2nd Call for Participation

Transcription

1 2nd Call for Participation Spring 2014 International Business Study Tour to the United States: Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Emerging Markets: Strategic Challenges and Opportunities April 13 April 23, 2014 Designed Exclusively for MBA, EMBA, MMBA Students Lagos Business School Pan-Atlantic University Lagos, Nigeria Hosted By: International Business Resource Center University of Wisconsin Platteville 1 University Plaza Platteville, WI INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER (IBRC)

2 One of the missions of IBRC is to partner with educational institutions, training centers, international managements consultants, departments and chambers of commerce, government departments, and public corporations to provide the required international exposure and training that will enable the institutions and students to compete effectively in the Global market place. The exposure also offers opportunities for international business relations and network and insight into new and innovative business techniques, as well as help business executives to realign their business plans with global economic realities. IBRC is resourced with a team of professional business consultants to handle local and global business issues as well as provide the required platform for companies, professionals, institutions and governments to take advantage of opportunities in the international business environment, create business network and offer professional advice based on experience and exposure. Our focus is to create and add value to businesses as well as assist to establish frameworks for private and public institutions to increase their revenue generating capacities. Since 2006, the IBRC has worked with international institutions and governments across America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East to create structures that will improve local economies and international relations. The IBRC has developed close ties with the governments of Israel, China, Singapore, Indonesia, South Africa, Kenya, Algeria, Nigeria and the United States of America, to mention a few. In Nigeria, we have worked with state agencies in helping to establish effective economic development strategies as well as assist organizations and government agencies to source for foreign direct investments (FDI) from international organizations. IBRC INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL TOUR IBRC offers international studies, exchange programs and international educational tours for business and executive students from local and international institutions, with particular emphasis on Executive Education and MBA students from business schools around the world. The tour is designed to provide MBA students and business owners the opportunity to meet executives and experience other cultures first-hand. It is designed to also offer the participants international exposure in the area of business management, international trade, global business opportunities and trends, international networking within participants business interest and an opportunity to holiday with family and friends. The later objective is usually incorporated into the tour to provide a relaxed atmosphere for training as well as ease the several months of educational pressure from participants educational program.

3 The program involves company visits, semi-formal discussion and training sessions, case studies, lectures, cultural visits, shopping and general leisure to areas of tourist interest. LBS EXECUTIVE MBA EDUCATIONAL Spring TOUR 2014 In April 2013, IBRC had the fifth educational tour for Executive MBA students of the prestigious Lagos Business School, Pan Atlantic University, Lagos. The participant centered international excursion program was designed to augment the students skills on international business management and its challenges, as well as creativity and innovation in managing the challenges. The program also was aimed at providing excellent opportunity for MBA students and associates to observe the business and cultural climate first-hand through an 8-days overseas experience. At the end of the program, participants were expected to be able to relate taught theories and management techniques/lessons from their MBA program to real life experiences from international organizations in the United States of America. Approximately 32 students participated in the tour to the United States of America. Pre-departure briefing sessions took place at Mobil Classroom, Pan- African University Victoria Island, Lagos, where participants were given further clarification on the objectives of the tour and information on the weather, logistics and brief introduction to the topics and lectures they were scheduled to attend. The tour included visits to a variety of companies from retailing to financial services and manufacturing. Tour participants also came in contact with a variety of organizations including foreign multinationals, joint ventures, government owned enterprises, and American conglomerates. The theme of the tour was Cross-Border Entrepreneurship and the Untapped Potentials of the Emerging Market. The course locations were Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin. The program lasted between March 23 and April 1, TOUR DESTINATIONS The following are some of the institutions both private and public visited and received lectures during the period when the participants were in the USA. DePaul University, Kellstadt, Graduate School of Business, Chicago. Theme: Effective Global Communication Skills in Management McCormick Chamber of Commerce, Chicago: Clifford B. Ruffin, President & CEO Continental Africa Chamber of Commerce, Chicago

