Course Pack

USA November 2024

Table of Contents

Briefing

Briefing Date Briefing Time Meeting Link
18 Oct 18h00 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88938864522?pwd=V1FsbC9rMlNIYmkrUUU4Q1N5L2tndz09
USA-Study-Tour-BRIEFING-Presentation.pptx

Overview

USA November 2024

United States of America (USA) is a federal country of 50 states covering a vast area of North America. By total area, the USA is the third largest in the world, covering 9.8 million square kilometres with an estimated population of 350 million people as of 2016. The capital is Washington D.C. The USA is a highly developed economy with the largest nominal GDP. It is ranked competitively high in several socioeconomic measures such as human development, socioeconomic performance, productivity, financial market development and many more. 

 

As global leaders, it is vital to understand the business and socio-economic culture of countries around the world. This course is on-field learning which will expose students to a unique experience covering the following key issues: 

  • Review the history, social-cultural background, and political economy of the USA.  
  • Overview of the economic performance of the USA. 
  • South African corporate investments in USA. 
  • USA economic success and challenges 
  • Degree of USA interest in South Africa and the Africa continent. 
  • Nature of global investment in USA. 
  • Influence of North America’s investment in South Africa. 
  • American employees’ values and behaviours. 
  •  Assess the risks and opportunities of doing business in USA.  
  • The central role of politics in doing business in this country. 
  • Private enterprise and the specific challenges facing start-ups. 
  • The special and evolving characteristics of USA capital markets and related risks 
  • The emergence of an increasingly powerful middle class and its impact on the consumer market and    corporate social responsibility.

This study tour will provide students with exposure to different economies and cultures in various destinations. 

 

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

  • Develop contemporary knowledge about business practices in the USA, which will assist them in appraising the basics and standard protocol of interactions with the business environment in these countries. 
  • Compare and contrast different cultures and the way of life in the USA to South Africa and Africa as a whole. 
  •  Evaluate and analyse business theories and models of selected companies in the USA

Curriculum tied to the context in South Africa. 

The study tour draws on the diverse experiences of South African companies in various markets. The extensive use of company site visits shows comparisons between the company’s operations in the USA with South Africa. 

 

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

The overarching objective is to identify opportunities for the African continent’s growth, especially amid the US-China trade war and the associated drop in commodity and asset prices. The focus is to map these global issues to the level of individual African countries and major firms therein, thus enabling students to begin to address these issues at the management level.

 

Sustainability 

With the use of company and institution visits, the study tour 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 USA.  

 

Entrepreneurial action 

The institution and company visits provide insight into innovation, 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 understand better 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. 
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% 6 November
EQ Assessment (Multiple Choice Questions) 4 30% 13 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)
Briefing Date Briefing Time Meeting Link
18 Oct 18h00 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88938864522?pwd=V1FsbC9rMlNIYmkrUUU4Q1N5L2tndz09
Date Week Day Activity Lunch Dinner Country
3-Nov Sun Depart South Africa – EK762
Please arrive 4 hours before departure
Amazing Race starts – OR Tambo		 No Yes SA
Date Week Day Activity Lunch Dinner Country
4-Nov Mon 9h50 – Arrive in Miami
16h00 – Check in Esme Hotel
Evening Leisure, Amazing Race		 No No USA – Miami Casual
5-Nov Tues 7h00 – Amazing Race Cont
10h30 – Depart for Company Visits
11h45 – Arrive at Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) Office
12h00 – Welcome Remarks by Aileen Bouclé, Executive Director, TPO
12h15 – Briefing by Aileen Bouclé
12h30 – Briefing by Gerard Philippeaux, Executive Director, Miami-Dade County International Trade Consortium (ITC)
12h45 – Q&A and Networking
13h00 – Depart TPO
14h20 – Arrive at Florida International University (FIU)
14h30 – Briefing by Jillian Avendano, Program Director, CIBER and FIU Team
15h30 – Tour of Facilities
16h00 – Depart and Evening Leisure or Amazing Race Continues		 Yes No USA – Miami Formal
6-Nov Wednesday 7h45 – Check out and Depart: Memorial Jackson Memorial Hospital
9h15 – Diagnostic Treatment Center / Ira C Clark (DTC) Jackson Memorial Hospital
12h00 – Deadline: Amazing Race, Pick up Luggage and Depart for Airport, Lunch at Airport		 Yes No USA – Miami Formal
Date Week Day Activity Lunch Dinner Country
7-Nov Thurs 6h00 – Breakfast at hotel

9h00 Welcome Dean KWS
9:30-10:30 Rainbow Educators
10:30-12:00 Innovative Management Solutions: Dr. Antonio Jimenez-Luque
12:30-14:00 Tour & Lunch
14:00-3:30 Leadership & Career Advancement: Mercedes Benz Marina Steagall, MBA
3:30-5:00 Integrating AI Vena Solutions: Dr Giovanna Reinking
5:00-6:30 Dinner at USD

