Center Spotlight Series - Centre for Family Business
In this series we will shine a spotlight on the research being undertaken in DCU centers. This month we are looking at the DCU Centre for Family Business. You can find previous center spotlights here.
Launched by Taoiseach Enda Kenny in 2013, the DCU Centre for Family Business (CFB) strives to be Ireland’s first centre of excellence in the management and sustainability of Irish family businesses for future generations. The centre achieves this in three ways: first, through pro-active engagement with family businesses nationwide via workshops, conferences, social media and e-newsletters; second, our research team produces high quality research and communicates internationally recognised best practices in family business management; and third, we are currently developing an educational offering at undergraduate, postgraduate and executive levels to ensure family businesses have the skills and knowledge to sustain and grow their business.
Now in its third year, the DCU Centre for Family Business has made huge strides in terms of research, engages continuously with the family business community, and builds on key relationships with renowned universities and scholars affiliated to the family business field. In 2015, the CFB ran eight events, including a four event roadshow in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway. Addressing almost 200 family business members nationwide, Professor Ken Moores explained what professionalization is and why it’s important for business growth and survival.
In terms of research, the CFB gained two international academic journal publications, a Best Paper Award at the Irish Academy of Management Conference 2015, received four visiting professors and gained a new Ph.D scholar. Our research plans for 2016 is to continue with high quality, publishable research outputs. In Spring 2016, we will launch our specially commissioned report for Fingal County Council on multi-generational family businesses in the Fingal area. We will continue to submit to conferences and journals renowned in the fields of entrepreneurship and management. We are also aiming to grow our research team by welcoming new Ph.D students, associate professors, among others.
Our engagement plans for the coming year include a webinar entitled: “Talent in Family Business: Role of Non-Family Members”, held March 1st. Our annual Family Business Conference on April 12th “Attracting, nurturing and retaining family and non-family talent in your business” hosted over 160 family business attendees. Jim Ethier, third generation member of Bush Brothers and Co. (USA), Eimear Lynch, family director in Stafford Lynch and Paul Keogh, non-family COO of Ballymore group all shared their knowledge regarding this area. Following on from the success of last year’s event, we’re running our second Family Business Roadshow in June 1- 15th in Dublin, Cork and Shannon. In the final quarter of 2016, we’re looking forward to hosting two specialised seminars: the first in next generation involvement and the second on women in family business and leadership.
For further information of our upcoming events please visit our website here. Get in touch via email familybusiness@dcu.ie or phone 01 700 6921.