Hong Kong study tour visits the School

The Logistics and Operations Management section recently hosted students from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Global Supply Chain Management programme. The visit formed part of the students study tour in UK.

The study tour which consisted of 40 undergraduate students accompanied by two of academic leads, Dr Anthony Pang and Dr Kelvin Pang, was managed and coordinated by the Business School's Dr Irina Harris.

Each year, the students from Hong Kong Polytechnic University visit a different country to learn and exchange knowledge. During their visit to the UK in May 2016 they sought to learn more about UK universities and the courses they offer, as well as visiting a range of companies to learn about their operations, supply chain management practices, logistics and other aspects of UK businesses.

The first part of the study tour started on 11 May in the School's Postgraduate Teaching Centre. The group was welcomed by International Officer Glyn James who introduced visitors to Cardiff University and the learning opportunities on offer, followed by Dr. Andrew Potter’s presentation about studying in the Business School. Small group tours around the School were led by Dr Irina Harris, Dr Anthony Soroka, Dr Qinyun Li and Karen Wontner. Dr. Robert Mason presented about Tesco operations and their Corporate Social Responsibility agenda before the study tour went on their first industrial visit to the Tesco distribution centre in Magor.

The tour also visited Cardiff Port, with the group being shown the historic significance of the port and gaining insight into its current operations. The students were also invited to a procurement talk for heritage sites during visits to Caerphilly Castle and Castell Coch.

After leaving Cardiff the group went to London where they had the chance to meet with representatives from Geodis Freight Forwarding, London Tradition, DP World London Gateway, John Lewis, Charles Kendall and Middlesex University.

The study tour was planned and managed by students under academic supervision. The group comprised of a Board Team, Logistics Team, Marketing Team, Administration Team and Finance Team to manage different activities and ensure the trip was well structured.

Dr Irina Harris says: “It was a pleasure to welcome the cohort from Hong Kong Polytechnic University this year. In addition to getting to know the students and providing them with insights into logistics and operations, as a future study and career option. It was also wonderful to see them honing their logistics skills by planning the trip themselves.

"I must thank my colleagues in the School who facilitated many of the activities – either by presenting themselves or by putting us in touch with their business contacts to make the group’s industry visits dynamic and insightful.”

Feedback from the students from Hong Kong who undertook the visit has been positive and called it a ‘precious learning experience.’