A study visit experience by our UACS Assistant Stefan Tanevski, at the ESCP Business School, in Turin, Italy

Below, you can find the full experience of Mr. Tanevski at the ESCP Business School, explained in his own words:

“In a recent visit to ESCP Business School in Turin, I had the distinct privilege of serving as a co-lecturer alongside Professor Vittorio De Pedys, contributing to the Specialization Program and Executive MBA program. This week-long engagement focused on two pivotal modules: Firm Valuation and Mergers and Acquisitions, both designed to equip Master’s and Executive MBA students with essential skills in financial analysis and strategic decision-making.

ESCP Business School, established in 1819, stands as the world’s first business school and currently holds the impressive rank of #4 among the top 90 European Business Schools. With a mission to cultivate the next generation of transnational business leaders, ESCP operates across six campuses in major European cities, including Turin, London, Paris, Madrid, and Warsaw. The institution’s commitment to embracing cultural diversity resonates through its comprehensive programs and global impact.

The modules I taught delved into critical aspects of finance, offering practical insights and skills crucial for professionals in the field. In Firm Valuation, students immersed themselves in the techniques used by CFOs, investment bankers, and Certified Financial Analysts to evaluate a company’s net worth. The course emphasized hands-on application through extensive Excel modeling, providing a stepping stone for advanced finance endeavors, including mergers, acquisitions, and private equity.

The Mergers and Acquisitions module explored the strategic reasons behind corporate engagements in these activities and delved into the intricate techniques used by industry professionals. Participants engaged in evaluating potential target companies, assessing synergies within mergers, and navigating the complex landscape of structured finance deals.

The teaching methodology adopted was participant-centered learning, fostering active engagement through class discussions, exercises, and real-world case studies. The Executive MBA program ranked #3 worldwide and attracted a diverse cohort of high-caliber professionals from sectors such as investment banking, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. The program’s esteemed reputation set high expectations, reflecting the participants’ desire to apply their acquired knowledge directly to their managerial roles.

My collaboration with Professor Vittorio De Pedys, a distinguished expert in finance and firm valuation, was an invaluable experience. Professor De Pedys, with his international experience in investment banking and teaching, provided me with insights into innovative teaching methods that I plan to integrate into UACS.

This visit to ESCP Business School served as more than a teaching opportunity; it was a strategic assessment of UACS’s standing in academic waters. The alignment in teaching materials, methods, and university culture between UACS and ESCP was evident, affirming that we provide the same caliber of education as top-rated international business schools. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to delivering excellence in academia and preparing our students for success on the global stage.

In partnership with Professor Vittorio De Pedys, this experience has not only enriched our teaching approach but has also paved the way for potential future collaborations between our institutions.”