College of Business | IPAG Student Exchange Program

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Welcome to IPAG Student Exchange Program

Date:
Early September to Mid December
Late January to Early May

Sponsored by:
The College of Business at Auburn University has established a relationship with the Institut de préparation á l'Administration et a la Gestion (IPAG), Nice, France for a student exchange program. Students from IPAG may come to Auburn University, and Auburn students, likewise, may go to IPAG for a semester.

About:

IPAG, Ecole Supérieur de Commerce, founded in 1965, is a state recognized business school awarding degrees accredited by the French Ministry of Education and Research. The school provides education in management and business administration, with an international focus.

Location - Nice, France:

The program is located in Nice, on the French Riviera, minutes away from Monaco, half an hour away from Italy to the East and Cannes, famous for its International Film Festival, to the West. Nice is at the center of a dynamic region, one of the High-Tech centers in Europe with Sophia Antipolis (the French Silicon Valley), a world leader in tourism as well as perfume research and development industry.

Nice, a strategic metropolis on the Mediterranean arch, confirms its readiness to coordinate its economic development with the French Riviera's, where she assures its central functions as the region's capital. Nice's economy is based primarily on the non-industrial sector (83%) and employment is concentrated in the business and service fields. Today Nice wishes to play a major role in the high technology fields of health, information transmission, telecommunications and multi-media.

Sophia Antipolis's proximity (20 minutes) has created a permanent and intensive synergy between local industries, research facilities, and universities. In fact, of the 30,200 students working in higher education establishments over 25,000 come from the Nice-Sophai Antipolis university considered one of France's best facilities with more than 200 study fields, research centers, and 1,300 professors.

Nice's French Riviera Airport (Nice Côte d'Azur) is the second busiest in France with over 6 millions passengers annually. It offers daily flights to 59 major international destinations, national connection including more than 45 daily trips to Paris. International train connections and Nice's central position on the European highway system compliments its accessibility.

The future international tunnel Nice-Cuneo-Turin will allow a direct liaison through the French Alps between Nice and the Piemont. The Mercantour tunnel will become an indispensable and enduring link between the French and Italian transportation system.

The Program:

The International Business and Management Program is designed for students with very little or no knowledge of the French language. It is designed for students with a business background and a strong interest in International Business. While there is no language prerequisite, all students must enroll in an intensive French course, offered at all levels. Students may enroll at the elementary, intermediate, or advanced level. A regular semester load usually consists of three business classes and one Intensive French class.

The program offers the following courses: French Culture and Civilization (3); International Economics (3); International Marketing (3); Marketing Strategy and Communication (3); Strategic Human Resource Management (3); Motivating the Work Force (2); Consumer Behavior (2); French Language for Beginners (3); Intermediate French (3); Advanced French (3).

Detailed descriptions, including prerequisites, on each course may be found in a separate section.

Course Credit and Requirements:

Auburn University students must complete a Study Abroad/Exchange Course Approval Form and be registered for an Auburn Abroad course to receive appropriate credit. All students must have adequate health insurance coverage and complete Release from Liability forms through the Study Abroad Office.

Costs:

Students will pay a program fee of $2800 to Auburn University - College of Business and will not pay tuition or fees at IPAG, Nice. For Auburn University students, an Auburn Abroad fee, currently $455 for residents and non-residents, will be billed additionally to participate in the program through Auburn Abroad. All students will be responsible for travel and living expenses at Nice. Fees are subject to change.

Auburn University students, requesting financial aid, should contact Charles Markel in the Financial Aid Office at (334) 844-6056.

When:

Fall term in Nice is from early September to mid December. Spring term is from late January to early May.

