2012 "Second Dojo Induction" Activity Report for the Science and EngineeringDojo

Kanzo Kobayashi (formerly of Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corporation, Itochu Corporation presently of the Center for Global Communications, International University of Japan) (10/16)

Under the title of “Thinking about “Being Global” from Experience in a General Trading Company,” and specifically on the theme of what “foreign trade” is and its risk management, analysis and countermeasures, the lecture was held on the information, understanding and knowledge that the lecturer gained through his on-site experience abroad in a general trading company, and students learned about international business methods, including through discussions.

Yoshiyuki Mochida (Sapporo International) (10/30)

Under the title of “Sapporo Group’s International Strategy,” the lecture was given, based on the international expansion of Sapporo Beer into the US and Asia, about what a global corporation is, brand power, capable bosses, understanding differences, communication power, the four stages of global expansion of a company, among other subjects, and students learned about how Japanese companies expand abroad, and the human resources and their skills (balance) that are required in doing so.

Haruko Hirose (Program Manager, former Ambassador in Morocco)

“How to Work in International Society ? (1) The Rules of International Society and Strategies” (11/20)

Based on experiences including at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris and as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in Morocco, the lecture was given on “What is Necessary to be Active in the Global Society and what kind of Leadership is Required,” and a discussion took place. In particular, as the issues and necessary criteria for Japanese people, students learned about 1. Communication skills, 2. Understanding the differences in thought processes, 3. Building trust, 4. Understanding the importance of contracts, 5. Utilizing the strengths of the Japanese, and their specific methods.

“How to Work in International Society ? (2) The Actual Model of International Society” (1/10)

As an actual model of international society, students learned about topics including 1. The history of the UN system, its characteristics, its present status, issues and its limitations (it is not functioning fully) 2. The status of Japan in the UN and its position (it is difficult for its intentions to be reflected), 3. The features, advantages and disadvantages of the 3 models of developing country support (Europe model, Japan model, China model ? the Japan model contributes largely to building countries but it does not advertise its achievements so is not recognized and does not easily connect to fund raising or follow up projects) 4. The past, present and future of Japanese companies’ overseas expansion models (companies should capitalize on their strengths and work on building new industries), 5. The importance of accepting students, companies, staff and technical personnel from overseas into Japan.

“How to work in International Society ? (3) Preparation for the Discussion at USC-1” (1/29)

Regarding the discussion scheduled to take place in late February at the University of Southern California (USC), USA, the students were asked to submit (1) what they want to gain from the discussion, (2) what they know about the topic, (3) out of these, in particular, what are the things that they know about that generally not many people know, (4) what kind of advantages does the discussion bring to the other side. Based on these things, the students were divided into 3 groups to present on their attitudes towards the problem and what they wish to discuss at USC on the first out of the two discussion themes - Theme 1: “Roles of mass media and science experts ? case study of the nuclear power plant accidents.” Using this as a foundation, students organized the presentations they will actually hold at USC, and the contents they should debate about.

“How to work in the International Society ? (4) Preparation for the Debate at USC-2” (2/6)

Out of the two themes that are to be discussed in the debate scheduled to take place at the University of Southern California (USC) in late February, students were asked to present on their attitudes towards the problems and what they wish to present on the second theme - Theme 2: “Security in Asia with rising of China.” Using this as a foundation, students organized the presentations they will actually hold at USC, and the contents they should debate about.

Takashi Tachibana (Shien, OH Guts, Earthquake Orphans Culture and Sport Support Organization, Fisherman, and others) (11/27)

Under the title of “Finding a Way to Work that brings Happiness to the Soul,” (Same as the title as the lecturer’s book) and based on the book that the lecturer authored, the lecture was given on the East Japan Recovery Activities (making 200 return journeys of driving volunteers between Tokyo and Ogatsu in the Miyagi Prefecture), and “moving ways of doing work,” “what makes work worthwhile,” and the importance of connections between people, and a discussion took place. Moved by the energetic activities and their philosophies, several AGL students and staff visited the disaster-stricken areas and took part in volunteer activities.

Masatoshi Kameyama (Mitsubishi Electric)

“Research and Development, and Innovation” (12/11)

The lecture was given on subjects including models of research and development, the growth of technology and the decline of corporations (the growth curve of technology), innovation (product innovation/process innovation, destructive innovation/continuous innovation, the dilemmas of innovation, service innovation) and people who instigate innovation and the construction of systems, and a discussion was held.

“A Guide to Overseas Internships” (12/18)

A lecture and discussion were held on the comparison of research and development in Japan and the US, the collaborative environment with industry in US universities, the attitude of US companies towards collaborations between industry and academia, the comparison of research and development models of Japan and the US, the position of Mitsubishi Electronics MERL Laboratory (Boston), the track record of internships in MERL, the significance of overseas (US) internships, and what is meant by global human resources.

