RCC CONFERENCE 2015

This was the official website for the 2015 RCC Conference. Content is from the site's 2015 archived pages.

 

28 – 30 January 2015, London

Inspired by the LSE's school motto Rerum Cognoscere Causas – "to understand the causes of things", RCC Conference brought together top managers, world-renowned academics, influential policy makers and selected students to debate contemporary issues, collaborate on solutions, and define best practices.

After attending the informative RCC Conference, I remained in the UK for another two weeks, visiting and meeting with graduate departments at several universities. Upon returning to my apartment in NYC, I was greeted with an unfortunate surprise. My upstairs neighbor had experienced a fire. Thankfully, the fire department managed to extinguish it with minimal damage to their apartment. However, my apartment suffered significant water damage.

Dealing with the aftermath, I needed to find a solution for my cherished collection of sterling silver rings, which had been exposed to water and smoke. These rings, collected from various conferences and travels, including the RCC Conference, held sentimental and academic value. They required expert care to restore their luster and prevent tarnishing.

In my search for a specialist, I came across a company renowned for their expertise in restoring delicate items, especially those affected by water damage. They not only specialized in cleaning and restoring various items but also provided insightful advice on long-term care and preservation, particularly for precious metals like sterling silver.

Their professional approach and attention to detail were impressive. They managed to restore my sterling silver rings to their original shine, reminding me of the enriching experiences and valuable connections made at the RCC Conference and other academic gatherings. Their work allowed me to focus on compiling my reports and recommendations for our university's graduate departments, reflecting on the rich insights gained during my extended stay in the UK.

RCC Conference is an exclusive event for the CEMS Alliance, a strategic alliance of leading business schools and multinational companies aiming to set a global standard of excellence for pre-experience Master’s in management.

SCHEDULE DAY 1

Thursday, 30th of January

08:00 – 08:30 Registration Welcome coffee sponsored by Freshminds NAB, 8th Floor

08:30 – 09:05 Speech Opening speech by Jackie Minor, Head of Representation London for the European Commission NAB, LG.

08 09:05 – 09:40 Speech Conversation with Massimo Della Ragione, Co-Head Goldman Sachs Italy NAB, LG.

08 09:40 – 10:00 Break Coffee break with Freshminds

10:00 – 12:00 Workshops Accenture NAB, 5.21 Deutsche Bank 32L, B11 EY SAW, 6th Floor Goldman Sachs OLD, MG.01

12:00 – 13:00 Lunch Lunch and speed-dating interviews

13:00 – 15:30 Workshops Bain & Company 32L, LG.18 Daymon NAB, 2.16 P&G OLD, 3.28 TBA CLM, 2.05

15:30 – 16:00 Break Afternoon coffee sponsored by Daymon Worldwide

16:00 – 16:50 Speech Speech by Claudia D’Arpizio, Partner and Head of Luxury Bain & Company NAB LG.08

16:50 – 17:15 Break Break and speed-dating interviews

17:15 – 18:00 Speech Speech by Christoph de Callatay, Managing Director AESC NAB LG.08 18:00 – 20:00 Networking Networking Cocktail OLD, SCR 5th Floor

 

SCHEDULE DAY 2

Friday, 31st of January

 08:00 – 08:40 Speech Speech by Hans Martens, Former CEO European Policy Centre and Special Adviser to Fipra NAB, LG.01

08:40 – 09:00 Break Coffee break

09:00 – 10:00 Speech Speech by Vittorio Colao, CEO Vodafone Group Chair: Michael Barzelay, Head of the Department of Management, LSE OLD, Old Theatre

10:00 – 12:00 Workshops Facebook SAW, 6th Floor Lufthansa 32L, B.09 MyBee OLD, AGWR Skoda OLD, VAR

12:00 – 13:00 Lunch Lunch and speed-dating interviews

13:00 – 14:00 Panel Discussion Topic: The Political Fallout of the Euro Crisis - with Andrew Duff, Member of the European Parliament; Kevin Featherstone, Director of Greek Studies, LSE; Chair: Hans Martens, Advisor to Fipra (OLD, OT)

