The Global Study Visit, Itinerary, France & Business!
A global study program was organized for the PG-1 students (2016-18 batch) of IILM, all the campuses. Students were given choices to choose one of their dream global universities on the basis of modules offered by the university. The choices were France, Spain, Canada, Germany and Finland. The entire program was sponsored by IILM and the partner school except that the students had to bear extra expenditures like food, travelling etc.
On the 4th of September 2016, 45 students collectively from LR, Gurgaon and Greater Noida campus boarded Emirates flight for Ecole de Management de Normandie, along with the assigned senior faculty. The students were provided with the resident at Apart’ City, Caen, adjacent to the school. From EM Normandie, the program was coordinated by Mrs. Severine Groult (International Development Manager, Short program) and Brigitte Laine (International Development Assistant).
In addition with this the students were also explained about the rules and regulations to be followed in college and hotel. Each and every student was provided on the same day with a unique identity card and a tram/bus card to travel nearby location for free of cost.
Selective Modules Taught at EM Normandie
The curriculum comprised of 10 ECTS Credits (2 ECTS Credits per module). Three modules of 15 hours of face-to-face teaching, one module of comprising two tutorial of 30 minutes each, and one module of business/cultural visits.
- Business Start-up- Prof. Max Mikael Bjorling
The students learnt about important Aspects and theories of business start-up, various aspects of entrepreneurship, thinking out-of-the-box as entrepreneurs and about the importance of being creative and how creativity fosters entrepreneurship. They were asked to write a report (not exceeding 2000 words) on entrepreneurial ideas/ventures related to setting up of tourism-firm that would attract tourists from India to France.
- Doing Business in France. Prof. Marie-Pierre Seznec
The students learnt about French business-culture, legal framework, and values taught from school to business. They had to choose a Normand company, and provide an overview. They then had to choose Indian company that might establish partnership with the Normand company, providing overview of Indian company and researching on the potential partnership. The focus was on creative presentations.
- Supply Chain Management, Professor Roger Soulieux
Student learnt about the concept of supply chain and logistics, inventory and flow management, inventory cost management. The module included live experience of supply chain management (distribution network) at Le Havre Port.
- Business Project. Alain De Lamaziere
Students worked in groups. Analysis of Lingerie and Swimsuit (L&S) business in the EU. They had the task of up L&S Company; looking at setting up/collaborating with the French L&S business in other EU countries; forming strategy and developing hypothetical financials. The students were encouraged to visit stores and enquire about the pricing and marketing strategy. They were asked to place emphasis on e-marketing. The assessment was based on group presentation.
- Business Environment –Visits
In addition with this the students were also explained about the rules and regulations to be followed in college and hotel. Each and every student was provided on the same day with a unique identity card and a tram/bus card to travel nearby location for free of cost.
The program was planned in such a way that there were class room lectures and related excursions. At the end the students were asked to present a power point presentation in three modules and multiple choice question in SCM module. The students were rated on scale of 20 in business project and top 3 business plan i.e. groups were appreciated for their work. In business startup module the students were asked to present their idea individually on how tourism in Normandie can attract Indian tourist..
The Wonders of France (Paris, Belgium, Amsterdam and Switzerland)
A surprise team building activity was also organized for all in an amusement park called Festyland, where students were assigned to capture pictures and videos and finally produce a digital file which was discussed in terms of business in front of Mr. Lair, Director of Festyland.
In addition to this students were taken to Caramel D’isigny where they tasted the caramel products and were showed the entire process how caramel chocolates are made. Another excursion was also made to cider factory i.e. Billy’s farm where the students there shown the process of making cider and how apples can help in making business. Students were allowed to taste the different kinds of cider and buy these from the firm.
A trip was also planned for the students to Paris. Each student was given a blue t-shirt with the brand tag of EM Normandie on it for the trip. Students were shown the 360° view of Paris from Montparnasse tower. In addition to this student were also shown some of the major brand and historical monuments like Arc De Triomphe and finally dropped to Eiffel tower where photoshoot was done and students were allowed to enjoy on their own. Finally a relaxing trip on cruise down the river Seine was organized which proved out a great way to see many of Paris’ famous landmarks and sights.
Over the weekends everyone was allowed to go for the places they wished. Majorly students targeted Belgium, Amsterdam and Switzerland. The expense for this trip was on their own. But before leaving from the hotel they were asked to give a written information of the places they were visiting and the contact numbers, including the hotel and travelling tickets details. This information was circulated to IILM as well as EM Normandie so as to keep a tract to the student’s safety and security.
Au Revoir!
The 26 days for the student ended with lot of fun and learning at EM Normandie. Student who exceled in their work were appreciated from university side and a dinner at was organized for all in an Indian restaurant. Finally on 30th morning the students were dropped to the Paris airport to back to India.
IILM has invited Prof. Bjorling to conduct sessions in Lodhi Road campus on Business Startup. IILM is awaiting his consent. Dr. Gurpreet Singh Bhatia has initiated case study in collaboration with EM Normandie faculty, Dr. Marie.
The students gained business-knowledge (digital and strategic marketing; operations; financials; business strategy and development; supply chain management and logistics) and the curriculum helped them develop soft skills (team-work, time management, and oral defense).
