Fine-tuning a Business School strategy: contributions from the staff
Católica Porto Business School invites colleagues from partner universities to the first International Partner Days, which will take place on 3 and 4 June 2025. This two-day event offers an opportunity to explore the school and the city of Porto while networking with colleagues from around the globe.
This year's theme, "Fine-tuning a Business School strategy: contributions from the staff", will guide discussions and activities, offering valuable perspectives on navigating challenges and opportunities in a globalised academic environment.
Dates: 3 and 4 June, 2025
Venue: Católica Porto Business School
Programme: see below for more information.
Apply here
The International Partners Day aims to foster international collaboration, exchange best practices, and enhance professional skills in a stimulating environment. The programme features workshops and sessions on Quality Improvement, Accreditations and ranking, Strategic Communication, Career Development, and International Strategy, alongside cultural and social activities.
Specifically tailored for administrative and support staff, the International Partner Days looks to strengthen global partnerships by showcasing Católica Porto Business School's services for international students and staff. The participants will gain insights into our processes, share innovative ideas, and build connections to promote international cooperation.
PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME
2 June, Monday
7 p.m. | Welcome drinks (optional)
3 June, Tuesday
9 a.m. | Check-in
9:30 a.m. | Team building activity
10:30 a.m. | Opening Session and Católica Porto Business School presentation
. João Pinto, Dean, Católica Porto Business School
11 a.m. | Coffee break
11:30 a.m. | Strategy Session
1 p.m. | Lunch
2:30 p.m. | Workshop*
4 p.m. | Visit to Wine Cellars
7 p.m. | Dinner
4 June, Wednesday
9:30 a.m. | Workshop*
11 a.m. | Coffee break
11:30 a.m. | Workshop*
1 p.m. | Lunch
2:30 p.m. | Wrap-up and conclusions
3 p.m. | Sailing activity
*Workshops available (from the 6 possible options, only the 3 most voted workshops will be selected. When applying, kindly rank the workshops by order of preference:
1. Enhancing Connections with Practice: The Career Services Contribution
This workshop highlights the crucial role of career services in building bridges between academia and industry. With valuable insights from companies, the session explores how career services and organisations can collaborate to strengthen connections and create impactful partnerships.
2. Practical Approaches to Quality Assurance and Accreditations
The workshop on Quality Assurance and Accreditations aims to provide practical insights and strategies for higher education professionals. This session will cover key aspects of achieving and maintaining international accreditations, aligning processes with quality standards, and fostering continuous improvement. Whether working towards specific accreditations or enhancing your institution's internal quality systems, this workshop will offer useful tools and guidance to support your efforts.
3. Executive Education International Strategy - Go Niche or Go Global
This 1.5 hour workshop will explore the international executive education strategy of taking a niche or global approach. We will also discuss the impact of accreditations and rankings. The workshop will happen in group work, and will examine participants' experiences and different perspectives.
4. How to work on brand engagement since the beginning - "The Empower Week", a practical case
This workshop will highlight our practical experience with our higher education students welcoming on our "Empower Week". We will address some marketing and communication strategies and tools to engage with new and current students and other stakeholders for the welcoming. And to turn new and current students into eternal brand ambassadors and connected Alumni. The workshop aims to share challenges and redesign or rethink your welcoming programmes.
5. Expanding Horizons: Crafting a Global Strategy for a Business School
This workshop explores the role of international strategy in positioning business schools for global relevance and impact. Participants will explore key topics such as international partnerships, global mobility programs, and curriculum alignment with global business needs. Through discussions and shared experiences, attendees will exchange best practices and learn from each other's successes and challenges, fostering a collaborative approach to crafting effective international strategies.
6. Empowering Students: The Role of University Services in Ensuring Access to Essential Information.
Understand the Importance of University Services: University services play a crucial role in creating a well-informed student body. These services provide essential support and resources that help students navigate their academic and personal lives effectively. These services allow students to make informed decisions, enhance their learning experiences, and achieve their academic and career goals.
REGISTRATION AND DEADLINE
- Application deadline: 4 April, 2025
- A definitive confirmation of participation and (if necessary) a letter of invitation to apply for a visa will be emailed to all applicants by the middle of April.
- A maximum of 2 participants per institution can be accepted to ensure a diverse group.
COST
Programme fee: €200*
* The event is eligible for Erasmus+ funding for staff mobility.
* The programme fee will cover expenses for lunches, one dinner, and social activities throughout the partner days. Travel and hotel expenses are not included.
TARGET GROUP
Colleagues from Católica Porto Business School partner universities working in the following areas:
- Career Services
- Marketing and Communication Services
- Quality assurance, accreditations and rankings
- Student Affairs
- Executive Education
- International Education
- Partnership development
- Student Recruitment services
- Alumni services
- General Coordinating Units (e.g., Rector's Office, Dean's Office)
VENUE
Católica Porto Business School
Rua de Diogo Botelho, 1327
4169-005 Porto, Portugal
Católica Porto Business School
How to get here
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Recommended places to stay
Hotel Boavista 3* (10 minutes walking distance from the University)
HF IPANEMA PARK 5* (Nearby, about 1 km)
Bessa Hotel 4* (Nearby, about 3 km)
Hotel Vincci Porto 4* (Nearby, about 4 km)
Getting to the city from Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport
Subway: The fastest and most convenient way to get to the city centre. Line E (purple) of Metro do Porto connects the airport with Porto's city centre. The metro runs on average every 20 minutes from 06:00 a.m. in the morning to 00:30 a.m. . The journey time to the middle of Porto (Trindade subway station) is 26 minutes.
Taxi/Uber: A comfortable option, slightly more expensive. Taxis are readily available outside the airport.
Getting to Católica Porto Business Schol from the city centre
It is possible to take the subway to “Bolhão” or “Casa da Música”, and then take a direct bus to the campus - Rua de Diogo Botelho 1327, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal. (There is no direct subway line to the campus)
Buses:
- Line 200 - Bolhão - Castelo do Queijo
- Line 203 - Marquês - Castelo do Queijo
- Line 204 - H. S. João - Foz
- Line 207 - Campanhã - Foz (Mercado)
Finding your way around Campus (map): Click here
CONTACT
If you have any questions regarding the partner day, please do not hesitate to contact us via globaledu.cpbs@ucp.pt
