Xavier Institute of Management and Research, (XIMR), Mumbai, in association with Makerere University Business School, Uganda, launched their first-ever “Centre for Africa Studies” for the students of XIMR pursuing their Masters’ Programme in Management Studies. Initially launched for the students of XIMR, the program at a later stage will be offered to the corporate aspiring to expand their horizons in Africa.
The centre was inaugurated by His Excellency Mr. E. M. Barine, Deputy High Commissioner, Republic of Kenya and Prof. Waswa Balunywa, Principal, Makerere University Business School, on January 20th at the XIMR campus. Fr. Paul Vaz, Director General, XIMR said, "At XIMR, you will hear the bold roar of the African lions! Together, XIMR & Markere University Business School will shoulder the responsibility of enhancing the development of the peoples of emerging nations."
The inauguration also observed participation of senior management officials from reputed organizations like State Bank of India, Essar Telecom, Shapoorji Pallonji Finance Ltd., Bharati Learning Systems, TiE, Concept Pharmaceuticals, USV Ltd., etc. They shared their views on how Indian companies can tap the tremendous potential in the African continent by providing a wide array of services such as banking, education, telecommunication, etc.
The primary objective of this centre is to prepare students for international assignments in Africa –both, for Indian multinationals operating in Africa and other multi-nationals with African operations. The “Centre for Africa Studies” at XIMR aims to establish itself as an apex body of academics and culture with realism to develop courses and research that will lead to an understanding and appreciation of African business environment and context for students and Indian businesses. The centre will have strategic focus on the emerging regions of Africa. “We believe the Indian multinationals will have location-based and company-based strategic advantage in these regions” said Dr. K.N. Vaidyanathan, Director, XIMR.
The centre aims to serve as a bridge between the people and cultures of India and Africa, and contribute to the economic and social development of both. This is possible on account of the cultural similarities with Africa in terms of shared administrative language and colonial heritage. Also, administrative similarities in terms of institutional structure will help reduce the “cost of foreignness” for Indian companies by taking advantage of cultural and institutional affinities between Africa and Asia that reduce the costs and risks of operating in these continents.
Indian companies are able to use their low cost domestic production and design bases as strengths to extend their businesses operations. Indian companies have a competitive advantage in certain technologies such as non-fading dyes that stand up to bright sun light, which can be advantageous in Africa. The ability to create low cost versions of products developed and marketed for the consumers at the bottom of the pyramid can be modified and adapted to compete successfully in Africa.
The “Centre for Africa Studies” will carry out in-depth cultural, social and marketing analysis of Africa with a General Management perspective. Immersion studies will be an integral part of the pedagogy for students and corporate members. The centre will launch Certificate Programmes and in-company tailored programmes for corporate professionals in due course. The “Centre for Africa Studies” aims to support India’s strategic focus on Africa as a part of its foreign policy.
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Initially, the centre will offer a course on “Country Studies – Africa” for XIMR’s full-time MMS students, which will continue for two semesters. After six months, the centre will offer a Certificate Programme for corporate professionals on “Doing Business in Africa.” The course will be offered to managers in International Marketing Divisions of corporate operating in Africa, or planning to start operations in Africa.
The emphasis will be on subjects like Cultures of Africa, Anthropology, African Religions, Consumer Behaviour, Market Structure, Development and Role of Banking and Financial Institutions, Corporate Governance in Africa, Organizational factors, etc.