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Pieter Perrett
Building bridges for Swiss and international SMEs with Asia
Professional Background
Pieter Perrett is a highly respected professor at the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, where he specializes in communication, leadership, and project management. With a career spanning several decades, Pieter has established himself as a leader in project management and international education consultancy. His professional journey began in the United Kingdom, where he graduated with an honours degree in civil engineering from the University of Portsmouth in 1979. Shortly thereafter, he honed his skills as a chartered engineer, culminating in more than two decades of experience in project management across diverse international environments, including the UK, Vietnam, and Switzerland.
From 1987 to 2001, Pieter worked with a leading Swiss consultancy as a Project Manager, where he gained significant expertise in leading projects and managing international ventures. His exceptional ability to oversee complex projects in various cultural contexts laid the foundation for his transition into academia.
In 1999, Pieter joined the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, where he not only shares his extensive knowledge with students but also engages in pioneering research projects. His work with the Swiss Federal Department of Economics and the European Union highlights his capability in driving key international initiatives. Notable past research projects include the Business Model Innovation project and an International Knowledge Transfer study commissioned by the European Commission. One of his recent research ventures focuses on identifying success factors of social innovation hubs, further underscoring his commitment to advancing knowledge in the dynamic field of project management.
Education and Achievements
Pieter's academic credentials are impressive and diverse, underlining his commitment to lifelong learning and expertise in education and technology. He earned a Master of Education in Educational Technology from the University of Manchester, which equipped him with insights into the application of technology in educational settings. Recognizing the importance of emerging financial technologies, he also completed a Certificate in Fintech Future Commerce at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Continuing his education at MPI Sloan School of Management, he achieved a Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Business with Distinction, solidifying his understanding of digital marketing and business strategies. His educational background sets a strong precedent for his consultancy activities in leading financial technology developments, especially in relation to blockchain and distributed ledger technologies.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Pieter plays a crucial role in the university's flagship Focus India business project. This initiative emphasizes experiential learning, providing students with a unique opportunity to engage in business practices overseas. The project consists of an annual preparatory seminar held in Olten, Switzerland, followed by an immersive visit to India, thus bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world business challenges. Furthermore, Pieter's work extends to teaching and consultancy in countries including Vietnam, China, and India, where he shares insights on project management and international collaboration.
Contributions and Specialties
Pieter Perrett is recognized not only for his academic contributions but also for his extensive consultancy work. He is an active member of the Swiss Finance and Technology Association, where he focuses on collaborating within the blockchain and distributed ledger sector. His role extends beyond traditional academic settings; he has served as a visiting lecturer at prestigious institutions such as Beijing Foreign Studies University and HCM University of Technology, sharing his expertise in project management and shaping the minds of future leaders in these regions.
His proactive approach in addressing global business challenges through educational initiatives demonstrates his passion for fostering international collaboration and enhancing educational standards. Key projects in Ethiopia, South Africa, Vietnam, India, and China reflect his commitment to making a positive impact on global education and technology adoption.
In his lectures, Pieter emphasizes the integration of practical experiences with theoretical learning, thereby preparing students for the increasingly interconnected global business landscape. His ability to engage with students from diverse backgrounds further enriches their learning experience, providing invaluable insights into current industry practices and the future trajectory of project management.
Achievements:
- Chartered Engineer since 1983
- Spearheaded significant projects for the Swiss Federal Department of Economics
- Led research projects for the European Commission
- Key contributor to international educational consultancy
- Active involvement in FinTech, blockchain, and distributed ledger collaborations
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