The Postdigital Age: Is your enterprise ready?

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Foundation programme at Wittenborg gets you ready for study

Very often international students need extra support in order to enter and complete their Bachelor or Master’s degree programme in the university. This can be in the form of a preparatory course in English which if completed successfully improves a student’s chances of being selected during the admission process at a Dutch university. In this situation it is important to enrol at an educational institution that offers an English preparation programme.

The Wittenborg Business school runs Foundation Programs to develop Basic English linguistic skills needed by foreign candidates. The course helps to international students to enrol for Bachelor or Master’s degree programme. The skills and knowledge which will be gained during such a preparatory programme help throughout the university education.

The Wittenborg University’s Foundation Programme is conducted exclusively by native speaking teachers. The courses are given at 2 levels: pre-bachelor and pre-master levels.

The Pre-Bachelor level comprises of foundation modules of the Bachelor of International Business Administration and intensive lessons of academic English. Students need to score a minimum IELTS level of 5 for gaining admission. At the end of the course, they are awarded an IBA Foundation Year Certificate and are eligible to apply for the Bachelor degree program, while receiving IBA credits already obtained.

The Pre-Master level comprises of the final year modules of International Business Administration Modules and intensive lessons of Academic English, if needed. A minimum IELTS level of 5.5 is necessary in this case. On completion, students are awarded an IBA Post Graduate Certificate and a direct entry to the Master’s programme.

The courses can be completed in six months or one year. Starting an academic journey with a strong foundation programme ensures a success in the future.

More information about Bachelor and Master programmes of Wittenborg Business School.

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South: Florida Gulf Coast vs. Florida: N.C.A.A. Tournament — Florida Gulf Coast Isn’t Ready to Cede Spotlight

Finally, the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles gathered around Coach Andy Enfield at midcourt and then quickly reorganized into two lines facing the same basket. Five minutes later, they reminded everyone how they had become the pledges crashing this South Region party of storied basketball fraternities.

Lob passes led to tomahawk jams. Ricochets off the glass were finished off as windmill dunks. Even the Eagles’ botched attempts were spectacular, eliciting oohs and aahs. By the time that Chase Fieler tossed a bounce pass toward the hoop, grabbed the ball as he gained momentum, threaded it between his legs and threw down a jarring dunk, Florida Gulf Coast had recaptured the crowd’s imagination.

“Dunk City in the house!” someone shouted.

The Eagles still embraced the underdog role Thursday, but they looked and sounded as if they had shaken off the stardust from victories over Georgetown and San Diego State as they prepared for Friday night’s game against third-seeded Florida.

“We did make history,” guard Brett Comer said. “No 15 seed has done this. We feel like we shocked the world. We’re going to prepare for Florida the same way. We didn’t come just to play one game or two games. We’re coming out to compete and go as far as we can.”

After a week in the national spotlight, Enfield said the Eagles were refocused and taking a businesslike approach to their improbable appearance in the Round of 16, as if sharing a stage with elite programs like Kansas, Michigan and Florida were familiar turf.

“This is not fluff,” Enfield said. “They are really enjoying themselves; they enjoy being here; they enjoy themselves as teammates. We’ve become more successful, and our players have developed quicker on their skills and confidence because of that culture in the program.”

Loose and fun-loving, Florida Gulf Coast was clearly soaking in the atmosphere. Players held mock interviews with one another on the court and turned their smartphone cameras toward the crowd as practice ended, savoring the moment for their scrapbooks.

The gigantic video board at Cowboys Stadium caught their attention. The Eagles were already envisioning how they might look on replays and highlights Friday night.

“We talked about it already,” Fieler said. “Even if you make the big plays, it’s hard to get a good angle on that TV. You have to stand right on the edge. We’ll have to run more towards the sideline to see it.”

No. 1 seed Kansas faces fourth-seeded Michigan in Friday night’s first game, and win or lose, fans of those two teams are expected to jump on the Eagles’ bandwagon.

“We want to see the hype,” said LeRoy Aikens, a Michigan fan who stayed after the Wolverines practiced to watch Florida Gulf Coast. “Those guys are like rock stars. A 15 seed in the Sweet 16, that’s history.”

The Michigan fan Kevin Morris said of the matchup between Florida and Florida Gulf Coast, “It’s big brother and little brother,” before changing his mind and calling the Eagles a nephew. Still, he said he would root for Florida Gulf Coast if his team did not advance.

The Gators have been cast as spoilers, a role they have relished before. In 2006, they ended George Mason’s storybook run to the Final Four en route to winning the national championship. Last year, Florida ousted 15th-seeded Norfolk State, which had upset No. 2 seed Missouri.

“I don’t view it that way,” Florida Coach Billy Donovan said. “Florida Gulf Coast would like to advance in the tournament as much as we would. The name of the game right now is to try to survive and move on.”

Yet the Gators have been overshadowed to an extent as they make their third consecutive appearance in the Round of 16. They face the pressure of not having broken through to the Final Four in both previous trips.

The Eagles, too, have added motivation, having been overlooked as recruits by Florida.

“They’re the well-known school, the well-known players and team,” Comer said. “I feel like honestly deep down they might not be taking us seriously, just like other teams, because we weren’t the high recruited guys.”

