Business School teaches you how to utilize some powerful tools that could make a big difference to the results of how you make your decisions in business. In addition, people in management are expected to have knowledge that an MBA program teaches, such as organizational behavior, human resource management, financial statement analysis, and entrepreneurship, especially when you become senior managers. Of course, it does not mean that you can win easily with an MBA, nor that you can succeed in your ventures after completing the program, but at least that you can minimize the risks of failure by learning the key elements of management and business frameworks. Unlike doctors and lawyers, there is no qualification to be a professional business leader, and, in fact, anyone can become a business leader. Then why do people consider an MBA to be so valuable?

I am currently in the process of learning at a business school, so I do not have the perfect answer yet. However, the case method makes me analyze the problems in the cases and I can practice carrying out my action plans. It is also true that which school you attend can also influence the value of an MBA but you can learn essentially the same information. Even as each school can stand out in one way or another, a learner’s passion and mind-set while studying will make a big difference in the end.

I try to focus on how to train myself as a business professional who finds the meaning of my life and to complete my dreams, something that is strongly emphasized at my business school, the International MBA Program at Globis University. Business schools are valuable because their MBA programs train you to grow, challenge yourself and become a creative and innovative business leader. It is definitely worth studying at a business school and I would hope each individual can create value from an MBA.

Just to share some other comments on “what make an MBA so valuable?” I have asked this question to some of my friends who graduated from business school this year as well as a current MBA student.

“I would sum up my business school education in two words–access and breadth. Great business schools provide access to untapped networks that would otherwise be unavailable. I got to meet multiple CEOs of the world’s largest companies and a vice president of a country. A business school education also provides you with both horizontal and vertical breadth. I now understand how decisions impact not only the function that I work in but also other business areas within the same company and industry.”

Alumna, the Johnson School at Cornell University

“I think the main advantage of an MBA is that it gives you a great sense for what kinds of jobs are out there. After working for 5 years, I only understood equities trading, but after being at Wharton for just a few months, my professional horizons have expanded tremendously and I feel like I have a much better sense of the broader economy outside finance.”

Current MBA student, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

“It is the “life experience,” not the “career step-up.” Life is only once, and there are many different jobs, industries, cultures, people and life styles in the world to experience. An MBA for me was a concentrated intense 10 months to explore such things and solidify my life goal.”

Alumna, INSEAD

The International MBA Program at Globis (conducted entirely in English) is still new, but as all business schools have their own history, I am delighted to be a part of creating history and am grateful to study at a place where I feel a strong passion of teaching from the faculty. Within a decade, I am confident that Globis will be ranked as the top business school, and I am looking forward to see my classmates make the world their stages, especially in the international community.

O Mizutani

Before I start, let me introduce a little bit about myself. I am a Japanese female, one of the first students of the IMBA program. I started as a Pre-IMBA student and it has been almost a year. I have taken 6 fundamental courses and 3 applied courses so far.

Globis University is known for using the “case study method,” and Globis uses cases that originate from Harvard Business School. Each course is made up of 6 classes over 3 months. The school year is divided up into 4 terms, each of which is 3 months. It might sound these courses are not so tough, but the case method forces us to prepare for each class for 6 to 8 hours, or even more! Many of the students take 2 or 3 courses, meaning they have to spare about 6 to 9 hours a week after they finish work or on weekends.

We have to read the case 2-3 times; perform qualitative analysis (such as the five forces); and also quantitative analysis of, for example, the market share, the cost structure, or the financial statement, in order to formulate action plans. The volume of the pages required varies each time, but some classes require 20 to 30 pages!! This is quite a heavy workload for non-native English speaker who works full-time! The subjects which require intensive quantitative analysis, such as Finance or Accounting, tend to have fewer pages but require work on spreadsheets for a couple of hours. Every time, the students have to submit a one- or two-page assignment about the questions in the syllabus.

There is already such a heavy workload, that I sometimes find out that I have no knowledge to answer the questions. So I have to read some reference books which are recommended by the lecturer.

The students have lots of materials to read, so sometimes they come to class with red eyes and fatigued faces due to lack of sleep!

The pictures below are: A case study and syllabus, and reference books.

In the class, we generally have a brief lecture or recap of the previous class and 2 to 3 group discussions. Then, one or two groups give a presentation followed by a class discussion facilitated by the lecturer. During the three-hour class, students have many chances to speak up. The class participation consists of about 50% of the grading, meaning I cannot pass the course if I stay silent in class.

The grade consists of 3 components: class participation, assignments, and a report. Class participation is evaluated with the number of the comments that the students addressed in the class discussion, and the quality of the comments. The lecturer evaluates them each class and post them on our individual pages of the students’ website.

