University of La Verne Merit Programme July 2025
Partnership between WITS University, the University of La Verne – California & International Business School Americas
Table of Contents
Briefing Recording
Briefing Slides
Introduction
The University of La Verne is one of the most traditional and well respected American Universities.
Founded in 1891, ULV is a private non-profit institution, with its main campus in the City of La Verne, California, located just outside of Los Angeles.
The University offers Undergraduate, Masters and Doctoral degrees in various fields of knowledge. Classes are taught by Ph.D.’s with extensive professional and academic experience. Host to over 8,500 students, ULV prides itself on its small class sizes, inclusive culture and a vibrant campus community.
During your visit, you will study with ULV’s outstanding faculty, visit and learn from Executives at some of the world’s most successful businesses, as well as take advantage of the many cultural and touristic opportunities Los Angeles has to offer.
More information may be found on the ULV website: https://laverne.edu/about/
Take advantage of this interactive map to learn more about the area: https://wbs.page.link/LVMAP
Dates and Duration
Starts: 12 July
Ends: 27 July
Course Structure*:
The course is designed to provide students with a blend of classroom learning and hands-on experience. We do our best to ensure student groups are very multi-cultural. Class sizes are capped at 30 students. Courses are rigorous. It will be very difficult to complete the course without attending all classes. Weekends are left open to students to explore Los Angeles and enjoy cultural
opportunities. Please note, a graduation ceremony will take place on the last day of the programme.
Programme Schedule
2 Week Programme:
MBA: Advanced Topics in Business Strategy
Course Information & Readings
Readings
Here are links to some background readings. These articles will not be used in the classroom, but it is highly recommended to read them before travelling.
Advanced Topics in Business Strategy – https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DqYNL5NS-GDvs_NZk7cyxCSqsF2EiTex?usp=sharing
Advanced Topics in Business Strategy
Dr. Neville Marzwell has PhD at California Institute of Technology (Caltech), has worked for NASA for almost 30 years, currently as CEO at Marzwell Strategic Technology Consulting, consults to Major Government Agencies, Industry, and Technology Associations. Advising new businesses on formation of corporations and business structures, drafting privacy policies and structuring commercial transactions. Strategic Consulting, including business plan & business strategy development.
Activities and Company Visits
Port of Los Angeles
Site: https://www.portoflosangeles.org/
Location / Meeting Point: Downtown Harbor at Berth 85 between 5th and 6th Streets at Sampson Way, in San Pedro 90731, Los Angeles.
Parking Lot: There is a free of charge parking lot.
The visit will take place inside one boat with one representative of the port explaining the operation of the LA Port. It is one of the most modern ports and with highest traffics of containers in the world.
Hollywood Sign, Walk of Fame, Greystone Mansion
Hollywood offers iconic experiences: the Hollywood Sign provides stunning views and photo ops; the Walk of Fame honors entertainment legends with over 2,600 stars embedded in the sidewalks; nearby, Greystone Mansion impresses with its grand architecture and beautiful gardens, often featured in films.
Simon property group
Site: https://business.simon.com/
Simon Property Group, Inc. is an American real estate investment trust that invests in shopping malls, outlet centers, and community/lifestyle centers. It is the largest owner of shopping malls in the United States and is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Worldwide, it owns interests in 232 properties comprising approximately 241,000,000 square feet (22,400,000 m2) of gross leasable area in North America and Asia.
University of San Diego: School of Leadership and Education Sciences
Ikea
IKEA offers MBA students a firsthand look at a global leader in retail and supply chain management. The visit highlights innovative store design, efficient operations, sustainable practices, and a unique customer experience focused on affordability and style.
Lead Academic
Dr Renee Horne is an International Political Economist and Senior Lecturer at WBS since 2013. She serves as WBS Director of International Relations, a non-executive Director for the South African Supplier Diversity Council, and is a member of the Institute of Directors in Southern Africa.
Dr Horne holds five degrees, including a PhD in International Political Economy from SOAS, University of London. Her expertise covers Business in Africa, BRICS economies, Macroeconomic Policy, and Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment.
With over 15 years as a political journalist, war correspondent, and political economist, she has advised governments, media, and businesses across Africa and the Middle East. Dr Horne has worked with organizations like Transparency International, BBC, and the Royal United Services Institute, interviewing prominent figures such as Nelson Mandela and Yasser Arafat.
Since 1994, she has lectured and spoken at institutions including SOAS, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Johns Hopkins University, and CSIS Washington DC. She was also Head of the BBBEE Unit at GIBS, focusing on enterprise and skills development.
Programme Manager
Pontsho Sithole is an experienced Programme Manager with over 15 years of experience in business education administration, currently managing the MBA programme at Wits Business School. I joined Wits Business School in 2018 as Programme Coordinator for the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration/Management and was promoted to Programme Manager in 2019.
I hold an Honours degree in Strategic Management and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, and I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Digital Business. My career in business education began at Milpark Business School, where I moved to Wits Business School in 2018.
Useful Information
Bed and continental breakfast is provided.
Group Transfers will be provided for company visits and lectures.
Outside this, please make your own arrangements.
Lunch is subsidized by the University. You will receive a lunch vouchers for your time at the University. (Please note that the restaurant is open until 13h00 only.)
Two additional lunches and two dinners will be provided.
Hotel : Ontario Airport Hotel & Conference Center
Address: 700 N Haven Ave, Ontario, CA 91764, United States
Phone: +1 909-980-0400
Certificate
Certificate of Attendance and Completion:
Issued by the University of La Verne.
Before you leave
Please fill in these forms and join the WhatsApp group.