Housing and Accommodation:

IPAG is centrally located in Nice, but as most other schools in France, does not have dorms. Therefore, IPAG helps students to find private sector accommodation within close proximity to the School. There are two possibilities open to incoming students:

Privately-owned furnished apartments conditions:

One or two months advance deposit, reimbursed at the end of the stay if the apartment is found to be in the same condition as it was at the beginning of the rental period.
One month telephone bill deposit.
Real Estate Agency's commission fee (if the apartment is being rented through a real estate agency).
Rent varies, starting at 2,500 French Francs per month (approximately $400), plus utilities (this is the price of the apartment to be shared with another (other) student(s). Rent is payable on the first of the month. Count approximately $250 to $350 per month per person, unless you are planning to rent luxury accommodations.
The tenant is responsible for cleaning-up at the end of the rental period.
Utilities and telephone contracts remain in the owner's name. Bills are usually payable monthly (some utility bills might follow a bi-monthly payment schedule). The subscription for the telephone line during the rental period is payable on a prorated basis.

Furnished rooms in privately-run student dorms (Résidences Hotelières) Conditions:

Two months deposit for the apartment, reimbursed at the end of the stay if the apartment is found to be in the same condition as it was at the beginning of the rental period.
Rent varies from 2,400 - 2,600 French Francs per month (approximately $400)
Rent is payable on the first of the month
Utilities and telephone are included in the rental price
The telephone bill is payable by credit in advance
The tenant is responsible for cleaning-up at the end of the rental period

Living Expenses:

Students should allow at least 1,500 French Francs per month for food.

Average monthly budget (rent + food + day-to-day expenses) = US $750. This does not include travel outside of Nice.

Transportation:

There are several direct flights to Nice International Airport from the United States. You may also fly to Paris and then to Nice, or fly to Paris and take the super fast train (TGV) to Nice. The approximate cost varies depending on your point of departure and is approximately $850 or less from the Midwest. Prices, however, vary daily.

Travel and Entertainment:

There are two breaks during the semester which allow you to travel in France or in neighboring countries. Feedback from students indicate that a budget for entertainment and extensive travel during the semester is anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000. But most students agreed that $2,000 for this budget was a reasonable estimate.

Applications:

The applications are in PDF or DOC formats. Please download one of these files, print it out, provide the proper information and either drop it by Dr. Amit Mitra's office or mail it to Dr. Mitra at the address provided below:

IPAG Application (PDF)

Additional Information:

For application form or additional information, contact:

Dr. Amit Mitra
Associate Dean College of Business
Suite 516
Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849-5240
Telephone: (334) 844-4030
FAX: (334) 844-4861
E-mail: mitra@business.auburn.edu

Courses:

Below are listed basic descriptions for the classes being offered. More detailed descriptions can be located by clicking on one of the links below.

	Detailed Descriptions (PDF) *If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, please go to the COB home page and download the free version.
http://www.ipag.fr/edu/ibmp.html

1. French Culture and Civilization
(6 ECTS Credits)
Prerequisites:none

Lecturer:
Dr. Claude Alavoine Doctor of Business

I.-Aims and Objectives
The course introduces the students to the culture, society and recent history of France.

The aim is to provide a more thorough understanding of French culture and civilization by presenting certain aspects of contemporary France in an attempt to make the themes wide-ranging, varied and viewed from a multidisciplinary perspective (economic, cultural, political and social).

These different aspects together show that France is a multicultural society struggling to preserve what is meant by "l'exception française", or that which is distinctively French.

II. – Course Content
French Institutions and Policy making

The constitution of the 5th Republic and the Presidency
The multiplicity of French political parties
Education and elitism - the effects of May 1968
Decentralisation and the importance of the 'Regions'
France in Europe - a market of 59 million consumers

Aspects of French Culture

Literature, theatre and cinema
Television, from state monopoly to privatisation and the media
Food and wine, French haute and nouvelle cuisine
Sport, games and pastimes in France
Cultural debates - Paris vs the provinces, French language and the linguistic policies, gender issues

III. - Evaluation
The student’s performance is evaluated on demonstrated achievement in the course through the following elements:

