Course Pack

SA and Mauritius November 2024

Table of Contents

Briefing

The briefing session for your tour will take place on:

17 October 2024 at 17h00-18h00

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88938864522?pwd=V1FsbC9rMlNIYmkrUUU4Q1N5L2tndz09

Meeting ID: 889 3886 4522

Passcode: 314912

MAURITIUS-Study-Tour-BRIEFING-Presentation.pptx

Overview

SA and Mauritius November 2024

Since independence in 1968, Mauritius has moved from a low-income, agricultural based economy to a middle-income economy. The major sectors that attract substantial global and local investment are finance, tourism, textile sugar, health care and communication technology. Despite some constraints such as rapid population growth, over dependence on sugar export and geographical location, Mauritius is one of the most striking economic development stories in Africa. Considered as one of the strongest economies in the Sub-Saharan Africa region and also one of the region’s highest levels of per capita income, from 1977 to 2009, the real GDP of Mauritius grew at an average rate of 5.1 per cent compared to a Sub-Sahara Africa average of 3.2 per cent, according to IMF (2010) report. It is also home to some of Africa’s high net worth individuals.

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Mauritius has been a member of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), since 1995, which has a clear mission to promote sustainable, equitable economic growth and socio-economic
development. What makes Mauritius unique among other SADC members? The country has been ranked consecutively as the friendliest destination for doing business within the SADC zone and Africa
as a whole. The World Bank (2016) report on doing business ranked Mauritius 1st in Africa and 32 globally. The strategic combination of open trade policies, strong institutional framework, political
stability, favourable regulatory environment and a low corruption level could be the main fundamentals contributing significantly to the economic success story.

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As global leaders, it is vital to understand business and socio-economic culture of countries both on the African continent, such as Mauritius and the rest of the world. This course is designed for teaching and learning to be facilitated through field based learning which will expose students to a unique experience covering the following key issues:

• Review the history, social-cultural background, and political economy of Mauritius
• Overview of Mauritius’ economic performance
• South African corporate investments in Mauritius
• Mauritius economic success and challenges
• Degree of Mauritius’ interest in South Africa and the continent
• Increase of global investment in Mauritius
• Influence of Chinese investment in Mauritius
• Mauritius employees’ values and behaviours
• Assess the risks and opportunities of doing business in Mauritius
• The central role of politics in business
• The evolution of Mauritius firms and state-owned enterprises into modern corporations operating in the global economy
• The rapid rise of private enterprise and the specific challenges facing start-ups
• The special and evolving characteristic of Mauritius’ capital markets and related risks
• The emergence of an increasingly powerful middle class and its impact on the consumer market

This course will provide students with exposure to different economies and cultures in foreign lands. The study tour is designed to expose the student to different organisations in the countries visited including overseas business schools, government agencies and businesses.

At the end this course, students will be able to:

  • Develop contemporary knowledge about business practices in Mauritius which will assist them to
    appraise the basics and standard protocol of interactions with the Mauritius business environment;
  • Evaluate the progress and opportunities for Africa’s Agenda 2063 goals in SA and Mauritius
  • Critically assess the Mauritius economy and determine its strengths and weaknesses for doing
    business;
  • Compare and contrast different cultures and the way of life of Mauritius in relation to South Africa;
  • Evaluate and analyse business models of selected example companies in Mauritius.

Curriculum tied to the context in South Africa

The study tour draws on various South African companies experience in various markets. Here the
extensive use of company site visits shows comparisons between the companies operations in South
Africa and the selected country.

Curriculum tied to context in African and other dynamic emerging market economies

The course identifies the opportunities for growth of the African continent as well as its challenges such as the slow-down of China and the associated drop in commodity prices. It maps these global issues to the level of individual African countries and major firms therein, thus enabling students to begin to address these issues at a management level.

The tour will involve studies with African Union Development Agency NEPAD to expose students to Energize Africa concept.Energize Africa is an initiative of the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD. It is aimed at catalysing and harnessing youths’ creativity and innovativeness into Africa’s economic growth and development drive, whilst expanding income opportunities for the youth – through creation of jobs, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Energize Africa is designed to fast-track capacity mobilisation and policy alignment for programme delivery and transformation. Its focus is on national and sub-national levels in key economic sectors including technology, mining, tourism, e-commerce and finance services, agro- and food-industries, and automotive industries, among others.

