The University of Pretoria's Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) is now offering a half-hour packaged podcast, known as GIBS FN, which features interviews with leading local business people and international thought leaders. The objective is to drive more traffic to the business school's website, which is its main portal of interaction with students, potential students and visitors to the campus.

"The idea has been incubating for some time. The number of outstanding business executives and faculty who pass through our doors every week represents an amazing opportunity to share knowledge and insights," commented Sue Swart, marketing director of GIBS.

When viewing www.gibs.co.za (see right-hand side), it's possible to download an MP3 file, to listen to individual segments via streaming audio or even to download selected video files. According to the business school, reactions to the podcast have been overwhelmingly positive and comments have included:"Another innovative concept to bring us insight into topical issues facing our country and the economy. Not having access to the radio all the time these [sic] idea is very useful because I am always on the internet. Way to go GIBS team!!!"

"Informative, insightful and current - what a great idea! Looking forward to the next installment!"

"The sound bites were very informative and of a good length. Not too long to take up a big chunk of time in a busy schedule but long enough to make it interesting and informative. A good innovation by GIBS."A new edition is loaded every two weeks. Frequency will increase to weekly from the beginning of October 2008. Find the podcast on the right-hand side of www.gibs.co.za.