Matti Alahuhta: Simplicity helps to achieve better results

'Simplicity, correct timing, and focus', summarised Doctor of Science and Chairman of the Board of Aalto University Matti Alahuhta while speaking on his understanding of leadership.

He described how, when leading people, everything begins with building trust, a positive attitude, a manager's ability to see what's essential, and the desire to achieve. An inspiring, clear vision brings relevance and significance. Mr Alahuhta believes that, when succinctly expressed, this vision gives energy and produces better results.

Matti Alahuhta spoke at the public lecture named in honour of Chancellor Jaakko Honko, held in the Assembly Hall of the School of Business on 8 April. The lecture was organised by Aalto University School of Business, the Yrjö Jahnsson Foundation (YJS) and Helsinki School of Economics Foundation. Nearly 550 people attended the event.

Also, eight Jaakko Honko medals were presented during the event to different individuals for distinguished economic research and research promotion.

Jaakko Honko – a powerful force in economic life

Professor Emeritus Kalervo Virtanen gave a summary of Jaakko Honko's career. Mr Honko was Mr Virtanen's teacher, colleague and friend.

Jaakko Honko was an particularly multi-talented influencer in the realm of economics. Among other things, his research focused on investment calculations. He developed an investment process model which could be applied, for example, to studying the reasons for misdirected investments.

In his work as Chancellor of the School of Business, he developed the business education programme in various ways, such as through establishing the School of Business doctoral programme and initiating further training activities in business management.

'And in addition to all this, he was an avid volleyball player and Tampereen Ilves fan', Kalervo Virtanen added.

The Jaakko Honko lecture was held for the first time in 1997 to mark Mr Honko's 75th birthday.

Jaakko Honko professorship given to Teemu Malmi

Professor of Accounting Teemu Malmi was appointed to the Jaakko Honko professorship on 1 January 2015.

Mr Malmi explained to the audience how important practical relevance is for him when carrying out research. In addition to his work as a professor, Mr Malmi also has an impact through training work, consultation, and participation in government activities. The work also includes participation in discussions in the public sphere. Among other such public matters, Mr Malmi recently participated, for example, in the discussion on social and health care.

The Jaakko Honko professorship symbolises the long-standing cooperation between the LSR and Aalto University, as well as their common goals in the advancement of economic research and education in Finland.

School of Business invests in students

Dean Ingmar Björkman gave the audience an overview of the School of Business's current situation. The School's most important task is teaching, followed by research and social impact.

'Study has changed a lot since the time when university studies primarily meant listening to lectures and cramming for exams. These days students have to analyse and solve practical problems right from the beginning of their studies', Björkman described. 'We seek to guarantee our students a comprehensive, international study experience in a multi-disciplinary environment.'

In research, persistent cooperation with the business world is especially important and the School is always actively looking for cooperative partners.

'Our research cooperation with the business world ensures that we are researching relevant issues, and at the same time we can, through our research results, bring new knowledge straight into business operations', Björkman explained.

Our Alumni make up a strong community

Aalto University School of Business Alumni of the Year Riku Asikainen commented on Matti Alahuhta's lecture.

The School of Business is building a strong alumni network through activities such as bringing the alumni together for various events, of which the Jaakko Honko public lecture is just one example. The largest of the alumni events is the Homecoming Day, which is held every other year.