I admit it.
I am addicted to podcasts.
(if your a skim reader scroll down to my 5 must listen podcasts for buyers)
I listen to them while getting ready for work, driving, walking the dog or even in the bath. I cannot get enough! I try and bring my love for podcasts to my students and I find that a lot of them do not listen to podcasts and smile patiently at me as I recommend one after the other, possibly thinking I will never listen to these but I love your enthusiasm Laura…
Well, my friends, it appears that I may have been on to something. There is some scientific evidence suggesting that listening to podcasts can positively affect memory retention. Here are a few ways in which this can occur:
- Engagement and Attention: Listening to podcasts often requires active listening, which can help improve focus and concentration. When people are engaged and paying close attention, they are more likely to retain information.
- Narrative Storytelling Structure: Many podcasts are presented in a narrative format, which can make information more memorable. Stories are easier to remember because they provide a context and structure that our brains find easier to encode and recall.
- Repetition and Reinforcement: Podcasts often revisit key points or themes, reinforcing the material. This repetition can aid in memory retention by reinforcing neural pathways associated with the information.
- Active Learning: Some people take notes or discuss podcast content with others, which involves active learning techniques that have been shown to improve memory retention.
- Contextual Learning: Listening to podcasts in different environments or while doing various activities can create associations in the brain that help with recall. For instance, you might better remember information from a podcast if you consistently listen to it during a specific activity, like exercising or commuting.
In fact, a study published in the British Journal of Educational Technology journal examined the effectiveness of podcasts in higher education. The results showed that students who listened to educational podcasts performed better on tests and had higher retention rates compared to those who did not use podcasts. Therefore if you are not listening to podcasts, you may be missing out on higher marks!
Here are my suggestions of podcasts that will help you both in your career in procurement, and in your CIPS qualifications:
The Art of Procurement Podcast: Hosted by Philip Ideson, this podcast delves into procurement trends, strategies, and best practices. It features interviews with industry leaders and experts, providing valuable insights for procurement professionals.
Land of the Giants: is a podcast that explores the rise and impact of the major tech companies that have significantly shaped modern life and the global economy. Each season focuses on a different tech giant, diving deep into their history, business practices, cultural influence, and the controversies surrounding them. Great for examples in your CR exams!
American Scandal is a podcast that delves into some of the most notorious scandals in American history, exploring the people, decisions, and consequences behind these events. Each season focuses on a different scandal, such as the Iran-Contra Affair, the Exxon Valdez oil spill, and the Enron collapse, providing detailed narratives and insights into how these events unfolded and their lasting impact on society. Examples of fraud, corruption bribery and poor decision-making are perfect to use in your CIPS exams.
The Procurement Conversation: Hosted by Rich Sains, this podcast tackles various hot topics in procurement through interviews with industry specialists and leaders. Rich discusses challenges, opportunities, and key trends shaping the procurement landscape. Rich is a great guy who I love to listen to, and I make a cameo in one of his episodes on women in procurement.
Last but not least we have, The Sourcing Hero: Kelly Barner hosts this podcast aimed at providing actionable insights and inspiration for procurement professionals through stories and best practices from industry leaders. I was also honoured to be featured on one of these episodes, Kelly is a great interviewer and I love listening to the guests she selects.
There you have it! All podcasts can be found on Apple, or Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
If you want to work with a study centre that actually want to learn and gain more knowledge to provide better examples, or perhaps you are a fellow podcast addict and have some suggestions for me then get in touch at info@businessacademy-online.com I would love to hear from you!