Experiential learning for SBS students with Deloitte and TS Queen Mary

Friends of TS Queen Mary was formed in 2012 to safeguard the future of TS Queen Mary, the Clyde's last and Britain's finest turbine excursion steamer, currently moored near Glasgow Science Centre.

As part of their Consulting in Practice (CiP) class, MSc Business and Management (MBM), MSc International Management (MIM) and MSc Project Management and Innovation students developed a business plan for the ship to be used as an art and culture centre, welcoming schools and visitors interested in the Clyde's shipbuilding and engineering history, as well as acting as a corporate event venue on the River Clyde.

Deloitte LLP then came on board with one of its associates to stress-test both the business plan and the financial porojections.

Iain Sim, trustee, said, "The opportunities for this project to have input from educational and business organisations like this are already demonstrating the huge benefits TS Queen Mary can bring to Scotland and that's even before she's been restored.

"Having support from firms such as Deloitte gives added confidence to sponsors and donors and has huge educational benefits to students at Strathclyde Business School."

Ruth Campbell, Director of Transaction Services at Deloitte, said, "We are honoured to be playing a part in the restoration of such an iconic piece of Scottish history. Deloitte takes a great deal of pride in being involved in local arts and cultural projects like the refurbishment of the TS Queen Mary.

"We will be lending our support to the steamship charity as it considers its business plan for the future, and are looking forward to seeing the restoration project unfold in the weeks and months ahead."

Dr Aylin Ates, programme director of MSc Project Management and Innovation, said, "Strathclyde University, inspired by its founding mission as a 'place of useful learning' aims to make a positive difference to the Scottish economy. Therefore we are very pleased to get involved in the Queen Mary project as an educational partner, and we look forward to future collaborations with Friends of TS Queen Mary."

Increasing the benefit of this experiential learning opportunity, Dr Ates will be using this case in the Consulting in Practice class next year.