International Consultancy Project (ICP) for Strategy and Consulting track of Master in Management program started in September 2024 started in September with introducing the task to students, forming the teams and appointing mentors from Yakov and Partners. The project task was provided by SPIMACO – the largest Saudi pharmaceutical company with one of the subsidiaries in UAE, Dubai. The project’s core objective was to assist SPIMACO in navigating the complex landscape of international pharmaceutical markets. Students were tasked with evaluating global competition for 130 pharmaceutical molecules and developing tailored market entry strategies.  

 

What made this project truly remarkable was its complexity and scope:

• Data-Driven Insights: Students leveraged advanced tools like the IQVIA database, which provided unparalleled market intelligence. This enabled them to perform sophisticated analyses of competitive dynamics, regulatory environments, and market potential.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Working directly with SPIMACO’s leadership ensured that the recommendations were aligned with the company’s strategic objectives.
• Innovative Solutions: Teams were encouraged to think creatively, combining rigorous analysis with innovative approaches to market entry.

Students worked over the project in teams guided by Yannis Christodoulou, Academic Director of Strategy and Consulting track, MiM program, and mentors from Yakov and Partners company, the main partner and co-developer of Strategy and Consulting track of Master in Management program of GSOM SPbU. After 3 months of deep research and online meetings students travelled to Dubai to finalize project reports and present the results to the client company. The project ended with presentations to the heads of the International business department of SPIMACO: Fokion Sinis (Head of International Business) and Prateek Parekh (Head of Commercial Execution - International Business). Representatives of the company gave very high evaluation students' work results and expressed hope for further cooperation.

In Dubai students were also warmly welcomed by SPbU academic partner Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government and attended a number of educational sessions organized by the partner school.

Through this project students developed advanced competencies in strategic analysis, client engagement, and teamwork. The project provided a real-world test of their ability to deliver under pressure, enhancing their confidence and professional readiness.

The ICP 2024 facilitated deep engagement with SPIMACO and the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG). These relationships are pivotal in enhancing GSOM’s visibility in the Middle East, a region with burgeoning opportunities in consulting and strategic management. Expanding these alliances could lead to joint research initiatives, dual degree programmes, and student exchange opportunities.

SPIMACO:

Fokion Sinis, Head of International Business, SPIMACO:   We at SPIMACO are thrilled with the exceptional outcomes delivered by the students of the Graduate School of Management, Saint Petersburg State University, during the International Consultancy Project 2024. Their innovative analysis of global markets for 130 pharmaceutical molecules and strategic recommendations exceeded our expectations and provided actionable insights that align with our international growth ambitions.

The professionalism, analytical depth, and creativity displayed by the GSOM teams reaffirm the value of partnering with such a prestigious institution. We look forward to exploring further collaborations and welcoming GSOM talent into our organisation. This project was a testament to the power of academia and industry working together to achieve impactful results''

Prateek Parakh, Head of Commercial Execution - International Business, SPIMACO:

"The International Consultancy Project 2024 with GSOM has been a remarkable experience for SPIMACO. The students’ meticulous analysis and innovative strategies for entering global pharmaceutical markets showcased their exceptional talent and professionalism.

Their recommendations have provided us with actionable pathways to strengthen our international presence. Collaborating with GSOM has been a valuable partnership, and we are excited about the prospects of future engagements with such a dynamic institution."

Yannis Christodoulou, Academic Director of Strategy and Consulting track, MiM program:

I am incredibly proud of our students who delivered innovative, impactful solutions during the International Consultancy Project 2024 with SPIMACO, Saudi Arabia’s largest pharmaceutical company. Their exceptional work on global market strategies for 130 molecules impressed SPIMACO’s leadership, leading to adopted recommendations and potential career opportunities for our students.

This project highlights GSOM's role as a global leader in strategic consulting education, bridging academia and industry, and preparing future-ready leaders. A heartfelt thank you to SPIMACO, our partners at the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, and our brilliant students for making this milestone possible!"

Yulia Aray, MiM program Academic Director:

The International Consulting Project is a landmark project of the Master in Management Program, where students not only develop professional competencies, gain practical skills, but also learn to work in a team, interact with representatives of different cultures and spheres. It is a project that gives students the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience from business representatives, consultants, professors, to immerse themselves in working on a project in a real environment and with specific terms and conditions.  We extend our heartfelt gratitude to SPIMACO, MBRSG, and Yakov and Partners for their invaluable support and collaboration, which played a pivotal role in making this project both remarkable and outstanding. Their dedication and contributions have been instrumental in achieving this success, and we look forward to future opportunities to work together.

Students:

Alina Samodelova (Strategy and Consulting track of Master in Management program)

The project went just like a small life: it taught us how to build relationships with team members, how to set goals competently and change them at the last moment, how to share responsibilities properly, and how to get up and move on after failures. 

My team and I experienced the whole spectrum of emotions from laughing hard to finding ourselves in a deadpan. But most importantly - we got a  full experience of a consulting project on an international scale straightaway! Wow!

Viktoria Kostina (Strategy and Consulting track of Master in Management program)

The project, which our team successfully defended, left me with the most positive impressions. It was a big and important job, to which everyone contributed, and together we achieved an excellent result.

I am glad that I had the opportunity to take part in a project of such a high level, which became a real challenge and at the same time a valuable experience. Successful defense of the project would not have been impossible without the support and mentoring of GSOM SPbU teachers and mentors from the Yakov and Partners company. Many thanks to everyone who inspired and helped along this path!

This project not only enriched my experience, but also strengthened my desire to develop in consulting. It reinforced the belief that collaboration and determination open up new horizons and opportunities!

Angelina Akchurina (Strategy and Consulting track of Master in Management program)

We had the opportunity to work on a real business case and delve into a field we had never encountered before - pharma. A true consultant is someone who can navigate unfamiliar sphere within a limited timeframe, and we definitely managed to do that.

For our presentation, we traveled to Dubai, one of the world's key financial, economic and touristic hubs. For many of us, it was our first visit, leaving a lasting impression. We explored the city, enjoyed time spent together, and worked on the project hard. Great thanks to the GSOM for the prospects provided!

GALLERY