When prospective students evaluate graduate programmes, they often look for a blend of academic rigor and real‑world exposure. The MSc MAI – International Purchasing & Innovation Management at KEDGE Business School delivers exactly that through its signature Company Days initiative. Held each year on the Malta campus and at partner sites across Europe, these sessions bring industry leaders directly into the classroom, allowing students to tackle authentic procurement challenges while building the strategic mindset needed for today’s global supply chains.
What Are Company Days at KEDGE Business School?
Company Days are a series of immersive workshops where representatives from multinational corporations present their organisations, outline current market trends, and propose case studies drawn from actual business situations. For the MSc MAI cohort, the focus is on procurement strategies, innovation management, and the growing influence of sustainability and digital transformation. Over the course of several days, students move from listening to executive briefings to working in teams that analyse complex scenarios, develop recommendations, and present their findings back to the sponsoring firms.
This format does more than supplement lectures; it creates a reciprocal learning environment. Companies gain fresh perspectives from a diverse student body, while students acquire a nuanced understanding of how procurement functions operate within large, complex organisations. The experience bridges the gap between theory and practice, a critical advantage when entering competitive job markets.
Submit your application today and secure your place in the next Company Days cycle.
Industry Partners Driving Real‑World Procurement Learning
The most recent edition of Company Days welcomed a distinguished roster of partners, including Air France, Reckitt, Henkel, KraftHeinz, L’Oréal, Lactalis, and Chanel. Each organisation brought a unique perspective on the forces reshaping their sectors:
- Air France highlighted the pressure to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining operational efficiency, prompting discussions on green procurement and sustainable aviation fuels.
- Reckitt shared insights into consumer‑goods supply chains, emphasizing the need for agility in response to shifting regulatory landscapes.
- Henkel presented case studies on adhesive technologies, illustrating how innovation in material sourcing can drive product differentiation.
- KraftHeinz explored cost‑control strategies amid volatile commodity prices, offering a practical look at risk‑based purchasing.
- L’Oréal focused on luxury beauty supply chains, underscoring the importance of ethical sourcing and traceability.
- Lactalis discussed dairy logistics, highlighting temperature‑controlled transport and waste reduction initiatives.
- Chanel offered a glimpse into high‑end fashion procurement, where exclusivity and supplier relationships are paramount.
By hearing directly from these leaders, MSc MAI students grasp how procurement strategies are not isolated functions but integral components of broader corporate goals such as sustainability, digitalisation, and brand reputation.
Schedule a free consultation to learn more about how Company Days can shape your career.
Hands‑On Case Studies: From Theory to Practice
A core element of Company Days is the case‑study component. Each partner company supplies a real‑world challenge that mirrors current issues in their procurement departments. Students are divided into multidisciplinary teams and tasked with:
- Analysing the problem statement and identifying key constraints (cost, lead time, sustainability requirements, etc.).
- Conducting rapid market research to benchmark potential solutions.
- Developing a strategic recommendation that balances short‑term feasibility with long‑term value creation.
- Preparing a concise presentation and defending their approach before a panel of industry experts.
For example, during the Lactalis session, students examined a scenario involving a sudden increase in demand for organic milk products. They had to propose a sourcing strategy that ensured certified organic supply while managing cost implications and maintaining product freshness. The exercise forced them to consider supplier certification processes, transportation logistics, and contingency planning—all critical skills for a procurement professional.
The feedback loop is immediate. Company representatives critique the proposals, highlight strengths, and suggest areas for improvement. This direct interaction accelerates learning and helps students refine their analytical frameworks in real time.
Explore our related articles for further reading on procurement innovation and case‑study methodologies.
Skills Gained: Procurement Strategies, Innovation, and Sustainability
Participating in Company Days equips MSc MAI students with a concrete skill set that employers actively seek:
- Strategic Procurement Planning: Learners develop the ability to align purchasing decisions with corporate objectives, incorporating total‑cost‑of‑ownership analysis and supplier performance metrics.
- Innovation Management: Exposure to how firms source novel materials and technologies fosters a mindset geared toward continuous improvement and competitive advantage.
- Sustainability Integration: Discussions on carbon footprint reduction, circular economy principles, and ethical sourcing prepare students to meet rising ESG expectations.
- Data‑Driven Decision Making: Many case studies require the use of key performance indicators, spend analytics, and forecasting tools, strengthening quantitative aptitude.
- Communication and Presentation: Defending recommendations before senior executives hones public‑speaking abilities and the capacity to translate complex data into actionable insights.
These competencies are not only theoretical; they are demonstrated through tangible deliverables—written reports, slide decks, and verbal pitches—that become part of students’ professional portfolios.
Submit your application today to start building these in‑demand skills.
Student Testimonials: Impact on Careers
The true measure of Company Days lies in the outcomes experienced by participants. Recent MSc MAI graduate Marie Lardier shared her perspective:
“We had a unique opportunity to take part in a truly dynamic networking and recruitment experience, combining informal exchanges, business case challenges and afterwork events, where companies came directly to meet us with real opportunities. This event not only made it easier to secure internships and international placements, but also helped us build strong relationships with company teams, gain a better understanding of how they operate internally, and establish genuine trust. It allowed me to land my first job and kick‑start my international career!”
Similar sentiments echo across alumni networks. Many graduates credit Company Days with:
- Securing summer internships that later transitioned into full‑time offers.
- Expanding their professional LinkedIn networks with contacts from Fortune 500 firms.
- Gaining confidence to speak authoritatively on procurement topics during job interviews.
- Understanding the cultural nuances of working with international suppliers—a vital asset for roles in global logistics.
The combination of academic coursework, practical case work, and direct employer engagement creates a powerful career launchpad.
Have questions? Write to us! and learn how alumni have leveraged Company Days for career success.
How to Apply to the MSc MAI Program at KEDGE Business School
Prospective students interested in experiencing Company Days first‑should follow a straightforward application process:
- Visit the programme page: MSc MAI – International Purchasing & Innovation Management.
- Review admission requirements, including academic transcripts, English proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL), and a motivation letter.
- Prepare your CV highlighting any relevant experience in supply chain, logistics, or business projects.
- Submit the online application via the KEDGE portal: Apply Now.
- Await the admissions decision; successful candidates will be invited to an interview (either virtual or on‑campus).
- Upon acceptance, enrol and prepare to join the next Company Days cycle.
KEDGE offers various scholarships and financial aid options; details are available on the scholarships page. Early application is recommended, as spaces in the MSc MAI cohort fill quickly due to the programme’s strong industry connections.
Submit your application today and take the first step toward a procurement‑focused career.
Conclusion
Company Days exemplify how KEDGE Business School integrates academic excellence with immersive industry interaction. For students pursuing the MSc MAI – International Purchasing & Innovation Management, these sessions provide a rare chance to:
- Engage directly with global leaders in procurement and innovation.
- Apply classroom concepts to authentic business challenges.
- Develop a robust skill set encompassing strategy, sustainability, data analysis, and communication.
- Build a professional network that can accelerate internship placements and job offers.
The Malta campus, with its vibrant international community and strategic Mediterranean location, offers an ideal backdrop for this experiential learning model. By participating in Company Days, students not only deepen their understanding of modern procurement strategies but also position themselves as attractive candidates for multinational corporations seeking talent capable of navigating complex supply‑chain landscapes.
If you are ready to transform your academic journey into a career‑defining experience, explore the MSc MAI programme at KEDGE Business School and join the next cohort of Company Days participants.
Explore our related articles for further reading on procurement trends, sustainability in supply chains, and innovation management.