The direct beneficiaries of this on-demand technical and professional capacity mobilisation of young professionals within the Continent and the diaspora are the public sector, education sector, health sector, start-ups in the private sector and in-country innovation hubs as well as specific demands from industrial and public service delivery sectors.

Sustainability

With the use of company and institution visits, the course addresses the optimality of overall resource
allocation in economies and its role in economic systems such as free markets and command
economies and mixtures thereof in the selected country.

Entrepreneurial action

The institution and company visits provide insight into innovation and entrepreneurial action and
(managed) risk-taking thus enabling students to make decisions at a management level.

Critical engagement

By focusing on examples of successful and unsuccessful business ventures in Africa and emerging
markets, the course enables the student to acquire a better perspective on foreseeable and
unforeseeable consequences of action and business decisions.

Course assesment and assignments

Course Assessment

Assessment

 Number

Mark

Standing Orders and Indemnity Forms 

1

0%

Pre-Trip Assessment (Individual Assignment)

2

40%

On-field syndicate assignment

3

30%

EQ Assessment (Multiple Choice Questions)

4

30%

Total

 

100%

Pass Mark Requirements  

In terms of the Standing Orders, to pass a course a student is required to achieve a final accumulative average of 50% for a pass mark, and a subminimum of 35% in the examination. When an assignment is an exam equivalent, failure to submit on time will result in a student being ‘failed absent’, with the result that the student will be failed off the programme.

When the individual assignment is designated as an exam equivalent, please specify in the heading for the assignment that this is the case. As stated above, the status of the assignment has implications for the Rules and Standing Orders. 

Assessment ONE (GL 3) – (0%)  

The purpose of this assessment is to familiarise and fully acknowledge the rules, standing orders, code of conduct and indemnity forms for the global study tours. 

Assessment

Participants are required to read and fill in the rules, standing orders, code of conduct and indemnity forms for the global study tours.

Assessment TWO (GL 1 and 2): 40% 

 

The purpose of this assessment is for the participant to demonstrate through various models and theories, the necessary competencies in International Business knowledge.  

 

Penalty for late submission: Not late submission accepted.  

Mark allocation:   

Criterion 

Mark Allocation % 

 

Application to the integration of theories developed and learnt throughout the MBA programme   

 

35 

Application of the theory to the relevant case study selected 

35 

Research and use of relevant data to complement situation analysis 

20 

Presentation: Referencing, style, etc. 

10 

TOTAL 

100 

Individual Assignment  

Answer all questions below:

Question 1: (10 marks)

Peng and Meyer (2019), A country’s institutions establish the formal and informal rules for operating in that country. Companies operating internationally need to know these ‘rules’ because these ‘rules’ differ between countries, and because they shape greatly what can be achieved and what is not possible in a country. Institutions can be formal or informal.  Formal institutions consist of laws, regulations and rules. Informal institutions consist of norms, cultures and ethics. 

Describe ONE of your host country’s economies.  Is it a market, command, or mixed economy?

Question 2: (15 marks)

Executives seeking to succeed in global markets should take into account different cultures of nations. In 1980, Geert Hofstede introduced the cultural dimensions model. Since then, it has been applied widely by organizations. 

Identify the relevant dimensions of Hofstede’s model for your host country and explain the importance of culture in international business.

Essential Readings:

(No date), Geert Hofstede: 6d model of National Culture, https://geerthofstede.com/culture-geert-hofstede-gert-jan-hofstede/6d-model-of-national-culture/  retrieved 1 June 2024

Question 3: (15 Marks)

Douglas, Wind and Pelmutter (1973) advocated four approaches (EPRG) of International Business as follows: 

  • Ethnocentric Approach 
  • Polycentric Approach  
  • Regiocentric Approach 
  • Geocentric Approach 

Provide TWO company examples of TWO of these approaches in your host country. 