- Continuous assessment : 50%
- Final Test : 50%

2. International Economics
(6 ECTS Credits)
Prerequisites:Foundation economics

Lecturer: Dr Thierry Sebagh – Doctor of Economics

I Objectives
To provide an insight into a broad range of economic aspects of the European Union
To provide a basis for further studies in International Business and Finance.
To clarify the role of the European Union institutions in business activities.
To allow students to have a better understanding of the regional trade regimes
To understand the European financial mechanisms (Euro-currency market) and the nature and role of the Euro

II Course Content
The following themes will be dealt with:
Description of the E.U. evolution, past, present and future.
Economic principles underlying the E.U. creation and development.
Understanding of the E.U. decision-making process.
The role of E.U. institutions in providing the framework for domestic and transnational business activity.
E.U. as a trading partner and as a world economic power.
E.U. diversity of markets and economic characteristics of E.U. countries.

III Assessment Criteria
Assessment is based on the following elements:

Continuous Assessment 50%
Final Examination 50%

V Textbook
The European Union, a Very Short Introduction by John Pinder, Oxford University Press
Some Course material will be provided together.
Recommended supplementary text: The European Union , Eli M. El-Agraa, 6th Edition, Prentice Hall Europe
Various Internet sites, in particular www.europa.eu.int (one of the EU’s own site) and www.euobserver.com

3. International Marketing
(6 ECTS Credits )
Prerequisites: Principles of Marketing

Lecturer :
Jeanette McDonald : B.A Honours Business & Tourism, post graduate diploma in International Marketing (Napier)

I.- Aims
To provide an International Marketing concept and understanding of cultural awareness
To highlight the importance of research methodology and techniques available
To examine the evaluation tools used when identifying opportunities and threats
To appraise the leading issues in International Marketing; market agreements, barriers, globalization trends

II. – Learning outcomes
On completion of this module the student will be able to:
Define the major benefits and problems that come with International marketing
Assess and recognise external forces that effect the future of International Trade
Apply marketing tools in an International context in order to identify, analyse and select targeted markets
To produce a Consultancy Feasibility Study for an overseas market

A combination of lectures and tutorials will be used. Lectures will introduce the main concepts. Tutorials will be used to apply theory using case studies and discussion-based seminars. Students will be encouraged to work in groups, and will be given guidance on a principal project throughout the course.

III. - Evaluation
- Continuous assessment : 50%

- Final Test : 50%

V. - Bibliography
International Marketing 6th Edition, Subhash C. Jain, Editor Thomson Learning, 2001
International Marketing, Consuming Globally, Thinking Locally, McAuley, Ed. Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2001
International Marketing, 2nd Edition, Roger Bennett, Editor Kogan Page, 1998

Journals: Strategy Europe, Economist, Business Week, Time

4. Marketing Strategy and Communication
(6 ECTS Credits )
Prerequisites: Principles of Marketing

Lecturer:
Dr. Rena El Baze - Doctor of Communication Sciences
Jeanette McDonald Post Graduate Diploma in International Marketing (Napier)

I.- Objectives
The objectives of this Marketing and Communication course are:
To provide a detailed explanation of the process of communication
To study the techniques, media, and media used in communication
To enable students to set up a communication strategy and draw up a communication budget.
To give a global vision of the different mechanisms which companies need to deal with to build
a coherent marketing strategy.
To give a general understanding of the principal characteristics necessary to build a business plan
To present the different tools for Strategic Marketing Planning in a Competitive Position

II. – Course Contents
The subjects that will be covered are as follows:

Communication strategies
Who is involved in communication?
The different theories and targets of communication
Creative production in advertising
The media: choice and media
Non-media marketing and its development
Marketing and the planning process
The organisational context
The Marketing Audit
Information for Planning
Segmentation and Planning controls
Formulating Strategy
Managing the brand and developing the Product Portfolio
Marketing mix strategies
Planning customer service excellence
Planning the virtual Market Place and for Service Organisations

