FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is the content of the visits? Do we really get to hear "inside information"?

The visits typically have presenters from the marketing, technical, research and development areas who talk about what's happening in the industry and their companies' response to these trends. There is ample time to ask questions to the presenters.

2. What are the other participants like in terms of experience, level of knowledge

and seniority in their companies?

The participants generally come from universities and companies where they hold positions such as consultants, managers, researchers, etc. The academic study tour in the Spring includes graduate and undergraduate students in information technology and management. The age range is from 20 - 55 years of age. Their experience allows a rich exchange of ideas, viewpoints and experiences.

3. Is this a "course", i.e. will I be taught something about Information Technology

that I didn't know before?

The study tour is not tutorial in nature, although you will gain an immense amount of knowledge from the companies, your fellow participants and by preparing yourself prior to the visits. Students may take the tour for academic credit in information technology and management.

4. Are the visits very technical?

Some sessions will be more technical than others but this is essentially a business-oriented study tour with an emphasis on what's happening now and in the future.

5. What kinds of companies will we visit?

The companies are chosen as representative of a part of the "information chain" i.e. from hardware/software/networks to content and distribution medium. The companies are also a mixture of large, well-established companies, young companies and new start-ups. For the latest information on the September 1997 Academinc tour see the detailed program.

6. What is the added advantage of going to California. Can't I get all this information

myself by surfing the Net and visiting trade shows in Europe?

Perhaps you can get some of the "raw facts" from the Net, but a learning experience is generally much more than facts and includes interaction with both the presenters and the other participants. As for trade shows, have you ever tried asking a question or having a discussion with the presenter in a room of 300 people and stopping by a booth for a chat?

7. What's a typical day like?

We leave for our first visit at 9am by private (mini)-bus. Most of the companies are located within a 20 kilometre radius of our hotel. The first visit commences at 9:30 followed by lunch, after which we leave for the second visit. The end of the day sees us gathering by the poolside for a drink and an exchange of our impressions of the day. Several evening events are scheduled including company sponsored dinners and parties.