2014Russia Study Tour Information Pack

09 Sept – 19 Sept 2014 (Moscow and Novosibirsk)

REGENT Business School

2014 STUDY TOUR DESTINATION

RUSSIA

INTRODUCTIONFollowing the success of REGENT Business School inaugural study tour to China during 2013, we are proud to announce the latest addition to our annual tour selection – a study tour to Russia. As the world’s largest country, the biggest supplier of natural gas and second-largest oil producer, Russia embodies superlatives. The country is a remarkably varied landscape spanning nine time zones, from the sprawling expanse of Volga River’s bucolic birch forests to the balmy beach resorts along the Black Sea.

Whilst many are aware that Russia is a key player in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) community, very few are attentive to the fact that Russia has made the most progress among the biggest emerging economies in implementing policies to improve its business environment. According to a World Bank Report (2013), the major drivers of growth for the country have been an exceedingly conducive investment climate and an ambitious target of creating 25 million high-quality jobs by 2018. Russia has certainly opened its doors to international business. Along with the edifying business lectures and stimulating company visits, participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves amid chapters of folkloric tradition, imperial intrigue, European engagement, a Communist revolution, Cold War politics and the nation’s resurgence as a modern power.

The tour will explore two of Russia’s biggest cities – Moscow and Novosibirsk. During the tour of the latter, participants will have the pleasure of attending lectures at the Novosibirsk State University of Economics and Management (NSUEM) as well embark on an enthralling expedition of this captivating city. Other highlights of the tour include: (i) introducing participants to a wide range of leading Russian and international enterprises, (ii) enabling participants to interact with renowned Russian scholars and network with business leaders.

REGENT Business School international study tours are rapidly-developing an exceptional reputation for their combination of classroom learning, industry engagement and practical experience. Ultimately, the tour provides a unique opportunity for participants to internationalise their qualifications and broaden their horizons.

We look forward to you joining us on what will certainly be an eye-opening experience.

STUDY TOUR BENEFITSWhile in Russia, the tour group will visit a variety of companies in various industries, using different business models. You will be exposed to a wide array of industries and approaches to doing business in Russia, the difficulties language barriers pose and the importance of culture and how it is changing. The tour will transform our classrooms into boardrooms, restaurants, streets and taxis of Russia expand the minds of students and faculty alike. There is no experience that can substitute for taking one’s learning global, especially given the future of the world’s economy. Your learning will be transformed to immense heights and you will be able to correlate the different methods of business, cultures, consumer lifestyles, the impact of legal/political systems on business and the importance of project planning and logistics in business.

• Learning specifics of doing business in Russia• Developing more realistic expectations about professional business life in Russia• Acquiring intercultural managerial competencies and skills• Gaining an insider view of some of the Russia’s top companies• Networking

COST

CANCELLATION POLICY

CLOSING DATE &SELECTION CRITERIA

The cost of the study tour is R74 965. The cost includes return air tickets to Novosibirsk & Moscow, accommodation (single-occupancy), in-country transportation, meals, entrance visas and some tours. Kindly note that the price may increase subject to exchange rate fluctuations.

The price excludes home country in-land transportation, required immunizations, personal expenses, optional cultural events and sight-seeing.

Payments need to be made by 31st May 2014.Cancellation by 15th June will result in 70% refundCancellation by 30th June will result in 50% refundCancellation after 11th July will result in no refund.

This is a joint study tour between REGENT Business School and MANCOSA. The closing date for the application forms is 26th May 2014. All applications will be subject to a selection process. A maximum of 12 students will be selected to go on tour.

TOUR & TRAVEL EXPECTATIONSWe appreciate your understanding in abiding by the following important guidelines:

ACCOMMODATIONAccommodation will be provided at a hotel that has a variety of amenities including Wifi access and breakfast. All rooms are single occupancy.

AIRFAREDelegates will be issued with a return electronic ticket from Johannesburg to Shanghai.

ATTENDANCE ATTIREParticipants are required to attend all lectures. Formal dress will be required for the lecture sessions.

FREE TIMEFree time is scheduled during the study visit. Group activities may be organised during this time, but participation is completely optional.

LUGGAGELuggage is limited to one carry-on and one checked in suitcase. Please keep in mind that you are your own porter for the duration of the trip.

TOURIST/ENTRY VISADepending on nationality and Russian requirements, participants may be required to obtain entry visas prior to departure.

VACCINATION, MEDICAL AND TRAVEL INSURANCEPlease ensure you get your vaccination card and delegates are liable to cover the cost for the vaccines. Delegates are liable to cover their own medical and travel insurance costs.

