SDG17
NCKU EMBA Overseas Program at Oxford: Advancing Global Leadership and Practice
National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) has maintained active exchanges with Hertford College, University of Oxford, since 2024. This year (2026), NCKU EMBA organized another overseas academic program at Hertford College from August 23 to August 30. Led by Executive Director Chia-Liang Tsai, the delegation engaged with British higher education and industry environments through academic seminars, corporate visits, and cultural exchanges, broadening their international perspectives across economic, managerial, corporate, and cultural dimensions while strengthening senior executives' strategic thinking and cross-cultural analytical capabilities.
The program kicked off on August 24 with a campus tour to introduce the history, academic environment, and collegiate culture of the University of Oxford. Academic seminars focused on three main topics: British economic development, problem analysis, and organizational change. Led by David U. Socol de la Osa and Dr. Scott Urban, participants explored key management issues faced by enterprises amidst environmental changes. A comparative analysis between Taiwan and the UK's economic development covered labor, capital, education, and total factor productivity, extending to industrial structures, middle-income traps, and tech industry development—guiding participants to evaluate corporate strategies through macroeconomic and industrial lenses.
The sessions on problem analysis and organizational change emphasized how enterprises identify challenges, adapt organizations, and respond to shifts within complex environments. Through case studies and opinion exchanges, participants contextualized management theory into practical business scenarios, gaining deeper insights into the relationships among decision-making, organizational adaptation, and corporate development.
During the trip, the delegation visited the BMW MINI Oxford Plant to gain firsthand exposure to automotive manufacturing. Observing corporate operations provided insights into the development of the UK manufacturing sector and its industrial landscape, prompting participants to reflect on how companies handle production management, organizational operations, and strategic decision-making when facing market fluctuations, competitive pressures, and operational uncertainties.
Humanistic and cultural exchange formed another essential part of the itinerary. The schedule featured traditional British afternoon tea, a graduation dinner, and a punting experience on the river with local students, allowing participants to immerse themselves in Oxford college life. Additionally, Co-Director of International Programs Andrew Hemingway led an art appreciation session, followed by a visit to the National Gallery, enabling participants to appreciate British culture through art and historical contexts to expand their understanding of the broader social environment.
Discussions on economic and industrial issues highlighted the structural risks Taiwan may face due to its heavy concentration in the semiconductor and technology sectors. In light of rapid AI developments, ways for businesses and economic entities to enhance adaptability and resilience became a key topic of discussion. Through side-by-side comparisons of Taiwanese and British experiences, participants reassessed industrial structures, corporate resilience, and organizational transformation to anticipate potential shifts in future business environments.
Representatives from the NCKU College of Management stated that by continuously collaborating with Hertford College, the program integrates international academic resources, industrial practice, and cultural experiences into executive education. This enables participants to re-evaluate business challenges through the lens of British economic development, corporate environments, and cultural contexts, bringing international observations back to their professional practices to inform executive decision-making.
NCKU EMBA has long promoted overseas academic programs, with footprints spanning the United States, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom, actively engaging with top international academic institutions and enterprises. In addition to deepening its academic partnership with Oxford University, NCKU EMBA also traveled to Vietnam in 2026 to inspect New Southbound policy hubs and cross-border supply chains, continuously expanding its global learning network.
Moving forward, the College of Management will continue to integrate international academic and industry resources, further enhancing the global reach and practical focus of the EMBA program to cultivate high-level talent equipped with global vision, strategic thinking, and practical management capabilities.
The program kicked off on August 24 with a campus tour to introduce the history, academic environment, and collegiate culture of the University of Oxford. Academic seminars focused on three main topics: British economic development, problem analysis, and organizational change. Led by David U. Socol de la Osa and Dr. Scott Urban, participants explored key management issues faced by enterprises amidst environmental changes. A comparative analysis between Taiwan and the UK's economic development covered labor, capital, education, and total factor productivity, extending to industrial structures, middle-income traps, and tech industry development—guiding participants to evaluate corporate strategies through macroeconomic and industrial lenses.
The sessions on problem analysis and organizational change emphasized how enterprises identify challenges, adapt organizations, and respond to shifts within complex environments. Through case studies and opinion exchanges, participants contextualized management theory into practical business scenarios, gaining deeper insights into the relationships among decision-making, organizational adaptation, and corporate development.
During the trip, the delegation visited the BMW MINI Oxford Plant to gain firsthand exposure to automotive manufacturing. Observing corporate operations provided insights into the development of the UK manufacturing sector and its industrial landscape, prompting participants to reflect on how companies handle production management, organizational operations, and strategic decision-making when facing market fluctuations, competitive pressures, and operational uncertainties.
Humanistic and cultural exchange formed another essential part of the itinerary. The schedule featured traditional British afternoon tea, a graduation dinner, and a punting experience on the river with local students, allowing participants to immerse themselves in Oxford college life. Additionally, Co-Director of International Programs Andrew Hemingway led an art appreciation session, followed by a visit to the National Gallery, enabling participants to appreciate British culture through art and historical contexts to expand their understanding of the broader social environment.
Discussions on economic and industrial issues highlighted the structural risks Taiwan may face due to its heavy concentration in the semiconductor and technology sectors. In light of rapid AI developments, ways for businesses and economic entities to enhance adaptability and resilience became a key topic of discussion. Through side-by-side comparisons of Taiwanese and British experiences, participants reassessed industrial structures, corporate resilience, and organizational transformation to anticipate potential shifts in future business environments.
Representatives from the NCKU College of Management stated that by continuously collaborating with Hertford College, the program integrates international academic resources, industrial practice, and cultural experiences into executive education. This enables participants to re-evaluate business challenges through the lens of British economic development, corporate environments, and cultural contexts, bringing international observations back to their professional practices to inform executive decision-making.
NCKU EMBA has long promoted overseas academic programs, with footprints spanning the United States, Germany, Japan, and the United Kingdom, actively engaging with top international academic institutions and enterprises. In addition to deepening its academic partnership with Oxford University, NCKU EMBA also traveled to Vietnam in 2026 to inspect New Southbound policy hubs and cross-border supply chains, continuously expanding its global learning network.
Moving forward, the College of Management will continue to integrate international academic and industry resources, further enhancing the global reach and practical focus of the EMBA program to cultivate high-level talent equipped with global vision, strategic thinking, and practical management capabilities.
Group photo of NCKU EMBA delegation with Caroline Rice, Co-Director of International Programs at Hertford College, University of Oxford.