III. - Evaluation
The student’s performance is evaluated on demonstrated achievement in the course through the following elements:

- Continuous assessment : 50%
- Final Test : 50%

V. – Readings
Books

S. Dibb and L. Simkin, The Marketing Casebook (London: Routledge, 1993)

G.L. Lilien and P. Kotler, Marketing Decision Making ( New York: Harper and Row, 1983)

M.E. Porter, Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analysing Industries and Competitors (New York: Free Press, 1980)

John Saunders, The Marketing Book (London: Heinemann, 1987)

S.T . Haimann, W.G. Scott, P.F. Connor Management 5th Ed

M; McDonald, Marketing Plans: How to prepare them, how to use them

Van Terpstra International Marketing 4th Ed

J.L. Thompson, Strategic Management 3rd Ed

Journals:
Marketing Wall Street Journal
Business Horizons
Advertising Age
Management Review
Journal of Business Strategy
Journal of Marketing
Business Week
The Economist

5.Strategic Human Resource Management
(6 ECTS Credits )
Prerequisites: Introduction in to Human Resources

Lecturer: Barbara Wilson MBA MIPD
Dr. Rena Elbaze Doctor of Information Sciences

I.- Objectives
The main aim of the Human Resource Strategy course is to :

Establish the role of Human Resource Strategy (HRS) within the strategic management of the organisation taking a European perspective of the principal characteristics necessary to build a business plan.
Present the practice of Human Resource management in a changing world.
Study the concepts, tools and actual practice in jobs within Human Resource Management

The course will consider the changing role of HRS within the organisation and its environment and the manner in which it supports the achievement business goals. This will be considered within a European context whilst looking at best practice from the USA.

II. – Course Contents
The learning process will involve a variety of approaches so as to enhance student experiences. Lectures will introduce students to issues, concepts, theories and approaches.
Seminars/workshops will enable the student to apply this learning through the use of group discussion, case study work and role-play.

The subjects that will be covered are as follows:

Human Resource Strategy
HR strategy and its role in the success of organisational strategy
The emerging and new forms of work organisation and relationships
Building organisational capability
Flexible working
HRS in a social and political context
Forward-looking skills management
Recruiting practices
In company training
Working conditions
Compensation
Team building

After completing the module, students should be able to:

Appreciate the strategic nature of HRM in maximising human resources.
Understand the need to embed HRM in corporate strategy
Appreciate the integrative approach of HRM

III. - Evaluation
The student’s performance is evaluated on demonstrated achievement in the course through the following elements:

- Class participation : 50%
- Final Test : 50%

V. – Readings
Books

Leat M, Human Resource Issues of the European Union , Pitman Publishing 1998
Sparrow P.R. and Hiltop J-M, European Human Resource Management in Transition Prentice Hall Europe 1994
Torrington D and Hall L., Human Resource Management Prentice Hall Europe 1998
Ulrich D, Human Resource Champions Harvard Business School Press 1997

Journals:

People Management
Harvard Business Review

6. Motivating the Work Force
(3 ECTS Credits )
Prerequisites: Human Resource Strategy/Human Resource Management

Lecturer: Dr Rena El baze Doctor of Information Sciences

I.- Objectives
The objectives of the workforce tools and motivation techniques course are :

To present the theoretical models connected with the concept of motivation.
To apprehend the practical elements contributing to the development of motivation

II. – Course content
The following themes will be dealt with:

Motivation through reward systems
How to stimulate work activity through motivation
Motivation strategies
"Leadership" profiles
Motivation and managing people
"Strokes": work force motivation tools
Rules which can be generalized and applied to companies.

