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NCKU EMBA Enhances Learning Through Overseas Teaching at Hertford College, University of Oxford
The Executive MBA program at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) conducted an eight-day overseas teaching course at Hertford College, University of Oxford, from August 25 to September 1, led by Professor Hsin-Hui Chou and attended by 24 students from the 115th cohort. This program was designed based on the backgrounds of the EMBA participants, covering business management courses, company visits, and cultural experiences, providing a diverse range of educational content and field study opportunities.
On the first day, senior lecturer Greg Scott provided an in-depth introduction to the rich history of the University of Oxford and its esteemed position in the global academic community. His engaging presentation gave the participants a deeper understanding of this renowned institution. Following this, Caroline Rice, co-director of the international program, hosted a welcome tea where attendees experienced traditional English afternoon tea in historic surroundings and took a group photo under the iconic Bridge of Sighs.
The next three days featured courses led by Dr. James M. Smith, covering topics such as economic game theory, problem-solving, and change management. Dr. Smith drew on his extensive industry and entrepreneurial experience to analyze core knowledge and practical applications in these fields. Through discussions of various game scenarios, including the automotive industry and Brexit, EMBA participants gained insights into the elements of games, strategies adopted by participants in competitive situations, and potential outcomes. The course also introduced analytical tools that businesses can use to address different types of problems, including mind mapping and root cause analysis. When tackling significant challenges (such as transformations), companies often need to engage in organizational change management, effectively communicating among stakeholders to boost morale and promote shared involvement in achieving desired results.
To complement the course content, company visits were arranged for hands-on observation of manufacturing processes and business models. The BMW Mini factory in Oxford, a century-old automotive manufacturing facility, has transformed into a future laboratory. Its advanced production line can produce up to 1,000 cars daily, with each vehicle going from raw materials to completion in just 22 hours. Customers can also select personalized features according to their orders, making each Mini Cooper a unique vehicle tailored to its owner.
At the end of the course, another co-director of the international program, Andrew Hemingway, introduced the National Gallery in London, analyzing famous Renaissance artworks from multiple perspectives of art, culture, and history. The next day, participants immersed themselves in the artistic atmosphere at the gallery. Cultural experiences also included a campus tour of the University of Cambridge and exploration of the business and economic activities in the university town. The final evening was marked by a grand banquet in the historic dining hall of Hertford College, which has been in existence for 500 years, where graduation certificates were awarded, symbolizing the conclusion of the overseas teaching experience.
During this program, participants stayed in university accommodations over the summer, allowing them to experience British life and culture within the historic campus. The course provided rich academic knowledge and practical experience, deepening participants' understanding of business management theory and the international business environment, thereby enhancing their global perspective and practical capabilities. The overseas teaching program is one of the distinctive features of NCKU's EMBA, which has established partnerships with many renowned international institutions over the years, including the University of California, Los Angeles, Northwestern Polytechnic University, the University of Texas at Dallas, Stanford University’s d.school, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Meiji University, Kobe Gakuin University, Doshisha University, Kyoto University, Waseda University, and Germany’s ISM ACADEMY GmbH. In the future, NCKU will actively seek to expand international exchanges and long-term cooperation opportunities, continuously enhancing the leadership and competitiveness of its participants.
On the first day, senior lecturer Greg Scott provided an in-depth introduction to the rich history of the University of Oxford and its esteemed position in the global academic community. His engaging presentation gave the participants a deeper understanding of this renowned institution. Following this, Caroline Rice, co-director of the international program, hosted a welcome tea where attendees experienced traditional English afternoon tea in historic surroundings and took a group photo under the iconic Bridge of Sighs.
The next three days featured courses led by Dr. James M. Smith, covering topics such as economic game theory, problem-solving, and change management. Dr. Smith drew on his extensive industry and entrepreneurial experience to analyze core knowledge and practical applications in these fields. Through discussions of various game scenarios, including the automotive industry and Brexit, EMBA participants gained insights into the elements of games, strategies adopted by participants in competitive situations, and potential outcomes. The course also introduced analytical tools that businesses can use to address different types of problems, including mind mapping and root cause analysis. When tackling significant challenges (such as transformations), companies often need to engage in organizational change management, effectively communicating among stakeholders to boost morale and promote shared involvement in achieving desired results.
To complement the course content, company visits were arranged for hands-on observation of manufacturing processes and business models. The BMW Mini factory in Oxford, a century-old automotive manufacturing facility, has transformed into a future laboratory. Its advanced production line can produce up to 1,000 cars daily, with each vehicle going from raw materials to completion in just 22 hours. Customers can also select personalized features according to their orders, making each Mini Cooper a unique vehicle tailored to its owner.
At the end of the course, another co-director of the international program, Andrew Hemingway, introduced the National Gallery in London, analyzing famous Renaissance artworks from multiple perspectives of art, culture, and history. The next day, participants immersed themselves in the artistic atmosphere at the gallery. Cultural experiences also included a campus tour of the University of Cambridge and exploration of the business and economic activities in the university town. The final evening was marked by a grand banquet in the historic dining hall of Hertford College, which has been in existence for 500 years, where graduation certificates were awarded, symbolizing the conclusion of the overseas teaching experience.
During this program, participants stayed in university accommodations over the summer, allowing them to experience British life and culture within the historic campus. The course provided rich academic knowledge and practical experience, deepening participants' understanding of business management theory and the international business environment, thereby enhancing their global perspective and practical capabilities. The overseas teaching program is one of the distinctive features of NCKU's EMBA, which has established partnerships with many renowned international institutions over the years, including the University of California, Los Angeles, Northwestern Polytechnic University, the University of Texas at Dallas, Stanford University’s d.school, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Meiji University, Kobe Gakuin University, Doshisha University, Kyoto University, Waseda University, and Germany’s ISM ACADEMY GmbH. In the future, NCKU will actively seek to expand international exchanges and long-term cooperation opportunities, continuously enhancing the leadership and competitiveness of its participants.
The EMBA overseas teaching program participants from the College of Management at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) took a group photo under the famous landmark, the Bridge of Sighs, with Caroline Rice, co-director of the international program.
Senior lecturer Greg Scott introduced the history of the University of Oxford.
Dr. James M. Smith taught business management courses.
A visit to the BMW MINI factory in Oxford was arranged.
Co-director of the international program, Andrew Hemingway, explained the treasures of the National Gallery in the UK.
