Griffith College Cork MSc Students Share Insights at HECA Research Conference
Three students from the MSc in Pharmaceutical Business Management programme at Griffith College Cork had the honour of presenting their research at the Higher Education Colleges Association (HECA) Research Conference on November 11th, joining peers and academics from across Ireland’s independent higher-education sector.
This year’s conference, themed “Thriving in the Digital Age: AI, Education and Well-being for a Resilient Ireland,” focused on the intersections of technology, innovation, and human-centred progress - an ideal platform for Griffith’s postgraduate students to showcase their work.
Championing Innovation and Leadership in Pharma
The students’ presentations reflected both the scientific and strategic dimensions of the modern pharmaceutical industry - aligning perfectly with the MSc programme’s aim to bridge pharma, business, and leadership.
Issa Nicas presented a paper critically assessing the operational efficiency of in-house (vertical) logistics versus third-party logistics (3PL) within Tanzania’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. His research analysed how differing governance models shape cost efficiency, regulatory compliance, and overall supply chain performance in a resource-constrained industrial context.
Viridiana Valentín presented research exploring the role of organisational culture in the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry, with particular emphasis on failure management during the adoption of open innovation. Her work aims to clarify how culture can accelerate innovation and maximise its benefits within pharmaceutical organisations.
A third presentation, “Exploring Applications of AI in Real-World Evidence (RWE) Across Product Lifecycle Management for Pharmaceutical Market Exclusivity and Enhancing Revenue,” examined how pharmaceutical companies can leverage AI-driven real-world evidence to navigate challenges associated with the patent cliff. Researcher Siddhi Dalvi noted: “It answered my research question - how can pharmaceutical companies leverage real-world evidence along with AI during the patent cliff - by providing an RWE-AI strategic framework to support decision-making and sustain market competitiveness.”
A Reflection of Griffith’s Research Culture
Participating in HECA’s national research forum is a prestigious recognition of the students’ dedication and the academic quality of Griffith College Cork’s postgraduate programmes. It also underscores the College’s commitment to fostering critical enquiry, applied research, and professional readiness across all disciplines.
“These students exemplify what the MSc in Pharmaceutical Business Management is all about,” said Programme Director Helen Murphy. “They combine critical thinking and strategic understanding - and their work contributes meaningfully to ongoing discussions about the future of the pharmaceutical industry.”
Leading the Way for Future Professionals
For Griffith College Cork, the students’ success highlights the strength of its postgraduate community and its focus on preparing graduates to lead in dynamic, innovation-driven industries.
Their achievement at HECA is a proud moment for the College - and an inspiring example for current and future students eager to make an impact in the pharmaceutical business landscape.