Hema Krishnan gave a speech at MKU on April 2nd 2014 about trends in modern business training. She described three important trends shaping the modern business world: 1) the shift of economic gravity from Western countries to Asia and Africa, 2) students wanting more practical and experiential learning over traditional lectures, and 3) businesses wanting well-rounded students with strong soft skills in addition to technical skills. She highlighted how Xavier University positions itself well by focusing on social justice, having strong business community links, and putting students at the center. Finally, she suggested MKU focus on impact, innovation and engagement - which are AACSB's themes - to take advantage of Kenya's young population and continue collaborating with stakeholders.

1. Hema Krishnan’s speech at MKU: April 2, 2014
Hajambo! Habari Ya Asubhi!
What a great honor it is for me to be here this afternoon in this
beautiful country, with its rich heritage: a country that has so much
in common with my birth country, India! Thank you MKU for your
hospitality and generosity. Thank you to the young men and women
who put up such a great entertainment program this morning. With
such talented people, the future of Kenya is indeed very bright!
I would like to describe three themes very briefly in my speech.
First, what my thoughts are on the trends in modern business
training. Second, how Xavier University, Cincinnati, is positioned in
this changing and competitive landscape, and finally, my suggestions
for MKU, School of Business and Economics, on how it can lead in
the region and in the nation.
Three important trends shape the modern business world. First, the
center of gravity has shifted from the Western world to Asia and
Africa in recent years. Second, the young generation will not be
satisfied with traditional classroom training of formal lectures. They
need more practical training with opportunities for experiential
learning. Third, the business community is looking for students who
are well-rounded, who in addition to technical skills, have life-skills
and soft-skills, and who bring a positive attitude to their work
places. The business community expects the students to have great
critical and strategic thinking skills, written and oral communication
skills, a global mindset and a strong of sense ethical and corporate
social responsibility so that an Enron-like situation can never take
place again.
How is Xavier positioned in this environment? Xavier is a Jesuit
school, a catholic school where students are trained to focus on

2. social justice, humanity and equality for well. Second, Xavier has
exceptionally good linkages with the business community. The
student is at the center of the institution. Faculty, staff,
administrators, and business leaders shape the instruction of the
students and in the development and growth of the students. When
these students graduate, they come back to the university as
successful business leaders who are willing to mentor the next
generation of students.
What are my suggestions for MKU and specifically for the School of
Business and Economics? MKU is poised to reap the opportunities
afforded by Kenya; a young population where the median age is
under 19! Kenya’s population is so young that every Western
country, I am sure, must be envious of it! MKU needs to ask what its
value proposition is. What should it be known for? It should
continue to collaborate with all the stakeholders: faculty and staff,
administrators, alumni, and the business community. In fact, at the
heart of MKU’s growth are: Impact, Innovation, and Engagement.
These three terms are AACSB’s themes in the new standards.
MKU’s School of Business and Economics should expand on these
three themes in the coming years. With its young and talented
people at the heart of the institution, the future is indeed very
bright!
Thank you again for your hospitality, generosity and kindness!
Asante Sana!