The Department Management of FEM IPB Initiated the International Summer Course for the Small and Medium Enterprises

The International Summer Course for the Management of Indonesian Small and Medium Enterprises (UKM) has been the special short course program designed to enhance knowledge, skills and competencies particularly in the management of the Agricultural Products for Small Scale and Medium Enterprises (SsME). The event has been carried out on 6-17 August 2017.

The agenda on August 6, 2017, was the reception of the participants of  the Summer Course 2017 at Bogor City Hall. In this event was attended by Mayor of Bogor, Dr. Bima Arya Sugiarto; Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management of Bogor Agricultural University (FEM PB), Dr. Yusman Syaukat; Chairman of the Department Management of FEM IPB, Dr. Mukhamad Najib; faculty members and staff of the Department Management. Twenty (20) participants from Malaysia, Vietnam and Egypt joined together to attend the  Summer Course.

Summer Course focuses on value creation of SMEs including marketing operations, human resources, and financial aspects for business sustainability. This course will provide a comprehensive study covering the theory and case studies of SMEs in Indonesia. Selection of this cases had been analyzed and elaborated further during the course. Participants are scheduled to visit successful SMEs in order to grow their business.

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have contributed significantly to improve the economy and the people of Indonesia. During the economic crisis in 1998, MSMEs were able to survive in the economy of the country in the event of a shock. The facts show that this company is a vital issue that provides economic activity for the development of national economy.

On the other hand, MSME are facing several problems such as limited access to raw materials, low productivity, lack of human resources, limited access to banking, and marketing opportunities. "However, some MSMEs can handle the problem through learning entrepreneurial competence to improve their competence. Therefore, the failure and success story of SMEs in Indonesia will provide  lessons for us, "said Dr. Mukhamad Najib.

He said that the purpose of this Summer Course 2017 have been to share knowledge of SMEs in Indonesia; learning cases of SME success and failure; and to improve networking and collaboration among participants.

Meanwhile, Rindang Matoati as member of the Student Commission, of the Department of Management of FEM IPB explained that the participants of the Summer Course will visit various workshops of IPB, IPB assisted SMEs, woody crafts and handicrafts in Bogor, Bandung and Jakarta regencies. Summer Course participants will also have first-hand learning  the language and culture of Indonesia.

She said the program consisted of several activities, namely: firstly, theoretical approach and business understanding of SMEs. Secondly, case studies of tools and instruments for problem solving. Thirdly, social and technical outings. And the final program will the cultural exchange and network among participants.

"It is expected that the Summer Course will be continuously organized annually by the Department Management of FEM IPB, as well as encourage other countries to initiate similar program “Summer Course” in their respective countries. The participants will bring home experiences and knowledge on the condition of SMEs in Indonesia and will establish  close cooperation with them in near future, "he said. (Wied)