Course Overview
The export trade industry is a vital sector of the global economy and continues to grow. In 2019, the World Trade Organization valued the global exports of goods and services at $20.5 trillion. Inspite of the huge potentials in the global export trade industry, it is an industry that is characterized by high sensitivities to political, economic, cultural, social and trade variables.
Professionals in the industry, such as export managers, logistics managers, and international trade specialists, need to have a deep understanding of the complex and constantly changing regulations, logistics, and marketing strategies involved in international trade in order to continue to excel in their roles.
Our MBA in Export Trade Management is a specialized graduate-level program that focuses on the business and management aspects of international trade. The program covers a wide range of courses, including logistics and supply chain management, international marketing and sales, trade finance, and customs regulations.
The program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the export trade industry. Graduates of the program will gain a competitive advantage over their contemporaries by having a deep understanding of the industry and the ability to navigate its complexities. Additionally, the program will equip students with the management and leadership skills necessary to take on leadership roles in the export trade industry.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO AN MBA IN EXPORT TRADE MANAGEMENT
The export trade industry can be a lucrative field for professionals with the right knowledge and skills. The global trade is growing, and with it, the demand for export trade professionals is also increasing.
According to the World Trade Organization, global trade has been growing at an average annual rate of 3.7% over the last 15 years, and it is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This growth in trade creates a lot of opportunities for export trade professionals to work in various sectors of the industry such as logistics, marketing, finance, investments and many more.
Additionally, professionals in the export trade industry often have the opportunity to work with international clients and partners, which can lead to a diverse and exciting career. Many of these professionals also have the potential to earn high salaries, as export trade is a sector that requires a lot of expertise and knowledge.
WHAT MAKES OUR PROGRAM UNIQUE?
- Top-rated industry practitioners with enviable track records in the international trade and export environment
- This program offers a unique learning pedagogue that combines insightful classroom learnings with in-depth analysis of industry case studies, business model simulations, team project activities and interactions with global industry players.
- A creative blend of academic leadership and Export industry excellence
- The Only double Certification MBA Export Trade Management program in Africa
- Supports students in developing strong management capacities needed to excel in senior agribusiness roles
- Helps entrepreneurial students to scale their agrifood operations and transition them into global niche leaders
- A unique and technology-driven blended study mode that allows students to study while maintaining their full time work roles.
- A carefully structured screening and enrollment process that ensures only the best applicants make it to class. This has helped in attaining high level of in-class interactions and in building an outstanding alumni network for the program.
PROGRAM FRAMEWORK
The Program is structured into three segments
- First Semester
- Second Semester
- International Study Tour
ACADEMIC STRUCTURE
FIRST SEMESTER
COURSE CODE | COURSE TITLE | UNITS |
AGR 713 | Global Commodities and Food Value Chains | 3 |
AGR 726 | International Marketing | 3 |
AGR 728 | Operations Management in Export Trade | 3 |
AGR 730 | Global Supply Chain Management | 3 |
AGR 712 | Managing Innovation for Growth | 3 |
AGR 703 | Business Analytics and Big Data in Agribusiness | 3 |
AGR 732 | International Trade Finance | 3 |
AGR 718 | Research Methodology | 3 |
AGR 740 | Project Management in Export Trade | 3 |
SECOND SEMESTER
COURSE CODE | COURSE TITLE | UNITS |
AGR 700 | Agribusiness and the Global Food Economy | 3 |
AGR 734 | International Business Law | 3 |
AGR 735 | Strategic Management of Export Operations | 3 |
AGR 704 | Financial Management for Agribusiness Managers | 3 |
AGR 720 | International Study Tour (Export Business Management) | 3 |
AGR 736 | Digital Transformation in Export Trade | 3 |
AGR 705 | Organization Behaviour | 3 |
AGR 706 | International Agribusiness Economics, Policy and Trade | 3 |
AGR 721 | Research Thesis | 6 |
DESCRIPTION OF MODULES
MODULE 1
Operations Management in Export Trade
This module provides a strong insight into the end-to-end value chain operations in the export trade industry from production planning, export process design and quality control. One of the major topics in the module is Export Procedures and Documentation which covers the practical activities in exporting as well as customs regulations, documentation and compliance. Another topic in the module is Quality Management in Global Operations which covers the principles and practices of quality management in a global context, including ISO standards, Six Sigma and Total Quality Management. The module also addresses International Business Ethics which includes Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable development, Product Certifications for Exports and Effective Warehousing.
MODULE 2
Digital Transformation in Export Operations
This module covers the extensive use of digital technologies and platforms in the export trade industry. One of the topics in the module is digitalization of trade processes which explored the use of digital technologies such as Blockchain and Artificial intelligence in automating trade processes such as customs clearance and logistics. Another topic in the module is Digital supply chain management which covers the use of digital technologies such as IoT, big data and analytics to improve the efficiency and transparency of supply chain operations. Other topics covered in the curriculum of the module includes digital marketing for export trade, Cyber security in export operations and digital transformation in export logistics.
