SJTU-KEDGE Global MBA Study Tour: Exploring Japanese Family Business

Executive-level students of the SJTU-KEDGE Global MBA program participated in a study tour hosted by NUCB Business School, offering them a deep dive into Japanese business practices, culture, and innovative management techniques. The tour covered key subjects such as lean management, AI in content management, and family business succession, combining classroom learning, company visits, and cultural exploration to broaden students' understanding of global business strategies.

Students explored Japan’s renowned Lean Management practices with NUCB Business School's Prof. Ricardo Lim, focusing on principles like just-in-time production and continuous improvement. These lessons highlighted how Japanese companies maintain their competitiveness while adapting to societal challenges, like aging demographics. The course also delved into the intersection of content management and AI with a session on Digital Transformation and AI taught by Prof. Ted Katagi, where students analyzed the role of AI in creating personalized customer experiences and improving business efficiency. Case studies like Hubspot and PittaRosso's AI-driven strategies demonstrated the growing importance of technology in modern business, equipping students with tools for integrating digital marketing into traditional business models.

The tour concluded with insights into Japan's family business culture, where students visited companies like Vermicular and Maruya Hatcho Miso to understand how family-run businesses thrive through generations. These visits provided valuable lessons on navigating market changes while preserving core values, essential for students as they prepared for entrepreneurial and leadership roles in the global business landscape.