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    Survival of the Fittest Archived Message

    Posted by AlanG on April 28, 2020, 11:15 am

    How The Elite keeps ahead of the game. This is from the Head of Business Studies at a major English public school to its alumni, (slightly edited):

    Dear Old XXXXX

    I hope that this email finds you well.

    Our Upper Sixth find themselves in a strange and unforeseen situation: following the cancellation of formal public exams, their “finish line” has been removed.

    The School has seized the opportunity to create a university-style course, to build on our students’ independent study and research skills, preparing them to make the most of the fresh challenges and opportunities that await them at university.

    [The] Business module is called (with a nod to Charles Darwin): ‘Covid-19 and Business: Survival of the fittest?’

    Briefly:

    To paraphrase Darwin: it is not the strongest of the species, nor the most intelligent, that survives; it is the one that is the most adaptable to change.

    In these unprecedented and unique times, the business landscape and society we live in are changing in ways we cannot yet measure. How are businesses responding to the challenges and opportunities presented by Covid-19? Will we ever return to “business as usual”? Who will be the winners and losers… and will it be a case of the survival of the fittest?

    We will ask our students to research and assess the challenges and opportunities of a particular business sector/industry. We would like to whet their appetite with a selection of short videos from real businesspeople setting out their own business’s response to the current crisis and any wisdom they can impart.

    If you felt this was appropriate to your situation and position, I should be delighted if you would support by creating a short video sharing your experience and expertise. If you would prefer to provide a written response to these questions, that would be absolutely welcomed.

    Introduce yourself and your business; describe your business sector and your role within the business:

    - What have been the effects (both positive and negative) of Covid-19 on your industry?
    - How have you and your own business been directly affected?
    - Do you see any light at the end of the Covid-19 tunnel?
    - How is your business/industry adapting?
    - Has your business been able to help in any way in the fight against Covid-19?
    - How do you think that your business and industry will be changed in the future?
    - Can you share any words of wisdom or advice?

    My heartfelt thanks for your help and consideration. Please reply to this email to submit any responses, or if you require any further information.

    Best wishes and take care,
    Head of Business Studies

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