Essential Readings: 

Drachal, K. (2014). What do we know from EPRG model?. Ecoforum Journal, 3(2), 10.  http://www.ecoforumjournal.ro/index.php/eco/article/viewFile/85/72 (retrieved 2 June 2024)

Field-based Syndicate Assignment (Amazing Race) (GL 4): 30%

The purpose of this assignment is for you to think quick on your feet. It’s fun and interesting. You will be allocated a syndicate group in your host country(ies) and will need to work as a team. The purpose of this assignment requires you to think out of the box and familiarise yourself with the environment. As a suggestion, download maps; know the history of the country, all online attractions and all modes of transport.  

Penalty for late submission:  No late submissions will be accepted.

Assessment Four (GL 3): 30% (End of Tour) 

The purpose of this assessment is for participants to understand the importance of behaving ethically in their professional lives.  

Participants are required to fill in a sell EQ Assessment, subsequently the respective Lead Academic will provide an overall score.   

Candidate EQ Assessment:

Self-Assessment: 

Part A: Professionalism

  1. How punctual were you for scheduled activities and meetings?
    • a) Always on time
    • b) Mostly on time
    • c) Occasionally late
    • d) Frequently late
  2. How did you dress for formal events and meetings during the tour?
    • a) Always appropriately
    • b) Mostly appropriately
    • c) Occasionally inappropriately
    • d) Frequently inappropriately

Part B: Engagement and Participation

  1. How actively did you participate in discussions and activities?
    • a) Very actively
    • b) Actively
    • c) Occasionally
    • d) Rarely
  2. Did you take initiative in group activities and discussions?
    • a) Frequently
    • b) Occasionally
    • c) Rarely
    • d) Never

Part C: Respect and Cooperation

  1. How well did you cooperate with peers and tour facilitators?
    • a) Excellent cooperation
    • b) Good cooperation
    • c) Fair cooperation
    • d) Poor cooperation
  1. How respectful were you towards local cultures and customs?
    • a) Very respectful
    • b) Respectful
    • c) Occasionally disrespectful
    • d) Frequently disrespectful

 

Part D: Communication

  1. How effectively did you communicate with team members and facilitators?
    • a) Very effectively
    • b) Effectively
    • c) Occasionally effectively
    • d) Ineffectively
  2. How open were you in receiving feedback and constructive criticism?
    • a) Very open
    • b) Open
    • c) Occasionally open
    • d) Not open

Part E: Responsibility and Accountability

  1. How responsibly did you handle personal belongings and travel documents?
    • a) Very responsibly
    • b) Responsibly
    • c) Occasionally responsibly
    • d) Irresponsibly
  2. How accountable were you regarding your actions and behaviour during the tour?
    • a) Very accountable
    • b) Accountable
    • c) Occasionally accountable
    • d) Not accountable

Part F: Adaptability and Problem-Solving

  1. How did you adapt to new environments and situations?
    • a) Very well
    • b) Well
    • c) Occasionally well
    • d) Poorly
  1. How effectively did you solve any problems or challenges that arose during the tour?
    • a) Very effectively
    • b) Effectively
    • c) Occasionally effectively
    • d) Ineffectively

 

(Lead Academic Assessment) 

Part G: Overall Behaviour: How would you rate the participant’s overall behaviour during the tour?

