Category Archives: Education

What is the importance of a Masters in Agribusiness?

In today’s world, agribusinesses refer to the products and services that feature advanced internet of things, technologies that help farmers raise livestock, grow, produce and manage machinery and process and ship products more efficiently. The field of international agri-business combines efficient production at farm level with a well-ordered supply chain, managing the delivery of food products into international markets.

Countries with farming industries face consistent pressures from global competition and therefore relies on agribusiness to operate efficiently. Agribusiness has developed into a well-integrated system that focuses on the processing, warehousing, distribution, marketing and retailing of products used in farming. The main purpose of this line of business is to improve operations in order to keep prices reasonable. Read this blog to get a good insight into the benefits of studying masters in agribusiness.

Academic institutions providing postgraduate degrees, as well as trade associations, foster the development of various agribusiness fields. Furthermore, students may also choose to conduct research in agribusiness, in areas such as the academic fields of agricultural economics and management studies or agribusiness management. Completing an agri-business course at MSc level will:

  • Enable you to use and evaluate business management techniques;
  • Help you assess their relevance to commercial practice under different technical and cultural constraints;
  • Assist you in estimating the dynamic legal, economic and political environment within which businesses operate;
  • Give you the ability to collect, analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data, as well as technical and commercial information;
  • Help you become proficient in evaluating and identifying solutions to business management problems encountered by local, national and international firms.

A Masters in Agribusiness course enhances students’ knowledge of finance and human resource management in the field of agriculture. It also provides a detailed insight into agricultural management and the industries supporting agricultural production, processing, transportation and supply chain strategy. This course is the perfect way for students to obtain an advanced understanding of the principles, issues and practices of modern international agricultural business.

To acquire employment in the international agri-business environment, students need to be well-aware of the wide variety of functions, which encompasses the following topics related to the field of agriculture:

  • Finance;
  • Human resources;
  • Customer services;
  • Logistics;
  • Marketing;
  • Cross-cultural exporting, importing and purchasing.

Opting for an MSc International Agribusiness programme will help you become well-equipped with the essential skills that are required in a variety of management and decision issues relevant to agricultural businesses in an ever-changing international environment. If you are looking to enhance your career prospects in this dynamic sector of business, then apply for the course today!

What exactly is a mini-MBA?

It is often said that learning the language of business and understanding the thought process of it, is the secret to success. Which is why, the perspective of current generation prospective MBA students are changing, seeking for a flexible mode of study, like a mini MBA. This is typically an accelerated business program, with an emphasis on the specific needs of students.

Although not an alternative to a full-time MBA programme, it is definitely a great way of topping up your business knowledge and enhance your portfolio. Besides introducing you to a broad range of business areas, the mini MBA programme will help you gain a good grounding of the key strategies, leadership issues and the latest trends in business. This blog will help you explore mini MBA in-depth and provide you with the reasons why you should choose to study it.

The Mini MBA refers to a fast-track format of the MBA, concentrating the one or two years of the content of a regular MBA into around 28 hours (four days) of tuition. It provides students with an overview of the business landscape and how all the operations work together. A mini MBA programme is structured to provide an introductory insight into business, preparing students for further exploration of the field of business administration.

This concentrated, informative training (usually on a specific topic) will help you gain a foundational understanding of that particular area, then moving on to focusing on a different topic each week, such as finance, business ethics and leadership. Such MBA courses not only assures students of acquiring employment after graduation but are also significantly cheaper, with tuition fees starting around £2,000.

A mini MBA is geared towards offering prospective full-time MBA students the chance to understand the true meaning of a business degree before fully committing. Basically giving students a more comprehensive understanding of what an MBA involves. Candidates who are looking to enhance knowledge in a specific area, a mini MBA will be an ideal choice for them, as these courses are more specialised-focus than a full-time MBA.

This type of MBA is also apt for students who are looking to enhance their own business competency while remaining active in a specific role. The skills acquired through a mini MBA will not only benefit your personal and professional development but also improve your performance in the workplace. You will become capable of managing yourself and other individuals professionally, as well as lead high-performance teams.

