SCMS-COCHIN Exchange Programme - Creating Bridges Between Theory And Practice

Online, September 15, 2012 (Newswire.com) - On 24th August, 2012, SCMS-COCHIN began its annual exchange programme in collaboration with the University of Hugo. The objective of this programme is to create cross-cultural learning and sensitivity to foreign nuances. Under the programme, a few students and faculty from the University of Hugo visit SCMS-COCHIN for a duration of two weeks each year. According to Dr. Raman Nair, Director SCMS-COCHIN, "The aim is to familiarise the visiting students with an Indian way of learning and teaching by sharing case studies".

This year, one of the visiting faculty members was Notoshi Umeno from Hugo University, Japan. He is a professor of International Business and Business History. This is his second visit to SCMS-COCHIN and he is expecting a lot of dialogue with students and faculty. "I hope more and more student come for the exchange and interaction takes place. I also need more discussions with the professors and faculty; and not just one-way communication but a dialogue, a more interactive style of lectures." Dr. Nair reaffirms his perspective, saying, "The exchange is a two-way process; our students also get a feel of how management education takes place in other countries. Many students never get the opportunity to go abroad and this programme enables them to interact and learn".

Notoshi shared that they had elected to come to India based on the economic growth of the country, and owing to the fact that India is a huge market with several Japanese companies entering now. Talking about the two markets, India and Japan, he said, "India is a huge market and is still undeveloped, which makes it a great opportunity. The population is also young and that is an edge too. On the other hand, Japan's population is small and we have more older people, making our market still smaller."

Notoshi's experience of India is riddled with small issues like language and food differences but he shares his good experience in Mumbai during his last visit. "I landed very late at night and didn't know the language at all. A complete stranger arranged everything with the taxi guy and I reached the hotel safely".

Mamiwasa is student from Japan accompanying Notoshi. He is studying Business Management and is specialising in mid-size companies. He shared, "I had never been to India, so I jumped at the opportunity being offered to me to learn like this. Of course I miss home, but I love Indians."

Mini is from Macau, China and is pursuing Business Management from Hugo University, Japan. This was her first visit to India too and she was thrilled to meet the Indian students and have the chance to visit Indian companies. As she said, "I loved interacting with Indian students; everyone here is so kind and has such a big smile!"

The programme, however, was not only academic in nature. Dr. Nair explains, "On 1st September, the group was invited to celebrate Onam with the students and faculty of SCMS-COCHIN. The celebration included sports and cultural programmes too".

This exchange program with Hugo University is the result of the University's association with Nitta Gelatin India Limited, a joint venture of Nitta Gelatin incorporates at Japan and K.S.I.D.C (Kerala State Industry Corporation). NGI Japan approached the university with the idea of the exchange Program. The objective of the programme is to create a hands-on experience in the Indian market for the students and an exposure to its culture and work ethos. "It is crucial for the students to avail this opportunity to understand its application. This is how they will be able to build a connect between theory and real life", said Sabu Agestian from NGIL. He shared that the session was focused on case studies and familiarised the students with corporate practices. NGIL plans to continue with these associations to enable students to learn while studying, and hit the ground running when they pass out.