Local stop part of "Cultural mix" 2006-10-11 19:01:01

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Local stop part of 'cultural mix'

2006-09-14

CHINA
caught the imagination of Marta P. Aparacio 10 years ago when she attended a conference given by Professor Pedro Nueno of IESE Business School. But it was not until this July when she took part in the Shanghai module of IESE's Global Executive MBA, that she managed to get a first-hand insight into the challenging business environment of the world's fastest growing economy.

"From the lecture, it was clear that China's potential was amazing, like a 21st century version of the California gold rush," Aparacio said. "But 10 years ago, the visa sponsorship opportunities that China-based companies offer today just didn't exist. So I decided to pursue other career goals in Europe."

Aparacio, a finance manager for a Finnish multinational, is one of the 30 international senior executives from 15 countries and regions who will graduate from IESE's ground-breaking Global Executive MBA next month. With a clear international focus and modules held in Shanghai, Barcelona, Madrid, and Silicon Valley, the part-time 16-month program gives participants the chance to experience the business in Asia, Europe and the United States at the same time as getting a world-class MBA.

So a month after the Shanghai module, with a better understanding of China, does Aparacio regret not having a professional focus on China earlier? "Not really," she admits.

"I was naive in thinking that China was just another business opportunity. I see now that it's a lot more complicated than that. We can't just expect to be able to stick to our Western ideas, hop on a flight and run operations in China. We have to be prepared to go with a very open mind.

"I believe that if we are to promote a responsible, ethical business model, working with China has to be a multilateral exchange of ideas and cultures. During my short time in Shanghai and later exploring Beijing, I realized that we still have a lot to learn from each other."

More than classroom work, IESE's Global Executive MBA Shanghai module also includes corporate visits across a range of sectors, including utilities, automobile, pharma and telecoms.

Aimed at giving participants an idea of the different ways companies deal with this cultural mix, this also provides first-hand experience of businesses with different levels of labor and capital intensity.

Despite her conclusions, Aparacio would still consider rising to the challenge of China.

"The Shanghai module has helped me understand what's behind the country's huge GDP increase and to gain a respect for China's rich culture. However, I do know that before embarking on such a life changing experience, I would certainly have to get prepared."


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