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January 13, 2003 (ATLANTA, GA) -- The J. Mack Robinson College of Business, in collaboration with the Office of International Affairs at Georgia State University, was recently awarded a grant of $4.9 million to assist with the development and expansion of the tourism industry in Ghana. The Ghana Tourism Capacity Development Initiative (TCDI), signed by Georgia State University on January 7, 2003, was won through a competitive process involving several other universities and development consulting firms.
The Robinson College will lead and coordinate the efforts of local stakeholders, both private and public, to improve the capacity, quality and performance of the tourism industry in Ghana. The College will provide support in five key areas - marketing and product development, human resources development, institutional capacity development, policy and regulation enhancement, and the operation of a tourism management information system.
Sidney E. Harris, dean of the Robinson College, said, "This is just another example of how the College is expanding its presence around the world. From partnerships such as these, to our study abroad programs and the new Global Partners MBA, Robinson is on the forefront of global business education."
H. Fenwick Huss, associate dean and architect of Robinson's involvement in this program said, "We are honored to have been awarded this grant. It is a tribute not only to our reputation as one of the leading business schools in the U.S., but to our capacity and commitment to work in transitioning economies."
According to Huss, "Ghana is ripe for the expansion of tourism. The country, located on Africa's west coast, enjoys an expanding and vibrant economy built on gold, precious minerals, cocoa, and timber. Ghana's rich history and culture, tourism friendly environment and its market oriented economy make it an appealing tourist destination."
Several Robinson departments will be involved in this two-year initiative including marketing and the Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality under the direction of Debby Cannon. Earl Picard, Senior Research Associate in the Office of International Affairs will serve as project director. John F. Hicks, Assistant Provost for International Affairs, and Huss will provide policy guidance and program oversight. TCDI will be headquartered at the college in Atlanta with a field office located in Accra, Ghana.
This project further expands the College's involvement in Africa. Earlier this month, Robinson initiated the implementation of a $750,000 USAID grant in Alexandria Egypt to develop distance learning capability and executive education courses to strengthen business management and marketing in Egypt. Since January 2001, Robinson has been utilizing a $5 million USAID grant to establish the Ronald H. Brown Institute for Sub Saharan Africa. Named for the late U.S. Secretary of Commerce, the Institute will strengthen the business skills of Africans and enhance their entry and participation in the business world.
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The J. Mack Robinson College of Business is one of the nation's top business schools. The College's Flex (part-time) MBA program has been listed in the top ten by U.S. News for the past seven years. BusinessWeek magazine ranked the College's Executive MBA program 20th in the world and Forbes rated Robinson in the top 20 for return on investment for regional schools. Success Magazine ranks the College's entrepreneurship program among the top 50 in the nation. Georgia State University's Robinson College of Business has an enrollment of more than 8000 students and is located in downtown Atlanta.
For more information, contact:
Tammy Demel
Associate Director, Communications and External Affairs
J. Mack Robinson College of Business
Robinson College of Business
404/413-7078
404/702-9743 (cell)
tdemel@gsu.edu
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