Dissertation feedback

Here is some of the feedback on my dissertation:

"This very interesting dissertation commenced with a clear introduction and a competent literature review. I felt the problem formulation was especially well presented. The logical division of the research was competent as was the study methodology. The data collection was well executed and numerous very interesting insights were offered. There was, however, room to extract more from this wealth of analysis as a base for further recommendations and conclusions. The dissertation was well written, its layout competently presented and referencing taken in line with expectations." (marker)

“Your report makes for a very good read - you have such a clear writing style. I think you would be very well suited to working in a think tank environment - at least as a first move because they place such a high value on media savvy researchers able to distil complex economic analyses into crystal clear policy messages. “ (Governmental policy advisor)

“Wonderful - what a terrific job! with your final statement.......a way to go.” (Private sector policy advisor)

“I hope it gets the really good mark it deserves.” (planning professor)

“Thanks for sharing this with me - an interesting read ("FDI steroids"). (top regeneration official)

FT: Nigeria Special Report

Delighted to see publication of the FT's annual special report on Nigeria, which I travelled to Lagos as part of the Financial Times advertising team.
http://www.ft.com/reports/nigeria-2011
Last year's report, which I also worked on, is still online: http://www.ft.com/reports/nigeria
My contribution was providing the content for much of the advertising, and helping pitch for new business.

The moulding of an East London cluster: Regeneration and foreign investment in Tech City.

Abstract

For the past three years, internet start-ups have been drawn to a patch of East London dubbed Silicon Roundabout. In November 2010, Prime Minister David Cameron announced the area was to become an officially sanctioned cluster. It was rebranded Tech City UK, called the Digital Capital of Europe and given a new geography that encompasses the Olympic Park, site of the largest regeneration scheme in Europe. To deliver on these ambitions, a special team at UKTI was established with a remit of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).

There are two main objectives of Tech City: the promotion of London as a hub for the digital economy - a sector the government sees as vital for future growth[1] - and the regeneration of a depressed area.

This paper makes an academic assessment of the regenerative potential of clusters and the role of FDI therein. Research methods were designed to test this knowledge in Tech City.

Central government’s Tech City strategy is focussed on attracting foreign investment, however studies suggest that FDI will only contribute positively when the local business is strong and sizeable (Phelps 2008), which is not the case. Based on the clearly defined research methodology, the findings of this dissertation lead to the recommendation that a lower priority is given to inward investment at this young stage of cluster development, in favour of developing innovative home-grown talent. In addition, for the cluster to thrive after the Olympics is over, this paper advocates a new public-private partnership structure that is less dependent on the central government. Finally, it recommends further academic research about the economic links between cluster centres and secondary locations.

My dissertation. Read it here.

African Development Bank

I advised on and helped draft this copy for the African Development Bank on a new approach to infrastructure investment (second half of the page).

Cameroon

I edited, translated (from French), researched and helped draft this copy on infrastructure in Cameroon, used in the FT.

Distinction

Results just in for the MSc Spatial Planning at the Bartlett School of Planning (UCL):

I am absolutely delighted to be able to report that so far I qualify for a distinction (above 70%). Of course, it is all still to play for as the final mark will depend on my dissertation (due Sept 1). I am researching East London Tech City, Cameron's attempt to spread the success of the digital cluster in Shoreditch further East - to the Olympic regeneration area.

PR @ MIPIM

$15 BILLION NORTHERN CAUCASUS SKI RESORTS DEVELOPMENT

I handled the international PR at MIPIM. To see the press release, click here.