And the 2005 Univative winners are . . .

Jul 21, 2005

Illawarra organisations keen to resolve problems and issues facing their operations will learn tomorrow (Friday July 22) just how effective bright young minds can work.

Will the students from the University of Wollongong come up with a business continuity plan following a disaster or help solve work opportunities forthose with disabilities?

Univative Illawarra promotes innovation in the Illawarra by linking local organisations with teams of students from various disciplines.

Two of the six host organisations for 2005 are also sponsors -- BlueScope Steel and Illawarra Credit Union. The remaining four host organisations areGreenacres Association, KPMG, Wollongong City Council and Healthy Cities Illawarra.

Each of these organisations has two teams researching a workplace issue and recommending creative and practical solutions. These are genuine business problems/issues that the organisations want to see tackled.

Some of the topics under research are: Business continuity plan following a disaster, converting to relationship marketing, work opportunities for those with disabilities, and marketing the 10 point nature challenge in the Illawarra.

After a month of intense teamwork, each team must present their recommendations to their host organisation who will judge a winning solution.

Prizes will be awarded for "Best presentation", "Best business report" and "most creative idea".

Workplace Learning Co-ordinator, Ms Sue Rejske, said the benefits for tudents included increased employment prospects through the development ofemployability skills, networking opportunities and learning new skills outside their academic discipline.

She said the host organisations gained access to the best and brightest students armed with their new ideas and innovative approaches to solving areal business problem.

Manager of the UOW Careers Service, Mr Martin Smith, said the program has rated very highly with past students and organisations.

When: 2-5pm, Friday 22 July

Where: UniCentre Function Room 1 (Bldg 11). The participating organisations will haverepresentatives at tomorrow's judging

Media please note: While filming/interviews are possible from 2pm the winners of the categories will be announced at 5.30pm. To obtain thewinners' names contact Sue Rejske on 0419 213073 (mobile) or Martin Smith on 0409 319462.

For further information: Contact Sue Rejske on 4221 5655 or mobile 0419 213073.

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128