2nd Call for Participation Spring 2016 Executive Short Study Tour to

the United States of America:

Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Emerging Markets: Challenges and Opportunities

March 19 - 28, 2016Designed Exclusively for MBA, EMBA, MEMBA, and OMP Participants

Lagos Business School

Pan-Atlantic University

Lagos, Nigeria

Hosted By:

International Business Resource Center

University of Wisconsin – Platteville

Platteville, WI 53818

United States of America

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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER (IBRC)

One of the missions of IBRC is to partner with educational institutions, training centers, international managements consultants, departments and chambers of commerce, government departments, and public corporations to provide the required international exposure and training that will enable the institutions and participants to compete effectively in the global market place. The exposure also offers opportunities for international business relations and network and insight into new and innovative business techniques, as well as helps business executives to realign their business plans with global economic realities.

IBRC is resourced with a team of professional business consultants to handle local and global business issues as well as provide the required platform for companies, professionals, institutions and governments to take advantage of opportunities in the international business environment, create business network and offer professional advice based on experience and exposure. Our focus is to create and add value to businesses as well as assist to establish frameworks for private and public institutions to increase their revenue generating capacities.

Since 2006, the IBRC has worked with international institutions and governments across America, Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East to create structures that will improve local economies and international relations. The IBRC has developed close ties with the governments of Israel, China, Singapore, Indonesia, South Africa, Kenya, Algeria, Nigeria and the United States of America, to mention a few. In Nigeria, we have worked with state agencies in helping to establish effective economic development strategies as well as assist organisations and government agencies to source for foreign direct investments (FDI) from international organizations.

IBRC INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL TOUR

IBRC offers international studies, exchange programmes and international educational tours for business and executive participants from local and international institutions, with particular emphasis on Executive Education and MBA participants from business schools around the world. The tour is designed to provide LBS MBA and OMP participants and business owners the opportunity to meet executives and experience other cultures first-hand. It is designed to also offer the participants international exposure in the area of business management, international trade, global business opportunities and trends, and international networking within participants’ business interest.

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The programme involves company visits, semi-formal discussion and training sessions, case studies, lectures, cultural visits, shopping and general leisure to areas of tourist interest.

LBS EXECUTIVE MBA EDUCATIONAL Spring TOUR 2015

In April 2015, IBRC had the seventh educational tour for Executive MBA participants of the prestigious Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. The participant-centered international short study programme was designed to augment the participants’ skills on international business management and its challenges, as well as creativity and innovation in managing the challenges. The programme also was aimed at providing excellent opportunities for MBA participants and associates to observe the US business and cultural climate first-hand through an 8-day overseas experience. At the end of the programme, participants were expected to be able to relate taught theories and management techniques/lessons from their MBA and OMP programme to real-life experiences from international organisations in the United States of America.

Approximately 30 participants participated in the tour to the United States of America. Pre-departure briefing sessions took place at Pan-Atlantic University Victoria Island, Lagos, where participants were given further clarification on the objectives of the tour and information on the weather, logistics and brief introduction to the topics and lectures they were scheduled to attend.

The tour included visits to a variety of companies from retailing to financial services and manufacturing. Tour participants also came in contact with a variety of organisations including foreign multinationals, joint ventures, government owned enterprises, and American conglomerates. The theme of the tour was Sustaining Entrepreneurship Development in the Emerging Markets. The course locations were Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin.

TOUR DESTINATIONS

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The following are some private and public institutions visited, where lectures were received during the period the participants were in the USA.

DePaul University, Kellstadt, Graduate School of Business, Chicago. Theme: Effective Global Communication Skills in Management

McCormick Chamber of Commerce, Chicago: Clifford B. Ruffin, President & CEO

Continental Africa Chamber of Commerce, Chicago EPIC WORLD Headquarters Kellogg Executive MBA Global Network, Chicago: Meeting with Elmer

Almachar, Director of Executive MBA Programme and Suzzanne Waller, Associate Director

University of Wisconsin Discovery Center Design Concepts Inc. Harley Davidson Headquarters, Milwaukee. Shopping at Walmart, JC Penny, Arlington Heights, etc. Wisconsin State Capitol Global Water Council Briggs and Stratton

The tour included dinner at Dynamic Africa Restaurant at 1127 W Thorndale Road, Chicago and other restaurants of choice selected by tour participants.

Participants were lodged at Embassy Suites Hotel Downtown Chicago, 600 North State Street Chicago, Illinois 60611 (while in Chicago); and Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club, 1 West Dayton St, Madison, Wisconsin, 53703.

