Fiontar MSc students complete practicums
5 September 2002

Fiontar postgraduates, Roisín Ní Dhuibhir, Aoife Ní Chonchubhair and Daithí Ó Loideáin from the MSc in Business and Information Technology, have spent the summer working on their practicum in a number of organisations and businesses. A practicum is a project MSc students undertake to put theoretical and academic knowledge into practice within a commercial or industrial environment. Graduates can work in small groups, comprising individuals with different skillsets, or they may choose to complete individual projects, once this has been sanctioned by Fiontar staff.

Roisín Ní Dhuibhir is a native of Gaoth Dobhair in the Donegal Gaeltacht, home of Clannad and Enya. Roisín worked on a new business plan for Tábhairne Leo, a pub in the region, reknowned for its traditional music. She developed the idea of a cultural and heritage centre, partly dedicated to Clannad and Enya, that would also be a venue for various cultural events.

Aoife Ní Chonchubhair from Wexford approached a local furniture company called Zocalo for her practicum, where she conducted international marketing research. She assessed the German and French markets and will now continue working there to assess the British market.

Daithí Ó Loideáin, from Dublin, researched publishers' websites and developed the website of Irish language publishers Cois Life. The site can be viewed at www.coislife.ie

At the end of each practicum the graduates make an oral presentation of their work to their peers, Fiontar staff and invited guests and prepare a written report. The MSc is assessed on the following criteria; methodology, relevance, originality, presentation.