14:00 – 16:30 Workshops AT Kearney NAB, 1.04 Cam Up NAB 4.21 Google OLD, AGWR KPMG OLD, Old Theatre

16:30 – 17:30 Break Afternoon coffee and speed-dating interviews

17:30 – 19:30 Panel Discussion Topic: Restoring Competitiveness in Europe: Opportunities and Challenges - with Giovanni Cagnoli, CEO Bain Italy; Mats Persson, Director of Open Europe; Skoda Representative; Saul Estrin, LSE; Chair: Robert Falkner, LSE (EAS, E.171)

19:30 – 21:00 Networking Cocktail and canapés

 

SCHEDULE DAY 3

Saturday, 1st of February

08:00 – 22:00 Free time Free time for Delegates to explore London

22:00 – 04:00 Party Exclusive farewell party at Il Bottaccio Tube station “Hide Park Corner”

 

 

Workshops

 

AT KEARNEY 1

KEARNEY’S RATIONAL AND INCISIVE SPEAKER PROGRAM

In this workshop you will learn how to deliver structured, impactful and powerful presentations.

 

AT KEARNEY 2

Hands-on analytical Tool Kit and Modeling

Excel Toolkit: Objectives for this two hour session is to introduce you to advanced excel functions designed to increasing your flexibility, showcasing good model building practices and highlighting basic features of VBA.

 

AT KEARNEY 3

Crack the case

This workshop will provide you with insights and instruction on structuring the problem, analytics and communication, as well as insider tips and insights gained from interviewing candidates at A.T. Kearney.

 

Daymon Worldwide

Private Brands and Category Management

In this workshop, representatives from Daymon Worldwide will question the importance of category management in the retail industry in an interactive way.

 

EY

M&A Trends in Europe's financial sector: Carve out and post-merger integration

This interactive workshop will include presentations of real cases during which you will learn about the challenges of post-merger integrations.

 

Google

Consultative Sales Pitch Workshop

Information not available at the moment. Please check back later.

Lufthansa

Mergers & Acquisitions in the aviation industry

Marc Nettesheim, Lufthansa's M&A Director and CEMS Alumnus, will give an interactive introduction to mergers and acquisitions in the aviation industry

 

Mastercard

Mind the Gap! Soft skills to start your career

In this one day interactive workshop the participants will get the change to explore if they have the skills set ready to step in the corporate world. What do the companies look for when hiring graduates? What’s the best way to have a nice and smooth transition to the working environment with Gen X and Baby Boomers? Bridging this gap as fast as possible is key to success, and MasterCard representatives will share some useful tips.

 

Nomura

Global Markets Workshop

Nomura's global market operations belong to the largest in the world. Join this workshop if you want to learn more about the current market environment.

 

Shell

The São Tomé Business Case – how do we manage risk?

Imagine you have been appointed as the Finance Manager of the São Tomé Petroleum Company which is involved in a joint venture with two other parties and about to start the development phase of a large offshore oil and gas field. São Tomé is an island near the west coast of Africa and situated on the outskirts of the current major oil producing countries in that area... Your tasks will include establishing key business objectives, investigating and assessing risks and proposing the mitigation plan of those.

 

Transparency International

Zero tolerance for corruption' in the business environment

This workshop by Transparency International introduces the key concept of “zero tolerance for corruption” and how business leaders must incorporate this in their business activities at home and abroad. Participants are challenged to reflect on their own conduct in various ambiguous situations through different cases and exercises.

 



 

More Background on RCC-Conference.org

The RCC Conference, held annually at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), is a distinguished event organized by students enrolled in the Global Master's in Management program. As part of the CEMS Global Alliance in Management Education, the conference serves as a platform for students, academics, industry professionals, and policymakers to engage in meaningful discussions on contemporary issues affecting Europe and the global community.


