Ruth Moran

Testimonial for Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Business

Donegal – Letterkenny

Can you tell us your name, your current job or role, and the course you are studying at ATU?

Ruth Moran, Research Training Coordinator TU Rise and I am studying the DBA at ATU

Can you share your career path to date?

I was employed as the graduate education and research integrity officer where I was responsible for a level 9, 60 credit graduate education skills programme targeted at both postgraduate researchers and respective supervisors. As Covid hit, I was asked by to be the project manager for ATU’s Covid response and deliver PPE which we manufactured on site and deliver the PPE to the public sector organisations and voluntary bodies alongside colleagues from CRU and all faculties across the ATU. As part of my role as graduate education programme and research integrity officer, I was responsible for the delivery research integrity training workshops and online training modules while promoting research integrity principles across the ATU Research community. On a National level I was part of the working group that was responsible for the update to the National policy on ensuring research integrity in Ireland while also chairing the National research integrity forum which included all RICO’s from HEI’s, funding bodies and government agencies. As chair of the National research integrity forum, I was part of the working group that reviewed the National research integrity modules that is currently been delivered by Epigeum.

What does your current role involve?

As Research Training Coordinator TU Rise I am responsible for contributing to the development of postgraduate research training at ATU

What motivated you to start studying at ATU?

As I was project manager with the support of my leader Dr. John Bartlett and Head of Engineering Dr. Una Parsons, I was then asked to co-ordinator a number of European projects In order to be an effective project manager I was motivated to learn and understand the principles of project management I heard of the excellent course delivered under the programme co-Ordinator Dr David Collery so I enrolled my interest. I undertook my MSc in Project Management under the guidance and mentoring of my leader Dr. John Bartlett and my supervisor Dr. Trevor McSharry where I gained an insight into the fundamental principles and teaching of project management. I was then eager to undertake a PhD as I have worked in research for the last 5 years and was eager to further develop my skills and expertise but heard of the launch of the DBA in ATU and the structure of the DBA was more to my liking.

Why did you choose this course from ATU?

I liked the structured of the DBA, the content of the DBA and the fact you have 2 supervisors who provide guidance and expertise through-out the last 2 years of your journey. I like that you wont feel alone as you have a great class of participants who support your journey along with the programme co-ordinators Anne and Tena who provide continued support during your journey.  It’s a culture of “in it together” as opposed to feeling alone.

How are you finding the process of studying online so far? What parts have been helpful, and what challenges have you faced?

Studying online provides the flexibility needed in your day to day life. The setting up a learning group was a great idea as our learning group are core to our learnings as if we miss a lecture or onsite delivery we meet as a group to share the teachings and learnings needed. The challenges thankfully are minimised with the learning group we have setup through-out our DBA journey and the support of my boss and my supervisor has been great.

How do you balance work and study?

I have an excellent family support and my leader Dr. John Bartlett always encourages me daily along with my own Supervisor Dr. Conor McTiernan who provides the daily milestones and key deliverables needed to be achieved.

In terms of your employer, were they supportive of your decision to study? Were there elements of the course that were particularly relevant to your current employer?

As I work in research and have done for over 5 years my head of research at ATU Sligo has been a true inspiration to my own doctoral journey. All of the core modules are aligned with my role and also to my own doctoral topic.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying online with ATU?

Set up a WhatsApp group, set up a learning group and remember you’re never alone on the DBA journey. It’s very much “ All in it together “ approach, as that’s what makes the journey easier over the years.

How do you think studying online with ATU will benefit your career?

The insights of the DBA will provide fundamental meaning into my own philosophy as a researcher while the DBA will equip me with the advanced skills to generate new knowledge, solve complex problems, and innovation and make evidence-based decisions in ATU. 

Have you experienced any unexpected benefits from your course so far?

The learnings of the DBA have provided much more of an insight into my philosophical thinking as a researcher and this has aided me in my role. 

Do you find that the elements you are studying have practical relevance in your day-to-day role?

The learnings of the DBA achieved through a focus on applied research, critical analysis, and a synthesis of theory with real-world practice which is fundamental to my role as a researcher.  

What key skills are you gaining from your studies at ATU?

Leadership, Analytical skills- critical thinking, data analysis, evidence based thinking, data management, practical skills such as time management, planning, budget management, strategic decision making, project management, creative skills- design thinking, mind mapping, relation skills and communication skills.