The Jerome A. Chazen Institute of International Business has concluded the first of six modules that make up the new Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness in Latin America (ECLA) program, which is in collaboration with the Escuela de Negocios, Universidad Torcuato Di Tella in Buenos Aires and Endeavor, a consulting partner.The program is aimed at developing businesses throughout Latin America by providing leaders with the educational foundation and resources needed to grow their enterprises across borders and capture new opportunities. The program takes place between January 2010 and January 2011. The first of the six modules concluded on January 15, 2010, after 33 participants completed two weeks of core classes at Columbia Business School with an emphasis on performance improvement.Nelson Fraiman, professor of professional practice and director of the W. Edwards Deming Center at Columbia Business School, serves as faculty director for the program and plays a significant role in the curriculum and logistics of the program. “This program offers lectures from some of the most talented experts in the field,” Fraiman said. “These lectures, combined with projects focusing on improving company performance, will help these businesses expand beyond their borders and ultimately lead to greater business prospects for Latin America.”During the remaining program modules, participants will take part in online lectures and case studies focused on process-improvement methodology and business growth applications; attend a week-long study tour in South Korea; and participate in a week-long module at the Escuela de Negocios, Universidad Torcuato Di Tella to study current trends in global business.At the conclusion of the program, participants will present their business growth plans to faculty members at both Columbia Business School and Universidad Torcuato Di Tella as well as to venture capitalists in New York City. At the graduation ceremony, students will receive certificates from Columbia Business School’s Chazen Institute as well as from Executive Education at the Escuela de Negocios, Universidad Torcuato Di Tella.