationships it is possible to make accurate evaluations and projections. This information informs organisations of how structures or processes are performing. In turn, this influences the development of strategic planning to reach desired outcomes."

Christina's appointment is seen as the first step towards a major research capability at the International Business School. Organisations can now cost-effectively outsource important and complex tasks to highly qualified, objective experts who are monitored and supported by the International Business School. In the past much work of this nature has gone to off-island consultants etc as organisations have not had the internal capacity or resources to carry out such work themselves.

The International Business School is now moving forward to appoint senior academic staff, who will be available to conduct research projects and offer consultancy services. Other research capabilities can already be found on the Island at the Centre for Manx Studies, the Port Erin Marine Laboratory and elsewhere. These developments are producing economic diversification of a high added value and will attract investment both from Manx enterprises seeking to boost their performance and from overseas.