Studies of four aspects of business in Europe

Abstract

Preface The Cranfield Management Development Programme is an intensive ten week course for middle management aged 28 - 38. The courses which are held twice yearly started in 1964; the fourth of these, MDP 4, was held from April - July, 1966. The members of the course are drawn from a variety of businesses and have previous experience in one or more of the main fields of business activity, e.g. general management, marketing, production, finance. As part of the course two weeks are devoted to studying business conditions in Europe. For this tour the members are formed into snail groups who study particular projects. Throughout the visits the *nphasis is on discussion with Senior Executives. The specific objectives of the European Tour are: expose members to business problems in different European environments and to provide an opportunity to discuss business problems with European Managers. To study the problems that confront British Companies who do business in or with European countries. To use this exposure to a new environment to effect some measure of re-evaluation of their past business experiences in the United Kingdom. MDP 4 were in Europe from 13th - 24th June, 1966, during which period the following cities were visited; Paris, Milan, Zurich, Frankfurt, and Brussels. In each city discussions were arranged with a representative cross-section of the business community. These included British Embassy Staff, British Chambers of Commerce, Local. Bankers, Industrial Companies, Advertising Agents, Trade Union Officials, Management Consultants, British Subsidiaries and the E.E.C. Commission. On their return from Europe a meeting was held at the Institute of Directors in London where the members of the course presented their findings to a group of businessmen, representatives of the Export Council for Europe and the Confederation of British Industries. This report is split into four parts representing the work of the four project groups.