ITINERARYDATE DAY TIME PROPOSED ITINERARY

09/09/2014 TUESDAY 09:00 Depart Johannesburg / Durban to Moscow10/09/2014 WEDNESDAY 18:00

18:30 19:00

Arrive in Moscow, Depart to Airport for flight NovosibirskAccommodation in the hotel Dinner and Briefing

11/09/2014 THURSDAY 09:0010:0011:0013:0014:0015:0017:0019:00

Breakfast at HotelMeet in the Hotel foyerBusiness visit: Plant Of Reinforced Concrete Sleepers ProductionLunch Lecture Workshop with directors of departmentsDepartureDinner and Debriefing

12/09/2014 FRIDAY 08:0009:0010:0013:0014:0018:00

Breakfast at HotelMeet in the Hotel foyerBusiness Visit: “2 GIS”LunchCity Tour Dinner and Debriefing

13/09/2014 SATURDAY 08:3009:3010:0012:3013:0015:3017:00

Breakfast at HotelMeet in Hotel FoyerBusiness Visit: TBCCoffee break Lecture by NSUEMDinner and DebriefingGraduation Ceremony

DATE DAY TIME PROPOSED ITINERARY 14/09/2014 SUNDAY 08:00

09:0010:0014:0015:0019:00

Breakfast at HotelMeet in Hotel FoyerCompany Visit: Akademgorodok Lunch Shopping, free time Dinner and Debriefing

15/09/2014 MONDAY 08:0009:0010:0014:0016:0019:00

Breakfast at HotelMeet at Hotel FoyerBusiness Visit: The Factory “Clean Water” LunchBusiness Visit: Novosibirsk Electrovacuum Plant Soyuz Dinner and Debriefing

16/09/2014 TUESDAY 09:0010:00

Breakfast at HotelDepart to Moscow

17/09/2014 WEDNESDAY 09:0010:00

13:0014:00

Arrival in Moscow: transfer airportCity tour of Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin Mausoleum, the Historical Museum, the Monument to Zhukov, quay of Moscow riverLunchWalking along Old Arbat Street Moscow

18/09/2014 THURSDAY 09:0010:0013:0014:0015:3018:00

Breakfast at HotelExcursion to Kremlin with visiting of the Moscow KremlinLunchExcursion to the Armoury ChamberExcursion to the Diamond Fund Dinner and Debriefing

19/09/2014 FRIDAY 09:0010:0012:3013:3017:0018:00

Breakfast at HotelExcursion to the Moscow MetroLunchFree afternoon DebriefingDepart for airport

20/09/2014 SATURDAY TBC Arrive in South Africa

** The times and activities proposed maybe subject to change.

COMMENTS FROM ATTENDEES

Name and Surname: Tudor Hungwe

Name of Current Employer:South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA)

Job Title: Chief Financial Officer

The Shanghai MBA Study Tour was really an eye opener to me in so many ways. It provided me with an opportunity to understand global business from a professional and personal perspective, and we were given opportunities to meet and engage with high profile leaders from multinational organizations.

Name and Surname: Nondumiso Motlhala

Name of Current Employer:FNB Wealth

Job Title: Head of Risk & Efficiencies

Awesome experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything as it made me understand and appreciate the Chinese culture and how much they embrace their culture.Their business ethics and innovative culture is exceptional. Thanks MANCOSA for the study tour, it was a life changing experience.

Name and Surname: Daphne Botha

Name of Current Employer:Value Added Life

Job Title: Financial Director

It was an experience of a lifetime. The exposure to various businesses, indicated trends and future development, were invaluable.

Name and Surname: Phahlakazi Anna Chabalala

Name of Current Employer:Clotan Steel

Job Title: HR and Payroll Officer

It was a memorable and amazing tour that has ever had happen to me. It took me few hours to tell my fellow co- workers about Shanghai tour, the culture that is instilled to people, the technology that is been used effectively, the international trade that is been taught to the Chinese young generation.

Name and Surname: Hemalini Kunthanlal

Name of Current Employer:Savannah Fine Chemicals (Pty) Ltd

Job Title: Financial Manager

My MBA study tour to Shanghai has exceeded my expectations. The highlight of the tour was interacting with the local Chinese students, lecturers and employees at all levels, which empowered me with the knowledge to understand the mechanics of the Chinese economy, infrastructure and culture. The tour should be experienced by every MBA graduate.

Contact:Kindly submit all queries to alumni@regent.ac.zaTel:+27 31 304 4626 / www.regent.ac.za