MODULE 3
International Trade Finance
Effective Financial Management is key to the success of every export operations. This module equip the students with strong insight on Export Finance, International taxation, International Financial Law, International Financial ethics, International Financial negotiations, International banking and payment systems and Foreign Exchange Management in international trade. At the end of the module, the students would be well grounded on all aspects of international trade finance and will be able to coordinate all activities around export finance and risk management in international trade. Overall, this knowledge will provide the students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a globalized economy, where the ability to navigate international financial markets and manage trade-related risks is becoming increasingly important.
MODULE 4
Strategic Management for Export Operations
Strategic Management is essential to export success because it helps companies to identify and take advantage of opportunities in the global market, to allocate resources effectively, to manage risks, to respond to changes in the market and to achieve long-term success. Students of this module will understand the strategic planning and implementation frameworks that can help in developing a competitive advantage for their export operations in the global trade environment. They will also be able to identify and manage risks associated with exporting such as currency fluctuations, political instability and cultural differences.
MODULE 5
International Agribusiness Economics, Policy and Trade
This module covers the trade policies and agreements that affect the agribusiness industry, including the World Trade Organization (WTO) and regional trade agreements such as African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The module will also provide an overview of the economic principles and theories that govern the global agribusiness industry, including trade patterns, demand and supply analysis, and market structure. Students of this module will also be engaged with an International trade simulation project where they will have an opportunity to participate in a simulated international trade negotiation and to develop their negotiation skills.
MODULE 6
International Business Law
A critical component of this module is International Trade Law where MBA students will be exposed to the legal principles and practices related to international trade including issues of tariffs, import/export regulations, and trade agreements. The module also covers International investment law which covers the legal principles and practices related to foreign direct investment, including issues of national treatment, expropriation, and investor-state arbitration. Students will also learn International contract law which covers the legal principles and practices related to international contract formation and performance including issues of jurisdiction, choice of law and dispute resolution. It is a strong module that will put graduates of the program in strong control of international trade legal frameworks within their export trade operations.
MODULE 7
Business Analytics and Big Data in Agribusiness
Business analytics is the process of using data, statistical algorithms, and other techniques to extract insights and knowledge from data, which can be used to inform business decisions while Big data refers to the large and complex data sets that are generated by organizations today, and the technologies and techniques used to store, process, and analyze this data. This module will provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to analyze large and complex data sets and extract insights that can be used to make informed business decisions in the agribusiness industry. These analytical skills will help students of the program to be more effective in their roles and make a positive impact on the industry.
MODULE 8
Global Supply Chain Management
Global Supply Chain Management is important in export trade because it allows companies to manage the complexities of exporting, reduce costs, improve the quality of their products and services, and gain a competitive advantage in the global market. In this module, students will cover topics such as Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management, Global Logistics and transportation, Global Sourcing and Procurement, Global Inventory Management, Global Supply Chain Planning, Global Supply Chain Performance Management, Global Supply Chain Risk Management, Global Supply Chain Sustainability and Global Supply Chain Technologies such as enterprise resource planning (ERP), supply chain management software and digital supply chain platforms.
MODULE 9
International Marketing
This module will equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand global markets and consumer behaviours. This includes understanding cultural differences, market trends and consumer preferences in different regions which is crucial for developing effective market strategies. The module covers topics such as Global Market Research which covers the principles and practices of market research in a global context including the use of quantitative and qualitative methods to understand consumer behaviour and market trends. It also covers topics such as Global Product Development, Global Advertising and Promotion, Global Distribution and Logistics, Global Pricing Strategies, Global Sales and Channel Management as well as Global Brand Management.
MODULE 10
Global Commodities and Food Value Chains
This is an extensive module where students will be exposed to various factors that drive the performance of global commodities and food value chains. The module will introduce students to the key actors in these value chains and their roles. The module will discuss Commodity markets and price analysis where students will be exposed to the economic principles and theories that govern commodity markets, including supply and demand analysis, market structure, and price volatility. It will also cover topics such as Global food value chains where the various stages of the global food value chain, including production, processing, distribution, and consumption are intensively analyzed.
INTERNATIONAL STUDY TOURS
The Study tour is a critical component of the MBA Export Trade Management Program. During the tours, students will visit a variety of export-oriented companies to learn about their operations, challenges and opportunities in the host country. This will include visits to manufacturing plants, logistics companies, and trade organizations. Students will also have the opportunity to network with local professionals and attend business meetings to learn about the host country’s business environment and opportunities for trade and investment. The MBA Cohort of 2022 visited Ghana for their international study trip. During the trip, they visited Fruit Terminal Ghana Ltd to access their export operations.
Fruit Terminals Ltd is a company that specializes in the export of fresh fruits and vegetables from Ghana to international markets. The visit provided the students with valuable insights into the export of fresh produce, and the specific challenges and opportunities that come with this type of export.