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Official: Rolls-Royce Wraith revealed, ready to battle Bentley

WORLD DEBUT FOR ROLLS-ROYCE WRAITH AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

- Elegant fastback design hints at dynamic prowess of the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever: 624 bhp/465 kW, 800 Nm from 1,500 rpm : 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds (0-62 in 4.6)
- Debut of Satellite Aided Transmission. A technology that uses GPS mapping data to ensure the correct gear is always pre-selected for the road terrain ahead
- Voice activated connectivity augments effortlessness – the 'on-board valet'
- Canadel Panelling sweeps through a sumptuous, contemporary and yacht-like interior cabin

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly presents the world debut of Wraith, the most powerful and dynamic Rolls-Royce in history. At its heart lie hallmark Rolls-Royce attributes of luxury, refinement and hand-craftsmanship, but the new model from the world's pinnacle super-luxury marque also presents a unique character defined by power, style and drama. With just a hint of the noir.

"Today we launch the ultimate gentlemen's gran turismo, a car that embodies the spirit of Charles Stewart Rolls," commented Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "The most powerful Rolls-Royce in history, Wraith promises the sense of adventure and speed that drove our founding forefather. But of course, Wraith's starting point is luxury, refinement and quality, traits that remain as important to Rolls-Royce customers today as they were more than a century ago."

Rolls-Royce Chairman and BMW Group board member Harald Krüger added the following: "The BMW Group today reconfirms its full commitment to the future of Rolls-Royce. Growth and a prosperous future lie ahead thanks to continued investment, careful brand stewardship and the launch of groundbreaking new models like Rolls-Royce Wraith, a magnificent addition to the product range."

In profile, Wraith's sweeping fastback design gives the car its unique character. Bold lines, tension in the panels and a raked rear screen evoke the image of a world class athlete poised in the starting blocks. Further expression of dynamic intent can be seen in Wraith's deeply recessed grille, wide rear track and dramatic two-tone presentation.

Coach doors open to reveal a sumptuous interior complete with softest Phantom-grade leathers and expanses of wood called Canadel Panelling. Named after the famous cove in the South of France where Sir Henry Royce and his design and engineering teams spent their winters, this contemporary and tactile finish sweeps through the interior, cosseting four occupants in a space bathed in light and warmth.

The interior ambiance is complemented by Starlight Headliner, a Bespoke feature available beyond Phantom family cars for the first time. 1,340 fibre optic lamps are hand-woven into the roof lining to give the impression of a glittering, starry night sky.

Performance delivers on the promise of Wraith's styling. Power delivery is effortless, but dramatic, thanks to a V12 engine married to 8-speed automatic ZF transmission. 624 bhp / 465kW is available to the driver while the 0-60 mph sprint is achieved in 4.4 seconds, compared with 563 bhp / 420kW and 0-60 in 4.7 seconds for Ghost.

From 1,500 rpm 800 Nm of torque is available (780 Nm for Ghost), while a wide rear track, shorter wheelbase and lower roof height further contribute to the most powerful, involving driving experience of any Rolls-Royce in history. The car's suspension has also been tuned to minimise body roll and discreetly amplify feedback when cornering; while steering weight is heavier at high speeds and lighter at low speeds adding to the spirited drive.

However, Wraith is no GT bruiser. Agility improvements have been achieved with absolutely no compromise to the sensation of riding on a bed of air. Furthermore, the debut of Satellite Aided Transmission (SAT) technology takes the powertrain to a new level of effortless delivery, one that perfectly suits the Rolls-Royce brand.

Satellite Aided Transmission uses GPS data to see beyond what the driver sees; it anticipates his next move based on location and current driving style, then selects the most appropriate gear for the terrain ahead. Corners, motorway junctions and roundabouts are all anticipated in advance meaning Wraith is constantly poised to deliver on its promise of performance.

A more polished, effortless driving experience and even better response brings a new, more dynamic dimension to the famous Rolls-Royce trait, waftability.

For over a century a Rolls-Royce motor car has featured technologies designed to support occupants discreetly, delivering a peerless driving experience epitomised by the term 'effortlessness'. In every Rolls-Royce these assist the driver when called upon, but are prepared to return without fuss to the background when no longer required.

Advances in mechanical and electrical technology deliver systems like head-up display, adaptive headlights and Wraith's keyless opening boot. But improvements in connectivity have taken the human-machine interface to a new level of sophistication, a suite of aids that could be likened to a contemporary on-board valet.

Voice activation commands, for example, come with a one-touch call button located on the steering wheel. A destination no longer requires manual input from a navigation menu and route assistance begins immediately, on-screen and via audio guidance following a voice command such as "navigate to Piccadilly in London."

Additional improvements in communications come in the design and functionality of the elegant Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller. This allows navigation through on-screen functions using a touch pad that features pinch and pull functionality to echo smart phone usage. Letters can also be 'drawn' onto the pad by hand rather than by scrolling through a series of available characters on-screen.

In Europe, Wraith will be priced at c. €245k. Confirmation and further pricing details in all markets will be revealed later in the year.

First deliveries of Wraith will be made to customers in the final quarter of 2013.

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