Christopher Jinadu, a Nigerian MBA participant was enthusiastic to talk about his recent trip.   "This was definitely a life changing experience for most of the participants. I could write a book about how thrilling and informative the trip was! I don't think anyone in the class will forget the experience we had in Morocco. The planning was very commendable and the visits to the various companies were quite an experience to remember.  

The trip had two distinct elements: the company visits and the cultural aspect.   The schedule of the business visits was tight with 8 companies on the agenda. The companies were well chosen, each with a particular element of interest such as massive restructuring plans or an entrepreneurial aspect to the company and we certainly had something to observe and learn from each visit.   On each site we had presentations by different chief executives and top-ranking officials. The comparison of leadership styles was striking and lead to active debates upon our return to France! 

The most memorable company visit for me was the tour of SOMADIR, the world's fourth biggest yeast manufacturer. This Moroccan company is currently undergoing massive restructuring and is streamlining its staff from over 200 to just 40 through a new and fully automated production plant. From over 100 line workers, the production can now be carried out by fewer than 5 workers and the factory tour we were given was amazing. The CEO really impressed me with his successful handling of the process that has assured the plant's future profitability. We discussed the investment involved and various other aspects involved in such a radical plan.  

This visit was a sharp contrast to the French-run VEOLIA where the more relaxed European style of management was really emphasized. We discussed environmental issues with the French CEO, talked about the company from an operations perspective and generally found out more about the running of a French group in a foreign country.  

On the last day we attended a conference in Casablanca on "Economy and Doing Business in Morocco" and learned how Morocco is now positioning itself as the ideal transit point between Europe and the USA and what it is doing to attract investors. We also attended a manager's forum where the speakers who made the biggest impression on me were the Vice President of GROUPEFINANCE (the 2nd largest financial institution in Morocco) and the CEO of SOMACA an assembly plant constructing both Renault and Peugeot cars. We had already visited this company to see the assembly from start to finish which really was fascinating.  

There were other great presentations by leaders of principle Moroccan organisations and industries and one of the professors of EDHEC's partner school in Morocco, ESCA gave a fascinating talk on the political environment in the country.  Most of the presentations reflected Passion, Focus and Drive which is needed by any professional in the dynamic business world of today.   

The other thrill was the tour of two big cities in Morocco, Casablanca and Rabat, the capital of Morocco. In the city of Casablanca we saw the Hassan II Mosque, the Mausoleum were the previous Kings of Morocco were buried. A trip further south saw us on the top floor of a hotel overlooking the Major development work going on between the banks of the cities of Rabat and Salle. Then of course there was also time for socializing and discovering more about the country from a more leisurely point of view!  

The international exposure for us is immeasurable. A reflection over the past one week can only bring out professionalism and dynamism in each and every participant. I guess the two most suitable words which capture's the entire trip are remarkable and unforgettable. I'm thoroughly looking forward to our next trip."

Read about last year's business trips here:

India

Turkey