  • a) Excellent
  • b) Good
  • c) Fair
  • d) Poor
  1. If any, what areas of the participant behaviour need improvement? 
  2. Any additional comments or feedback regarding the participant behaviour during the tour. 
  • Arbache, Jorge Saba & Page, John, 2008. “Hunting for Leopards : long run country Income dynamics in Africa,” Policy Research Working Paper Series 4715
  • Gulhati, R., and R. Nallari (1990). “Successful Stabilisation and Recovery in Mauritius”, EDI Development Policy Case Series. Washington, DCIMF (2010), Mauritius Article IV Consultation Staff Report, IMF, Washington, DC
  • Morisset, Bastos, and Rojid (2010).” Mauritius Response to the Economic Crisis”, World Bank note, Africa Region, Washington DC
  • Rojid, Seetanah, and Shalini 2009 “Are State Business Relations Important to Economic Growth: Evidence from Mauritius,” DFID/University of Mauritius working paper
  • Sachs and Warner (1995). ‘Economic Reform and the Process of Global Integration: Comments’.
  • Brookings Papers on Economic Activity, 1: 1-118
  • Sachs, J., and A. Warner (1997). ‘Sources of Slow Growth in African Economies’, Journal of African Economies, 6 (3): 335-76
  • Subramanian, Arvind (2009). ‘The Mauritian Success Story and its Lessons’, Research Paper No. 2009/36, UN WIDER
  • World Bank (2016), “Doing Business: Measuring regulatory quality and efficiency” Washington, DC
  • http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/mauritius/~/media/giawb/doing%20business/documents/profiles/country/MUS.pdf
  • Bräutigam, D. (2003). Close Encounters: Chinese business networks as industrial catalysts in Sub‐Saharan Africa. African Affairs, 102(408), 447-467
  • Bräutigam, D., Rakner, L., & Taylor, S. (2002). Business associations and growth coalitions in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Journal of Modern African Studies, 40(04), 519- 547
  • Frankel, J. (2014). Mauritius: African success story African Successes: Sustainable Growth, Volume 4: University of Chicago Press
  • Nowbutsing, B. M., & Odit, M. (2011). Stock market development and economic growth: The case of
  • Mauritius. International Business & Economics Research Journal (IBER), 8(2), 77-88
  • Evidence from Mauritius. Retrieved from Rossouw, G. (2005). Business ethics and corporate governance in Africa. Business & Society, 44(1), 94-106
  • Rojid, S., Seetanah, B., & Shalini, R. (2010). Are State Business Relations important to Economic Growth?
Assessment Number Mark Weighting (%) Submission Date
Standing Orders and Indemnity Forms 1 0% 21 October
Pre-Trip Assessment (Individual Assignment) 2 40% 31 October
On-field syndicate assignment 3 30% 12 November
EQ Assessment (Multiple Choice Questions) 4 30% 18 November
Total 100%

Tour Schedule

*This schedule is subject to change without prior notice, please refer to the daily schedule sent in the Whatsapp group for any updates.

Pre Tour Briefing (South Africa/Zoom)

The briefing session for your tour will take place on:

17 October 2024 at 17h00-18h00

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88938864522?pwd=V1FsbC9rMlNIYmkrUUU4Q1N5L2tndz09

Meeting ID: 889 3886 4522

Passcode: 314912

DATE WEEK DAY TIME ACTIVITY Lunch Dinner COUNTRY
7-Nov
Thu
 07:30-08:00 Check in at WBS
YES
SA
8:00 Leave WBS
09:00 -11:00 Sling Aircraft
14:00 – 16:00 Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
8-Nov
Fri
 07:30-08:00 Check in at WBS
YES
8:00 Leave WBS
10:00-12:00 SABC
14:00-16:00 Nestle
11-Nov
Mon
 7:00 Departure for Mauritius
9:45 Departure
15:45 Arrival
DATE WEEK DAY ACTIVITY LUNCH DINNER COUNTRY
12-Nov
Tues
 07:00-10:00 Amazing Race
YES
YES
Mauritius
10:00-11:00 Courtesy Visit at the High Commission, Her Excellency Dr HN Manzini, High Commissioner
13:00-15:00 Presentation by SME Mauritius
(SME Mauritius is a private company fully owned by the Government of Mauritius. Its main role is to develop entrepreneurship at national level and implement advisory and support programs aimed at improving the competitiveness and resilience of SMEs.)

CTC: Mr Ravin Rampersad
16:30 -18:30 Presentation at the University of Mauritius
(Prof Seetanah and team at the faculty of law)
13-Nov
Wed
 10:00-12:00 ABSA Mauritius
(Banking)

Ms Varoun Jeewooth
Head of Leadership, Learning & Talent
YES
YES
12:00-13:00 Lunch
14:00 – 16:00 Presentation by Business Mauritius
(Business Mauritius is an independent association that represents over 1200 local businesses and has, through them, a national, regional and international reach. It is the coordinating body and the voice of local business, and delivers services that sustain the progress of both business and community)

