Phil Oliver

Subject area: Business Information Systems
Senior Lecturer

Programme Leader: MSc Business Information Systems Management

I studied Electrical & Electronic Engineering as an undergraduate at Trent Polytechnic then did an MSc in E-Commerce at Sunderland University after discovering that engineering wasn’t for me. The MSc was very useful for furthering my knowledge in E-Business & E-Commerce and raised my interest in web evaluation and business use of the web. I teach in Business Information Systems so my work experience and MSc were very relevant.

I joined Northumbria in two stages! I joined in 2001 as a part-timer then became full time in 2002. Before joining, I worked in technical pre-sales for a financial software company, specifically in the outsourcing and Application Service Provider (ASP) area.  This included sales support, client management and project management.  Before that I was in sales and management in IT training and support companies.

Now that I’m at Northumbria I enjoy researching updated and new developments in the subject area and then trying to develop interesting and innovative methods for transferring this knowledge in teaching. My role as recruitment tutor is enjoyable when trying to ensure that prospective students are fully aware of what they are coming to and that they are choosing the right course. The guidance role as programme leader whilst the students are with us is also rewarding.

I also like working with the students over 3 or 4 years and seeing them develop and mature into young professionals, especially during their placement year.  The best part is definitely seeing them graduate and keeping in touch with them as their careers develop.

Away from the university I play tennis throughout the year both socially and in club teams.  I love live music and theatre, particularly when my kids are involved.  I help out at the local scout group every week and go away on various camps and activity weekends.  I am looking to buy a new bike soon and do the Coast-to-Coast for the second time in 2010.

 

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