EXPERIENCE OF IILM BBA GLOBAL STUDY PROGRAM

Global Study, IILM Institute for Higher Education, IILM Undergraduate Business School, IILM University11 SeptemberRitansha RampalGlobal Study Program, Global Study Program at IILM, IILM BBA Global Study Tour, IILM Blog, IILM Global Study Program, IILM UBS Global Study Program

EXPERIENCE OF GLOBAL STUDY PROGRAM
(STUTTGART, GERMANY)
By : Ritansha Rampal and Tejasva Ahuja, SBS Stage 2, IILM UBS

The study abroad program is designed to further develop and expand our intercultural and language competencies, and enhance and deepen our professional knowledge in an international context.

Being a student of BBA program at IILM comes with the advantage of the Global Study Program. This Program spread over three weeks gives the students an opportunity to travel to Germany and complete a module at International School of Management, Germany (ISM), IILM’s partner business school. The students go abroad at the end of the first year of their SBS Swiss Business School Degree course at IILM Campus. In fact, we had the choice to go to Stuttgart or Dortmund Germany or Seneca in Canada, and we had opted for Stuttgart.

Stuttgart and its surrounding area form one of the largest commercial capitals in Europe. The campus is just a few minutes on foot from south of the city centre and is easy to reach using public transport. The ISM Stuttgart Campus easily accommodated our batch and we had all the resources required for presentations and project work on request. We also had options available for lunch right next to our Campus.Ms. Vanessa,coordinator of the Global Study Program representing ISM, was also our mentor in Germany. She answered all the queries about the city, cuisine and travel plans. Ms. Vanessa also organized a city tour for all the students. The tour was conducted in a bus and we were shown the most popular landmarks and historical sites of the city with a narrative.

Talking about classes, our sessions were conducted by Professor Björn Röeber who taught us Strategic Management and Professor Qeis Kamran who taught us Entrepreneurial Innovation.The teaching methodology included lecture practices which is an effective way to present new information orally. Both our professors were highly interactive and made us participate in group discussions. We found that they used to actively engage the group for discussion on a particular subject and they also shared case studies which were designed to evaluate how we processed information, solved problems and reacted to new and surprising situations, as well as how we worked within a team.

We also had the opportunity of three Company Visits. The industrial visits were organised for the Porsche Museum, Bosch and Daimler. It is noteworthy to mention that the automobile industry is one of the leading industries at the global level and we got the chance to visit these Companies.

Talking about our experience during the visits, at Bosch, we got to know the technical side of how their business operates and at Daimler, we got to understand the production side of the business as well. In Porsche Museum, we were shown the evolution of the cars too. We liked the fact that we were introduced to their methods of acquiring customers.

We want to mention that it’s important that we have a realistic approach when we go for the study abroad program as it involves doing things that we do not normally do while at home. For example, laundry, groceries, making our beds. And so, here were times when we also felt a little homesick because this was our first college trip too. But at the same time, we also got to learn a lot from our experiences. Our teachers, peers and the ISM mentor were helpful in making things easy for us.

Lastly, we thoroughly enjoyed attending our classes, company visits and most specially one another’s company. It was great to know that we all had the ability to independently handle various situations and to figure out things on our own instead of having them done for us by someone else.

ISM Dortmund Campus Tour, City Tour and Company Visit

Campus Life, General Blog, Global Study, IILM Institute for Higher Education, IILM Undergraduate Business School18 AugustAnindita ChatterjeeBBA in Entrepreneurship, company visit, Global Study, Global Study Program, IILM Blog, IILM UBS, industry visit, study tour

There’s a big world beyond the IILM campus, and a student can experience it through the golden opportunity given by IILM Undergraduate Business School as Global Study Program. In order to be a responsible leader in today’s time students need to have first-hand experience of cultures, organizations, and business practices around the world. In order to cater to this requirement IILM’s global offerings encompass a mandatory 3 week global study program.

