Global Supply Chain Management and Cultural Studies in Asia - Japan 2008

Summer 2008 closed

Online: April 2008 (tentative)
Japan: 17 days (May 13 - May 30, 2008)

Sponsored by the Eli Broad College of Business

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

Japan Inc. is a telling moniker usually applied by outsiders displaying a heady mix of astonishment and envy in their efforts to describe Japan’s amazing economic success over the last fifty years. Indeed, at times, the entire nation seems to function as one large corporation operating under a unified vision of economic prosperity and is led by a triumvirate of business leaders, government officials, and civil servants who coordinate their activities so closely that observers of Japan’s political life sometimes question the ethical implications of maintaining such close alliances. Not withstanding these problems and others associated with rabid consumption and environmental degradation, Japan in the period since WWII has emerged as the world’s most productive nation, only trailing the United States in annual GNP output.

In the 21st century, we are witnessing levels of human innovation and accomplishment that far exceed those of the 19th and 20th centuries combined. Such rates of change in the life sciences, communications technologies and other areas are shrinking geographical distances between consumers and producers, bringing newer products to markets more often and much faster, and shaping our political, social, technology, legal, and economic environment. In short, our world is rapidly transforming into a single community. This prompts us to embrace a global perspective. Such a perspective will enhance, enrich and elevate our vision of the future. Moreover, we will be better prepared to investigate the challenges and discover the great opportunities that exist. International business opportunities have exploded in the last 20 years. Economic globalization has allowed technology and capital to become fluid and mobile, and given rise to global competition. Japan’s current productivity is no surprise to students of Japanese history. After all, this is a nation that quickly escaped the bonds of feudalism and also fervently rebuilt itself in a mere 20 years after atomic bombs completely leveled the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during the Second World War. From the earliest days of its recorded history when prominent Japanese clans borrowed heavily from Korean and Chinese religious practices and political systems to more contemporary times when Japan modeled itself after industrialized nations in the West, Japan has always sought to balance its own traditions with influences from the outside – sometimes with spectacular results, others times with tragic consequences (i.e. the adoption of an ill-fated western-style Meiji Constitution that laid the ground work for WWII).

Business students interested in understanding the forces behind Japan’s stunning economic success in the late 20th century are confronted by the portrait of a complex nation constantly seeking to reinvent itself and maintain its place alongside the world’s greatest economic powers. As the world’s second largest consumer economy, Japan provides an ideal laboratory for introducing the basics of supply chain management and international logistics principles and practices.

Where does it take place?

The program takes place primarily in the cities of Tokyo and Hikone. However, to enrich our perspective a portion of our time will be allocated to understanding Japan’s history and culture by visiting the following locations:

• Hikone - beautifully situated on the mountain-lined shores of Lake Biwa
• Kyoto - the historical and cultural center of Japan
• Hiroshima - site of the peace monument documenting the horrors of atomic warfare

What can I study?

Students will be required to enroll in a minimum of six (6) credits from the following courses:

What are the requirements?

This program is open to all MSU business students. All supply chain majors must enroll in MSC 310 and MSC 490 only. All other business students may enroll in MSC 303 and MSC 310. Students must enroll in a minimum of six (6) credits.

All students must be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.00 at the time of application. Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

Students will reside in modern amenities in Tokyo (http://asiacenter.or.jp/topeng.htm), Hiroshima (http://www.hgh.co.jp/english/englsih.htm) and the Japan Center for Michigan Universities on the shore of Lake Biwa (http://www.isp.msu.edu/JCMU).

Who can tell me more about this program?

Dr. Anthony Ross
The Eli Broad College of Business
International Business Center
321 North Business Complex
Phone: (517) 353-6381
E-mail: rossant@msu.edu

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States. If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date. If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of twelve weeks are usually required for processing. During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required. Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices. They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/passports.html

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose. The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early. It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.

For more information about visas visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/visas.html

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

For further health information and recommendations visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/health.html

How much does it cost?

The program fee is $2,277 and includes the following:

• application fee ($100)
• deposit ($200)
• pre-departure orientation
• accommodations and several meals (but not all meals)
• accident and sickness insurance
• field trips

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

• MSU tuition and fees*
• airfare
• several meals
• books and supplies
• Japan Rail Pass
• passport application fee ($100)
• visa application fees (if applicable)
• pre-departure doctor visits
• pre-departure immunizations (if applicable)
• personal spending money

Students may request a cost sheet which estimates these additional expenses not included in the program fee by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee. Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses. (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

*Check http://www.ctlr.msu.edu/studrec/ for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate, regardless of state of residence.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid.

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing. This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university. If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

For further information about financial aid visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/finaid/index.html

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships. Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need. Requirements are listed in the scholarship application. The deadline to apply for these scholarships is March 1st for summer programs.

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit http://studyabroad.msu.edu/scholarships/index.html

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form by visiting http://studyabroad.msu.edu/applications/index.html

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by March 1st for summer programs. We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to this deadline.

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year. Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required. Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program. Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you

with your acceptance letter. You can also read the handbook online at http://studyabroad.msu.edu/abcs/index.html.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.