Since 2006 the department of electronic and electrical engineering, has put in place solar PV installations in a number of rural villages in The Gambia. These installations are managed by the respective schools in the form of a schools committee. Last year, for the first time, business school students became involved in the project. Their key aims were to analyse the current business environment and initiatives in Gambia in order to present a sustainable business model.
This year the main scope of the vertically integrated project (VIP) is concerned with the current use of solar technology which consists of the solar panels and batteries that have already been installed.
While on one hand it is very important to analyse the current use and business practises related to these, on the other it is important to think about a long term strategy and further technological advances in both solar technology and general projects that may enhance living standards.
In order to assess the feasibility of the proposed model, last December with funding from the department of Strategy and Organisation two third year students (Peter Nimmo and Philipp Melbinger) with the support of a third non-travelling student (Sharada Davidson) accompanied a team of engineers to the Gambia where they worked with local NGOs and stakeholders on the feasibility of the model illustrated below. (Supervision Team: Dr Kostas Tomazos and Dr Nikolaos Danias)
The Head of the Department of Strategy and Organisation Professor Mehmet Demirbag said, "This trip along with other VIPs run by the faculty this year is evidence of the faculty's commitment to engage the student population and challenge them to get involved in their local communities and further afield. Given the enthusiasm of the students and our diverse portfolio of research interests the future looks very bright indeed".
Peter Nimmo previously blogged about the trip for the SBS blog and it can be read here.