This program was organized for our stage 2 students of 2016 – 19 batches. Based on the preferences, students were taken to International School of Management, at Dortmund, Germany. 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 6th of August 2017, 35 students collectively from both Lodhi Road and Gurgaon campus boarded flight for Dortmund, Germany along with two faculty members. While the travel itself, the students were handed over the ISD sim cards so that they can make calls to their parents and inform them about their safe arrival at Dortmund. In addition with this the students were also explained about the rules and regulations to be followed at the hostel. Each and every student was provided on the same day with a train/bus card to travel nearby location for free of cost. The students were also provided with a unique identity card in order to seek entry into International School of Management, Hamburg, Germany.

This three weeks program was a blend of two modules, industry visits and cultural immersions. A highlight of this interesting curriculum is here.

1. Strategic Management: Prof. Qeis Kamran

The course covered the basics of strategic management, key elements, current trends in strategy, strategy thinking styles, the role of resources and knowledge, branding, decision making, organizational politics, international and collaborative strategies, strategy and innovation. Module also introduced Prof. Kamran’s six forces model which challenged Porter’s five forces. This module was delivered through lectures, case study and visit to Google. The students appreciated the delivery of the course.

Industrial and Cultural Visits in Germany
Dortmund City Tour :
Learning Outcome: The students were informed and explained about the Dortmund city’s heritage and culture.

Feedback : Liked and appreciated by the student

DASA Company Visit

Overall the students had a great 360 degree experience in terms of classroom learning, industry visits, cultural immersions, hostel lifestyle, traveling using public transport etc.

Google Headquarter Visit in Toronto, Canada

Campus Life, Global Study, IILM Institute for Higher Education, IILM Undergraduate Business School18 AugustGurpreet Singh BhatiaBBA, BBA in Entrepreneurship, company visit, Global Study, Global Study Program, Google Headquarter Visit, IILM Blog, IILM UBS, industry visit

On August 16, the IILM UBS Batch 3 of BBA in Entrepreneurship (2016-19) traveled to the world’s second most business-competitive global city, the home of the Toronto Maple Leaves, and tourist attraction CN Tower. Students spent the weekend visiting some of the most reputable companies in the world and participating in a community service project. The evening began with an introduction to Google’s mission and values, and a tour of Google Toronto’s new offices. Google’s two key workplace values are healthy lifestyles and environmental friendliness, said a Google representative, which was evident in the design of the office: from the polished concrete floors to the inexpensive timber stand walling to the galvanized steel wall frames, and reclaimed seats from the old Montreal Forum.

Meeting rooms were named after cities and parks in Eastern and Western Canada, with a shower room (for employees needing to shower after bicycling to work) named “Niagara Falls.” Google has also partnered with Bullfrog for its energy needs in order to create a net zero carbon footprints, the girls were told.

The trip brought together a diverse group of individuals, both within the Seneca College and at the companies they visited. Students spoke with knowledgeable professionals from these global businesses, toured the facilities, and learned firsthand it’s like to work for a global professional services firm. Later the students were given a chance to ask numerous questions regarding “How Digital Marketing can help their Business grow”. A pizza supper and a presentation on Google’s products concluded the evening.

Learning Outcome: The students were able to relate the concepts learnt in the classroom. They learnt about the various strategies adopted by Google. This visit was a part of the module Strategic Management. A pre and post briefing reinforced the concepts delivered.

Feedback: Well appreciated by the students.

A Visit to Toyota manufacturing plant in Cambridge (Canada) to Witness Kaizen at Work

Global Study, IILM Institute for Higher Education, IILM Undergraduate Business School18 AugustGurpreet Singh BhatiaBBA in Entrepreneurship, company tour, company visit, Global Study, Global Study Program, IILM BBA, IILM Blog, industry visit, study tour

IILM BBA in Entrepreneurship (2016-19) Batch 3 Students visited Toyota manufacturing plant in Cambridge (Canada) on 17th of August 2017 as a part of 3 weeks’ Global Study Program. The group to this unmemorable company visit consisted of IILM BBA students along with me. This factory tour of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada is unmemorable as it gave us an opportunity to witness Kaizen at work, a concept constantly popping up in the field of business management.

