Jun 24 2012 |
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HEC Paris in Qatar organizes masterclass in poverty as 'a business concern'
Doha, Qatar - June 24, 2012: HEC Paris in Qatar - the region's leading hub for Executive Education, offering a complete portfolio of management programs including the first ever international Executive MBA (EMBA) in Qatar - organised a very successful 'masterclass' last week given by Professor Frederic Dalsace on 'Why should firms be concerned about the fight against poverty?', and attended by the local business community.
For Professor Dalsace, holder of the Social Business Enterprise and Poverty Chair at HEC Paris (in partnership with Danone and Schneider Electric), the title of the masterclass is less a question, more a statement in that he believes that firms should be concerned about the fight against poverty. Poverty is relative, of course, where someone who could be considered poor in one country might not be considered poor in another part of the world.
Nonetheless, argued the Professor, there is room between markets and philanthropy for firms to fight poverty. More and more firms are 'joining the fight' - the Professor cited Essilor in India, SC Johnson in Kenya and Danone in Indonesia - and that in these cases, and others like them, profit is not seen as a motive.
"The Moral Imperative argues that the poor are subsidizing the rich by having to pay more money for utilities despite having smaller incomes and, generally, smaller houses. Typically, smaller houses cost more per square meter than larger ones, and the paradox is that smaller dwellings are relatively more expensive. Additionally, offers that may be available on the internet will simply bypass those who don't have internet access - invariably the poor. These are examples - there are many more - of 'poverty penalties', which are a by-product of capitalism.
"The Evolutionist Obligation recognizes that in demographic, energetic, ecological and social regards, things have to change and that the status quo is not an option. Firms need to make this happen," said the Professor.
In summary, the Professor argued, "The time has come where firms have to change the mentality that says that 'the business of business is business'. It is thus understood that firms need to fight poverty for their own well-being as well as that of society. Further, that firms possess the most dominant power to make the changes needed to fight poverty -that they can either lead the way or wait for their competitors to leave them behind" he concluded.
HEC Paris in Qatar holds regular events, such as the masterclass, as a means to address business themes of relevance to Qatar and the region. Such events are open to members of the business community, HEC alumni and potential candidates to HEC programs.
According to the influential UK-based Financial Times media group, HEC Paris has been ranked as the number one business school in Europe every year since 2006, and number two in the world for Executive Education in 2012.
HEC Paris in Qatar
HEC Paris joined Qatar Foundation in June 2010, bringing world-class Executive Education programs and research activity to Doha and the region.
Qatar's first international EMBA was launched by HEC Paris in Qatar in February 2011. The HEC Executive MBA (EMBA) is a part-time program which provides executives with a set of fundamental skills to expand their knowledge and leadership capabilities. The course is taught in English, and is offered in five different locations, including Doha.
In addition to the EMBA, HEC Paris provides a Specialized Masters, focusing on issues related to Strategic Business Unit Management (MUST). The institution also offers non-degree management programs for executives, in the form of open enrolment programs as well as custom-designed programs for individual companies.
HEC Paris in Qatar's programs and research activities build corporate competitiveness within the global economy and are fully aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 to support the transformation of Qatar into an advanced, competitive and knowledge-based economy. HEC Paris has been ranked as #1 business school in Europe since 2006 and #2 worldwide for Executive Education by the Financial Times.
www.exed.hec.edu/locations/qatar
HEC Paris
A leader in Europe, HEC Paris specializes in management education and research. HEC Paris offers a full, unique range of courses to the leaders of tomorrow: Masters Degrees, MBA, PhD, Executive MBA and Trium Global Executive MBA. Founded in 1881, HEC Paris has a permanent faculty of 109 professors, 4000 students on its campus (40% of whom are foreign) and over 8500 managers and executives trained in executive education programs each year. HEC Paris has been ranked as #1 business school in Europe since 2006 and #2 worldwide for Executive Education by the Financial Times.
Qatar Foundation
Founded in 1995 by decree of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, Qatar Foundation is a non-profit organization focusing on education, scientific research and community development. Under Qatar Foundation's umbrella are Education City which comprises elite universities, academic and training programmes and Qatar Science and Technology Park which boasts more than 26 world-class companies involved in scientific research and development. Chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, Qatar Foundation also aims to enhance lives through community development initiatives including Doha Debates, Reach out To Asia and Al Jazeera Children's Channel. Joint venture partnerships in the areas of design, ICT, telecommunications, policy studies and event management contribute to fulfilling the objectives of the Qatar Foundation.
http://www.qf.org.qa/
For Media Inquiries:
Elise Zwein
Country Manager, Action Qatar
Tel: 00974 44361499
Email: elise.z@actionprgroup.com
© Press Release 2012
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