Dr. Nguyen Thi Gam, Deputy Dean at Phenikaa University (Vietnam), taught BBA and MBA students that effective global marketing requires understanding three coexisting market segments in developing nations: traditional rural (low income, basic goods), modern urban (higher purchasing power, global brands), and transitional low-income urban (high aspirations, limited capacity). BBA at Parul University allows you to receive international exposure, right at Vadodara Campus.
- International copyright issues: inadequate protection, vague internet laws, jurisdictional conflicts in dispute resolution, challenges validating international contracts
- Mexico described as both ‘dream land’ and ‘difficult land’: industrial opportunities but investment uncertainty and dependency on external markets
- Nepal’s structural barriers: landlocked geography, inadequate infrastructure, political instability, heavy remittance reliance, high youth unemployment
- BRICS advantages: cheap labour, favourable demographics, abundant natural resources (South Africa for diamonds, India and China for energy and infrastructure)
Indonesia: The Johari Window, Four Types of Identity, and the Dark Side
Dr. Bonifacius Putranto‘s identity workshop went deeper than the intercultural communication sessions covered in Article 2. Using Gardiner and Kosmitzki’s frameworks, he defined identity as a dynamic understanding of who we are in relation to ourselves and others.
He introduced the Johari Window model for self-awareness and mutual understanding. Identity types covered:
- Personal identity: what makes you unique
- Relational identity: who you are in relation to others
- Communal identity: shared cultural or community belonging
- Social identity: group-based affiliation, including racial, ethnic, gender, national, organisational, and regional identity
Students from the session wrote extensive LinkedIn reflections. Yuvraj Singh: Culture as shared meanings – he shared meanings site of contestation (tension between tradition and aspiration), and resources (family support, community networks). However, in the response of the same, Dr. Bonifacius Hendar Putranto thanked Parul University for hosting international and intercultural collaboration in the future.
Australia: Toxoplasma, Behavioural Manipulation, and Why 80% of France Is Infected
Dr. Shokoofeh Shamsi from Charles Sturt University (Australia) delivered a parasitology session to food technology and agriculture students at Parul Institute of Technology. Approximately 80% of the French population carries the parasite; around 5% in Australia. Geographic variation is significant.
- Dr. J.P. Dubey’s research: ‘We live in a sea of Toxoplasma’
- Toxoplasma is a ‘manipulator’: it alters host behaviour to enhance its own survival and transmission
- Life cycle: definitive hosts (cats), intermediate hosts (humans and warm-blooded animals), transmission through contaminated food, water, soil, undercooked meat
Agriculture students asked about prevention strategies, livestock management, and food safety. The session connected parasitology with food safety, agricultural management, and public health. If you wish to master Agri Business, then delay not and enrol into Parul University’s Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Agriculture Program!
India: When International Professors Learned Kathak, Tabla, and the Rhythm of the Heart
Dr. Dhyuti and Sagar Shinde conducted a cultural workshop where international professors became students. Parul University’s Department of Performing Arts plays a major role in music, dance and many such art forms.
- Tabla: Indian hand drum with male and female tonal frequencies
- Rhythmic cycles (Taals): Dadra Taal (6-beat cycle, two parts), Keharwa Taal (8-beat cycle, two sections)
- Rhythm syllables: Thora Jati and Chatusra Jati for understanding beat divisions
The international professors practised Kathak steps, tried rhythmic clapping, and participated in drum sessions. Head here to read how world media has covered it – UMH Spain: Parul University collaboration via Erasmus+ KA171
Poland: The Full Mechanics of the Motherhood Penalty and Cement CO2 Reduction
Dr. Bozena Mielczarek‘s research deserves deeper treatment than the summary in earlier articles. The motherhood penalty study reveals how gender inequality follows women from employment into retirement through a specific mechanism. In Poland, women retire five years earlier than men. But statistically, women live longer. The pension capital accumulated during working years is divided by average life expectancy. The inequality starts earlier. During working years, women often earn less than men through slower promotions and career interruptions. Lower earnings mean lower pension contributions, which means smaller accumulated retirement capital.
Her team created advanced simulation models to quantify this. They developed scenarios for:
- Women without children vs women with one child vs women with two children
- Women with family support vs without support
- Different professions, salary levels, and career interruption lengths
Both projects used the same simulation methodology. The research team built emission models, tested multiple scenarios, adjusted parameters, and measured environmental outcomes to determine which strategies work best, their cost-versus-benefit profiles, long-term emission reductions, and combined strategy effectiveness.
FAQs
What interdisciplinary topics did international faculty cover at Parul?
Global marketing strategy, pharmaceutical counterfeiting, BRICS/MERCOSUR trade (Vietnam). Intercultural identity, Johari Window, dark side of stereotypes (Indonesia). Toxoplasma gondii parasitology and food safety (Australia). Indian classical music, Kathak storytelling, and rhythmic cycles (India cultural workshop).
Did international faculty also participate in cultural exchange?
Yes. A dedicated Indian Music and Dance workshop was organised where international professors from 12+ countries learned Tabla rhythms, Kathak steps, and the Radha-Krishna storytelling tradition. The workshop demonstrated cultural diplomacy through performance.