Employers, nowadays, are increasingly drawn towards hiring mini MBA graduates, who are expected to possess enhance management skills and the right business acumen. If you want to develop your business understanding of a specific industry, then applying for a mini MBA can help you achieve that.

9 Ways to Be the Best Version of Yourself

If there is any doubt about it, you are one of a kind, amazing and incredible. You have unique ideas to share and important things to say. Simply put: You are a wonderful addition to the world. However, nothing ever starts out as a polished gem. Even a diamond starts out as black, sooty piece of coal. Putting some work into becoming the best version of yourself can help you shine like the shining star you’re meant to be.

1. Be There

So much about life is just showing up. This could mean being there for a friend or family member during a difficult time or transition. It could also mean being involved in the community by serving as a mentor, volunteering or simply setting a good example. Showing stoicism in relationships is a good way to be a rock for those people that need it. Being a person who shows up is a person who cares deeply about others.

2. Learn Something New Every Day

Learning something new every day keeps you interesting, relatable, intelligent and a lifelong learner. You can learn anything from a new word in a new language to a easier way to complete a difficult task. Learning new things also pushes you out of your comfort zone and helps you to grow. Learning something new every day really adds up quickly over time. Making it a habit now can make a huge difference in your life.

3. The Future Test

When you encounter bumps in the road it is so easy to become discouraged. It doesn’t matter if it’s a personal or professional issue, it can all seem earth-shattering in the moment. And maybe it is, but all too often when you are in the moment, you lose perspective. If you slow down for a second and ask yourself, “Will this be important in 10 days? 10 weeks? 10 years?” Oftentimes you realize that what you’re spending so much time worrying about isn’t really worth it.

4. Morning Exercise

Simply changing the time of day you do your workout can really change the impact. Exercising in the morning can give you more energy during the day, and it can contribute to better overall health. Not to mention, that people who work out in the morning state that throughout the day they are more relaxed and focused.

5. Prioritize

It is so easy to get distracted as your day unfolds. New complications and distractions start presenting themselves at every turn. That’s why it is important to make a list at the very beginning of the day of the top three things you want to get done before the day’s end. Having a list helps you to focus on those tasks and not get distracted.

6. Talk to Your Family

A relationship with your family is important, but also, they have information and insight you will never find on Google or in a book on any shelf. They have known you your whole life, they know you better than anyone, they know your strengths and weakness and they can help guide you to your best self.

7. Drink your Fruits and Veggies

Have a green smoothie at breakfast every day. It’s good for you. It’s fast. It’s easy. And it is a great way to get most of your fruits and veggies for the day. Keep your veggies and fruits in the freezer for a better texture and to make them last longer.

8. Be Thankful

Instead of always wanting what you don’t have, try being thankful for all the people and things you do have. You will be surprised at how much that simple change in perspective will change your happiness level. Pick a time every day to choose five things, people or pets you are thankful for. You can write down things you are thankful for daily and place each one in a jar. When you are having a tough day, read through the papers for an instant mood boost.

9. Be Yourself

In the quest to become the best version of yourself, make sure you don’t become someone else. Stay true to your vision and unique voice. Other people are always going to have ideas of what you should be or what they want you to be. Don’t waste precious time and energy trying to become someone else’s idea of what the best version of you is. Remember this is your journey and your journey alone.

 

Top Locations to Study Abroad in East Africa

Africa is a continent bursting with potential study abroad destinations. Even though it faces numerous and varied social issues and underdevelopment, Africa is still rich in culture, topography, wildlife and natural beauty. For hands-on people, field work and close interaction with local communities are popular elements of the study abroad programs in Africa. Amazingly, there are very few limits to what people can study here: economics, anthropology, sociology, international development, politics and public policy, environmental studies, biology or zoology and so much more!

Whenever you are studying in Africa, it is important to plan your trip and that you are aware of your own personal safety. Street crime can be an issue in urban areas so carry only what you need with you. Never travel East Africa’s roads by night as the region has a poor road-safety record and banditry can be a concern in some areas, for example north-eastern Kenya, north-eastern Uganda and rural Burundi.

