The next generation of digital business leaders from Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) benefited from real-world insight into the operations of one of the world’s largest technology companies.

Students on the MSc Digital Business, Innovation and Management (DBIM) programme visited the Manchester base of Cisco, a multinational communications tech firm who regularly rank highly in global employee satisfaction surveys.

Students met with Cisco employees on-site and via remote connection to the company’s Greater London base. They learned about technologies that support digital workplace transformation, the role of Artificial Intelligence in transforming employee experience in the new workplaces, and how hybrid work environments operate and succeed.

Niki Panteli, Professor of Digital Business in the Department of Management Science in LUMS, led the trip. She said: “This was a wonderful opportunity for the DBIM students. We were made to feel very welcome by the Cisco team, and they provided us with many valuable insights.”

The Lancaster students also learned about company apprenticeships and internships, and a project opportunity sponsored by Cisco that entails taking part in global online collaborations. Professor Panteli will manage the projects from LUMS, with Cisco presenting awards to the best team.