CTC: Ms Zaahira EBRAMJEE
15:00-16:00 Presentation by the Financial Services Commission (FSC)
(The FSC is the integrated regulator for the non-bank financial services sector and global business, mandated to license, regulate, monitor and supervise the conduct of business activities in these sectors).
18:00 Dinner
14-Nov
Thurs
 08:00 -12:00 Curtin University
Moka
interactive workshop.
• 10h00 – Arrival, Welcome and Tour of the Campus
• 10h30 – The Logistics Industry in Mauritius: Challenges & Opportunities– Vikram Gungah
• 10h50 – The Tourism Sector in Mauritius: What works and why? – Shabanaz Baboo
• 11h10 – Industrial Relations & Changes in the HR arena: impact on Mauritian firms – Shubashni Ramrekha
• 11h40 – The Entrepreneurial Landscape in Mauritius – Michael Pompeia
• 12h00 – Debrief

CTC: Ms Christel Ramloll, Head of Faculty of Management
YES
YES
12:00-13:00 Presentation by the Economic Development Board (EDB) Mauritius
(The EDB is the leading Government agency mandated to provide strong institutional support for strategic planning and to promote Mauritius as an attractive investment and business centre)

CTC: Noreyna Benydin – Chutoree, Manager
Industry, SMEs, Freeport & Logistics
13:30-15:00 Presentation by the Financial Services Commission (FSC)
(The FSC is the integrated regulator for the non-bank financial services sector and global business, mandated to license, regulate, monitor and supervise the conduct of business activities in these sectors).
18:00 Dinner
15-Nov Friday Full Day Catamaran cruise to Ilot Gabriel YES YES
16-Nov
Sat
 08:-18:00 Free Time
YES
YES
18:00 Dinner
17-Nov
Sun
 Depart Depart to SA
14:00 Airport
16:40 Departure
18:55 Arrival

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–

Itinerary

Download Itinerary

Additional Info and Contact Details

Additional Information

Don’t forget your documents and chargers. Obtain the relevant adaptor when travelling outside South Africa.

Weather: https://www.maurinet.com/about_mauritius/geography_climate
Travel Tips: https://www.flightcentre.co.za/blog/travel-in-mauritius-a-guide-for-first-timers
Maps:  https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/map/google_map_Port_Louis.htm

Kindly bring formal wear and business cards for company visits. The following dress code applies:

 

  • Conservative suits for men with subtle colours are the norm;
  • Women should avoid high heels and short-sleeved blouses;
  • Both men and women should wear subtle, neutral colours;
  • Casual dress should be conservative as well;
  • Men and women can wear jeans. However, jeans are not acceptable for business meetings.

Sandown Travel

Ursuala Tadford Craig

Email: ursula@sandowntravel.co.za

Tel: 011-506- 5600

Emergency after hours: +82-654-0664

EMERGENCY NUMBERS FOR  HOTELS AND SOUTH AFRICA EMBASSY

South African Embassy, British American Insurance Building, 4th Floor, 25 Pope Hennessy Street, Port Louis,                 Mauritius

Phone: +230 212 6925 

Email: portlouis.dha@dirco.gov.za

Hotel in Mauritius Victoria – Pointe Aux Piments – North        

West Coast – 4* hotel 

Coastal Road, Pointe Aux Piments 21304, Mauritius 

+230 204 2000

Dr Yvonne Saini

Dr Yvonne Kabeye Saini attained a Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) from the University of Zambia, a MBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a PhD from Wits University. Dr Yvonne joined the WBS school in 2006 where she lectures marketing courses. Courses she teaches includes; Marketing in a Connected World – Masters in Business Administration (MBA), Marketing u0026amp; Sales -Post Graduate Diploma Business Administration(PDBA); Applied Consumer Behaviour, Integrated Marketing Communication u0026amp; Digital Marketing -Masters in Management in Strategic Marketing (MMSM), Marketing Management u0026amp; Marketing Strategy – Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PDM) and Marketing u0026amp; Sales on the Management Advancement Programme (MAP) and on other programs.