III. - Evaluation
The student’s performance is evaluated on demonstrated achievement in the course through the following elements:

-Continuous Assessment :50%
- Final Test :50%

IV – Readings
Books
Sparrow P.R. and Hiltop J-M, European Human Resource Management in Transition Prentice Hall Europe 1994
Torrington D and Hall L., Human Resource Management Prentice Hall Europe 1998

Journals:
People Management
Harvard Business Review

7.Consumer Behavior
(3 ECTS Credits)
Prerequisites: Principles of Marketing

Lecturer:
Nathalie BUCHAN : DEA Sciences de Gestion, Marketing consultant
I.- Objectives
The purpose of this course is to introduce a general and conceptual framework that describes who the marketing discipline addresses the buying decision process, followed either by the individual consumer or organizations.

The student is therefore invited to:
Study the dynamics of human behavior and the basic factors that influence the consumer’s decision process
Translate these concepts into marketing and communication strategies

II. – Course Description
The subjects to be examined will concern:
Memory and Perception
Learning and Motivation
Personality and Purchase behavior
Beliefs and Attitudes / Psychographics
Consumer Decision Making Process
Communication and Persuasion / Influencing Strategies
Consumer Marketing Strategies versus B-to-B Marketing
Consumption and Post-Purchase Behavior / Establishing and Developing Customer’s Loyalty
Influences of Culture and Environment / Cross-cultural Perspectives

III. - Evaluation
The student’s performance is evaluated on demonstrated achievement in the course through the following elements:

- Class participation : 50%
- Final Test : 50%

IV. – Readings
M.R. Solomon, Consumer Behavior, Prentice Hall International Edition, 5th, 2002
J. F. Engel, R.D. Blackwell, P.W. Miniard, Consumer Behavior, The Dryden Press Edition, 8th, 1995
P. Kotler, Marketing Management Analysis : Planning and Control, Prentice Hall Edition, 9th, 1997

Journal of Consumer Research (available on the following web site : http : www.proquest.umi.com)
Journal of Marketing Research (available on the following web site : http : www.proquest.umi.com)
Harvard Business Review

8. French Language for Beginners
(3 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: None

I - AIMS
• To introduce the student to the French written and oral languages and culture.
• To enable the student to use simple forms of the language in a variety of everyday
situation.
• To develop an understanding of the structure of the language.
• To encourage autonomy and self-assessment.
• To foster confidence and enthusiasm to engage in further language learning.
II - INDICATIVE CONTENT
All work is done through a functional approach to everyday situations.
Listening skills:
• Listening for gist
• Listening for specific vocabulary
• Drills on basic grammatical structures
Writing skills:
• Structural exercises encompassing pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions, common
verbs,
(present, past, future, conditional tenses), adjectives and adverbs.
Speaking skills:
• Dialogues, role plays and sketches.
• Development of discourse functions such as narration, description, instruction and
explanation.
Reading skills:
• Progressive reading from texts devised for beginners around subjects pertaining to
French environment and everyday social and professional life.

9. Intermediate French
(3 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites: French Language for Beginners

1 - AIMS
• To develop the student’s knowledge of written and spoken French
• To understand and respond to spoken French in everyday situations
• Broaden students’ knowledge of everyday life in France
2 - INDICATIVE CONTENT
• Laboratory exercises in:
• Listening for specific vocabulary.
• Listening for gist.
• Drill on grammatical structures.
• Class participation in situational dialogues, discussions and role plays.
• Development of disclosure functions such as description, instruction, narration and
explanation.
• Reading from documents pertaining to French environment and daily social life.
• Short presentations on local environment.
Students will be requested to compile a record of observations on life in France as compared to
life in their own
country. At regular intervals students hand in homework on this subject so that it can be corrected
and discussed
before being included in a final

10. Advanced French
(3 Credit Hours)
Prerequisites : Intermediate French

I - AIMS
· To revise and practice students knowledge of written and spoken French at an advanced
level
· To give the student opportunity to give presentations on technical subjects
· Broaden the student’s knowledge of French Culture
II - INDICATIVE CONTENT
· Study of texts from the press
· Study of current TV news
· Discussions
- Presentations
Students will be requested to compile a press book on a subject of their choice which will be
commented on in
writing and used as support in the final oral test.