MSc in Global Business Students Work on Mars France’s Case Study

On January 23rd, the MSc in Global Business class hosted a presentation by Mars France with keynote speakers Patrick Gantier, General Manager Mars Food France and Virginie Verrando, Talent Manager Mars Petcare & Food France

Following the Mars Inc. presentation at EDHEC about the short-term and long-term corporate strategy of the firm, eleven Msc in Global Business students competed on a case study about the product "Ebly" and its future international development.

Working from a series of information slides provided by Mars Inc. senior executives, students had two weeks to come up with a proposal focusing on key points: Ebly branding, geographic expansion, international strategy and short and long-term business plan.

The students were invited to the Mars Inc. headquarters in the South of Paris to present their ideas and findings, which were acclaimed by senior staff who expressed their appreciation for the youthful energy, innovative suggestions and input of EDHEC’s students.

According to Msc in Global Business’ delegate Francesca Stocco from Italy: "Mars was definitely a success. The General Manager and the Marketing, Sales and Finance directors were truly enthusiastic about our presentations and said that our works were "fresh air" and source of inspiration. Naturally, we felt honoured and appreciated also the informal atmosphere. After lunch, representatives from different departments of Mars Petcare talked about their careers at Mars and gave us precious insights into the company culture. We expressed our gratitude and pointed out that, as business students, we particularly appreciated the opportunity to deal with real cases instead of analyzing issues that the company faced in the past."

About Mars:
Mars, Incorporated starting as a candy shop in the Northwest of the USA in 1911 becoming a global family business can proudly tell a story of sustained international growth thanks to a strategy combining innovation and geographic expansion. A major leader in chocolate, petfood, gum & sugar confectionery, and rice, Mars Inc. generates more than $30 billion in revenues, has 70,000 employees, and operates on 401 sites – including 134 plants – in 73 countries. Five principles have been maintained for almost a century: Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom.

Mars, Inc was ranked 25 among the world's best multinational workplaces list in 2012. The business was given special recognition for its high percentage of women in executive and senior management positions. France is a key country for MARS, Incorporated as part of the group's history lies here. In every line of business, France is one of Mars's top markets in Europe with more than 2B€ turnover, 8 factories and more than 4700 associates.

Written by ANGELIQUE MICONNET

February 27, 2013