The work experience for Dr Yvonne started with the Government of Zambia where she worked as an Economist in the Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry. She worked as a Business Analyst at the Zambia Privatisation Agency and Business and Information Specialist at Mckinsey u0026amp; Company in Johannesburg before joining academia in 2001. Dr Yvonne taught at Monash University at the South African Campus. Before joining the WBS, she was a Lecturer in Marketing at the University of Cape Town.  She has publications in local and international journals.

Some research topics include the following: consumer choice, consumer decision making, factors influencing online consumer choice, effects of fluency processing in consumer decision-making, effects of social media and consumer behaviour, and exploring the effectiveness of mobile advertising. In her spare time, Yvonne enjoys reading, cooking, walking and attending to church activities.

Thobile Sedumedi

Thobile Sedumedi is the Programme Manager at Wits Business School (WBS), where she has been a key part of the team since November 1, 2021. With over 15 years of experience in the tertiary education sector, Thobile brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role. Currently pursuing her Master of Management in Digital Business, she has a strong interest in the ever-evolving information technology and in the digital transformation sector. Her current role entails student and faculty interaction to ensure that the program is delivered well, and that the student experience is representative of the WBS values. It also requires attention to detail, as accreditation bodies often require student information. This is a highly administrative role that also requires close interaction and collaboration with all departments in the Business School.

Company visits and activities

Visits

Student Commitments

Learning Contract and Student Commitments

Learning Contract

Please note, all visits and events on the global study tour are MANDATORY. Please refer to the standing orders regarding the tours. As a student you should review the Learning Contract and ensure you are fully aware of the methods and implications of the assessment approach as mark allocations cannot be changed retrospectively. If you have any concerns about the assessment you should raise this with your tour leader at the start of the course.

The Importance of Preparation for the Study Tour

The above readings should be read before departure. Students should also research on the companies that will be visited. The scope of this course covers a wide range of topics, thus a variety of readings have been carefully selected to provide different perspectives. It is essential that students focus on these readings and embark on company research. Appended with the readings are the links for ease of access. However, should you encounter any problems with the links provided consult the WITS library e-journals catalogue or consult the WBS Librarian.

Teaching Methods

Teaching emphasis in the MBA Global Study Tour is experiential and involves on-site action learning. The tour itself would entail visits to one or more destinations to provide broader international learning exposure for the student. Students should keep a learning log on insights that they gain from each business or organisation that they visit, and these logs are used for debrief sessions during the tour as well as to compile a post-study tour assignment on what they have learnt.

Legal Declaration of Indemnity, Undertaking and Consent
 
  1. The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (hereafter referred to as ‘the University’) has insured itself for its liability arising from the acts and omissions of persons acting on its behalf, and that its registered students, staff and individuals who are subject to the University’s rules, regulations, policies, procedures and standing orders as amended from time to time are insured during the course and scope of their registered courses and/or within the scope of University’s business. This is subject to the proviso that the University’s maximum liability will be limited, whether for a single or multiple events, to the extent that is covered thereof;

  2. When the University arranges for me to travel to locations which are outside of the University’s precincts, and when traveling in vehicles which do not belong to the University’s and/or are not driven by University staff, I will enjoy only such cover as referred to in Section 1 above, provided that I depart and travel from the University’s precincts and return to it from an excursion arrange by the University, on a route agreed upon in advance by the University;

  3. In cases where no fault can be attributed to the University, I hereby indemnify, absolve and hold harmless the University, its officials, employees, students and invitees in respect of any damage the property, death or bodily injury to/of myself and/or third parties, whether on/off the University precincts, or whilst engaged in any related activity to the University abroad; and

  4. I understand that I attend and participate in the WBS Global Study Tour in various designated countries around the world during specified periods at my own risk where the event falls outside the cover provided to or by the University.

  5. I acknowledge that I have read and understood the contents of this indemnity in every respect.
This document is applicable to all modes of delivery of the Global Study Tour from 2017 onward. 
 

Assessment Policy
All assignments, including the attendance of the Amazing Race and all scheduled visits to businesses, other organisations and cultural activities, is compulsory.

Failure to comply with this policy will result in an automatic failure off this course. A record of attendance at each prescribed tour activity will be kept by the Tour Leader and will be submitted to the International Office as a formal record for student assessment. Should a student fail (including as a result of non-attendance and failure to participate), the tour will have to be repeated.

