Poly-Monde2012 - Presentation Booklet

Poly-Monde 2012South AfricAinduStriAl MiSSion - MAy 4th to 26th

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Engineers geared toward the worldWe live in a world strongly influenced by the emergence of new markets, driven more and more by international competitiveness and globalization of technologies. Today’s engineers need to be aware of industrial context worldwide. Furthermore, Canada’s and Quebec’s companies who wish to renew their competencies require a detailed knowledge of the latest developments in the world’s markets, especially by encouraging future engineers to obtain an international perspective.

To be fully prepared for their mission, Poly-Monde members must register to the International Projects Orientation, in order to follow two specific courses entitled Technology and International Competition I and II, in addition to another course given by the former Quebec’s Prime Minister, Mr. Bernard Landry: Globalization and International Firms. Those courses include theme studies and discussions on the selected country and leading-edge technologies relevant to its important sectors of activity. Graduating engineers also learn how to analyze and work with the major commercial agreements influencing economies.

Support of the École Polytechnique de MontréalThis extraordinary project is supported by the Poly-Monde Council, which is formed by Polytechnique’s CEO and President, the International Relations Office Director, an Air Liquide Canada Manager, the head of mission, the student coordinator and former mission’s coordinator. The Poly-Monde council is responsible for the selection of the destination for every mission.

The École Polytechnique de Montréal is proud to support, every year since 23 years, the twenty-five students that organize and participate to the mission. Throughout their engagement, these young leaders enrich their engineering formation with studies, meetings and visits about industries covered by the mission, both in Quebec, than in the visited country. During these visits, they will act like worthy ambassadors of École Polytechnique de Montréal, contributing to its provincial and international radiance.

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I am pleased to extend warm greetings to everyone participating in the Poly-World 2012 industrial tours program of the École Polytechnique de Montréal, in South Africa.

At a time when the global economy is characterized by increased trrade, it is worthwhile examining the forces behind free trade in order to better position our country.. With this in mind, the Poly-World 2012 mission is touring South Africa to explore the factors that foster competitiveness and innovation and the impact they have on economic growth.Participants will have an opportunity to reviez strategies developed by both countries to become more competitive in global markets and will reflect on how to incorporate these ideas into a Canadian business context. It is bound to be a highly rewarding experience for the students, giving them an opportunity to deepentheir knowledge and discover new cultures.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I hope you all have a productive mission, and wish you every success in your future endeavours.

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Jean Charest

Gouvernement du Québec Le premier ministre

Quebec, August 12, 2011

Dear Madam,Dear Sir,

For the 23th consecutive year, la mission Poly-Monde is in ful l swing. This year, students from the École Polytechnique will go to South Africa.

A l low me to sa lu te the in i t ia t i ve o f theses young peop le and o f Éco le Polytechnique de Montréal - in i t iat ive in keeping with the prevai l ing spir i t of skills upgrading in an era of globalization, international competition, and major sustainable development challenges.

This new mission, consisting of representation, market studies and technology transfer, will give engineering students an array of opportunities for enhanced training and industrial, scientific and cultural exchange, and for creating and strengthening partnerships between Québec and South Africa.

The ongoing success of Poly-Monde missions is eloquent proof of the positive experiences they afford. By taking part in them, these engineers of tomorrow open their careers up to multiple markets, while acting as ambassadors for Québec know-how worldwide.

To all participants of Poly-Monde, I wish and excellent mission in South Africa in 2012!

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September 22nd, 2011

SUBJECT : 2012 Poly-World Project (South Africa)

Dear Sir or Madam,

As part of its mission to promote excellence, École Polytechnique de Montréal wholeheartedly supports the 2012 Poly-World Project that will take place in May. Created by our students, this activity is Poly-World’s 23rd successive international industrial mission.

Our students are quite aware of the new challenges which face them as they enter a marketplace which is increasingly demanding as result of international competition. That market is governend by unrelenting technological evolution and by the capacity to adapt to cultural differences.

South Africa is the first economic power of the African continent, representing one quarter of its GDP. As one of the world’s leading producer of gold, platinum and diamond, it distinguishes itself by its mining sector. Its highly successful companies and business make South Africa a competitive country in the international market. Agriculture and biotechnology industries as well as chemical manufacturing are also greatly developed. From the abolition of apartheid in 1991 to today, South Africa’s emerging market is experiencing a remarkable economic growth.

