Business professor Max GanzinBusiness professor Max Ganzin says craft enterprises are an important part of the economy and we need to understand how and why they thrive.

Business prof awarded grant to research craft-based enterprises

An Odette School of Business professor who specializes in the study of craft-based firms is headed to Italy to interview tailors who create custom-made clothing for their customers.

Max Ganzin has received a $49,500 grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada to study artisanal businesses. With craft production becoming a significant part of the economy, it’s important to understand why these businesses survive, he said.

“Despite today’s revival of various forms of craft-based firms, we have little understanding about the reasons for resilience, success, or other distinctive features of these organizations that let them thrive,” Dr. Ganzin said.

Ganzin studies craft and authenticity in the contemporary economy. Think small-scale breweries, mechanical watch production, as well as bespoke tailoring.

His latest research project will build on the extensive research he has done on entrepreneurialism.

“Craft-based firms successfully reconcile the past-oriented traditions with present- and future-oriented demands of the modern market, but we have scant understanding of how they are able to project successful futures while being rooted in the traditions of the past.”

Ganzin will work with University of Alberta professor William M. Foster on the project. They’ve worked on papers together in the past and are currently collaborating on other research about the wine and wine-making industry.

They will recruit a PhD student at the University of Naples, and one Master’s student and two undergrad students here in Canada. They plan to present their research at academic conferences, publish in management journals and host two public lectures.

—Sarah Sacheli

Rory Truell, secretary-general of the International Federation of Social Workers.Rory Truell, secretary-general of the International Federation of Social Workers, will deliver a keynote address at the School of Social Work Alumni Appreciation Event, Oct. 3 in Windsor Hall.

Event to introduce social work grads to new faculty and spaces

An event Oct. 3 will show appreciation to alumni of the School of Social Work, inviting them to tour its facilities in Windsor Hall and meet new members of faculty:

Rory Truell, secretary-general of the International Federation of Social Workers, will deliver a keynote address.

The event will run 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday in the downtown home of the School of Social Work, 167 Ferry St. Space is limited; RSVP by Monday, Sept. 23.

map of Africa highlighting NigeriaThe opening lecture in the ISC Culture Series will focus on the African country of Nigeria.

Cultures of Nigeria subject of lunchtime lecture

Computer science professor Christie Ezeife will discuss the cultures, customs, and cuisine of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, in a free lunchtime presentation Wednesday, Sept. 25, in the International Student Centre.

The lecture is part of a series hosted by the centre to inform students, staff, and faculty about the traditions of lands that are home to UWindsor students.

Attendees are welcome to bring a lunch to the brown bag event; which will run 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. in room 204, Laurier Hall. Advance online registration is encouraged but not required.

The ISC Culture Series continues with sessions on the Middle East, Oct. 10; India, Oct. 29; and China, Nov. 13. Sign up to express interest and receive an email reminder.

Gordon Orr, Beth Ann PrinceAlumni board members Gordon Orr and Beth Ann Prince hand out burgers during the Campus Community Barbecue, Thursday on the River Commons.

Sunny skies bless barbecue lunch

The University of Windsor loves a party.

In fact, people were so eager to enjoy Thursday’s campus community barbecue, they lined up for food at 11:30 a.m. in anticipation of the noon-time meal, says organizer Mary-Ann Rennie.

“We had a great time and a great turnout,” she said as catering staff descended to clean up Turtle Island Walk. “The weather couldn’t have been better and all the volunteer servers had a wonderful experience.”

Several new aspects proved welcome, Rennie said.

“It’s the first year we had brioche buns, which were terrific, and gluten-free buns for people who need them,” she said. “People really liked the Beyond Beef burgers — even some non-vegetarians were trying them because there has been so much hype.”

All the food, including 1,300 each of beef and vegan burgers, was gone by 1:30 p.m.

Rennie says she also heard from people who enjoyed the entertainment provided by Rose City Duelling Pianos, performing on the David Wilson Commons stage.

The event was also new to UWindsor president Robert Gordon, who greeted faculty, staff, and students who turned out for the celebration.

Business Model Canvas Competition logoApplications for the RBC EPIC Business Model Canvas Competition are open through Oct. 6.

Competition offers support for student entrepreneurs

Applications are now open for the RBC EPIC Business Model Canvas Competition.

The competition invites student entrepreneurs to learn about business models, business model validation, and the business model canvas, and then demonstrate their understanding through a video submission of their own entrepreneurial experiences that exhibit these concepts.

Submissions close Oct. 6. Semi-finalists will participate in live presentations based on the content of their video submissions.

Students have the opportunity to win up to $14,500 in prizes. Learn more at http://epicbmc.ca/about/#prizes.