Nothing can be more fascinating and intriguing than seeing how things we use are made! This company visit and the guided tour takes you into the heart of the Toyota Plant. And you are immediately transported to a world of efficiency where the Team Toyota and robots build the cars. Sorry that there are no photos, as electronic devices are not permitted on the tour.

The leading reason tourists access the Cambridge visitor & information centre isn’t to tour the city’s historic downtowns or play in its famous parks – it’s to visit Toyota and see where hundreds of thousands of cars are made.

The Toyota plant has practiced Kaizen “change for the better” since the plant came into existence. Known for rapid, continuous, improvement, Kaizen has been practiced in many locations across the globe. We find so many case studies on it in the field of management studies. The plant also employs “in time” assembly as nothing is built unless it has been ordered. As a result, no spare vehicles sitting around for speculative selling.

We also witnessed how the production process at Toyota involves zero wastage where the scrap in minimized and again utilized in the process.

It was an amazing experience for the whole group of IILM BBA students to witness the robots populate the welding lines. We even saw the famous Godzilla robot(s) that pick up assemblies and move them from one level of the factory to an upper level.

All in all, it was an amazing and edifying company visit. The IILM UBS Global Study Program was conceived to benefit the budding entrepreneurs and managers to immerse themselves in another culture as well as experience the challenges and opportunities facing organizations around the globe. During such tours as the visit to the Toyota manufacturing plant in Cambridge, students meet leading executives and gain first-hand experience of concepts and practices like Kaizen. Such tours also extend global awareness and enhance the international perspective of IILM BBA students.

Behind the Scenes with Bosch in Germany with IILM Global Study Program

General Blog, Global Study, IILM Institute for Higher Education, IILM Undergraduate Business School16 AugustNidhi Piplanicompany visit, Global Study Program, IILM Global Study, IILM Global Study Program, IILM UBS Global Study Program, industry visit, students visit

The IILM BBA (2016-19) Batch 1 students visit BOSCH plant and R&D centres in Stuttgart, Germany on 2nd August 2017. The IILM BBA students were treated to an up-close view of the Robert Bosch Corporation that few get to experience.

In an endeavor to provide world class exposure to its students, IILM Undergraduate School of Business makes it mandatory for its students to be a part of its Global Study Program. The IILM Global Study Program takes the form of a study tour of a 3week to one of its partner universities in Canada or in Europe.

The IILM UBS Global Study Program was conceived to benefit the budding entrepreneurs and managers to immerse themselves in another culture as well as experience the challenges and opportunities facing organizations around the globe. It also extends global awareness and enhances the international perspective of IILM BBA students. During such tours, students meet leading executives and government officials while visiting businesses, industries, and cultural sites.

A visit to the Bosch World Wide Headquarters building in Stuttgart The company visit began with a thorough tour of the Bosch World Wide Headquarters building in Stuttgart, Germany. Very much like the gigantic Bosch corporate entity and identity itself, it was hard to judge how big the place was – with its office tower just disappearing into the low clouds behind the German countryside.

Once inside, our IILM BBA group got a better idea of the scope of things. The Bosch Group of companies has well over 350 subsidiaries and regional companies in 60+ countries and gives employment to nearly 300,000 people. Power tools make up 16% of Bosch business, while the automotive industry is responsible for 60% of its business. Appliances and countless industrial and energy related products make up the rest.

During our tour of some of the best corporate research and advanced engineering labs including that of Bosch, we were exposed to some of the latest developments in “smart” materials, photovoltaics, and Lithium-ion battery technologies. We can’t be more specific than that, but suffice it to claim that things move pretty fast at Bosch – the Bosch corporate research department files an average of 12 patents a day.

To conclude, the trip to the Bosch World Wide Headquarters building in Stuttgart didn’t disappoint the group! It was amazing to visit and get the first-hand experience of the business and functioning of this corporate giant.

