Three Policies
Diploma Policy
The Graduate School of Business Administration (KBS) has established its own mission statement as follows.
"KBS develops leaders who can envision and materialize original business concepts. Here, scholars and students of diverse backgrounds find enjoyment in learning together, delivering world-class research, and integrating academic theory with business experience."
As can be noted above, KBS has established objectives in three areas: education, research, and networking. That is, our goal is threefold: to educate and develop business leaders who will conceptualize and actualize new ideas needed in the coming years, to promote advanced research in the field of management to support educational activities, and to provide an environment where students and related participants can learn from each other and hone their leadership abilities. Specifically, we utilize a pedagogical model called the Keio case method, wherein educational activities and research are conducted in a way that balances theory and practice. This process strengthens linkages with industries and other overseas universities, and deepens exchanges among outstanding faculty and students, thereby creating a synergistic, mutually reinforcing effect between the areas of education, research, and networking.
With the advance of technological innovations and globalization, managerial skills in production, sales, finance, and human resources are becoming more specialized and sophisticated. Moreover, economic activities must pay even greater heed to issues affecting the global environment and society. Our graduate school aims to develop business leaders who can accurately anticipate such changes and forge ahead towards actualizing their goals.
- The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is awarded upon successful completion of the MBA program. In order to obtain this degree, students must in principle complete all required core classes in the first year of the program with a specified minimum grade, attain a set number of credits in major field courses, and pass the master's thesis review. The program places emphasis on students having attained, by its completion, strong leadership skills, the ability to conceptualize business models, essential management expertise, values that are ethically, socially, and publicly conscious, an international mindset, and communication skills.
- The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is awarded upon successful completion of the EMBA Program. In order to obtain this degree, students must in principle complete all required core courses in the first year of the program with a specified minimum grade, acquire a set number of credits in major field courses, and pass a review of the results of their research on a specific topic. The program places emphasis on students having attained, by its completion, a leadership perspective, the ability to communicate their vision to others, the ability to conceptualize business models, essential management expertise, values that are ethically, socially, and publicly conscious, and an international mindset.
- The Doctor of Business Administration degree is awarded to those who have completed and attained credits for the required courses for the doctoral program, received the necessary research guidance, passed the comprehensive examination, written a research proposal, and passed their dissertation defense and final examination. Those who have passed procedures up to the comprehensive examination are considered to be Ph.D.
candidates, and their certification at that point would be issued as a Notification of Withdrawal upon Completion of Course Requirements. The doctoral degree must be earned within six years of matriculation in the doctoral program. The program places emphasis on students attaining, by its completion, a broad background in all areas of management and advanced research and education skills in a specialized field based on that background.
Curriculum Policy
- The MBA Program is a full-time, two-year graduate program. In the first year of the program, all students are required to take the Core Classes provided in eight areas related to management as mandatory courses. From the second half of the first year to the second year, specialized courses are provided in each educational area, and students select the courses they need to take. In the second year, students are assigned to a faculty member's seminars and spend one year preparing and writing their master's thesis. For students who wish to study abroad, we offer an exchange program that allows students to study at an overseas business school and have the credits earned there count toward the completion of their master's program.
- The EMBA Program is a Saturday-based graduate program that allows students to study while working. In the first year, working adult students with professional business experience take eight required Core Courses designed to give them new academic knowledge of their respective fields. In the second year, they take Visionary Project Courses that aim to create a vision of society in the future, formulate a strategy to actualize it, and communicate it to the world. Students also take Individual Research Courses in which they search for the underlying causes of issues facing them or their organizations, and analyze and devise solutions.
- The doctoral program's curriculum is structured around eight main areas of research and education. In addition to selecting one research area from those eight fields and completing a specialized course in business administration, students are required to prepare their own case materials and pass a comprehensive examination in their chosen research area in order to begin their doctoral dissertation.
Admissions Policy
- There are three types of entrance examinations for the MBA Program: general exams, international program-focused exams, and exams for applicants sent by companies. These exams take place twice every year, once in early October and in early February. The first stage of testing screens applicants based on their submitted materials, focusing on the applicant's motivations and career plan. The second stage of testing is a written exam and interview. As a rule, applicants must be graduates of an undergraduate program, regardless of departmental affiliation. Although previous work experience is not a prerequisite, applicants should have a strong awareness of issues in business and management, as well as a clear reason for applying and a career plan, in order to be able to grow to make contributions to management practices.
- There are two types of entrance examinations for the EMBA Program: Type A, which is based on the recommendation of the applicant's affiliated company or organization, and Type B, which is based on the individual applicant's submission. Type A and Type B
entrance examinations are held each year in early
February. In Type B, the first stage is a document screening of the application materials, and the second stage is a written exam (essay) and interview. Applicants must have at least 15 years of cumulative professional experience as a full-time regular employee. The reason for this is that the EMBA program aims to develop core personnel in industry and thus requires all students to have some level of business experience. - The purpose of the doctoral program is to develop scholars who will engage in academic activities at specialized research and educational institutions related to management, as well as to produce capable professionals who will be active at other specialized organizations. Students who match this purpose may apply regardless of the field of study undergone for their master's program, but they are strongly expected to have sufficient motivation to study and hold an awareness of the issues involved.