École Polytechnique de Montréal is convinced of the economic benefits of Poly-World 2012 and is encouraging sponsors to contribute generously to this mission. On behalf of our students, École Polytechnique wishes to thank you in advance for your support.

With my kindest regards,

The Chairman of the Board,

Bernard Lamarre, ing.M. Sc., F.I.C.I., O.C., O.Q.

Bureau du présidentdu conseil

Pavillon principalBureau B-218.24Campus del’Université de Montréal 2900, boul. Édouard-Montpetit2500, chemin de PolytechniqueMontréal (Québec) CanadaH3T 1J4

Adresse postaleC.P. 6079, succ. Centre-villeMontréal (Québec) CanadaH3C 3A7

Téléphone : 514 340-5265Télécopieur : 514 340-4237

École affiliée àl’Université de Montréal

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Poly-Monde, 23 years later

Sectors studied in the past

> Aeronautics > Aérospace > Agri-Food Industry > Automotive Industry > Biotechnologies > Chemical Industry > Alternatives Energies > Large Scale Manufacturing > Biomedical Engineering > Urban Infrastructures > Logistics and Transportation > Nanotechnologies

> Petrochemical Industry> Pharmaceutical> Natural Resources> Microelectronics> Financial Services> Telecommunications> Information Technologies

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Relevancy of South AfricaEconomic leader of the African continent, South Africa has managed to be characterized these recent years as a great emerging power. Supported by an average growth rate of 5% since 1994, the country seeks to achieve its full economic potential. To do so, South Africa has built solid international relationships, both diplomatic and commercial, especially with Canada. The two countries, both members of the Commonwealth, maintain official relations since 1939 and economic since 1994, following the fall of Apartheid.

Some highlights:> Bilateral trade between Canada and South Africa reached 1.8 billion dollars in 2009.> South Africa’s main exports to Canada are iron and steel, machinery, precious metals, gems and

edible fruits.> South Africa is the major route of entry for Canada to the Sub-Saharan market.> Canada is the sixth largest investor in South Africa, mainly in the mining and minerals, agro-food,

information technology and communications.

Studied ProblematicsThe mission’s goal is to study South Africa in the new context of innovation and regional and global competition. The team will study various sectors of the industry by focusing on the thematic aspects of social integration, both within the South African and the foreign companies. We will also study the aspect of structural policies, that is to say the support of the government to the economic development of the country.The studied industry sectors are the most important ones of the country.

Mission ObjectivesThe mission’s first objective is to train students in a research process to enhance their knowledge on competitiveness, innovation and business plans of the companies regarding all the sectors covered by the mission. The second one is an objective of radiance and transfer. First, Poly-Word 2012 mission will contribute to the Ecole Polytechnique’s radiance in South Africa. By the quality of its participants and its preparation, it will reflect the international scope of Polytechnique, its students and its graduates.

Next, the mission partners and sponsors will receive prominent visibility. The mission team will use diplomatic and commercial channels through which it will achieve its mission. The final presentation documents will be exceptional visibility resources for the participants and the sponsors.

Mining and metals

Agri-Foodand Biotechnologies

Chemical Manufacturing

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Itinerary

Le Cap -legislative capital-Southest city of the African continent, Cape Town is a port city and an important industrial center. Marine, petrochemical, mining and information technology business have settled there. The Koeberg nuclear power station is making the province an important energy supplier for the country. Also, oil and natural gas have rencently been discovered off the coast.

Port ElizabethPort Elizabeth has the most important mineral loading facilities port in the southern hemisphere. The area around the new international port of Coega supports an increase in the size and diversity of the industries in the city. Also, several major players in the automotive and pneumatic field are already installed in the region.

Bloemfontein -judicial capital-Despite its smaller population, Bloemfontein is a center for trade, finance and transport activities, allowing the city to contribute to the economic development of the country. The economic drivers are the mining, manufacturing and agriculture industries.

DurbanThe strongest industries

are chemicals, paper, metallurgy, textile and

agro-industry. Surrounded by sugar cane fields, the city is

known for its sugar mills and to be the largest sugar port in the world,

in addition to being the largest port of import and export of South Africa. Each

year, one million containers and thirty million tons of cargo are handled here.

