The Center for Global Enterprise’s first Global Scholars Alpha Team recently concluded an engagement to envision the future of the taxi industry for the London Taxi Company (LTC).
The Alpha Team members, comprising of LBS Faculty – Dr Olayinka David-West and Dr Ogechi Adeola – alongside other experts, brought a global perspective to the assignment, providing viewpoints from their native countries of Albania, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, India, Kenya, Korea, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the United States.
LTC, a leader in taxi manufacturing, most notably the iconic London Black Cab, asked the Alpha Team to develop a global point of view on three areas that will influence the taxi industry in 2025: technology and business innovation, sustainability, and social purpose. The team was organised into three sub-teams, each working with an experienced mentor. Over six weeks, team members researched, applied their own knowledge and experiences, and vetted their concepts during “virtual office hours” with LTC executives, including CEO Peter Johansen. At the conclusion of the six-week programme, the Alpha Team produced a comprehensive 38-page report for LTC, with several key recommendations.
Four Alpha Team members, including Dr Ogechi Adeola, were selected to travel to London to present the team’s key recommendations to senior management at LTC’s Coventry facility. After a 2-hour presentation, the Alpha Team members were given a tour of the facility where the London Black Cab is produced.
The Alpha Team program is a unique learning concept—a 6-week digital internship where a global team comprised of students, university faculty, and business professionals collaborate to solve a real-world problem for a company sponsor.