Chiaki Kobayashi (University of Hertfordshire, Astrophysics Research Centre) (12/26)

Under the title of “How to be Globally Active as a Researcher,” based on the lecturer’s own research “the Evolution of Chemistry in the Galaxy and the Origin of the Elements,” a lecture was given on what attitude and work is needed to become a researcher that is active internationally, and a discussion was held.

・On the advantages of conducting education and research abroad: It is easier to do pioneering research through competition, collaborative research and interaction. (There is a culture of solving the same problem competitively using different methods. Researchers with different skills and information can complement each other easily. It is easy to cite the papers of people you are acquainted with, and it is easier to ask questions and provide data.) There is a lot of freedom in how to spend research funds, and the allocation is fair. (Research fees over many years, refunds by receipts, good provision of administration, freedom in academic trip dates among other things. Peer reviews are conducted properly between specialists and the evaluation of achievements are performed fairly through the number of publications and citations, rather than by essays, and there are always female members in committees such as for human resources.) Education is rationalized, and there are few meetings. There is an understanding that research is a creative activity. PhD qualifications are highly valued and it is understood that studying is unconditionally a good thing.

・On the lecturer’s own research style: Firstly, (1) ask many questions at meetings and increase the number of acquaintances, (2) make an impression at poster presentations, and (3) win an opportunity to present orally. Utilize not only the time during the meeting but also receptions, banquets, coffee breaks and excursions. Do not rely on recruitment by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. Apply to overseas Post Doc positions, and visit to give seminar presentations. It is fine to get hired abroad or return to Japan and get hired.

Yotaro Hatamura (Emeritus Professor at the University of Tokyo) (1/22)

A lecture entitled “The Changing World and the Way Japan Lives ? Seeing the Truth -” was given, and, through specific quantitative data and facts that show the change in the situation of Japan and the world, the students learned the importance of the following things: 1. Nurturing independent individuals (humans), who see with their own eyes, think, make decisions and act, 2. Acquiring the ability to be sensitive towards what is required by society, and making it your own problem, 3. Building a strong organization through independent individuals sharing each other’s beliefs, 4. Building an organizational culture that can respond sensitively to society and respond precisely and appropriately, 5. Coming up with new ideas, which are ordinarily unnoticed, and building a complete structure without gaps.

Masatsugu Fujii (Professor at Waseda University) (2/12)

Students learned about “The Criteria of Global Business Leaders in the 21st Century,” with the lecturer’s book “Learning MBA Basics in English” as the course material, through the case studies of corporate restructuring that the lecturer actually experienced in India. The whole session was conducted in English, including the discussion. The students were divided into two groups and, having studied the answers to the given problems in advance, they organized the contents and held presentations. Based on the lecturer’s comments towards these, and a lecture video of a famous professor from Harvard Business School, students learned about topics such as the important qualities for a global business leader (problem identification/solving skills, MBA basics, communication skills) and how to give presentations, and held a variety of discussions.

Professor Yasufumi Akagi (10/24)

Under the title of “What is needed for Japanese Researchers to be Internationally Active,” a lecture was given on matters such as how to conduct research, how to present papers in English at international conferences, how to write English journal papers, building international relationships, how to assert yourself in international competition, and how to hold discussions, and a discussion was held.

Professor Shigeo Muto (2/5)

Under the title of “Game Theory and its Applications to Economics - Applications to an Oligopolistic Market,” students learned about the basics of game theory (the mathematical theory of decision making in situations where multiple decision-making bodies exist), what a game situation is, uncooperative game theory, the prisoner’s dilemma, the Nash equilibrium, the Cournot-Nash equilibrium, strategic games, and applications to economics, and a discussion was held on a variety of topics.

Aims and Details

The aim was for AGL students to actually visit California, US, which is currently showing the most dynamic development in the world, and has produced companies such as Apple and Google, and for them to experience what is needed for them to become future global leaders by meeting different people, talking to them, having discussions and working together in a global environment.

The course was planned in 2012 and, as destinations where there are friends who would show an understanding toward this kind of project and would cooperate, the University of Southern California (USC), which is currently showing marked progress, and several laboratories and companies from Silicon Valley were selected, and various requests and discussions were progressed mainly by email, with an advance visit to USC.

Preparations for the discussions and collaborative work at USC were made over a period of approximately 4 months, based on the students’ independent suggestions. 7 members of the first and second cohorts of the AGL, who were willing and were available in terms of schedule, participated.

Dates (17th February 2013 to 28th February 2013)

Results

The achievements of the students include the following;