expansion, KEDGE Business School continues its flagship Export Market Surveys
(EMS) project with the backing of the Advisors of Foreign Trade of France (CCE in
french).
This programme serves as a springboard for students of the MSc International
Business, who, under the direction of Mehdi Amiri Aref, Programme Director and
Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management, dive into real-world market
research and strategic case studies aimed at helping French SMEs penetrate new
international markets.
A Hands-On Experience for Students and Businesses
The Export Market Survey project immerses students in the realities of international trade by working directly on market studies for French businesses eager to expand globally. With a group of 15 partner companies, ranging from Piscines Magiline to Séché Environnement, and Circle Sportswear to Bitecone™, the students are tasked with devising internationalisation strategies for targeted markets. The objective is clear: to deliver, within a three-month period, a detailed strategic report, along with a solid action plan for each company, focusing on a specific country or geographical area.
By working in teams, students apply their theoretical skills to real-life scenarios, all while being mentored by export professionals, including Advisors of Foreign Trade (CCE), experts in supporting businesses in their international ventures. This collaboration provides students with a deep understanding of the challenges of exporting, while delivering practical, actionable solutions to the partner companies.
Quality Mentorship with the CCE
The 2025 edition of the Export Market Survey programme was marked by the participation of Kévin Dumoux, Advisor of Foreign Trade, who expressed his excitement in guiding students through this hands-on experience. Alongside Jacques Manlay and Yves de Mestier, also members of the CCE, Kévin Dumoux highlighted the importance of this collaboration in shaping the next generation of international trade leaders.
"Watching our students work on real-world projects, analyse foreign markets, and propose concrete strategies is an exciting experience for us. We look forward to discovering their recommendations and seeing how these talented individuals will tackle the internationalisation challenges faced by our partner companies,"
The CCE play a key role in the project by offering mentorship and expertise throughout the process, guiding students through the nuances of international markets and effective export strategies.
An Immersive Learning Experience Supporting the Internationalisation of SMEs
The MSc International Business at KEDGE Business School stands out for its handson, practical learning approach. The EMS project allows students to navigate the complexities of international markets, developing strategic solutions for real-world cases, while taking part in a genuine mission to support businesses seeking international growth. On the other hand, the companies involved benefit from valuable recommendations that enable them to better understand the challenges of foreign markets and make informed strategic decisions to grow beyond their domestic borders.
A Rewarding Collaboration with Ambitious Prospects
Mehdi Amiri Aref expressed his gratitude towards the partner companies, emphasising the crucial importance of this initiative in providing students with a rewarding professional experience and a tangible insight into the challenges of internationalisation.
"Many thanks to the companies for their essential collaboration. This project offers a unique opportunity to enrich the students' journeys, prepare them for international challenges, and actively contribute to the growth of French SMEs,"
Through this fruitful collaboration between KEDGE Business School, the CCE, and the partner companies, the Export Market Surveys continue to offer exceptional opportunities for MSc International Business students to put their skills into practice while supporting the international expansion of French SMEs.
