By Keren Mettle-Nunoo, class of 2006
On May 27, 2003, Ashesi students had the privilege to interact with Dr. Ohene Aku Kwapong, Senior Financial Manager in the Client Business Group at Microsoft Corporation. In a presentation entitled Microsoft, Delivering Great Products, he discussed how Microsoft's value system has contributed to the company's success and challenged Ashesi students to use a value centered model when they think about pricing products.
Dr. Kwapong disclosed that Microsoft has three supporting values that contribute to the company's successes. These values include integrity, accountability, and passion for customers and partners. To ensure that high standards are maintained he mentioned the practice in Microsoft to review their operations every quarter.
Dr. Kwapong asked students to participate in a group activity that was aimed at developing problem solving skills used by business managers. In simple terms, students were required to choose a product of interest, determine a price for the product and a quantity to produce. In addition, they were challenged to convince him why a customer should buy the product. Dr. Kwapong instructed students that, "Prices should not be the issue when one starts a business. What value the company is delivering to the customer should be the consideration."
The students enjoyed Dr. Kwapong's presentation and found it very inspiring. Many requested that Dr. Kwapong return to Ashesi again in the near future.