MBA Class of 2022 Students understudying Banana Export Operations at Fruit Terminal Ltd, Tema Port, Ghana
During the visit, students gained strong insights into the export operations of Fruit Terminal Ghana Ltd under the following thematics:
Supply Chain Management: Students learnt about the logistics and supply chain management processes used by Fruit Terminals Ltd to ensure that fresh produce is transported and stored properly to maintain quality and extend shelf life.
Market Research and Development: Students learnt about the company’s approach to market research and development, including how the company identifies new markets and assesses consumer demand for its products.
Cross Section of MBA Class of 2022 at the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area in Accra, Ghana after a workshop on the Implementation of AfCFTA by Ghana in improving export operations.
Compliance and Regulations: Students learnt about the compliance and regulations that Fruit Terminals Ltd must adhere to when exporting fresh produce, including food safety standards and phytosanitary requirements.
Financing and Risk Management: Students learnt about the financing and risk management strategies used by the company to ensure that the export trade is financially sustainable and profitable.
Sustainability: Students learnt about the company’s approach to sustainability, including its efforts to reduce its environmental impact, promote fair trade and support the local communities.
RESEARCH
All the students on the MBA Export Trade Management conduct in-depth and independent research on themes of their choice within the field of export trade. The outputs of these researches have been valuable to the global industry by helping professionals to improve the quality of their practices.
DURATION AND MODE OF STUDY
The duration of the program is ONE YEAR. The program has two entries annually; in March and September. The blended mode of the program allows professionals to combine their full time work engagement with their studies seamlessly. During the international study module, participants will spend one week at any of our partner institutions in other African countries to immerse themselves into the dynamics of export activities in that environment. During this international session, participants will learn firsthand management of export operations from a different cultural orientation. They will also gain global exposure and build new business relationships. The choice of the country for the international study module will change in every academic session of the program and would be determined by the program directorate.
DOUBLE CERTIFICATION
In a unique structure of integrated curriculum and collaborative learning, graduates of the MBA Export Trade Management also automatically earn an Executive Diploma in Agribusiness Leadership from Nigerian College of Agribusiness. This double Certification continues to put graduates of the program in an elite league of export trade superstars leading various industry operations across the globe. The curriculum and structure of the two programs are already integrated, so students do not have to do any extra work or pay extra fees.
FINAL DEGREE AWARD
Graduates of this program earn an MBA Export Trade Management degree of Lead City University, Ibadan. They also earn an Executive Diploma in Agribusiness Leadership from Nigerian College of Agribusiness, an NBTE accredited awarding body under the National Skill Qualification Framework
ENTRY REQUIREMENT
Candidates seeking admission to the PGD Agricultural Export Operations and Trade Management program must have minimum of an HND/BSc qualification from recognized institutions. Holders of professional qualifications such as ACCA, ACIB, ANAN e.t.c can also apply.
NEXT START DATE AND APPLICATION DEADLINE
The next start date for the 2023/2024 Academic Session is March 7, 2023. Admission screening exercise will be conducted for all applicants. Due to the limited class size for each cohort, early application is advised
TUITION
Application Form- N20, 000 (Application Fee is payable to Lead City University Ibadan, Access Bank, Account Number: 0014074992). Application Fee Receipt should be attached to Completed Application Form and Supporting Documents at the point of application.
First Semester Fee Structure:
Tuition Fee: N375,000
Field work: N200,000
Total Tuition for First Semester: N575,000
Second Semester Fee Structure:
Tuition Fee: N375,000
Field work: N200,000
Total Tuition for Second Semester: N575,000
Full tuition fee includes University Tuition fee for the semester and field work fees. Installmental Payment Plan is available upon enrollment.
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
The required application documents are:
- Completed Postgraduate Application Form of Lead City University Ibadan
- A detailed resume
- Copies of all academic qualifications
- Senior Secondary School Certificate
- Primary School Leaving Certificate
- NYSC Discharge/Exemption Certificate
- Three reference letters
- Passport photographs
- Postgraduate Application Fee of N20,000 payable to Account Name: Lead City University, Account Number: 0014074992, Access Bank Plc. Downloaded evidence of payment should be submitted alongside
Completed Application Documents should be sent to: agribusiness@lcu.edu.ng
To request for the Postgraduate Application form of Lead City University Ibadan for the program, send an email to: agribusiness@lcu.edu.ng
APPLICATION AND ADMISSION PROCESS
Are you strongly motivated and interested in enrolling for the March 7, 2023 intake of the MBA International Agribusiness and Food Chain Management program, fill in a pre-application form through the link below. Thereafter, the Program Directorate will schedule you for pre-admission screening session. After that session, you will be able to apply for the program. Please note that early application is advised. If you have any urgent enquiry to make, kindly send an email to: agribusiness@lcu.edu.ng
FOR GENERAL ADMISSION ENQUIRIES, CONTACT
If you need specific information about the program that is not on this page?
Please contact our program specialist for personalized advise about your specific case
or contact:
Program Coordinator
Post Graduate Agribusiness Programs,
Lead City University, Ibadan
e-mail: agribusiness@lcu.edu.ng