The Department of Business Management in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of Pretoria visited Leeds University Business School from 26 October to 1 November 2024 for an international business tour, the first of its kind between the two institutions.

The business tour aimed to expose students to international business perspectives while benchmarking the Department’s curriculum with other universities abroad. It included a short-term study abroad programme, which offered a combination of experiential learning and academic lectures focused on strategic management, business analytics, and innovation.

About 15 postgraduate students at honours and master’s level participated in the tour, accompanied by the academic staff members in the Department. The tour offered students a comprehensive understanding of modern business practices, combined with company visits and cultural excursions.

Prof Alex Antonites, Head of the Department of Business Management and Prof Wesley Rosslyn-Smith, who were among the leading academics who accompanied the students, said the tour strengthened ties between the institutions, laying the foundation for impactful, long-term partnerships.

“The international academic tour to Leeds University provided our postgraduate students with invaluable insights, blending academic theory with real-world applications. This immersive experience fostered a deep understanding of innovative, human-centric collaboration, broadening global business perspectives while advancing benchmarking and research collaboration,  as well as exploring exchange programme opportunities,” said Prof Antonites.

UP staff and students together Leeds University staff during international business tour at Leeds

Kayla Vorster, a BCom (Hons) Business Management student, said she had an enriching experience on the tour, which expanded her business knowledge. “The trip offered invaluable lessons, from immersive lectures to real-world insights, significantly contributing to my understanding of global academic practices and professional applications,” said Vorster.

She particularly enjoyed the consulting lectures, which took place in the picturesque Esther Simpson Building at Leeds University, noting that it offered her a deep dive into the consulting industry, problem-solving techniques, and client management strategies.

During the tour, students also had the opportunity to engage with leaders like James Mason, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, who underscored the importance of ambition and adaptability in global careers.

One of the tour's highlights was the visit to Helix, an innovative hub fostering creativity and entrepreneurship, seeking to equip students with cutting-edge academic and professional growth tools.