The University of Kigali (UoK) Graduate School on July 30 hosted a one-day workshop for its Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) students. The Workshop aimed at bridging the gap between theoretical aspects and practical industry experience and had the Deputy Director, Digital Opportunity Trust Rwanda, Dr. Emmanuel Nzeyimana as Guest of Honour. 

Addressing the nature of corporates and businesses post Covid – 19, Nzeyimana noted that the pandemic had changed how corporates and businesses operate.

 "As a result of the pandemic, it is no longer business as usual,” he noted; adding that the pandemic has necessitated a new way of managing businesses in terms of labour and operational dynamics.

The second point of discussion was the challenges faced by corporate leaders.  In this regard, it was pointed out that leadership in the modern world face a myriad of challenges ranging from macro and micro economic shocks, regulatory frameworks that limit in many ways, global market shifts and regional integration blocs such as the East African Community.  According to Nzeyimana "Regional economic blocs introduce barriers to trade such as legal, cultural and economic factors that corporate leaders must surmount”.

Attendees during University of Kigali's a one-day workshop for its Executive Master of Business Administration  students on July 30.Courtesy

The final discussion point was the strategies corporates have adopted to overcome competition. In view of technological advancement and very unpredictable consumer behavior, competition has also advanced. Consequently, the workshop highlighted the need for corporates to adopt technology as a tool to gain competitive advantage. 

"Technology is a key strategic tool to win market share,” Abdalla Murenzi, a participant at the workshop added.

Human resource management is another key area that corporate leaders must manage.  "Human resources are an asset that must be motivated for enhanced productivity,” Dr. Wabala Samuel, a Human Resource expert and Senior Lecturer at University of Kigali noted.  Dr. Wabala added that managing staff has become a very complex affair since there are complexities with respect to work expectations and individual expectations.  He noted that continuous development is necessary.

Concluding the Workshop, the Dean of Graduate School, Dr. Ronald Kwena appreciated the participants and the knowledge the forum had generated.  The Dean also observed that the Executive Master of Business Administration programme was living to its expectations by attracting high-level executives.

The workshop highlighted the need for corporates to adopt technology as a tool to gain competitive advantage.

A one day workshop was organized by the University of Kigali to bridge the gap between theoretical aspects and practical industry experience.Courtesy

"We are privileged to have very senior members of the corporate space such as Chief Executive Officers, Directors and Managers in our programme,” the Dean noted.  The objective of the programme is to attract and empower corporate leaders in the dynamic business environment. 

The Dean finally pointed to the fact that University of Kigali is embracing innovative ways of knowledge-sharing that includes on and off-campus discussions for the programme. 

University of Kigali is welcoming new students for the ongoing September 2022 Intake. Apply now and get the UoK Advantage! Apply online via: mis.uok.ac.rw/apply; Call: +250 788 303 386/ +250 789 009 221 or Email: admissions@uok.ac.rw. Website: www.uok.ac.rw