 Yes Yes USA – California Formal
8-Nov Friday 6h00 Breakfast at hotel
9:00-11:00 Company Visit: SDGE
12:00-13:00 Lunch
13:00-17:00 Company Visit: Sherline
17:00-19:00 Entrepreneur Panel at TBD and networking dinner		 Yes Yes USA – California
9-Nov Sat 6h00 Breakfast at hotel

9:00-3:00 Company Visit & workshop on Building Lasting Cross-Border Partnerships, Andy Carey Border Partnership
*Group lunch
15:00-17:00 Rest and refresh at hotel
17:00-19:00 Group dinner Bowlegged BBQ

 Yes Yes USA – California
10-Nov Sun 6h00 – Breakfast at hotel
10:30am Hotel check-out & airport drop-off		 No No USA – California
11-Nov Mon 07h00 – Ellen + Van Meet the group at Hotel DRY Double Tree by Hilton
08h00 – Leave hotel for L-Acoustics visit
9h15 – Arrive at L-Acoustics
12h00 – Lunch at Metaphor Club
13h00 – Return to hotel		 Yes No USA – California Formal
12-Nov Tues 08h00 – Ellen + Van Meet the group at Hotel DRY Double Tree by Hilton
08h30 – Leave hotel for Tapouts
09h00 – Company Visit: Tapouts
10h45 – Depart for Ikea
13h00 – Company Visit: Ikea
14h30 – Depart for Ontario Mills
15h30 – Company Visit Ontario Mills		 Yes No USA – California
Date Week Day Activity Lunch Dinner Country
13-Nov Wednesday 9h00 – EQ Assessment Submission
10h00 – Depart at LAX		 No Yes USA – California
14-Nov Thurs Arrive Johannesburg No No SA

Itinerary

Download Itinerary

Additional Info and Contact Details

Additional Information

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.

Dr Renee Horne

Dr Renee Horne is an International Political Economist. She joined WBS in September 2013 as a Senior Lecturer in Economics and Business in Africa.  She is also the WBS Management Advancement Programme Director, Chairperson for the South African Supplier Diversity Council (SASDC) South African Broadcasting Corporation Non-Executive Director and a member of the Institute of Directors in Southern Africa. Dr Horne is also a Senior Associate at the University of Johannesburg, School of Leadership.  Dr Horne holds five degrees, three degrees (BA – Law, Hons, MA) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and two degrees (MSc and PhD – IPE) from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. Her area of interest is Business in Africa, BRICS economies, Macroeconomic Policy and Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment.

Experience: With more than 20 years’ experience as an award-winning political journalist, war correspondent, editor and political economist, Dr Horne has been acknowledged by government, business and academics as an expert political economist and journalist on Sub Saharan Africa and the Middle East.

Internationally, Dr Horne has advised governments, media, and business on the political and economic policy of South Africa, Iraq, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, and Uganda. She has worked extensively in regions and countries such as East Africa, Southern Africa, the Middle East, Europe, the United States and Brazil, etc. Dr Horne has worked with institutions such as Transparency International, Delta Economics, Royal Africa Society, Exclusive Analysis, Royal United Services Institute, BBC, SKY, ITV, SABC and the World Entrepreneur Society.

During this period, she interviewed politicians and high-profile personalities such as South African Presidents, Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, Jacob Zuma, former Finance Minister, Trevor Manuel, former Palestinian National Authority (PNA) President, Yasser Arafat and former Israeli Prime Minister, Shimon Peres. Since 1994, Dr Horne has been a lecturer and guest speaker on Political Economy and International Relations in Africa and the Middle East at numerous institutions such as SOAS, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the University of Rhodes and Johannesburg University, John Hopkins University, and the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Washington DC. Passionate about enterprise and skills development, she was also the Head of the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Unit.

Dr Jacques Totowa

Dr. Jacques Totowa is a Lecturer in Accounting and Finance at Wits Business School, the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. Dr Totowa’s research interests are centred on corporate reporting, Impression management in the narratives section of financial reports, corporate governance, the relationship between accounting reporting and firms’ market performance, earnings management, and the determinants of a firm’s market performance.  Dr Jacques Totowa boasts of extensive experience in the mining industry. He has worked as a finance coordinator with a multinational gold mining corporation with responsibility for China, Colombia, the DRC and the Solomon Island. This has exposed Dr Totowa to the structuring of multibillion dollars gold mining projects.  Dr Totowa is a research associate and consultant at the African Review of Economic and Finance consult. He is also a reviewer for AREF journals and the accounting research journal in Australia

Company visits and activities

Visits
State Design https://statedesign.tv/
Acai Republic https://www.acairepublic.com/
Simon Property Group https://www.simon.com/
Sherline https://www.sherline.com/
Ikea https://www.ikea.com/us/en/stores/san-diego/
SDGE https://www.sdge.com/
Select Florida https://selectflorida.org/
Visit Florida
Jackson Health System https://jacksonhealth.org/
L Acoustics https://www.l-acoustics.com
Tap Outs https://tapouts.com

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