The Business Project at ESADE

This week we were informed of our business project. This business project is mandatory in the third semester of this Master's program. It is also worth 15 ECTS (credits). So although I will only be taking 2-3 classes during the semester, the rest of the time will be thoroughly allocated to the business project.

For this business project, our client will be Henkel. Henkel is a big multi-national company originating from the late 1800's in Germany. Henkel is comparable to such companies as Procter & Gamble and Unilever. These companies have a variety of brands and products in home care (cleaning products and detergents) and personal care (cosmetics, hygiene, etc.).

In a team of 24 people, we will be finding a solution to a situation/problem that Henkel faces in the market of Spain. I know that sounds very vague but I have signed a non-disclosure agreement that I can not disclose any additional information.

Last week we had 4 introductory days to the business project. We went to a factory of Henkel, located outside of Sant Cugat and outside of Barcelona, to observe the production and logistics of a particular category of products (the product that pertains to our goal and function as consultants). This was very interesting and useful.

The whole week was intense but of course also very intriguing. Everything was explained in Spanish (or rather Castellano) at the university and at the factory and we have the choice to write the final report in English or Castellano.

Below are also some pictures of Barça!

City of Barcelona

View from up high
After the rain, view from my kitchen
View from my living room balcony
View from living room balcony - Plaza Tetuan
View from my kitchen

Round 3 – Semester 3: Barcelona

As many of you know, I’m now in Barcelona, Spain. Here I am doing my third and final semester of the Master’s programme that has truly made me a “... a citizen of the world, known to all and to all a stranger” (Desiderius Erasmus).

I am now taking courses and doing a business project at ESADE, the business school of Ramon Llull University. The campus of ESADE is actually located outside of the city, in a town called Sant Cugat del Valles. To get there I take the metro from Plaza Cataluyna and it takes about 25 minutes to get to Sant Cugat. From there I walk about 15 minutes to get to the campus.

http://www.esade.edu/management/eng/barcelona-campus-life/campus

The campus of ESADE is extremely modern and new. Perhaps one of the most modern universities I’ve been at so far.

As for my accommodation, I’m living in the centre of Barcelona. I’m within walking distance of all the great things of Barcelona! La Familia Sagrada Temple (which I have a view of looking outside my apartment window), Arco de Triunfo and Parque de la Ciudadela (just down the street from my flat), Plaza Cataluyna is only a 10 minute walk away, and not much further are Las Ramblas, and of course the beach about a half hour walk away.

I’m living with 2 French guys who are working and 1 Hungarian girl who is doing the same programme that I am doing.

This is my second time living in Spain, but like before, I think I will have a hard time adapting to the eating times again. Eating lunch at 3pm and dinner at 9pm is something my body is not a fan of, but I'll manage!

Time at an Exponential Rate

Hello everybody! This update was planned a long time ago but time flew by and each day was filled with so many things that I didn’t even have time to write about the other half of Rotterdam. I’m sure I mentioned it before but the Rotterdam School of Management worked us hard, hours upon hours, days upon days. But we survived! I will say that much of my survival rate was due to my persistence of going to the gym. I’m a 'walking fact' that it keeps you balanced and sane! The second half of the semester was a busy one, not only did I have 3 classes but as the treasurer of the CEMS Club I had to partake in a lot of extra events such as fundraising activities and the Annual Event that took place in Rotterdam. The Annual Event includes a range of activities, but most importantly it is also the graduation ceremony for the graduating students. This year the Annual Event will take place is Lisbon, Portugal.

After some rather extreme winter weather in Rotterdam, final projects and exams, the semester ended quickly. Although intense and tiring, it was a great semester. Again I was presented with an opportunity to meet many people from around the world, each with their own unique international story and experiences.

To end 2010, I flew back to Canada to spend Christmas with family and New Years with friends. Of course I was also able to enjoy the great, the unexpected, and the fierce Canadian winter. Always pleasant –if you stay in the house!

2010 went by incredibly fast. From Australia to Canada to Holland, Norway and Hungary, it’s going to be a hard year to beat. However, I’m sure 2011 will make its mark as well!

Winter in Rotterdam