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Business Programmes
Japan
Why do an MBA? Why do it in Asia? What is
behind the recent emergence of MBA programmes in Asia - noticeably
in Japan, which has little history of executives looking outside
companies for Executive Training?
To address the last question first, it would
seem that the recent trend towards career-minded employees
looking to acquire MBAs is underpinned by the change in economic
and social conditions that Japan has experienced since the
burst of the 'bubble'. Traditionally, Japan is well-known
for a system that trains managers in-house rather than via
professional training in a university. This situation is also
apparent in other Asian countries, albeit to a lesser extent.
However, there are signs that this is changing.
Gone is the security of lifetime employment, and with that
the confidence which led many Japanese institutions to aggressively
expand in the 1980s. Many are waking up to the fact that the
future is in their own hands, and that they must make themselves
more successful in the increasingly competitive workplace.
Moreover, in a global market that seems to be overshadowing
notions of national boundaries with the dawn of e-commerce
and the Internet, managers are starting to become more aware
of the need to become more 'international' in their approach.
For many, it is perceived that 'international'
means an 'American' approach to business, especially since
American Business Schools have a well-deserved reputation
for excellence. Consequently, it is only natural for those
who wan to work and conduct business with American businesses
to visit the US in order to study. However, this is a luxury
that many call ill afford, be it for family reasons or simply
that many cannot afford to quit their jobs to study - companies
in Japan have little value for MBAs, and are not as supportive
of employees wishing to take this path as may be the case
elsewhere.
Recent notable programmes in Japan set up by
Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées (ENPC) in Tokyo
are intended to be truly global in approach. This is achieved
by having a very diverse study body drawn from different nationalities,
cultures and life experiences, taking the best of what is
offered in American and European schools in terms of visiting
international faculty, while incorporating the expertise of
local Japanese faculty. Schools in Japan draw on people whose
ages range from their 20s to their 50s, especially those who
have a certain amount of business experience and can bring
something to the classroom.
The learning approach is such that students
need to work together in groups to complete case studies,
an approach which creates added challenges when students are
required to overcome cultural and ideological differences
in order to complete the tasks set for them. Moreover, the
course has a strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation.
Rather than expecting to be taught, students or participants
(a more appropriate expression to describe those enrolled
in the programme) are expected to actively participate and
tailor the programme to fit their own needs and career aspirations.
This approach is the start of a process in which it is hoped
that managers of the future and the companies they represent
will be able to work together rather than against each other
in order to make a better world.
Despite problems with Asian economies in recent
years, Asia is still a powerhouse in the world economy, with
Japan very much at the centre of this dynamic region. Even
though Asia is still recovering from the effects of the recent
financial crisis, this has created a lot of potential. The
crisis has shown cracks in the status quo, prompting many
nations to initiate reforms. Things are changing, and a window
of opportunity is opening to those prepared to adapt to those
changes. As such, studying and living in such an environment
poses challenges and opportunities which will prepare future
captains of industry through what will promise to be a rewarding
experience. More importantly, if one considers that business
contacts and networks are more important in Asia than anywhere
else, and given the sheer scope of Japanese investment overseas,
it makes sense to be at the hub of this activity, right here
in Japan.
Business schools in Japan offer courses in both
English and Japanese. Some of the prestigious Japanese institutions
- for example, Keio University, Waseda University, Hosei University
and Aoyama Gakuin University - offer full or part-time courses
over periods of up to two years, mostly in Japanese. With
regard to courses taught in English, Temple University, the
International University of Japan, McGill also offer part
or full-time MBA programmes over a period of up to two years.
ENPC MBA-TOKYO offers a two-year part-time programme, and
a full-time programme which can be completed in 13-15 months
on completion of a Professional Project, as the practical
application of management skills gained on the course (such
as a high-level company assignment or consulting project).
However, ENPC MBA-TOKYO participants may opt to create their
own companies or work on individual research projects. There
are many benefits to taking a course IN English, as this allows
for soft cultural adjustment, and Japanese can be learned
at the pace of the students. Moreover, it seems that these
programmes are proving to be appealing to women, perhaps because
of their relative lack of gender bias compared to Japanese
business programmes, which tend to be more male-dominated.
Also, it could be that many Japanese women feel that they
stand a better chance of progressing in their careers in a
more international environment.
It can be said that choosing Japan as a base
from which to complete an MBA programme provides great opportunities
in a dynamic and developing market. Students will then experience
something that very few have done before.
Author
Pierre Tatsu-yuki HOSOYA
Vice President
ENPC MBA-TOKYO
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