2009 CIBER Short-Term Study Abroad Conference: AFRICA Lucy J Reuben, PhD Duke University Fuqua School of Business March 6, 2009
2009 CIBER Short-Term Study Abroad Conference:
AFRICA
Lucy J Reuben, PhDDuke University
Fuqua School of BusinessMarch 6, 2009
Importance of Africa Study/Travel
Second-largest continent: 11.7 million sq. miles
Second most-populous continent: 53 countries, 7 dependencies
922 million people
Africa Produces
-75% of the world's cocoa beans
-33% of the world’s peanuts
- Rare and precious minerals (including much of the world's gold and diamonds)
-Up to 10% of the oil imported into the US (with the potential for even more), not counting the Middle East
Business & Economics
17th largest Stock Exchange in the World: Johannesburg Stock Exchange
Rising Incomes
Focus of Geo-Political Competition for Resources
Importance of South Africa
Economic Engine: GDP = $506 billion> $10,400 Per Capita Income
Stable, Multi-Cultural DemocracyBlacks 88% Whites 9% Indians/Asians 2%
Leadership Legends: Noble Prize Winners
Agenda- Objectives of the Course
- Course Outline
-- Role of Team Leaders
--Resources
-- Administrative Issues
- Managing Expectations
- Risk Management
Objectives of Course
Provide an overview of and context for the business and economic conditions in South Africa
Facilitate a better understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges associated with business operations in South Africa
Expose Duke MBA students to the business and cultural aspects of South Africa in a fun and interactive manner
Objectives of Course
To expose Duke MBA students to the business and cultural aspects of South Africa in a fun and interactive manner
Why South Africa?
- South Africa is home to Johannesburg, the wealthiest province in South Africa and has the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa
-Africa - especially South Africa- is a growing emerging market as well as home to 100s of Fortune 500 companies
Emphasis of course
- Company Visits and meeting business leaders
- Cultural Experiences
- Service Projects
Course Overview
Course
- Meet once a week for 6 weeks
- Assignments include company research, team presentations and research papers
Lecture: Guest Speakers
- Law/Government/Politics
- Entrepreneurship
- History and Culture
Country Trip
- Company Visits organized by Faculty in Weekend program
- Company visits organized by Student Trip Leaders in Daytime program
Role of Student Team Leader
Overall Objective is to work closely with faculty and staff to organize trip; Responsibilities include but not limited to:
- Promote GATE trip to the student body
- Meet with travel agent to discuss and finalize itinerary, which is approved by professor
- Contact/confirm visits to companies within host country, minimum of 8 company visits
-Serve as a liaison between students and faculty
- Produce Trip Handbook/Manual for class
Resources
Wall Street Journal
Long Road to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela
US State Department, especially CIA Fact Book
Global News Sources
Local South African Expatriates
Videos/DVDs About Africa/Sub-Saharan Africa/South Africa
ResourcesThe International Center of the Fuqua School
The staff person assigned to work with the professor and accompany the class to Africa
Other faculty members teaching other GATE courses
University Institutes or Centers which specialize in Africa/Sub-Saharan Africa/South Africa
South Africa’s Embassy in Washington, DC
Duke Travel Health Clinic
Administrative Issues- Develop a thorough syllabus with clear assignments and expectations
- Work closely with student team leaders while they work with travel agent as well as when they contact companies to visit
- Ensure that students are culturally aware of the countries they are visiting including etiquette, dress code and protocol
- Work with your student health department to arrange the proper immunizations
- Plan carefully for the communication issues (phone, internet) as well as travel arrangements of your host country
Managing Expectations
-The course is not a Safari (We go on a Safari, but don’t take the Safari mentality)
- The townships are important and unique, profoundly impacting the nature and pace of development (They are not just another slum.)
-Business is basic, natural wonders are nice, if you can get them (nice, but not necessary)
-Stay alert, as in the States, because things do happen (as in the States)
Duke University’s
1.Travel Policies (Including Registry):
https://eruditio.aas.duke.edu/international/facultytravelpolicy.php
2. Insurance Policy:
http://www.treasury.duke.edu/corprisk/travel/isos.php
US State Department Information:http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1008.html
Risk Management
Civic Outreach and Service Projects:
-Clothes, School Supplies, etc. for Orphanages, for children in the Townships, etc.-Try to determine these items in advance of the trip to Africa
The End
Lucy J Reuben, PhD