A candidate who has not completed all the requirements for this tour by the end of the minimum period of study and who is permitted in terms of Senate Standing Orders to continue will be required to register again for this tour at the beginning of the following academic year and pay the relevant fee.

 

Registration for the Global Study Tour
A candidate is required to register and pay in advance for the Study Tour in order to be admitted to complete the course.

If a candidate wishes to amend his/her selection of destination, a prescribed period of time will be permitted as indicated by the Global Study Tour Coordinator. However, no changes to selection of destination will be entertained once confirmed.

 

International Applicants
Applications from international exchange and immersion students are welcome. All international students need to conform with the University’s requirements and the South African legislation that pertains to such students.

 

Credits towards MBA or MM to other degrees
Students may be granted credits for this tour at international partner schools however please note that the granting of credits is based on the credit weighting exchange between the WBS MBA and other international programmes.

 

Pass mark for this course
In order to pass the study tour, a student must obtain a minimum of 50% as a final mark subject to the subminimum rule.

 

Fees
Students must register for the Global Business Study Tour (BUSA 7442A) in order to pay the travel component cost for the study tour. Students will be advised as to the Rand value that has to be paid for the study tour of their choice. The deadline for the choice of study tour and payments will be communicated to students by the School’s International Office. Failure to pay the full fee for the Global Study Tour in advance or failure to attend the tour for whatever reason will still hold the student liable for the full amount as indicated for the selected tour package. Please note that fees may not involve the same costing as certain travel destinations are cheaper than others. Also note that whenever indicated students will be responsible for their own transport and cost of meals and incidentals on each tour. Tour leaders do not carry additional funds to allow for students who do not make personal provision for their own expenses.

 

Allocation of Marks
The mark composition for each assignment will comprise a combination of marks awarded for assignment projects and field work, both individual and syndicate work. The mark allocation for the course is detailed in the course pack.

Syndicates may apply to have non-performing members excluded from the syndicate mark for their assignment, or have a portion of the total mark allocated to the non-performing student.

 

Publication of Final Course Results
The results of the global study tour will be published by the Faculty Office as soon as possible, normally within four weeks from assignment submission.

 

Disputes and Grievances
Any disputes or grievances that arise as a result of the application of, or failure to apply, the provisions of these Standing Orders should be managed within the Faculty’s existing appeals and grievance procedure. Problems should always be resolved as close to the source as possible. The grievance procedure policy and applicable forms are available from the Faculty Office.

 

Code of Conduct
All students will abide by the daily dress code as indicated by the Tour Leader depending on the daily schedule of events and places visited.

Students are also advised that whilst they are encouraged to enjoy the tour, they are reminded that they are participating in a Wits Study Tour programme and are not traveling for their own leisure purposes. As such, the prime focus is on teaching and learning and at all times students will need to participate in all prescribed activities and field visits.

Students are advised to heed the guidance and instruction of the designated Tour Leader on each trip. In addition, students are advised to serve as professional ambassadors of Wits University and the Wits Business School at all times whilst on tour. Students are also advised to download a copy of the Wits Student Code of Conduct to familiarise themselves with the policy.

During visits, students are to ensure that all mobile phones are switched off.
Students are to be punctual for all visits, failure to attend a visit without a valid reason will render your attendance as incomplete.

Failure to adhere to the above could result in a disciplinary action being lodged against the student.

 

Recording of Global Study Tour Activities
Business visit sessions may only be recorded (by audio, images or video) with the express written permission of that organisation. Students will be required to agree in writing that:

    • recordings will only be used for purposes of their own private study and revision;
    • recordings will not be copied, shared, communicated, published or distributed in any format whatsoever and using any medium whatsoever, unless requested to do so by the lecturer;
    • unedited copies recordings will be provided to the lecturer if requested to do so; and
    • Copyright of all recordings remain the property of the University.

It is noted that infringement of any of these conditions may result in disciplinary action being taken against the student.

Click here to complete the Indemnity and Standing Orders Form
Click here to complete the Bio Data Form