The 2015 Tour was 100% self-sponsored by the participants which covered the following:

*Airfare Entry Visas Single room accommodation Local transportation and logistics Guided tour and cultural visits Breakfast and lunch Arrival reception Lectures and certificates

* Airfare is subject to change

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Personal expenses (shopping, additional meals, souvenirs, telephone, etc.) were not included in the tour budget. The 2015 tour was adjusted to include more case studies, teamwork exercise, and expanded lectures by business executives and professors.

All the participants returned to Nigeria at the conclusion of the programme.

The 2016 (spring) LBS USA Educational Tour Programme

Following the success of the LBS Executive MBA Educational Tour 2015, the International Business Resource Center (IBRC) is partnering with Lagos Business School to organize another Educational Tour of the United States of America (USA) scheduled for March 2016 for OMP, MBA, EMBA, and MEMBA participants of Lagos Business School, Lagos.

The theme for 2016 programme is Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Emerging Markets: Challenges and Opportunities.

Nigeria can be a very rewarding market for US companies and businesses that take the time and effort to understand market conditions and opportunities, find the right partners and clients, and take a long-term approach to market development. With strong growth prospects in many industry and service sectors, underserved market segments, a growing and increasingly sophisticated consumer base, and a strong affinity for US products and American culture, opportunities are impressive; but so are the challenges including inadequate energy and transportation infrastructure, weak institutions, the threat of crime and corruption, and reoccurring episodes of regionalized political instability and violence. Nevertheless, those US companies and businesses that take a careful and informed approach to the market can do well and develop longstanding and profitable business relationships and operations in Nigeria.

The 2016 spring programme is designed to expose participants to the styles, systems relationships, partnerships, products and services that can be harnessed and “imported” to take advantage of local opportunities. The programme will enable them have first-hand knowledge, understanding and experience of how companies and institutions are run and managed efficiently to maximize good returns on investment, their strategies for sustainable growth, and general global economic outlook. Participants are expected to exercise their business analysis and management skills in practical and real life – real world circumstances.

At the end of the programme, participants should be able to:5

Identify investment and value creation opportunities in their local economies

Understand and develop strategies that will sustain their businesses and ensure growth

Develop relationships and network with international/American companies with a view to creating synergies between these institutions

Enhance and develop their entrepreneurial skills Relate with companies and practical business cases which they had

reviewed and studied in school Refresh to face real world business challenges and opportunities Leverage their knowledge of Nigerian market to develop ideas on

goods that can be marketed to the Americas Benefit from the opportunity to attract mid-sized businesses to the

emerging market - Nigeria

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TOUR FORMAT AND TOUR DESTINATION

The 2016 spring tour is planned for Chicago, Illinois and Milwaukee & Madison, Wisconsin. The tour format will include case studies, lectures by professors and business executives, networking, and teamwork. Tour destinations will include visits to:

Major Business Schools Venture Capital institutions GE - Wisconsin Kraft Food, Madison Harley Davison Design Concepts Foley & Lardner LLP Illinois Department of Commerce, Chicago Wisconsin Department of Commerce, Madison Manpower Organisation Public Institutions Ex-Im Bank Information Research Centers Other destinations to be determined by IBRC and LBS

The tour will also include cultural excursions and visits to tourist centers around Chicago and Madison. Participants will have the opportunity to do some shopping in Chicago and Madison, as well as offer suggestions on how to make the tour more interesting and rewarding.

CERTIFICATION

Only participants who attend all programmes are entitled to a certificate at the completion of the programme.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE TOUR

The 2016 programme fee is:

$4725 per participant plus $1900 deposit for airfare* If you are not holding a valid Visa to United States

$6510 per couple (one LBS participant and one legal spouse) plus $3800 deposit for airfare if you are not holding a valid Visa

$4425 if you are holding a valid US Visa plus $1900 if you are traveling with the group

$4425 if you holding a valid visa and are making your travel arrangements*Airfare is subject to change

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Please note the airfare is subject to change.

This program fee must be paid prior to interview dates.

A legal spouse is the wife/husband of a qualified participant of the MBA, EMBA, MEMBA Programmes of the Lagos Business School. Child/children is a legal dependent of qualified participants. All fees are refundable except application and visa fees.

The programme fee includes:

Room Accommodations Ground and local transportation and logistics Guided tours and cultural excursions Breakfast & Lunch Some refreshments Briefings and certificates of participation from IBRC and partnership

institutions Visa fees

Personal expenses (additional meals, shopping, souvenirs, private visits, etc) are not included in the overall fee. Visa processing and airfare will be handled by an appointed experienced local agency approved by the IBRC and LBS. LBS will handle preliminary screening. IBRC will facilitate visa procurement at the American Consulate in Lagos, and the US Embassy in Abuja and local logistics in the United States.

