Prof Donal A. Dineen, Dean Kemmy Business School

What's it like to work in the University of Limerick?

Always busy, always something new on the agenda, great team of colleagues to work with, lively and exciting place, wonderful working environment. Bureaucracy can slow things down at times, but this is to be expected in a large organisation.

How does this job compare to your last job?

My last job was also in UL as head of the Economics Department so some aspects are the same, but as Dean I deal with a broader range of issues at a more strategic level in the organisation and the job consequently involves a greater leadership role. My present role involves less direct managerial tasks but more external networking and promotion of the Business School. I continue to lecture, supervise research students and do my own research, though less than before.

The scale of activity is much different also. There are over 2,500 students in the Business School and we run the largest undergraduate programme in business studies in Ireland with 1,600 students. Our graduate student population is spread over eight taught and two research programmes and there is a total faculty complement of 80 in four departments. The diversity of programmes, of delivery methods (flexible, distance, in-company) and locations (Clonmel, Cavan at present) add to the challenge of developing cohesion in the team. This is akin to running a medium-sized business with a turnover of more than €8m (from student revenue and research contracts) with 100 employees.

What's the best part of your job?

Satisfaction from working with and motivating a varied group of business faculty staff to contribute to raising the profile and building the reputation of the Kemmy Business School at home and abroad.

What's the hardest part of your job?

Getting changes agreed to and implemented quickly.

Where's the best place in UL to retreat to when it all gets too much?

It's not happened yet! On a fine day, I would probably go for a riverside walk by the Shannon. On a bad day, I'd go for a coffee with friends to Cafe Allegro. Alternatively, one could hide away in the library.

Who's your education idol?

Don't really have one.

If you could change one thing about UL what would it be?

The site for the new KBS Building - I'd move it closer to the heart of the campus.

What's unique about UL?

Terrific work colleagues, our innovative approach to new opportunities and markets, our openness to change and to challenge the status quo.