4 Illinois Department of Commerce, Chicago: International Trade Specialist for Africa and the Middle East and Sam Ntum, International Trade Specialist Wisconsin Manufactures Association EPIC WORLD Headquarters Growing Powers Farm Kellogg Executive MBA Global Network, Chicago: Meeting with Elmer Almachar, Director of Executive MBA Program and Suzzanne Waller, Associate Director Dennis Vicchiarelli, Managing Director, World Business Chicago University of Wisconsin Discovery Center Dave Franchino, President of Design Concepts Inc. Manpower World Headquarters, Milwaukee: Met with Pamila Brown Harley Davidson Headquarters, Milwaukee. Shopping at Walmart, JC Penny, Arlington Heights, etc. Walter Kluwer/CT Corporation ETC World Headquarters Design Concepts meeting with Dave, Franchise President and CEO Wisconsin State Capitol Meeting with Senator Schultz The tour included dinner at Dynamic Africa Restaurant at 1127 W Thorndale Road, Chicago and other restaurants of choice selected by tour participants. Participants were lodged at Embassy Suites Hotel, 511 North Columbus Drive, Chicago, IL (while in Chicago); and Fairfield Inn & Suites in Madison, WI. The 2013 Tour was 100% self-sponsored by the participants. The total cost of the tour was $6,100 (for individual participants) and $10,700 (for legal couples) which covered: *Airfare Single room accommodation Local transportation and logistics Guided tour and cultural visits Breakfast and lunch Arrival reception Lectures and certificates * Airfare is subject to change Personal expenses (entry visas, shopping, additional meals, souvenirs, telephone, etc.) were not included in the tour budget. However, IBRC facilitated the procurement of entry visas for all participants. The 2013 tour was adjusted to

5 include more case studies, teamwork exercise, and expanded lectures by business executives and professors. All the participants returned to Nigeria at the conclusion of the program. The 2014 (spring) LBS USA Educational Tour Program Following the success of the LBS Executive MBA Educational Tour 2013, the International Business Resource Center (IBRC) is partnering with Lagos Business School to organize another Educational Tour of the United States of America (USA) scheduled for April 2014 for MBA, EMBA, MMBA Students Executive education program students of the Lagos Business School, Lagos. The theme for 2014 program is Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Emerging Markets: Strategic Challenges and Opportunities Nigeria can be a very rewarding market for U.S. companies and businesses that take the time and effort to understand market conditions and opportunities, find the right partners and clients, and take a long-term approach to market development. With strong growth prospects in many industry and service sectors, underserved market segments, a growing and increasingly sophisticated consumer base, and a strong affinity for U.S. products and American culture, opportunities are impressive; but so are the challenges including inadequate energy and transportation infrastructure, weak institutions, the threat of crime and corruption, and reoccurring episodes of regionalized political instability and violence. Nevertheless, those U.S. companies and businesses that take a careful and informed approach to the market can do

6 well and develop longstanding and profitable business relationships and operations in Nigeria. The 2014 spring program is designed to expose participants to the styles, systems relationships, partnerships, products and services that can be harnessed and imported to take advantage of local opportunities. The program will enable them have first-hand knowledge, understanding and experience of how companies and institutions are run and managed efficiently to maximize good returns on investment, their strategies for sustainable growth, and general global economic outlook. Participants are expected to exercise their business analysis and management skills in practical and real life real world circumstances. At the end of the program, participants should be able to: Identify investment and value creation opportunities in their local economies Understand and develop strategies that will sustain their businesses and ensure growth Develop relationships and network with international/american companies with a view to creating synergies between these institutions Enhance and develop their entrepreneurial skills Relate with companies and practical business cases which they had reviewed and studied in school Refresh to face real world business challenges and opportunities Leverage their knowledge of Nigerian market to develop ideas on goods that can be marketed to the Americas Opportunity to attract mid-sized businesses to the emerging market - Nigeria

7 TOUR FORMAT AND TOUR DESTINATION The 2014 spring tour is planned for Chicago, Illinois and Milwaukee & Madison, Wisconsin. The tour format will include case studies, lectures by professors and business executives, Networking, and teamwork. Tour destinations will include visits to: Major Business Schools Venture Capital institutions GE - Wisconsin Kraft Food, Madison Harley Davison Design Concepts Foley & Lardner LLP Illinois Department of Commerce, Chicago Wisconsin Department of Commerce, Madison Manpower Organization Public Institutions Ex-Im Bank Research Centers Other destinations to be determined by IBRC and LBS

8 Tour will also include cultural excursions and visits to tourist centers around Chicago and Madison. Participants will have the opportunity to do some shopping in Chicago and Madison, as well as offer suggestions on how to make the tour more interesting and rewarding. CERTIFICATION Only LBS Executive education students are entitled to certificate at the completion of the program. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE TOUR The Executive Educational Tour 2014 is estimated to cost: $6,200 per participant $9,740 per couple (one student and one legal spouse) $11,030 per couple with one minor child (one student, and legal spouse and one minor (Ages 0-2)) $13,860 per couple with one minor child and one child (Ages 3+) **Please note prices are based on a minimum of 30 principle participants A legal spouse is the wife/husband of a qualified student of the MBA, EMBA, MMBA Programs of the Lagos Business School. A minor is a child of a qualified LBS student Participant under age 2 or above or approved by the IBRC certification. All fees are refundable except application and visa fees.

