VISIT TO YAŞAR UNIVERSITY & PINAR INDUSTRY

Abstract

The NUST Business School (NBS) Executive MBA program includes an essential component called the "International Exposure Programme" (IEP) that provides valuable opportunities for EMBA students. As part of this programme, the EMBA 2K20 students were given the exciting chance to attend a study module at Yasar University in Turkey for a full week, led by EMBA Program Head Associate Professor Dr. Adeel Ahmed. During their visit to Yasar University, the EMBA students attended lectures by esteemed faculty and had the opportunity to network with professionals and peers in an international context. Additionally, the students gained insights into the operations of the Yasar Group of industries, one of the leading market players in the Turkish food and beverage industry, aligning with the vision of the NBS IEP programme. Yasar, established in 1927, produces state-of-the-art products that enhance the quality of life, and its sub-brand 'Pinar' was launched in 1973 within the Turkish market. The site production engineer provided the EMBA students with a guided tour of the Pınar supply and production chain, where they learned about the different dairy products being manufactured at the plant, as well as the operational and supply chain principles being utilized for optimal results and efficient deliveries. Aside from providing valuable learning opportunities, the trip also gave participants the chance to explore the ancient city of Istanbul during their leisure time. They visited heritage sites like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Eyüp Sultan Mosque and observed firsthand the cultural, historical, and civilizational imprints of centuries past. The aim of the IEP program is to foster collaboration among students by engaging them in meaningful tours that develop their analytical skills. By attending lectures from professors at Yasar, participants had the opportunity to interact and network with peers and professionals in a global setting. The NBS IEP program's mission is to give students insight into international experiences by exposing them to successful business stories, such as that of Pinar, and upon return, students have a renewed sense of appreciation for entrepreneurship and the challenges it entails.