The Joint Study Week is a week-long, intensive agribusiness module of the International MBA in Agribusiness and Commerce whose objective is to expand and enhance the international experience, knowledge, and skills of students completing the module. The Joint Study Week is

1) hosted each year by one of the universities offering the International MBA in Agribusiness and Commerce,

2) open to students in similar MBA programs at other universities within the AGRIMBA Network, and

3) led by Professor Bruce Ahrendsen of the University of Arkansas, USA. The focus of the Joint Study Week is “live” business case studies and includes on-site visits with directors and senior management of businesses which serve as the basis for the business case studies. After visiting the businesses, students are assembled into multinational teams to address problems posed by the management. During the Joint Study Week, students conduct research and analysis and prepare presentations and executive summaries outlining their recommendations to the management of the businesses. Moreover, Professor Ahrendsen provides lectures on strategic management, marketing strategy, and financial analysis depending on the case study issues.  On the final day, students present their recommendations to the available directors and senior management of the respective businesses. Each presentation is followed by a lively discussion between students and management. Although it is an extremely ambitious undertaking, students and case companies are typically highly complementary of their Joint Study Week experience. Students who successfully complete the Joint Study Week receive a certificate awarded by Professor Ahrendsen and the International MBA director of the host university.