In this article we detail four great cities to consider when planning to study abroad; Nairobi in Kenya, Iringa in Tanzania, Kampala in Uganda and Kigali in Rwanda. However, East Africa is packed full of amazing cities and opportunities!

Nairobi, Kenya

Want to meet some real-life Simbas? Then seriously consider studying abroad in Kenya. Nairobi, the capital, is home to seven university campuses. Popular study abroad programs include environmental science, interdisciplinary studies and medicine.

Nairobi is the centre of media, music, economics, and more. Nairobi is a great for business and economics students. The city has its own stock exchange, is home to many companies and is a major global trader.

Animal lovers should check out Nairobi National Park, a wildlife preserve that’s home to animals such as giraffes, elephants, wildebeest, cheetahs, to name but a few.

Kenya has 49 universities and other institutions of higher learning. The top 5 schools in Nairobi are: University of Nairobi; Kenyatta University; Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology; Strathmore University; United States International University Africa.

Other study options in Nairobi include:

The University of Minnesota – Study international development. You’ll contribute through an internship or research project with a non-profit organization.

Athena Study Abroad – Ecology and Conservation in Kenya.

The Turkana Basin Institute at Stony Brook University – full semester and summer field school programs focused on human prehistory.

The travel advisory for Kenya is currently -Exercise increased caution in Kenya due to crime, terrorism and kidnapping.

Iringa, Tanzania

Iringa is a unique and interesting place to study; it was originally built to provide protection to the German colonists at the end of the 19th century. Whilst Tanzania is well known for its vast wildlife, Iringa is more recognised for its handmade crafts and baskets.

Studying in Tanzania means getting really acquainted with the African way of living. Whether you are watching the African wilderness from your back porch, interning and working alongside Tanzanians or getting up close and personal with all of Tanzania’s amazing wildlife, you will have an experience unlike any other.

Tanzania has 27 universities and 15 University Colleges. 2 of these universities can be found in Iringa: Ruaha Catholic University and University of Iringa.

Other study options in Iringa are:

Boston University Study Abroad – Explore issues of politics, class, gender, race, ethnicity and religion in East Africa.

SIT Study Abroad – Examine coastal ecology and natural resource management in one of the most remarkable areas of the world.

The School for Field Studies – Spend a semester exploring national parks and savannas.

The travel advisory for Tanzania is currently – Exercise increased caution in Tanzania due to crime, terrorism, and targeting of LGBTI persons.

Kampala, Uganda

As well as its friendly and social culture, Kampala is also a very safe city. A busy city life, a passionate academic culture and breath-taking natural wonders are just a few reasons why Uganda is a great place to vacation or study abroad.

With access to some of the greatest tourist attractions that East Africa has to offer, Uganda is a hub of cultural immersion, full of pioneering leaders, thinkers and artists waiting to be discovered.

Luganda is the most common language and can be learned through daily conversation and interaction however, all university courses are taught in English.

Uganda offers 4 types of visas for all international visitors. From single entry visas to 3-year visas, this allows students to select the visa that best fits to their program duration and travel plans.

There is 47 universities in Uganda and 19 of them are to be found in Kampala. The top 5 universities in Kampala are: Makerere University; Kyambogo University; Uganda Technology and Management University; Uganda Martyrs University; and Kampala International University.

Other study options include:

Worldaway Learning Tours – short-term, high-impact Educational Travel focusing on experiential learning and personal growth.

SIT Study Abroad – Examine development in theory and practice throughout Uganda.

Carpe Diem Education – Track endangered rhinos as part of a conservation team in Uganda.

The travel advisory for Uganda is currently – Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

Kigali, Rwanda

Although Rwanda is known for its terrible genocide, don’t discount it as a great place to study abroad. During your studies, learn how this country has bounced back from its horrific recent past. Go to university in the capital, Kigali, or study the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Popular programs for study abroad in Rwanda include anthropology, sustainable development, conflict studies and African studies.

