Background and significance of the program

In an increasingly globalized world, developing countries must formulate economic institutions that are autonomous, sustainable and distinctive, making the most of their own cultural and environmental conditions. The growing maturity of existing domestic systems in these countries, combined with local responses to the introduction of different systems from overseas, will see the development of new economic and business management systems. Our new program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills required to design such systems.
A major challenge for any developing country seeking to harness economic globalization for the advancement of its own economy and business is that of reforming economic institutions and the corporate system in a manner that reflects its national characteristics and strengths. Grounded in an awareness of diversity among economic institutions, our program applies a 'Comparative Institutional Analysis' approach, building on the foundations of the existing MBA program to develop a cross-national comparative perspective which examines how nations such as those in Europe, as well as Japan, formulated the systems which enabled them to accomplish economic and managerial modernization. Students will also acquire an advanced appreciation of 'National Innovation Systems' and enhance their conceptual, practical and leadership abilities.

Features of the curriculum

Students will take regular MBA courses in order to gain a solid understanding of modern business management. This will be augmented by courses highlighting the historical background to development in the economic and managerial spheres and comparing different national systems.
The first stage of the program exposes students to the primary theories of Statistics, Managerial Economics, Strategic Management, Management of Technology, Accounting, Finance and Marketing.
In the second stage, students can enhance their specialist knowledge through electives in International Management, Management in Asia and Japan, Product Management, Management of IT and Supply Chain Management.
The third stage adds a macro-perspective through specialist courses in Development Economics, Technology Development, Sustainable Development Studies, Project Management and Comparative Development in the Asia Pacific. This perspective is broadened through courses on History of Economic and Managerial Development in Japan, and Japanese Innovation Systems. Students engage in case studies and independent fieldwork to explore possibilities for practical application of this knowledge to the design of economic institutions, structural reform of industry and corporate innovation in particular national contexts.

Potential Career Paths

This program aims to nurture individuals with a global outlook, capable of assuming leadership roles in the generation of corporate reform and the design of institutions to promote the creation of distinctive new industries and enterprises in developing countries. It is envisaged that some students will work directly in these countries, while others will be employed by international organizations and multi-national corporations to support the institutional design process.