QUALIFICATIONS & DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

All participants MUST BE:

Bona fide MBA, EMBA, OMP, or MEMBA participants of Lagos Business School

Legal spouses or children of participants (stated above)

The following documents will be required to complete the application process:

Completed 2016 Executive Educational Tour Application Form A 2 copies of data pages of participant’s international passport (including

spouse’s, where applicable) A copy of the Letter of Admission to Lagos Business School A copy of the Marriage Certificate for couples Completed and executed IBRC Guarantee Form (See Form A) Completed 250-500 word Statement of Purpose

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All participants (including spouses) will be pre-screened by Lagos Business School and the IBRC, and later by the US Embassy. Screening may involve enquiries and collection of further information from participants’ employers, friends and associates, and may require full and unreserved disclosures about participants’ personal and social lives.

Statement of Purpose

Interested applicants are required to submit, as part of the application process a 250-500 word statement of purpose. Please address how this international experience will help you acquire your degree and how you plan to use your experiences to enhance your education at LBS upon your return. In addition, please state how you plan to relate your present and future career goals to your experience from this study tour.

Children Fees

Please contact program directors for appropriate program fees, qualifications, and requirements for children.

PROGRAMME TIMELINES

S/N

DATES ACTIVITIES

1 July 21, 2015 – September 30, 2015

Completion and submission of IBRC tour application forms and payment of $630 Application Commitment and Visa Fee (per applicant)

Please note, the application fee is a part of your programme fees.

2 October 1, 2015 Please note the late application fee takes affect from October 1, 2015: $100

Total: $730

3 First Payment Schedule First installment: $2,000 due by October 30, 2015.

AND

Completion of Confidential IBRC Visa

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Application Form B for group appointment date. Due Date: November 30, 2015*Please note: In order to ensure no increase in programme cost, application and payment deadlines are strictly enforced. Participants who fail to meet final payment deadlines are subject to a $100 late fee.

4 Second Payment Schedule

Final Payment Schedule

Second installment: $2,095 due by November 30, 2015

Final Payment: $1,900 due by January 30, 2015

5 November 26, 2015

- OR -

January 16, 2016

Pre-orientation, Lagos Business School

6 January 20, 2016 IBRC issues official letter of invitation to qualified and accepted participants for visa interview.

Submission of all travel documents and details to IBRC

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**February 11-10, 2016 Tentative date for group visa interview at the US Embassy/Consulate

8 February 15 - March 15, 2016

Procurement of flight tickets: Please note, once air tickets are purchased airfares are non-refundable.

9 March 19, 2016 Departure from MMA to United States

10 March 28, 2016 Departure from United States to Nigeria

11 Refund Policy All fees are refundable except for the application commitment fee if participants withdraw before February 10, 2016, less LBS Service Charge. After February 10,

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IBRC/LBS reserve the right to charge a 10% withdrawal fee, inclusive of the application fee.

**Date is tentative and subject to availability from the US Embassy in Lagos.

A detailed programme brochure and programme schedule will be forwarded to each participant prior to attending the visa interview. It is recommended that applicants pay their deposits as early as possible in order to ensure that a participant space is secured. No late applications will be accepted after November 30th.

Medical Insurance

Medical expenses in the United States for both residents and non-residents are expensive. It is recommended that participants for this programme obtain insurance coverage. Information on this should be sent to all qualified applicants at a later date.

Disability Accommodations

To request disability accommodations contact the IBRC at 608.342.1597 or ibrc@uwplatt.edu.

The International Business Resource Center (IBRC) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, handicap, marital status, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, arrest record, conviction record or membership in the National Guard, state defense force or any other reserve component of the military forces of Washington or United States.

For further enquiries and applications, kindly contact:

Lagos Business School International Business Resource

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Ify Chukwukelu

Administrator/Assessor (EMBA)

Lagos Business School

Tel: 07080070529

Email: ichukwukelu@lbs.edu.ng

Jane Akpan

Administrator (MEMBA)

Lagos Business School

Tel: 08024783182

Email: jakpan@lbs.edu.ng

Ikeogoli Adeyoyin

Administrator (MBA)

Lagos Business School

Tel: 07080070532

Email: iadeyoyin@lbs.edu.ng

Dianabasi Akpainyang

Alumni Relations

Tel: 08129120797

Email: dakpainyang@lbs.edu.ng

Center

Professor Louis Nzegwu

Executive Director

University of Wisconsin – Platteville

1139 Ullsvik Hall

1 University Plaza

Platteville, WI 53818

Tel: 1-608-342-1597 or 1-608-342-1465

Fax: 1-608-342-1529

Website: www.uwplatt.edu/ibrc

Email: nzegwu@uwplatt.edu or ibrc@uwplatt.edu

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