9 The tour budget includes: Single-Room Accommodations

10 Ground and local transportation and logistics Guided tours and cultural excursions Breakfast & Lunch Some refreshments Briefings and certificates of participation from IBRC and partnership institutions Airfare ($1,900) and visa fees (airfare is subject to change)

11 Personal expenses (additional meals, shopping, souvenirs, private visits, etc) are not included in the overall budget. Visa processing and airfare will be handled by an appointed local agency approved by the IBRC and LBS. LBS will handle preliminary screening. IBRC will facilitate visa procurement at the American Consulate in Lagos, and the US Embassy in Abuja and local logistics in the United States.

12 QUALIFICATIONS & DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS All participants MUST BE: Confirmed MBA, EMBA, and MMBA Students of the Lagos Business School i Legal spouse of either of the 2 categories of students (stated above) Minor (child below age 0-4) or approved by IBRC. The following documents will be required to complete the application process: Completed 2014 Executive Educational Tour Application Form 2 copies of data pages of participants international passport (including spouse and child, where applicable) A copy of Letter of Admission to Lagos Business School A copy of Marriage Certificate for couples A copy of child s birth certificate Completed and executed IBRC Guarantee Form Completed and executed IBRC Information Form Applicant International Passport-Data Page Completed word Statement of Purpose

13 All participants (including spouses and children) will be pre-screened by the Lagos Business School and the IBRC, and later by the US Embassy. Screening may involve enquiries and collection of further information from participants employers, friends and associates, and may require full and unreserved disclosures about participants personal and social lives. Interested applicants are required to submit, as part of the application process a word statement of purpose. Please address how this international experience will help you reach your degree and how you plan to use your experiences to enhance the learning environment at LBS upon your return. In addition please state how you plan to relate your present and future career goals to your experience from this study tour.

14 PROGRAM TIMELINES S/N DATES 1 August 1 October 31, Payment Schedule November 15, 2013 ACTIVITIES Completion and submission of IBRC tour application forms and payment of $600 Application and Visa Fee (per applicant) Please note, the application fee is a part of your program fees. First installment: $1400 due by November 15, AND Completion of Confidential Online IBRC Visa Application Form/Securing of group appointment date. Please note once online applications have been completed all fees are non-refundable. *Please note: In order to ensure no increase in program cost, application and payment deadlines are strictly enforced. Participants who fail to meet specific deadlines are subject to increase in program fees. 3 Payment Schedule December 15, 2013 January 31, 2014 Second installment: $2000 due by December 15, 2013 Final Payment: $2,000 due by January 31, 2014 (for individuals) & applicable balances for couples. All fees are refundable except application and visa fees. 5 Wednesday, Pre-orientation, Lagos Business School November 27, February 6, 2014 IBRC issues official letter of invitation to qualified and accepted participants for visa interview. Submission of all travel documents and details to IBRC

15 After the date all fees are refundable except application fees. 7 **February 19-21, 2014 Tentative date for group visa interview at the US Embassy. 8 March 23, 2014 Procurement of flight tickets: Please note, once air tickets are purchased airfares are nonrefundable. 10 April 13, 2014 Departure from MMA to United States 11 April 23, 2014 Departure from United States to Nigeria **Date is tentative and subject to availability from the US Embassy in Lagos. Detailed program brochure and program schedule will be forwarded to each participant prior to attendance of visa interview. It is recommended that applicants pay their deposit as soon as possible in order to make sure that an interview is secured. No late applications will be accepted. Medical Insurance Medical expenses in the United States for both resident and non-resident are expensive. It is recommended that participants for this program obtain insurance coverage. Information on this should be sent to all qualified applicants at a later date. The International Business Resource Center (IBRC) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, handicap, marital status, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, arrest record, conviction record or membership in the National Guard, state defense force or any other reserve component of the military forces of Washington or United States. The IBRC is funded, in part, under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education CFDA No: with support from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

16 For further enquiries, kindly contact: Lagos Business School Dr. Nubi Achebo MBA Director Lagos Business School Tel: ; Ext Ify Chukwukelu EMBA Administrator/Assessor Lagos Business School Tel: ; , International Business Resource Center Professor Louis Nzegwu Executive Director University of Wisconsin Platteville 1139 Ullsvik Hall 1 University Plaza Platteville, WI Tel: or Fax: Website: nzegwu@uwplatt.edu or ibrc@uwplatt.edu