|
Indo-Canadian Enterprise Exchange Program
Planning:
The Indo-Canadian Enterprise Exchange, conducted in 1993, was spearheaded by the International Goan Organization and co-sponsored by the University of Toronto Centre for South Asian Studies. The objectives of the program were to:
- Transfer know-how, intellectual expertise and technical assistance to India.
- Train professional managers and entrepreneurs in international business.
- Build and maintain business networks that lead to new strategic business alliances and investment opportunities.
- Broaden delegates' understanding of western management principles and generate appreciation of culture and business environment through better communication.
The goal was to select five candidates from Goa, India, although other delegates from India would be admitted if nominated and sponsored by Canadian firms. Selection criteria for the delegates included:
Ability to conduct business discussions in the English language;
Knowledgeable of elementary concepts of western market systems and management;
Empowered to engage in negotiations on their employer's behalf.
Applications from candidates were reviewed and English language comprehension tests and personal interviews conducted.
The selected delegates provided the cost of return international airfares to and from Toronto. The International Goan Organization arranged and financed accommodation, local travel and meals. The estimated cost to the IGO was $70,000.
Implementation:
In the summer of 1993, Xerox Canada agreed to become the corporate sponsor. Xerox Canada developed a four-week business program which covered Xerox's philosophy, ethics, values, principles and business priorities. Leadership through Quality courses offered by Xerox included a New Employee Workshop, New Employee Quality Training, and a Process Management Workshop. These Quality Specialist Workshop Tutorials ensured delegates' comprehension of the concepts presented and hence develop the appropriate business and management skills.
The Academic Program offered by the University of Toronto integrated theory with action, with the objective of expanding delegates' understanding of western market concepts and management principles thereby enhancing their ability to organize and conduct business negotiations. The goals of the program included:
An understanding of market forces and their influence on management decisions
An overview of the major functions of management as they related to entrepreneurship concepts, opportunity recognition, network building and accessing resources.
Using the aforementioned eligibility and selection criteria, five delegates arrived in Toronto on November 16th, 1993, as listed below:
Norma Collaso, BA in Economics and Masters Degree in Management Studies specializing in Marketing. Norma trained with Cadburys in India, an advertising agency and was the owner of a newspaper. At the time of her participation in the exchange program in Toronto, Norma was working with a computer training institute called Datapro Information Technology. She was in charge of their training center and her duties involved administration, formulation of business promotion plans, market research and marketing.
Allwyn D'Costa, Master's Degree in Commerce specializing in Business Studies from Goa University. At the time of his visit to Toronto, Allwyn managed his family's agricultural business featuring rubber plantations. Allwyn was married and the proud father of a baby boy.
Stanley Dias, recently acquired his Bachelor's Degree in Commerce.
Bosco Rodrigues, Bachelor of Science from the University of Bombay. At the time of his visit to Toronto, Bosco was employed with the Goa Urban Co-operative Bank. He was also the equivalent of Mayor of the village of Cavelossium which is a popular tourist destination. He is the founding member of the Lions Club of Cavelossium and involved with the Santa Cruz of Cavelossium which promotes sports and cultural activities.
Salim Kazi worked as Manager with the Economic Development Corporation. This organization was involved in the promotion of industries by way of financing and equity participation, as well as working with aspiring entrepreneurs.
Indicators of Success/Outcomes:
All five delegates successfully completed both the academic and business programs. Each of them was asked to focus on one project which they would implement on their return to Goa. Using the Strategic Management Process, they made a presentation on their respective Business Plan, in addition to providing a report.
On their return to Goa, all delegates set a goal for themselves:
- Norma Collaso felt enriched by acquiring skills and knowledge which she would be able to apply to her current role and responsibilities;
- Allwyn D'Costa planned on setting up and managing a plastic container manufacturing business;
- Stanley Dias moved into the management of his family's real estate and farming business;
- Bosco Rodrigues decided to establish an aqua culture business specializing in tiger prawns; and
- Salim Kazi planned on establishing a Business Incubation Centre modeled on the Toronto equivalent which he visited and which boasts a 70% success rate.
Valuable linkages and partnerships were developed and strengthened. A total of 86 people were mobilized to assist in the project. Cellie Gonsalves, Director of the IGO and Project Manager for this initiative, extended the IGO's deep appreciation to the following:
- Mr. Len Cardozo and Mr. Tenio Evangelista from Minister of Immigration, Hon. Sergio Marchis' office, and Ms. Sue Hutchinson from Minister for International Trade, Hon. Roy McLaren's office for their assistance, without which the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi would not have reversed their decision to deny the delegates their visas.
- A sponsorship arrangement was negotiated with Xerox Canada. Mr. Richard Barton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Xerox Canada, Mr. Peter McCulloch and the entire Xerox team designed a program which provided intensive, customized training and the Job Shadow program.
- A partnership was established with the University of Toronto. Mr. Dobri Stojsic developed a valued academic program which integrated theory with action learning called the Strategic Management Process. This expanded the delegates' understanding of western market concepts and management principles and equipped them with the knowledge to prepare a strategic plan and participate effectively in the business negotiation process. Professor Wagle obtained approval by the University of Toronto to endorse the Indo- Canadian Enterprise Program.
Left to Right - Myra Tavares (Director IGO), Bosco Rodrigues (Delegate), Cellie Gonsalves (Director IGO), Stanley Dias (Delegate), Hon. Sergio Marchi (Minister for Immigration - Gov. of Canada), Al Mathias (Director IGO); Norma Collaso (Delegate), Allwyn d'Costa (Delegate), Salim Kazi (Delegate), Zulema de Souza (President IGO)
The success of the Indo-Canadian Enterprise Exchange Program and the efforts of the International Goan Organization were well recognized and published in the Gomantak Times on October 20, 1993, the Herald on October 18, 1993 and in the Navhind Times on October 19, 1993.
The IGO of Ontario opted for a project of this nature because it believes that enhancing the intellectual capacity of our young entrepreneurs in Goa and providing them with an opportunity to gain exposure to western business and management practices will enable them to be a catalyst for sound business and economic growth on their return to the motherland.
|