Also, we have to hand in a report in the fourth class. Its grade and feedback are posted on the website. The lecturer gives a long and comprehensive feedback to the class, such as in the pictures, that includes the grading criteria, some important points to cover, and the proper thinking process. I like the feedback because I can check where I missed and absorb the insights from the lecturers. As our University places a high importance on logical thinking rather than just leaning knowledge, the feedback includes the thinking process. This is very precious because I learn how to make decisions from the lecturers who have practical experience in the business.

As I described, the program is pretty tough for part-time students. One thing that I enjoy while I study is a Social Networking Service (SNS) which is created exclusively for Globis students and alumni. I post some blogs now and then, and some of the Japanese students post some comments on mine. There are schools in Nagoya and Osaka, so that I make friends with them on the website!

All in all, I am very satisfied with the program and services. The school received the highest score in student satisfaction among Japanese business schools both in the 2009 and 2010 editions of Nikkei Career Magazine. I believe this learning environment is one of the key competitive advantages of Globis University.

Nanae Obara

Nanae Obara blogs on behalf of Globis University. To find out more about Globis University and education in japan visit the GaijinPot in Education pages.

Don’t get me wrong, puncuation does have its uses. I do like happy faces : ) and bowing apologetically _(._.)_ in my emails apart from that I think the uses of punctuation are over-rated. Words attribute meaning in most people’s sentences not punctuation. The subtle effects of punctuation are lost in a regular reading, only those readers who are analyzing a text will dwell on the intricacies of a writer’s choice of punctuation.

Nevertheless there is no doubting my tutors justification, reading a paper that is filled with improper uses of punctuation must be infuriating. I am reading the university writing site and hoping to improve. The stylistic emphasis available to a gifted writer through the use of punctuation can give deeper meaning to a work.

(*^^*)/

thanks for reading,

ian

Only a few months into the program, this experience has been once in a lifetime.

The IMBA experience is having a great impact on me. It is about thinking critically and qualitatively analyzing issues across all areas of business, just to say but a few. I have been exposed to a worthwhile international learning experience at the Graduate School of Management, Globis University. Here, strong leadership and management skills are enhanced. The experience goes beyond academics; it is embedded in the practicality of the business operational approach of learning, especially through the series of case methods, several of which are used by the renowned Harvard Business School.

Just like any other endeavour, studying for a professional MBA degree is such that it might be very challenging. However, it doesn’t seem so tough for the tough! To sail through in the first place, all you need is dedication, commitment, and a continual allegiance to your dream/life course. Moreover, you must carry your family along because when others aren’t there, these are the people that will always stand by you! Therefore, I perceive, for those who made it in the past and for those of us who are striving to make it, all that is necessary is a balance in our day-to-day activities (along with other factors).These are among the certain basic requirements  for making a notable impact in society.

I cherish and relish the unique interactive teaching styles of each individual faculty member. They bring to Globis a range of professional backgrounds, with years of practical experience in their disciplines in the business world. Some are CEOs and veterans in their disciplines, to list just a few. I personally like the practicality involved. All the modules employ a unique approach which allows full participation. What more can I say about the interactive learning environment should I forget to mention the state-of-the-art learning aids? The case-method style of teaching is a much valued experience that gives students practical insights into different corporations in various business environments, cutting across cross-cultural, international, and other business models. I am especially enjoying the study of the different protagonists in each case. What happened in their time, how they responded, and their successes and failures are serious learning points for me. Entrepreneurial skills couldn’t have been learned better in any other environment. I have recently learned that in order to be very successful in your field or discipline, you must learn from those who have gone before you, avoid the mistakes they made, adopt their successful approaches and then have a practical and practicable action plan for execution in the face of any challenges that might present themselves. The key success factors (KSF) necessary for your desired goal are found only in YOU! Globis can help you name them, search diligently for them, and accomplishment on your path to fulfil your destiny.

I have since been enjoying the professionalism of the student body that cuts across cultural backgrounds. The international experience has truly enhanced and improved my skills as well as my learning points. There is a high degree of interaction that comes almost naturally because of the teaching methods employed. There’s no way you could be an island. You cannot stand aloof. No choice to keep to yourself for whatever reason, whether cultural or personal. The study session is essentially tailored not to only enhance our learning skills, but to have continuous interaction and networking opportunities. I like this idea so much. Team work experience is an “induction” that every student at Globis must have! While quite a number of students are young, other students are veterans in their own professions. So, both old and young, with their variety and wealth of experience and exposure, have helped make the learning environment the great success that it is.

