New term began for Oulu Business School deans – Janne Järvinen continues, Marika Iivari appointed Vice Dean for Education

Professor Janne Järvinen continues as Dean. He has extensive experience serving as Dean, Vice Dean for Education, Head of a Research Unit, and Director of the Doctoral Programme in Human Sciences. In addition to his leadership duties, he conducts research, including work on a Research Council of Finland–funded project that examines how information related to biodiversity and ecosystems can be integrated into organisations’ accounting systems and decision-making processes.

Adjunct Professor Marika Iivari, who works at the Martti Ahtisaari Institute and specialises in business analytics and digital business, has begun her term as Vice Dean for Education. In addition to her ten years of experience as a project researcher, Iivari has a strong pedagogical background that has given her a comprehensive understanding of various roles and responsibilities in education. She has, among other things, been involved in establishing the discipline of Business Analytics, served as Master’s degree programme director, and worked as a tutor teacher.

The deans consider the promotion of internationalisation an important long-term goal for Oulu Business School. The current situation is already positive: approximately half of the University of Oulu’s outgoing exchange students come from OBS. There is also a desire to increase the number of incoming students. Recruiting new international students and supporting their local employment are important not only for the Business School but also for the vitality of the entire region.

Education responds to the changing needs of working life

The digitalisation of teaching requires higher education institutions to adapt, but it also offers many opportunities. Amid the rise of remote work and the transformation of working life, digital tools and skills are being embraced without compromising face-to-face teaching. “We want students to meet on campus and build lifelong networks,” says Janne Järvinen. “Networking is one of the many benefits that a degree in economics and business administration provides.”

According to the deans, the position of a business degree in the labour market remains strong, and the content of the degree programmes is continuously developed to meet the evolving needs of working life. A broad-based Bachelor’s degree provides students with an excellent foundation in business studies, the importance of which will only grow in the future. In addition to major-specific in-depth expertise, the importance of meta-skills is increasingly emphasised. “Alongside subject-specific knowledge, students need meta-skills such as interaction and anticipation skills. Critical thinking skills are also highlighted in the age of AI,” says Marika Iivari.

The rapid transformation of working life places new demands on competence development and continuous learning. OBS’ Executive MBA programme provides business expertise and leadership skills for professionals from various fields whose roles require the ability to make strategic decisions, lead change, and develop their organisations in a comprehensive manner.

Internationally recognised research

Researchers at OBS conduct high-quality, internationally recognised research across all disciplines, and the level of ambition in research has been raised even further. In his role, Järvinen aims to act as a professorial colleague to others and to engage in discussions on what developing research means in practical terms. There is also a strong commitment to integrating research-based knowledge more extensively into teaching.

The quality of OBS’ activities is monitored and continuously enhanced across all key areas: education, research, and societal impact. Although funding cuts in education pose challenges for higher education institutions, the Business School has demonstrated resilience and established a strong position. “Change is always an opportunity, despite the cuts,” says Järvinen.

“I believe that even in the years to come, Oulu Business School will continue to play a strong regional role as part of the Oulu and Northern Finland ecosystem,” adds Iivari.