Mojokerto, 23 September 2024 -- An industrial visit is one of the educational activities that aims to provide practical insights to students and educators related to the world of work that is relevant to their field of study. In this activity, students are invited directly to see the operational process of a company so that they can understand how the theories learned in class are applied in a real work environment. In addition, this industrial visit is also a fun experience, learning while travelling to one of the famous factories, a factory that has been running for decades in the food and beverage (F&B) industry. 

Marketing Management Student Visit to PT Ajinomoto

On Monday, 23 September 2024, students from the Marketing Management Study Program of the Vocational Faculty of Yogyakarta State University Wates Campus conducted an industrial visit to PT Ajinomoto located in Mojokerto City. This visit aims to provide students with practical insights into the production process and marketing products related to the field of marketing studies.

This visit was accompanied by two lecturers, Ayu Diana Ansori, S.E., M.B.A., and Puteri Awaliatush Shofo, S.Kom., M.Kom. This session began with a general introduction to the company's history, its vision and mission, and the production process in general. The students were then invited to tour the factory area to see firsthand the stages of production, from processing raw materials to the final stage of product packaging. Through this visit, students can not only expand their knowledge about practical applications of production but also see firsthand how a company starts from the production, distribution, and sales of Ajinomoto products from the beginning of manufacture to the hands of consumers.

During the visit, students were given an in-depth insight into the company, including the history of the establishment of PT Ajinomoto, as well as the vision and mission on which the company's operations are based. They were also generally introduced to the production process that takes place at PT Ajinomoto. Students were invited to tour the factory and get an explanation of the stages of production and packaging of one of PT Ajinomoto's main products. Through this activity, it is hoped that students, especially those studying marketing management, will gain a deeper understanding of the direct application of the theory learned in lectures and gain an overview of marketing strategies and operations in the industrial field.

After the program came to an end, PT Ajinomoto offered a comprehensive overview of the company’s profile, including its logistics operations, management, and business lines. This provided valuable insight into how a large-scale organization like PT Ajinomoto operates across different sectors. The session was both informative and engaging, helping students and educators better understand the company's structure and processes.

Following the presentation, we were invited to visit PT Ajinomoto’s factory, where we could see firsthand how the company manages its logistics operations. This was a unique opportunity, as we were able to witness the entire production process up close, from raw materials to finished products. The visit included a tour of the Saori and Masako production facilities, where we were shown the various stages of production and logistics. Throughout the tour, the company’s staff were incredibly welcoming and open to questions, allowing us to deepen our understanding of the operational processes. Their explanations were clear and thorough, providing us with a real-world glimpse into the complexities of managing a large-scale factory.

Students' impression message

After completing the tour, the students wrapped up their activities with a special challenge set by PT Ajinomoto. Each student was asked to reflect on their experience and provide their impressions of the company environment. This task encouraged students to share their thoughts on the facilities, services, and overall learning experience. Two student representatives were selected to present their impressions, offering feedback on the hospitality, the educational value of the tour, and the quality of the facilities they had seen. They expressed appreciation for the opportunity to witness the inner workings of a leading company and highlighted how the experience had broadened their perspective on corporate operations. The challenge provided a great closing moment to reflect on everything we had learned during the visit.

In conclusion, the factory visit, coupled with the insightful presentations, gave students and educators a deeper understanding of PT Ajinomoto's business and logistics operations, leaving a lasting impression of the company’s professionalism and dedication to excellence.

Through this programme, students are expected to develop analytical skills and a deeper understanding of various aspects of business, including management, production, and marketing, which are certainly important in their preparation for the world of work. Therefore, Marketing Management students visited two large companies operating in the industrial area, namely PT Ajinomoto. These company visits provide an opportunity for students to learn first-hand the production process, marketing strategies, and business management of the two companies, which is expected to be a valuable provision in their learning in the classroom and in the future.

Writer: Dini Nur Aulia (MP A 2022); Editor: Ayu Diana Ansori