My professional background has been in the building industry. As I enrolled in the IMBA at Globis, I realised that I needed to learn and know how to manage businesses and allocate resources appropriately. The leadership learning experience at Globis University has been immense. As an architect, although I have had some leadership experience and been especially involved in team work in handling projects both in design and site supervision in the past, I needed to learn the fundamentals of leadership and human management. It is not enough to have had a leadership experience; it is essential to learn basic leadership skills, which help to add “spirit” to the “form” it entails in the contemporary business world. You cannot compare the traditional management and leadership styles of the past century to the evolving dynamism employed in managing resources and corporations in 21st century. The millennium’s challenges can be effectively tackled by the ensuing innovation and creativity of this age. These are just a few of the learning points I am currently experiencing.

Moreover, the foresight and entrepreneurial spirit of the President of the Management School–Dean Yoshito Hori–has been “contagious”! His visionary and leadership spirit is being “implanted” into every student. I wouldn’t be surprised if in the next few years, a very high percentage of the students in Globis become founders of new businesses, operating across the globe.  Globis is beyond Japan! It goes beyond the shores of Asia! It is global!

Not tomorrow!

Do not say, “I’ll do it tomorrow”

When indeed you can do it today

A friend’s experience you can not borrow

Strive; take a step in time

Do all you can, and go forth!

…pursue to the very top, non-stop!

“Except you’ve got a goal

There’s no other place to go!”

Now, prove that you have a goal. Choose to step up your skills. Choose IMBA experience! Choose Globis!

Cheers.

Sunday Odebiyi Femi

So what’s an English teacher to do?

Now is your chance to explore your entrepreneurial creativity, take some time to re-do your curriculum, or re-build your lesson portfolio. My experiences in the few years I’ve been here (six) indicate that a lot of us[semi-professional English teachers] are teaching from web resources or from out-dated texts. Take a look at what you are using for materials, and assess it for communicative content;

-are your students learning English phrases they will use?

-are supplying vocabulary that is current?

-do your students enjoy your class?

-are you letting them ‘get-by’, or are you challenging them to grow?

Many of our potential clients may have lost confidence in the effectiveness of English lessons in Tokyo. The responsibility falls on the teachers, I have seen ridiculous lessons, I have followed terrible lessons plans. Though I would like to teach better lessons my hands are often tied by the employer, I am required to teach a particular text. Over time I have learned how to squeeze some useful English into a particularly dull lesson. Take a bit of ingenuity and assess the needs of the class.

We need to restore the image of English as a tool for success! A good lesson is informative AND enjoyable. A curriculum that addresses the special needs of your clients particular sector is crucial to getting a contract. The teachers need to display energy, and appear interested in giving the students something to think about. This will restore confidence in English for personal and business growth.

thanks for reading,

ian

How we take academic work and then apply it to real world examples of international businesses.  We look at challenges, opportunities and how the people inside those companies have made a difference. Classes like this almost demand that the student be proactive and take the initiative, after all, one day they might be doing something similar in a real-world company and their decision could effect profits, employees and relationships.  After many types of class at Globis University, I have found these ones to be amongst the best.

Business classes (and case studies) teach something else too.  I am an accountant, so have basic knowledge about financial matters, cash flow, record keeping etc. Something I never experienced before however are areas such as HR or Marketing.

Off course this is something that anyone can learn by themselves.  Any number of book stores, even in Japan, have a huge selection of English language books on just such a subject and all you have to do it drop in and choose the one that interests you.  However, the Globis University course gives you something that you can’t get from reading one of these books. It gives you a great environment for applying and taking your learning out side which makes you more confident in the area as a result.

In class teams, when we talk through a TTO study session, we learn some of the frameworks of Marketing and Strategy. By the end I and I’m pretty sure most of the students in the class have a great understanding of it.  We plan to share the experience we have had on the internet, as you never know, what new opportunities and information it might lead to.

M.Ohashi

6:00 A.M:

7:00 A.M: On the train I skim the headlines in the Nikkei Newspaper before going into the Corporate Finance section more carefully and associating case-studies from yesterday’s class with some of the articles.

8:00-9:00 A.M: On the phone with commodity brokers in Sydney, sharing views about short-term market trends.

9:00-12:00 A.M: Calculating the value of an investment project by using the Discounted Cash Flow Method. Group work in Finance Class gave me an intro to working-capital assumptions and how to time cash-flow estimates.

1:00 P.M: Join in on a telephone conference with an overseas joint venture partner to discuss environmental issues on a project.

3:00 P.M: Make a presentation to some of the high-level management regarding Q2 financial results and a revised budget. It’s always important to remember key points I learned during Business Presentation Class.

5:00 P.M: Brainstorm with team members on a new market entry plan. Marketing frame-works learned in class enable me to facilitate the meeting helping us all put together some really great ideas.

6:00 P.M: Leave the office for Globis University. “Time to enjoy class!!”

7:00-10:00 P.M: Participate in Accounting Class and once again, plenty of exciting buddies from interesting personal and professional backgrounds in here.

