Student records merge
Local project management company BPX has successfully project-managed the merger of the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) and Tair-awhiti Polytechnic's 150,000 student records.
When the two tertiary institutes EIT Hawke's Bay and Tair-awhiti Polytechnic in Gisborne merged at the beginning of 2011, one of the largest undertakings
was the integration of the Artena student management system. Artena is a web-based system that allows users to track and manage all stages of a student's academic life, from the point of admission and enrolment through to graduation. The Artena system provides instant management level reporting data for both internal and external requirements. BPX project manager Andrew Smith was contracted to coordinate and project manage the merging of the two systems. "The first round of testing came through with very few errors, which was pleasing considering the size of the database," EIT policy analysist Patrick Jones said.
People's Choice finalist
Bay Tours and Charters is again the sole Hawke's Bay finalist for Best Nationwide Transportation in the prestigious Corporate Events Guide People's Choice Awards for 2011. It is the third accolade for the company in less than 12 months having won the People's Choice award last year and were the Small Business category winner in the Westpac Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce Business Awards three weeks ago. The People's Choice awards honour companies throughout New Zealand that have excelled in their field of expertise over the last 12 months, and are the most prestigious awards in the events planning industry. Voting for finalists in the People's Choice Awards has been extended for one week, with votes closing on December 3. The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony in Auckland next month. To vote, visit www.baytours.co.nz.
Burger chain eyes Bay
International fast-food chain Wendy's says it is actively looking to open a branch in Hawke's Bay. Wendy's is the third largest burger chain in the world, behind Burger King and McDonald's. Marketing manager Fay Stretch said the chain was rolling out new stores but was unable to find "the perfect site" in Hawke's Bay. "We would love to come to Hawke's Bay, we are very keen about that one," she said. Wendy's 17th store opened last week in Paraparaumu.