IILM BBA Study Tour to Stuttgart, Home of the Mercedes-Benz Headquarters

Global Study, IILM Institute for Higher Education, IILM Undergraduate Business School14 AugustAnisha RaniGlobal Study, Global Study Program, IILM BBA, IILM Blog, industry visit, Mercedes-Benz Museum, study tour, Stuttgart, Undergraduate School of Business

An IILM Undergraduate Business School leader steps out to explore what lies beyond the familiar, to develop a well-rounded perspective. It is with this aim that as a part of unique BBA curriculum the college takes its students for Global Study Program every year to provide them an experience which is unmatched, in terms of global exposure and lateral thinking.

The IILM BBA students tour Canada or Europe as a part of its Global Study Program to avail of the unique opportunity to study in a global environment and learn holistically. During the BBA study tour, our students visit industries to understand the functioning of the units and also experience the local festivities of the area.

This year we visited the Mercedes-Benz Headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany on 3rd August, 2017, as a part of our Global Study Program. The gigantic and ultramodern Mercedes Benz Headquarters in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim displays a huge collection of historic vehicles owned by the world’s oldest automobile manufacturer. In addition to cars, the headquarters also displays trucks, buses, experimental vehicles, and racing cars built by Mercedes Benz. I was leading the group with one of my colleagues Ms. Nidhi Piplani.

Germany in general and Stuttgart in particular are synonymous with the purr of meticulously engineered motors and the sheen of polished chrome. Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Volkswagen all popped up on the world map from this central European country, and Stuttgart may very claim the honour of being the origin of two such highly regarded automobile manufacturers. Car enthusiasts certainly covet the opportunity to spend some time in the cutting edge state to feast on the sight of the enviable, antique vehicle collections on display at the world renowned Mercedes-Benz Headquarters and Porsche Museum. We visited both, Mercedes-Benz Headquarters and Porsche Museum.

Almost three times the size of the famous Porsche Museum, the Mercedes-Benz Headquarters majestically spotlights the 125 years of magnificent automotive history throughout its nine intertwining levels. The building design was inspired by the form of a DNA double helix; its layout mind-bogglingly twists. With well over 1500 exhibits and 160 vehicles on display, visitors to the building are transported back in time as they slowly spiral their way through galleries highlighting the world’s very first motorized vehicles. Then they move to the bottom level of the renowned building where the contemporary Mercedes-Benz awaits its recognition.

Overall, the industry visit to the Mercedes-Benz Headquarters as a part of our this year’s Global Study Program gave us an opportunity to actually see and experience for ourselves the application of the theory which we study in the classroom. This tour enriched the students and the faculty member who felt that it was a lifetime experience. This is what makes IILM UBS a top BBA college with a remarkable difference!

IILM Global Study Program and a Visit to the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart

Global Study, IILM Institute for Higher Education, IILM Undergraduate Business School11 AugustNidhi PiplaniCompany Visits, Global Study, Global Study Program, IILM BBA, Porsche brand, Porsche Museum, Porsche Museum tour, study tour, Undergraduate School of Business

Just to give you a brief background, in its endeavors to provide world class exposure to its students, IILM Undergraduate School of Business makes it mandatory for its students to be a part of its Global Study Program. The IILM Global Study Program takes the form of a study tour of 3 weeks to one of its partner universities in Canada or Europe.

The IILM UBS Global Study Program is so designed as to benefit the budding entrepreneurs and managers to immerse themselves in another culture, experience the challenges and opportunities facing organizations around the globe. It also extends global awareness and enhances the international perspective of IILM BBA students. During such tours, students meet leading executives and government officials while visiting businesses, industries, and cultural sites.

This year we visited Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany on 9th August 2017, as a part of our Global Study Program. Porsche’s museum in Stuttgart, Germany is the world’s largest museum of science and technology, for which people are continually jealous of everyone that has the opportunity to visit it. I was leading the group with one of my colleagues Ms. Anisha Rani.