Life as an MBA student goes on…

It’s a really demanding time, but it’s also the most exciting and rewarding time in my whole life.

Shinichiro Sugihara

However, all is not well in this oasis!

As an English Teacher I am apart from the requirements of the regular staff, I don’t need to get chopsticks for my superiors, nor do I have to spring-up and answer the phone when the intercom goes off. I, may sit and eat. Sometimes an older teacher will come amidst the feeding frenzy (younger teachers are expected to quickly imbibe their victuals, in order to make room for others) and briefly interrogate one of their assistants. Causing said assistant to abandon his or her hot lunch for a few minutes to take care of some vitally important task, for example, carrying some fake heads(used to put curlers in) down from or up to the classroom. Only to return for an equally short time to finish off their now cold lunch.

Sometimes a younger hungry teacher’s helper might mistakenly start his or her lunch before the more senior young assistant, and low an behold the indignant looks and questioning glances abound! It would seem that hierarchy is more important than camaraderie in the three person team of Teacher, Teacher’s Assistant and Helper. However in a similar situation in North America the less senior employee would calmly retort “I’m on my break.” Not in the hustle and bustle of Tokyo though.

Also unique is the phrase uttered when entering the lunchroom, “I have come to eat the provided lunch” or even more astonishing when a big-wig comes in to the lunch room, for he or she was too busy to take the earlier time allotted for them, and everyone (myself included) pipe up with “I have done the unforgivable, started to eat before you.” Having become used to these proceedings I deem myself past that fourth stage of culture shock, and am now ready to integrate.

You too, shall become accustomed to the customs!

thanks for reading

ian

I started taking the pre-IMBA course last July and my very first class was “Critical Thinking”. Since I use English at work, I was very keen to find a school which provided classes in English.
In that first class there were more than 20 students and it was very exciting to be able to exchange opinions with so many different people – I enjoyed that class very much although I don’t think I was a particularly good student.

Before choosing Globis, I must admit I had attended “open campus” at other universities and whilst each university has its own advantages I felt Globis suited me best;  at other Universities classes tended to be offered in a lecture style with the lecturer talking and students taking notes -  classes were very silent, and it seemed that many students were asleep. On the other hand, Globis classes are always active and interactive, and I am able to learn a lot not only from lecturers but also from my classmates.

At Globis all the students are eager to learn and they are all very nice! As I mentioned before I’m not a really great student but my classmates all help me very much during self-study session. Balancing work and study is not always easy but once you start, you won’t want to stop because learning at Globis is so enjoyable!

If you are interested in studying for an MBA, why don’t you attend open campus?

I look forward to seeing you in class!!

Naoko Suzuki

Having been transferred to Europe for a few years; upon returning to Tokyo, I started thinking and researching which school I should apply to and after looking at many schools in Tokyo, I finally decided to enroll at Globis University.

The following four major points were key to my decision. Firstly, Globis uses an interactive learning system with most lessons are based on studying ‘case methods’. Every student has to think and think to learn. Secondly, international skilled instructors with global business experience; they are not just academic teachers – Globis lecturers are intellectual and draw on their passion for teaching to share the practical market information with students. Third, motivated and enthusiastic international classmates are always together and fourthly, the administrative office which provides thoughtful, timely and flexible services ‘for students’.

Now I’d like to mention a bit about my real life.

Since April 2009 I have lived three different lives; business, school and private. Everyone has 24 hours per day, not more and not less. Under the limitations of time, nowadays I make my decisions quicker than I used to; when shopping I take a shopping memo and try to find the things as soon as possible and avoid shopping around. On business trips I take both my business documents and my case studies.

Recently, when chairing a meeting at my office, a colleague told me to check my nose – it was bleeding again! In the evening the same day I took an  accounting class; actually I had a slight nosebleed while I was preparing the assignment about B/S and P/L – I must admit it is difficult for me to study the ‘basics’ of accounting and finance.

For me the MBA is a real challenge and perhaps still too far from my knowledge level for me to reach.  Sometimes it all gets me down, but I’ve found a glimmer of hope from a speech given to us by Dr. Kuniko Inoguchi; she strongly encouraged us all to make efforts to think about what kind of actions are required by Japan and also by the world – I shall never forget hearing her English address.

I look forward to seeing my wonderful classmates at school, even though the classes are tough and demanding. This kind of feeling is what I did not imagine before entering the University. Getting to know such great friends at Globis was beyond my expectations and I cannot express how much I appreciate their friendship.

After beginning my student life I have started to sometimes see my beloved grandparents in a dream; when I was a girl, I learned sewing from my grandmother, and my grandfather taught me how to ride a bicycle. They often asked my brothers and me at dinner, “Did you do your best?” I am so happy to see my two favourite instructors in my dreams.

Minori