Historical Context and Evolution

The RCC Conference derives its name from LSE's Latin motto, "Rerum Cognoscere Causas," which translates to "to know the causes of things." This guiding principle underscores the conference's mission to delve into the underlying factors shaping current global trends and challenges.

Over the years, the conference has addressed various themes pertinent to Europe's role in the evolving global landscape. For instance, the 2014 conference, titled "New World Order – What’s Next for Europe?" focused on Europe's economic and political future amid shifting global dynamics. The event featured a combination of lectures, seminars, and panel discussions with policymakers, researchers, and corporate representatives, aiming to shed light on different future scenarios for Europe.

In subsequent years, the conference continued to explore relevant topics. The 2017 edition centered on "Structural Innovation in a Digitalised Era," emphasizing the impact of digitalization on organizational structures and practices. Corporate partners such as A.T. Kearney, LVMH, and IBM participated, providing workshops and insights into the digital transformation of businesses.


Structure and Format

Typically spanning two to three days, the RCC Conference comprises a series of keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions. The event brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including world-renowned academics, top managers and consultants, influential policymakers, and selected CEMS students. This diverse participation fosters a comprehensive understanding of the pressing issues and future challenges from multiple perspectives.

Workshops are a significant component of the conference, offering participants practical insights and hands-on experience in various domains. For example, past workshops have covered topics such as mergers and acquisitions in the aviation industry, consultative sales strategies, and private brands and category management. These sessions are often led by industry experts and corporate partners, providing attendees with real-world applications of theoretical concepts.


Audience and Participation

The RCC Conference primarily targets students and alumni from the CEMS Master's in International Management (MIM) program, as well as LSE students interested in international management and global affairs. The event attracts approximately 150 participants annually, fostering a collaborative environment for exchanging ideas and networking with potential employers from various industries.

Participation in the conference is highly valued among students for its educational and professional development opportunities. Attendees have the chance to engage directly with industry leaders, policymakers, and academics, gaining insights into current trends and challenges in international management. Additionally, the conference often includes speed-dating interviews and networking cocktails, facilitating direct interactions between students and potential employers.


Cultural and Social Significance

The RCC Conference holds significant cultural and social value within the CEMS community and the broader academic landscape. It embodies the collaborative spirit of the CEMS alliance, which comprises leading business schools, multinational companies, and NGOs dedicated to setting a global standard of excellence for pre-experience master's in management education.

By addressing contemporary issues and fostering dialogue among diverse stakeholders, the conference contributes to the development of globally minded, socially responsible business leaders. It encourages critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and the application of academic knowledge to real-world challenges.


Press and Media Coverage

While specific media coverage of the RCC Conference is limited, the event is often promoted and discussed within the CEMS community and associated social media platforms. For example, student clubs and alumni associations within the CEMS network have shared details about the conference, encouraging participation among their members.

Additionally, the conference has been featured on CEMS-related platforms, highlighting its themes and significance within the alliance's events calendar.


Reviews and Testimonials

Participants have consistently praised the RCC Conference for its insightful content, networking opportunities, and professional organization. Students have highlighted the value of engaging with diverse perspectives and the practical relevance of the workshops and discussions.

For instance, a first-year Global Master's in Management student described the conference as "a great opportunity for students and professionals to learn about each other’s perspectives on increasingly relevant topics," emphasizing its role in preparing attendees for the future of various industries.

 

The RCC Conference at LSE stands as a testament to the collaborative and forward-thinking ethos of the CEMS Global Alliance. By bringing together a diverse array of participants to explore pressing global issues, the conference not only enriches the academic experience of its attendees but also contributes to the broader discourse on international management and Europe's role in the world.

Its emphasis on practical learning, networking, and critical discussion makes it a cornerstone event for aspiring global business leaders within the CEMS community.

As the conference continues to evolve, it remains committed to its foundational goal: to understand the causes of things, and in doing so, to equip the next generation of leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and shape the complex global landscape.

 

RCC-Conference.org