The Spring term for the weekday MSc programs opened with Strategic Thinking, led by Professor Nigel Denscombe, a global management practitioner and educator with experience across North America, Europe, and Asia. Bringing a strong real-world perspective to the classroom, he challenges students to think beyond theory and focus on how strategy is developed and implemented. As a joint course for the MiM and MSBA programs, it brought together a diverse group of students, many meeting for the first time, who were ready to engage in discussion from the outset.

Early sessions introduced the foundations of strategic thinking through case-based learning, focusing on how to define problems, assess opportunities, and develop coherent strategic responses. Discussions encouraged students to question assumptions and approach business challenges from multiple perspectives.

On the second day, the focus shifted to globalization and organizational change through the Rakuten Englishnization case, examining both the strategic rationale and the challenges of implementation in a Japanese context. This led into group presentations on the third day, where students proposed how similar policies could be introduced in other organizations without alienating non-English-speaking employees.

As the first course in the program, Strategic Thinking sets the tone for an active, discussion-driven learning environment, emphasizing process, perspective, and practical application as foundations for future study.

Talent Management in the Digital Era, taught by Dr. Ray Tak-Yin Hui, examined how digital technologies are reshaping the way organizations attract, develop, and retain talent. Dr. Hui, formerly a full-time faculty member at our Business School and now Senior Lecturer at the University of Roehampton, brings extensive research and teaching experience in leadership, human resource management, and organizational behavior.

The course focused on the strategic importance of talent management in an economy shaped by artificial intelligence, analytics, and changing work arrangements. Using the case method, students explored how organizations align talent strategies with business objectives while addressing ethical considerations, workforce diversity, and employee well-being. Topics included inclusive versus exclusive talent strategies, people analytics, and the growing role of platform-based and gig-economy labor models.

A particularly engaging segment of the course centered on People Analytics in Action, where students analyzed cases such as Southwest Airlines and Agoda to understand how data-driven HR decisions influence organizational culture and performance. A simulation exercise challenged participants to translate analytical insights into leadership decisions, sparking active debate on both the potential and the limitations of digital HR tools.

By the end of the three-day intensive, students had developed a more critical and applied understanding of how talent management can serve as a source of sustainable competitive advantage. For participants drawn from different programs and cultural backgrounds, the course offered a timely perspective on leading people responsibly in digitally enabled organizations—an essential capability for future business leaders.

This semester, MSc students at NUCB Business School are exploring Data Science for Managers, part of the newly launched MSBA program (MSc in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence). Taught by Assistant Professor Minjeong Ham, the course equips future leaders with the skills to understand, interpret, and leverage data for strategic decision-making across business functions.

A highlight came on Day 2, when students examined cases such as Amazon: Facing Low Customer Satisfaction in Singapore and Markdown Optimization for an Indian Apparel Retailer. Through small-group discussions, participants analyzed data-driven insights, debated solutions, and explored how analytics can optimize marketing, pricing, and customer strategies in real-world business contexts.

The course helps students combine managerial acumen with data science expertise. By understanding analytics tools, interpreting social media and business data, and applying insights to strategic decision-making, students gain the ability to identify opportunities, solve complex problems, and lead organizations in a data-driven world.

This semester, MSc students at NUCB Business School are diving into the first cohort of the newly launched MSBA program (MSc in Business Analytics & Artificial Intelligence). In Python Programming, taught by Professor Jerome Locson, students build practical coding skills from the ground up, learning to analyze data, automate tasks, and create foundational applications for analytics and AI.

A highlight came on Day 3, when students tackled Forex Trend Analysis and Customer Analysis cases, learning to handle missing data, transform datasets, and manipulate information using Python. Hands-on exercises in Pandas, NumPy, and data visualization with Matplotlib and Seaborn helped students explore patterns, extract insights, and communicate findings effectively.

The course’s goal is to provide a solid foundation in Python for data-driven decision-making. By mastering coding fundamentals, essential libraries, and exploratory data analysis, students are prepared to tackle complex business problems, collaborate with data scientists, and leverage analytics to become innovative, data-savvy leaders in their organizations.

This semester, MSc students at NUCB Business School are diving into “Competing in the Age of AI” with Professor Ricardo Lim, a leading expert in analytics, AI, and information systems. The course examines how data and digital tools can transform organizations, from strategy and customer engagement to social impact.

On Day 3, students explored the Lemonade case, analyzing how AI and behavioral economics reshape the insurance experience. They also engaged in a hands-on ChatGPT exercise, discussing its practical applications in business and how AI can both optimize operations and create social value.

The course equips students to translate data into strategy. By mastering predictive analytics, AI-driven business models, and key digital concepts, participants will be able to communicate effectively with analysts, derive actionable insights, and lead confidently in AI-powered organizations.