Every two years, the Executive MBA programme at Business School Netherlands incorporates an international study tour, enriching students’ educational experience with real-world exposure. This year, the tour was especially significant as it included graduates who missed their study tour in China due to COVID-19, along with recent graduates who have subsequently enrolled in our DBA programme. The MBA study tour South Africa combined visits to key business sites and cultural landmarks, providing a comprehensive learning and cultural experience.
This year, students engaged at the Weskus Conversations conference, explored innovations at the South African National Space Agency, and visited Shoprite, the biggest retailer in Africa. Alongside these study visits, the group also visited Robben Island, enjoyed a local wine farm, experienced a game reserve and some even hiked up Table Mountain, fully immersing themselves in the rich South African environment.
Innovative Problem Solving through Action Learning
In preparation of the tour, students were given specific challenges faced by the West Coast District Municipality (WCDM) and using the action learning methodology they workshopped possible solutions. This approach not only fosters critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving but also involves directly engaging with complex issues.
Understanding Action Learning
Action Learning is a dynamic process that revolves around a group working on real problems, taking action, and learning as individuals, as a team, and as an organisation. It requires a group to ask insightful questions and challenge assumptions to transform complex problems into practical solutions. This method is not just about solving a problem but about learning from the process. This in turn enhances the capabilities of everyone involved. Action Learning is characterised by its focus on questions and reflections. This allows participants to view problems from different perspectives and think critically about their actions and their results.
One group of students focused on bureaucratic hurdles that hinder effective decision-making within local governance. Their proposed model, inspired by the efficiency of natural swarms of birds and schools of fish, suggested a decentralised decision-making process to enhance governance agility. This model included strategies such as:
- Decentralised Decision-Making: Empowering junior and middle managers by delegating decision-making authority to reduce bottlenecks.
- Dynamic Advisory Committees: Implementing advisory groups that include diverse stakeholders to continuously refine decisions as situations evolve.
- Co-Creation for Ownership: Fostering a collaborative environment where every member contributes to the decision-making process, enhancing commitment and reducing resistance to change.
Diverse Solutions and Presentations
Another group tackled the challenge of regulatory overload that paralyses decision-making among junior and middle management. They presented a detailed analysis of local government regulations and cultural dimensions, and proposed a shift towards a more agile management style. This approach aimed to:
- Implement coaching models to support decision-making across management levels.
- Establish clearer roles and responsibilities to enhance operational efficiency.
- Promote a culture of trust and open communication to facilitate quicker and more effective decision-making.
Impact and Reflections
The solutions presented at the Weskus Conversations conference were warmly received, highlighting their potential applicability to improving local governance. The action learning approach not only yielded actionable solutions but also provided a platform for local leaders to consider new governance strategies.
For BSN students, the MBA study tour in South Africa was more than an academic exercise. The tour provided a firsthand look at the impact of their studies in real-world settings and offered insights into effective leadership and change management.
The study tour and engagements at the Weskus Conversations conference exemplified the practical application of BSN’s commitment to action learning, preparing students to tackle and impact real-world challenges effectively. Through academic knowledge and practical strategies, the students contributed to resolving WCDM’s challenges and enhanced their skills, underscoring the value of hands-on learning in driving meaningful change.