You will really be impressed if you are standing in front of the grand Porsche Museum in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. The gigantic building of the museum is amazing and looks so light, almost like floating in the air. The museum building is resting on only three V-shaped pillars. The contemporary design of the largest science and technology museum continues in the building. In a plain and elegant surrounding, the development of the Porsche brand and the sleek sports cars are illustrated.

The entire reason for visiting Stuttgart was to visit the Porsche Museum along with the Mercedes-Benz Headquarters. Porsche best exemplifies good design values, which was obvious there, and which the IILM BBA group members appreciated. We found that the car company has an unbeatable lineup of vehicles that was achieved through an approach that’s very much different from that of Apple. The science and technology Museum is designed by Delugan Meissl and is situated near the company’s headquarters. The museum is executed meticulously and tells a mesmerizing story using great graphic design and installations.

Simplicity and the conviction of constant evolution are probably the strongest traits of Porsche as a world-class brand. This is what really strikes you move through the Porsche museum.

To conclude, the trip to the coveted Porsche museum didn’t disappoint the group! The Porsche museum tour took us through its prestigious racing history, the evolution of the Porsche brand, and its technological achievements that have revolutionized automotive industry today. Many of us in the IILM BBA group had a great time playing with the engine sound effect machine and looking at the cars but few even found enjoyment in the detailed descriptions of Porsche’s development of the tip-tropic automatic gear system and their weight reduced fuel pumps.

With a mind filled with great memories and edifying experience, bidding adieu to the Porsche Museum, at-least probably till next year!

Experience of a lifetime – IILM’s Global Study Program at International School of Management, Germany.

Global Study16 MayAarti SharmaCultural Visits in Germany, Global Study Program, Hamburg City Tour, IILM Blog, International School of Management

There’s a big world beyond the IILM campus, and a student can experience it through the golden opportunity given by IILM Undergraduate Business School as Global Study Program.

In order to be a responsible leader in today’s time students need to have first hand experience of cultures, organizations, and business practices around the world. In order to cater to this requirement IILM’s global offerings encompass a mandatory 3 week global study program.

This program was organized for the first time for our stage 1 students of 2015 – 18 batch. Based on the preferences, students were taken to International School of Management, at Hamburg, Germany. 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 8^th of August 2016, 50 students collectively from both Lodhi Road and Gurgaon campus boarded Emirates flight for Hamburg, Germany along with the three faculty members. Ms Philipa , International Office Manager, ISM received us at the airport along with a coach to facilitate commutation from airport to the A&O Hostel where the students were given accommodation. While the travel itself, the students were handed over the ISD sim cards so that they can make calls to their parents and inform them about their safe arrival at Hamburg.

In addition with this the students were also explained about the rules and regulations to be followed at the hostel. Each and every student was provided on the same day with a train/bus card to travel nearby location for free of cost.

The students were also provided with a unique identity card inorder to seek entry into International School of Management, Hamburg, Germany.

This three weeks program was a blend of two modules, industry visits and cultural immersions. A highlight of this interesting curriculum is here.

1. Strategic Management: Prof. Qeis Kamran

The professor made use of case studies such as Volkswagen’s Clean Diesel Dilemma; University of Michigan; WDI Publishing, inorder to

2. Entrepreneurship & Innovation – Prof. A. Schonknecht

Course content included entrepreneurship and business development, innovation and business ideas, innovation strategy, business model development and business plan development. The module was delivered through lecture mode with the help of ppt.

Industrial and Cultural Visits in Germany

Google

Feedback: Well appreciated by the students.

Lufthansa Technik

Learning Outcome: The students were able to witness the manufacturing and servicing of airplanes and learnt about the various ways a product is modified keeping in consideration the customer’s requirements.

Feedback: The students could not relate very well to the visit as it was more apt for engineering students. It also became tiring for students to walk around the entire facility spread in acres. For all visits, transport arrangements must be looked into in the future programs.