JohannesburgFinancial center of the country, Johannesburg has seen its growth through the mining industries. The decrease of natural resources like gold has gradually allowed other sectors to grow, such as steel or concrete manufacturing. Johannesburg is also home to major banks and agencies regulating mining. The private health care, transportation, information technology and real estate are also powerful industries.

Pretoria -administrative capital-Pretoria is the official capital of South Africa, where the government is. In addition to housing the ministerial bodies, the city host foreign embassies and diplomatic missions. Its main industries are steel, copper processing, manufacture of automobiles, cars and heavy machinery. The city is also an important commercial center.

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Interlocutors and Desired ExchangesDuring our industrial and ministerial visits across selected areas of South Africa and Quebec, we aim to create privileged contacts with leaders and managers of enterprises, research centers and public administration to establish sincere and durable relationships. Those exchanges aim to allow us to obtain a complete and truthful portrait of the economic situation of South Africa. This will lead us into the understanding of the many challenges and opportunities that are offered to the Canadian enterprises in South Africa.

Mission TeamThe mission is made up of 25 engineering students. The members of the mission, 19 women and 6 men, study in ten different fields of engineering: Aerospace, Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical, Physical and Software engineering.

Chaperon‘‘For every Poly-Monde mission, an extraordinary energy spreads in the organization and the funding of the mission as much and especially in a search for the meaning of the mission. Poly-Monde leaves its mark forever in the lives of its former members. The students’ professional life and personal view of the world, of their world, are changed to the horizon that allows intercultural exchanges and a harmonious development of societies.’’

Thierry Warin, Ph.D.Professor Manager of the International Projects orientation

Suggested Issues for DiscussionThis document has been developed to present student’s objectives and expectations regarding industrials visits during the Poly-Monde mission. In order to explore in depth the different topics studied for the final report, we propose the following topics for debate during the visits.

1. General

• Company history• What is the evolution of profit relative to turnover over the years?• Date of initial public offering and changes in share price• Number of employees and breakdown by sector

2. Market structures

• What are the sectors in which the company operates?• What is your market approach?• Which are the main competitors at global and national level and what are the market

shares?• What are the major constraints and impediments that industry will have to face?• What drives innovation in your area?• In the last 5 years, did any significant change happen that modified the industry?• How do you create value for your customers?

3. Strategies

• How important do you rate the globalization of your activities (production, sales, R&D,...)? What are the objectives of the company at the international level? What are your predictions for the sector in the future? What are the competitive advantages that should allow companies to perform internationally in your area?

• What are the strategies of product differentiation that differentiate you from your competitors?

• How do you budget your marketing and advertising campaign, and in what manner do you set your company apart?

• Are there mechanisms for price discrimination of your products?• Research and development: budget, innovation, human resources ...• Do you have any partnership with research institutes or companies? Are you a member of

a network or association of companies? In terms of acquisitions, what were the mergers and acquisitions of your business, and why?

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4. Context (in which the company operates)

• How would you describe the corporate culture within your business?• What are the actions taken towards sustainable development?• In terms of intellectual property, are there mechanisms for the protection of patents that have

been used? Disputes with other competitors?• Positioning of the company in an ethical perspective.• What are the actions taken for the protection of the environment?• How do you adapt your business to the industrial culture of the business place?

5. Social integration

• Do you have any special measure to integrate workers from diverse backgrounds in your business?

• What are the links your company maintain with Quebec community and society?• How do you promote social change in your business?

6. Politiques structurelles

• What are the agreements established by the governments of Quebec and Canada that promote the economic growth of your business? Those who put a stop to your business?

• Are there any grant programs for your business?• What are the mechanisms of development assistance available to you?• How did the government succeed or not to structure your industry (legislation, incentives ...)?

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Contact

École Polytechnique de Montréal

2900, boul. Édouard-Montpetit

Université de Montréal campus

2500, chemin de Polytechnique

Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3T 1J4

Room B-313

Postal Address

C.P. 6079, succ. Centre-Ville

Montréal, Quebec, Canada

H3C 3A7

Phone : 514-340-4735

Fax : 514-340-4173

www.polymonde.org

Mission Coordinator

[email protected]

École Polytechnique de Montréal

www.polymtl.ca