Engaging and Managing International Industry Connections
Design Pattern Tags : Program, Learning engagement/activities, Communication skills, Online communication
Engaging and Managing International Industry Connections March 2016
Abstract/Snapshot:
This pattern outlines an approach to foster, engage and manage new International Industry Connections and Partnership Institution relationships to help facilitate an Offshore Global Intensive - Study Tour.
The use of the local knowledge in the selected country via the partner institution connections must be used, trusted and collaborative, so it is important to establish a close relationship with an academic or a champion in the International Office or Partnership institution that will support the initiative of a study tour.
Learning Context Students participating on the study tours are typically a mixture of Undergraduate and Postgraduate students. Students are at different stages of their study so it is important to highlight the differences within the tour cohort to the partner institutions and industry connections to ensure content is delivered at the appropriate level and connects to what the student is studying.
Student numbers vary per Intensive tour and can impact what activities can undertaken in the host country. Generally a student group between 20 and 60 is a good size to manage.
Rationale The engagement with a partner in the target country is a key part of a successfully study tour. It is important to establish a good relationship, that can support the ongoing longevity of the study tour.
Learning Design The pattern objectives can be demonstrated by:
Critically appreciating and evaluating relationships between local operations and global business operations in the respective country/city.
Use reflective practice techniques as part of ethical management strategy for globally networked organisations.
Work effectively as part of a global multi-discipline, collaborative team.
Make culturally sensitive business decisions within a diverse global environment.
Establishing Partner Institution Relationships
Investigate the country and city where you are intending to create a Global Intensive Study Tour.
IMPORTANT: You must have partner institution in the country of choice. (See: RMIT Partner Institutions weblink)
Depending on college procedure, obtain the relative Global Intensive approval form from HOS (8-12 months prior)
Complete and send approval form and send to Head of School for approval (8-12 months prior)
A budget is prepared to highlight the feasibility of the Global Intensives. All costs involved in the tour will be captured and presented back to the School.
RECOMMENDED: It is recommended that meetings between the Head of School and the Director of Finance need to be ongoing to establish a viable financial model that delivers contribution to margin both in the School and in the College.
Initiate a conversation with your host institution as soon as possible (8 months+ prior to tour). It is recommended a visit to the host institution during this time to establish the relationship and local knowledge.
Follow up with host institution by email to establish a memorandum of understanding and communication protocol.
In collaboration and support with the Partner Institution, develop the lectures topics, industry connections, cultural visits and accommodation recommendations.
Connect with Partner Institution to discuss factors such as local culture, weather, environmental issues and distances involved when travelling to Industry locations.
An itinerary is created to capture the offshore considerations in a Collaborative Google Doc, shared with Partner Institution (See: Create a Collaborative Google Document and Demonstration of Google Collaboration video)
NOTE: The Partner Institution relationship is an important aspect in developing this student experience and enabling the immersion in the culture, especially where the traditional language is not English.
Touch base every fortnight and as needed closer to the tour date.
Add your hosts to your student class Facebook group so they can begin to bond with your students and there is a familiar face when they arrive (where facebook is not available, alternate social media technology will be used, i.e. WeChat for China).
Establishing Industry Partnerships
Send a letter/email of involvement to the perspective industry partners outlining what the focus of your global intensive is, who is involved and if they would be interested in taking part by taking the group on a site visit.
Once all Industry Partnerships have been established, send a confirmation letter (See: Industry Partnership Confirmation letter example)
Once these links are established a preliminary site visit needs to happen to all of the site visits to establish that they are academically sound and interesting enough for both PG and UG student.
Develop and share a Google doc with Industry Partners to collaborate on the agenda (2 months before tour) (See: Create a Collaborative Google Document video)
Develop and share Google spreadsheet that highlights the student first name and program that they are enrolled, so the organisation creates specific content to the appropriate level.
It is encouraged to bring gifts for the Industry Partners and Partner Institutions and a way of acknowledging their support and your gratitude. Make sure you ask you Partner Institution contact what they would consider as culturally appropriate.
Note: Gifts to industry typically include RMIT merchandise and a bottle of Australian wine (source in from the host country). With Partner Institutions Australian based gifts are best (i.e. Tim Tams and fluffy Australian animals).
During the Global Intensive
Arrive a few days earlier than students and have face-to-face meetings with the Industry Partners and Partner Institutions to go over the outline of your global intensive and to deal with any last minute issues (this also helps build the relationship with your partner institution further)
Students are encouraged to bring a small gift for the student helpers to show appreciation, remind students during the tour.
Give gifts of appreciation to the Industry Partnerships and the Partner Institutions.
Maintaining the Relationship
When the tour has ended, follow up with a gratitude letter or card to host institution contacts/organisers (see: Letter of Gratitude template)
Send an email to the manager of your Industry Partner and Partner Institution contact to express the good work done.
Challenges
Some of the challenges that you might face when establishing a global intensive include
Keeping track of finances.
International Exchange rates - make sure you factor in for any fluctuation when preparing the budget.
Incorporating your global intensive into RMIT’s International Strategic plan and into the relative School plan.
Changes in personnel/staff while planning and delivering the Global Intensive.
Last minute obstacles- always have a plan B.
Google apps - China will need to use Google via RMIT My Desktop .
Conditions/Critical Success Factors You must have:
Partner institution in the country where the Global Intensive is being held.
Staff engagement with student and supporting their additional needs demands additional time, both onshore and offshore.
The willingness of staff that engage in the tour to be flexible, especially during the offshore component, because your engagement time with the students can be 24/7 in order to support the student experience.
Resources/Technology Technology resources:
Portable devices to aid in recording attendance, provide access to documents and general information, especially on tour.
RMIT Desktop Support (when Google Apps is not directly available in a country)Staff Resources:
Outcomes Students are exposed to the job market in the chosen country and the cultural differences and expectations in the workforce.
Students have the opportunity to speak with Chief Executive Officers, Chief Financial Officers and Chief Operations Officers to appreciate the difference in the foreign market.
Students are able to note on their CVs that they have had an experience overseas and interacted with major multinational organisations.
Students partake in a true cohort experience, establishing connections between students from various disciplines.
A global experience from an academic, cultural and commercial perspectives.
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