Rwanda is one of the smallest and most heavily populated countries in Africa and it has risen from a recent history of political turmoil to become a country with rising prospects. A thriving culture, music and arts now define everyday life for the majority of its citizens. The opportunity to study abroad in Rwanda first-hand is a chance to discover this beautiful country in a completely new light.

There are 26 Rwandan universities and higher-education institutions and 13 can be found in Kigali. The top 5 universities in Kigali are: University of Rwanda; Université Libre de Kigali; University of Global Health Equity; University of Kigali; and University of Lay Adventists of Kigali.

Other study options include:

Global Youth Connect – Human Rights and Peace Studies in Rwanda.

SIT Study Abroad – Post-Genocide Restoration and Peacebuilding.

ThinkImpact: Rwanda – Institute for Social Innovation.

The travel advisory for Rwanda is currently – Exercise normal precautions in Rwanda.

Children’s Education Funds Reviews: 5 Flexible Opportunities for Working Moms

Across Canada, many parents are struggling to manage their work life and their families. The difficulties of juggling both responsibilities, for instance, lack of childcare or inflexible managers, continue to push women out of the workforce.

According to a CBC News Report, 15% of women who left their jobs in 2018 and are now out of the labour force did so for personal or family reasons.

While some working moms have decided to trade in their careers for more time with their children, others have found flexible schedules that allow them to be present for both roles. Alongside finding adequate childcare, a flexible work environment is a critical piece of the puzzle.

Since 1991, Children’s Education Funds Inc. (CEFI) has been assisting Canadian families with their children’s higher-education savings goals as a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) provider.

Children’s Education Funds Inc. also knows how important it is for working mothers to have flexibility built into their careers so that they can balance their responsibilities at home. A CEFI career means being in the business of helping families understand RESPs and which plans work best for their financial situation.  It also means having the freedom to set your own schedule.

Since many moms are returning to the workforce after giving birth, let’s review some of the most flexible work circumstances for the busy parent.

Working remotely

An ideal situation for both moms and dads, working remotely allows parents to be available to their children and make money from a home office at the same time.  Many companies are allowing employees this flexible option, which helps the modern parent conquer the work/life balance on their own schedule.

Co-working spaces that offer childcare

As more parents are able to work remotely, co-working spaces are becoming increasingly popular.  This is a space that a group of people rent together with the added bonus of built-in childcare.  Instead of trying to work at home with your young kids or taking them to daycare, moms can leave their child with trusted caregivers as they get the job done.

Flexible positions

It’s not shocking that a career as a busy lawyer or doctor will unlikely offer flexibility in your day-to-day routine.  There are a range of careers, however, that will.

For example, flexibility is built in to a career running your own business.  Case in point, a CEFI Dealing Representative specifically helps Canadian families set up Registered Education Savings Plans or RESPs under the umbrella of CEFI.  What that means is – setting your own goals, working hours that meet your lifestyle demands and developing your own clients and book of business with access to the full support and resources from the CEFI head office.

The job can also be rewarding to assist young students and their families realize their goal of a higher education, while at the same time having the flexibility to tend to your own family.

Flex schedules

Moms who are granted flex schedules at work can stagger their clock-in time, which can help make mornings less hectic.  Starting work later in the morning is especially helpful for parents who need to make sure their children get on the school bus. A flex schedules can also mean an employee trades in their lunch break in lieu of an earlier release time.

4 day work weeks

Working moms are used to getting lots done in a small amount of time. Although the 5 o’clock quitting time isn’t likely to change, the length of a workweek can.  When companies implement the 4 day work week, moms can reap major benefits from having an extra day off.  Instead of spending the weekend catching up on chores and grocery shopping, they can focus more on family activities.

Offering flexibility on the job helps more than just moms.  It is also enticing the younger population of workers who have a strong preference for flexible working arrangements.  Tara Dragon, an Edmonton-based human resources expert, notes: “Flexibility is something of value to people regardless of where they are in their career.

Finding balance as a parent can be a challenge, but with a flexible work arrangement, moms can still put their talents to good use and take care of their families at the same time.