Master of Business Administration (MBA) students have lauded their academic trip to the International Executive Development Centre (IEDC)-Bled School of Management in Slovenia, saying the experience was thought-provoking
Seven MBA students at the Turfloop Graduate School of Leadership (TGSL) and their five lecturers travelled to the IEDC in Slovenia over five days to explore contemporary global business ideas and benchmark on best practices for the MBA programme at the University of Limpopo. The tour included academic lectures and a visit to some of the top business establishments in the country.
According to Charlotte Msindwana, MBA second level student, the trip exposed the students to an international business culture. “I learnt to bridge the gap between theory (classroom learning) and practice, and to interrogate strategies for effective implementation as well as asking the right questions and learning how other countries sustain their businesses,” she informs.
Meanwhile Katlego Mathosa, also in second level, says the trip widened her academic horizons and gave her a broader perspective of the business world.
For Silence Thela, in his MBA first level, the trip enhanced his understanding of tackling case studies in business. “It gave us an opportunity to explore how businesses sustain themselves other than relying on government tenders,” he says.
It was at Iskraemeco, one of the largest companies in Slovenia that boasts 1000 employees with an annual turnover of 100 billion (euros), where students learnt about the company’s sustainability strategies in a competitive industry. The company specialises in electricity meters, communication technologies and software solutions.
According to Prof Mankolo Lethoko, TGSL Acting Director, the academic excursion was essential for international collaborations that the school has already established with other countries such as Germany.
Prof. Dr. Danica Purg, President of IEDC-Bled School of Management, said their country held health and education value systems at heart. “IEDC is one of the most innovative management elopement institutions in Europe. I am confident that our partnership with UL will yield positive results as academics also contribute to nation building,” she states