eMBA China trip - December 2018
Introduction: A group of eMBA students went on an experiential learning tour to China from December 2-12, 2018. This report summarizes the key elements of the tour that explains how the integration of the overseas trip into the eMBA curriculum supports the engagement, innovation and its impact on the overall students’ learning.
Business Visit 1- ChinaSense: This is a service-oriented business whose mission is to plan and host study trips for foreign executives and business education institutions. The presentation focused on what, why, and how of the changes that took place in the Chinese dynasty and its influence on the business paradigm of China over the years.
Business Visit 2- Pactera: Pactera is a global company offering consulting, digital, technology and operations services to the world’s leading enterprises. The basic presentation was the general evolution of the company and its evolving gradual global presence.
Business Visit 3- witmart.com: This is a service firm that provides companies to find freelancers. The key takeaway of this visit was how a Chinese company uses information technology in the form of eBusiness to reach out to businesses globally.
Business Visit 4 – Han Kun Law Firm: The presentations by the legal team of two professional of this firm gave a very detailed understanding about complexity involved in dealings by the global companies in complex cross-border and domestic transactions.
After the visit to businesses in Beijing, the next three visits included three companies in Shanghai -- Baowu Steel, US Commerce office, and 3M China Research center. Students traveled from Beijing to Shanghai via the Bullet Train.
Business Visit 5- Baowu Steel, China: The visit five to Baowu Steel was a unique experience that gave students an opportunity to witness a live operation of how the steel is rolled out in a typical steel plant. A key takeaway from this visit was the understanding of a large industry that is state-controlled and trying to compete in the global market and at the same time keeping up with the clean environment.
Business Visit 6- U.S. Commerce Office: The sixth visit was a meeting with the US Commerce Office personnel. The presentation mainly focused on how their office helps the U.S. businesses to partner with the businesses outside U.S.A. in the global market.
Business Visit 7- 3M China Research Center: The visit started with the presentations of 3M products displayed in their showcase by one of the 3M company employees. The key takeaway of the presentation was the awareness of wide variety of products 3M offers.
Cultural Site Visits: In addition to the visit to the businesses, visits to various cultural sites were planned. The key highlights of the visit included the tours of The Great Wall of China, Tianamen Square and the Forbidden City, visit to local markets and mall both in Beijing and Shanghai, Yu Garden and Bazar, Zhujiajiao Water Town, Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai Tower, and Huangpu River cruise. The key takeaways of visits to cultural sites was learning about the detailed history of the Chinese culture, people, the evolution of dynasty and its influence on Chinese people in general, and so on.
Summary: Overseas visits provide students a unique opportunity and experience that cannot be simulated in a traditional online or face-to-face class setting. It is a strategy that emphasizes “engaging” students in learning process in an “innovative” way that leads to an effective impact on students’ “learning”.