Hamburg City Tour:

Learning Outcome: The students were informed and explained about the Hamburg city’s heritage and culture.

Feedback: Liked and appreciated by the students

Hamburg Harbor:

Learning Outcome: The students got to experience Germany’s largest port – its gateway to the world. They were able to understand the significance of the port in Germany’s economy.

Feedback: Great visit, fully enjoyed by the students.

Overall the students had a great 360 degree experience in terms of classroom learning, industry visits, cultural immersions, hostel lifestyle, traveling using public transport etc.

Love the Land, Live the Life.. Normandie, France

Global Study07 DecemberNidhi Piplaniglobal exchange program, Global Study Program, IILM Blog, students of IILM

A global exchange program was organized for the PG-1 students 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 tied up university except the students extra expenditures like food, travelling etc. On 4^th of September 2016, 45 students collectively from LR, Gurgaon and Greater Noida campus boarded Emirates for Ecole de Management de Normandie, France with Dr. Gurpreet Singh Bhatia (Associate Professor, Economics, LR) as the team lead for the students for the entire exchange program. The students were provided with the resident at Apart’ City, Caen.

The exchange program started on 6^th with the welcome speech of Alain Ouvrieu, director of EM, Normandie. During the orientation the students were introduced to the different modules they have to take for next 26 days. The modules were: Supply Chain Management by Roger Soulieux, Doing business in France by Marie-Pierre Seznec, Business startup by Max Mikale Bjorling, and Business Project by Alain De Lamaziere. The students were divided in the group of 5-6 and were asked to present a business plan on lingerie’s and swimsuit market in different country like Benelux, Great Britain, Germany etc. The whole program was coordinated by 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. The cost for the meal for Indian students was reduced so that they have to don’t pay much in terms of euros in university canteen.

The program was planned in such a way that there were class room lectures and related excursion. For example after attending SCM classes there was an excursion planned for student to Le Havre Port for the better understanding and practical knowledge. A surprise team building activity was also organized for all in an amusement park called Festyland, where students were told 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. Students were allowed to buy the chocolates and candies from factories own shop at cheaper rates. Here the idea was to explain the businesses related to caramel i.e. how the raw materials like milk, sugar etc. are arranged from different parts of the country. 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 them from the firm.

Not only the business excursion but also the fun trip was planned in between the studies. Trip to Etretat was planned to show and experience the beauty of nature’s creation in form of elephant trunk cliff. Since, Normandie was one of major victim during World War 2, so to explain the history and the past, another trip was planned to Omaha beach, US Crematory and to the Memorial at Normandie. The students were explained about the hard situation and grievances faced by the people during the Hitler rein and how the World War 2 changed the face of the world specially France. To make memories, students were taken to Le Mount Saint Michel which is one of Europe’s most unforgettable sights. Set in the mesmerizing bay where Normandie and Brittany merge, the island grabs the eye from great distance. The entire story of how a mout turned into a great place of Christian pilgrimage was explained by the help of audio guide to everyone.

A unforgettable trip was also planned for the students dream city i.e. to Paris. Each studentwas 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 wish. 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 are leaving to, the number of students going and there contact numbers, there 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.

Each module has given a timeline of 4-5 classes to complete the course. At the end the students were asked to present a power point presentation in three modules and a mock multiple choice question insupply chain management 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. Manvendra and Pravin, a student form LR and Gurgaon campus respectively got 20 on 20 for their idea. Similarly in module doing business in France a presentation in group was done on how the business in Normandie is going on in different sectors.

The 26 days for the student ended with lot of fun and learning at EM Normandie. Student who excel in their work were appreciated from university side and a dinner at was organized for all in an Indian restaurant by Severine. Finally on 30^th morning the students were dropped to the Paris airport to back to India.

Article by Er. Manvendra Singh, (PG20161419)

Global Academic Expedition to EM Normandie, France

Global Study05 DecemberGurpreet Singh Bhatia

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 4^th 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

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 30^th 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).