International visiting groups

The USB structures programmes for visiting groups. These groups typically follow either a one-week or a two-week programme which includes classroom lectures, live case studies based on the industries of their choice, company visits, cultural activities and sightseeing to let students experience the USB and South Africa first-hand.

Business schools and employers increasingly recognise the worth of international experiences that broaden students' perspectives and encourage interdisciplinary approaches to business challenges.

The customised and internationally accredited programmes of the USB can offer a significant value-added learning experience. Student groups from business schools in countries such as the Netherlands, Denmark, England and Germany regularly attend such programmes at the USB.

"Our programmes combine lectures, live case studies, company visits, cultural activities and sightseeing"

Examples of customised programmes
To structure a programme for visiting student groups, the USB draws on South Africa's expertise in industries such mining (including gold, diamonds and coal), wine, retail, automobile, health, media, agriculture, financial services, and hospitality and tourism. The basis of the USB's programme model is a combination of customised academic content and South African application. Credits are awarded for each programme.

On the academic side, we typically look at the following:

  • International business consulting
  • Strategy in South Africa
  • The economic environment of South Africa
  • Supply chain management issues in South Africa
  • Leadership, values and culture
  • Managing in a multi-cultural environment
  • Managing diversity
  • A systemic approach to business in South Africa
  • Marketing in South Africa, with exposure to our typical market segments

The one-week elective Doing Business in an Emerging Market: South Africa, the Gateway into Africa has become very popular. The following modules are covered during this elective:

  • The South African Economy Since the 1994 Election
  • Business Ethics and Corporate Governance
  • The South African Political Environment
  • Key Challenges Facing South African Businesses
  • Strategic Management in South Africa
  • Strategic Positioning
  • Facilitating Perpetual Change
  • The Change Toolbox

A two-week programme can, for example, cover four modules tailor-made for the visiting institution:

  • Business Ethics and Corporate Governance
  • Doing Business in a Global Environment
  • International Finance
  • Operations in Multi-Cultural Organisations.

Real-life case studies
The tours include real-life case studies where companies are invited to present workplace problems to the students. These case studies can be based on wine estates, mines, retailers, financial service companies, media companies, health care, tourism or more.

Students are briefed two to three months prior to their visit to the USB and have the opportunity to present proposals to the senior management teams of these companies.

The students gain valuable exposure during the final presentation of solutions, and a better understanding of the nature of business in one of the youngest democracies in the world. In addition, they learn about economic growth, ethics, negotiations and diversity challenges from a truly South African perspective.

Cultural and social events
This includes typically South African experiences, such as:

  • Visiting places like Robben Island and Table Mountain
  • Going on safari trips
  • Going on township tours
  • Enjoying a genuine African dinner evening – like a braai.

More information
Contact Charmaine Kapp, Charmaine.Kapp@usb.ac.za on arranging a study tour to the USB.