(NEWS) 2014 ESSP Comes to a Close

September

2014

2014 ESSP Comes to a Close

WMU welcomed 41 students into the intensive 3-month English Study Skills Program (ESSP) that began in June. The program’s curriculum is designed to upgrade the English language competences of the participants so they become comfortable and confident in Academic English for their studies at WMU. The ESSP may be taken as a precursor to WMU’s M.Sc. programs, or as a stand-alone course for professionals wishing to improve their academic skills in English.

The core components of ESSP include academic writing skills, speaking and presentation skills and thematic maritime-based skills along with specific features that include academic lectures given by WMU faculty, along with IT, library and research workshops. This year the ESSP represented 14 countries, including Argentina, Chile, China, Colombia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Oman, Panama, Thailand, Tunisia, and Vietnam.

On 11 September, the 2014 ESSP students completed their studies and at the Closing Ceremony officiated by the ESSP Director, Associate Professor Clive Cole, they were awarded their certificates by the Acting Academic Dean, Associate Professor Patrick Donner. The students showed great appreciation for their lecturers, Ann Pazaver, Inger Battista, Carolyn Wood, and Danita Medina.

Of the 10 students who enrolled only for the ESSP program, eight will now return home and two will remain in Malmö as they are spouses of students in the Class of 2014. The students who will remain for the Malmö M.Sc. program have already joined the orientation week for the Class of 2015 and will begin their M.Sc. studies on Monday.

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Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

My decision to enroll in the doctoral program at WMU was heavily influenced by my prior experience as a Master's student at the institution. Initially introduced to me as a preeminent global institution for maritime education, WMU's stellar reputation was further substantiated by the exceptional quality of education I received during my Master’s studies. This experience became a compelling factor in my determination to return to WMU as a doctoral student. Recognizing the synergies between my research aspirations and the institutional offerings at WMU, I concluded that continuing my educational journey at this esteemed institution was not only beneficial but also aligned perfectly with my academic and professional goals.

My research explored the theoretical foundations of governance, placing a particular emphasis on maritime governance. Going beyond mere theoretical frameworks, the study conducted a comprehensive examination of a crucial aspect within maritime governance—specifically, the implementation of International Maritime Organization (IMO) instruments, exploring the contextual factors that affect the implementation process. Applying the grounded theory methodology, the research aimed to understand these theoretical underpinnings, as well as firmly anchor insights in the practical context of maritime governance; unveiling the intricacies and challenges associated with the effective implementation of IMO instruments in the maritime domain. The selection of this topic was motivated by a personal interest that was cultivated during my Master’s studies in maritime law and policy. Furthermore, it was driven by the recognition of a scarcity of scientific research on this specific topic. This gap in the existing body of knowledge served as a catalyst for my exploration, underscoring the significance of contributing valuable insights to an area of maritime governance that has been relatively underrepresented in scholarly research.

Undoubtedly, a highlight of my educational journey at WMU was the opportunity to forge connections with influential change-makers and thought leaders hailing from every corner of the globe. This invaluable chance to engage with individuals on an international scale has not only enabled me to expand my global network but has also served as a conduit for immersing myself in the rich tapestry of diverse cultures. Through these global interactions, I've gained a profound understanding of different perspectives, traditions, and approaches, contributing significantly to my personal and academic growth. This experience goes beyond mere networking and has also played a pivotal role in fostering stronger connections within the Caribbean region from which I hail.

Embarking on my professional path, my foremost aim is to establish myself as an authority in the field of maritime governance. I aspire to leave a significant and enduring mark on the global maritime landscape. Beyond the academic sphere, my drive is fuelled by a passionate interest in pursuing diverse opportunities within the maritime domain and the broader educational sector and contributing significantly to positive transformations in the global maritime sector.

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