Public Relations Management Master’s Student to present her dissertation at the EUPRERA Congress in Italy

By Monique Boucher, B Tech PR student

Lynne Niemann, Public Relations Management Master's student, has been selected to present her dissertation at the main conference of EUPRERA (European Public Relations Education and Research Association). She is in line for the Jos Willems Award for the best dissertation in Europe.

“The paper was accepted as one of the 25 out of 126 submitted papers of PR professors from around the globe,” said Benita Steyn, Niemann's research supervisor. “It is unheard of for the research of a Master's student to be presented at such a major conference for top academics,"

Unheard of until now that is! "It was one of those 'pinch myself' moments!" said Niemann on hearing the news that her research paper had been selected. "I phoned my husband immediately to tell him the news and then I phoned my dad."

"Lynne's achievement is a big feather in our department's cap. Benita and Lynne have done the Master's programme proud. Naturally I am very pleased," said Prof Johann van der Merwe, Head of the Public Relations Management department at CPUT. "We are now awaiting the outcome of the Jos Willems Award!!"

The Euprera Conference, to be held in Milan, Italy from 16-18 October 2008, attracts delegates and presenters from all over the world and submissions follow a strict selection process refereed by two or three world PR experts on the topic.

Niemann's research paper is titled 'Institutionalising the Strategic Role of Communications/ Public Relations through its contribution to Enterprise Strategy and Enterprise Governance', in line with the theme of the Euprera Congress which is "Institutionalising Public Relations and Corporate Communications."

At the Euprera Conference, a special prize will be awarded to the top paper addressing the personal influence model of public relations, described as 'the predominant use of relationships with strategic individuals to achieve public relations objectives as the major factor in a professional's contribution to the organization.' (Institute of Public Relations.2008).

"Lynne's achievement is just another example of how far the students attending this programme have gone. We wish her all the best!” said Dr. Nirvana Bechan, M Tech Programme Co-ordinator and Communication Science lecturer at CPUT.

Niemann currently works as a Communication Strategist at Boomtown, a strategic brand agency in Port Elizabeth and says that what excites her about Public Relations in the 21st century is that the profession is slowly but surely being recognised as more than just event coordination.
"It is becoming a respected professional profession with a solid strategic foundation. The industry is growing and so are the opportunities."

She dreams of one day writing a book. "I haven't decided whether it will be an academic book or a non-fictional book but it's a dream nonetheless." She would also love to start her own business. "I am going to be a mommy by March next year so I would love to be able to work from home."

Still in a state of disbelief, most likely only lift once she has stepped on to the plane, Niemann has planned a 'shoes and handbag' shopping spree in the fashion capital.
It seems that 2008 has already been an outstanding year for her and it can only get better for a woman that takes the PR world in her stride!

Sources:
Institute of Public Relations. 2008. Institute Special Award at EUPRERA World Congress. instituteforpr.org (Online) Available: http://www.instituteforpr.org/awards/euprera_world_congress/