Dr. Philip Sugai, Dean

Hello, and welcome to the GSIM web site.

As you read and explore these pages, I'd like to ask you to think about a simple question: Do you feel confident of the skills and capabilities that you have to truly lead an organization in our increasingly complex and globalised business world? If your answer is anything other than a resounding ''yes,'' then I'd like you to take a long, hard look at the curriculum, supporting programs and cultural outreach opportunities that IUJ offers compared to those offered at other institutions here in Japan and around the world. In doing so, it is our belief that you won't be able to find any other university that can provide you with such a comprehensive set of global leadership skills and capabilities as IUJ. Let us explain why.

First, both of our Masters programs offer an outstanding academic environment for individuals who wish to acquire the skills and knowledge to be such a manager in a global company. While we are located in Japan, the world's second largest economy, our campus is 90 minutes by bullet train from the heart of Tokyo in the beautiful resort region of Niigata; which is a perfect place to study and interact with fellow students, faculty, staff and members of the local community.

Second, the 300+ students, faculty and staff at IUJ create an amazingly diverse, multinational, multicultural, and multiethnic society. Additionally, the work histories represented within our student body are also quite diverse. While there may be other schools that have 50+ countries represented in their programs and that use English as the main medium of communication, our programs are housed within a campus-based community surrounded by the rich cultural heritage of the Japanese countryside rather than in a major metropolitan city. This immersive campus experience provides our students with the ability to learn how to most effectively work with people from different cultural, historical, and social backgrounds in a way that is not possible anywhere else in the world.

Third, GSIM students can become team members of research projects undertaken jointly with either Japanese or international companies. Joint research projects are called Platform Programs. These Programs have been developed to understand and solve many of the most important business issues of our time. Through these joint research efforts, our intention is to bring our classroom curriculum to life, instilling current, real-world challenges into the many theories and concepts presented within our courses. And in so doing, not only do our students gain clear insights into the issues that can and will pose serious threats to the growth and existence of their future employers, during their time at IUJ they also have the opportunity to evaluate and develop practical corporate strategies that could turn such threats into opportunities.

Finally, MBA and E-Biz students can take courses offered in IUJ's Graduate School of International Relations, which offer our business students important opportunities to explore issues related to economics, politics, development and peace studies more deeply. Such courses help GSIM students form broader views on global issues, which will be crucial for working with governments and civil society organizations after their graduation.

In all, the MBA and E-Biz programs at IUJ provide incomparable opportunities for individuals who truly want to develop the skills, capabilities and sensibilities necessary to become true leaders in their respective fields. After looking through this web site and other information about IUJ's Graduate School of International Management, I hope that you will contact us to let us answer your questions, connect you with a member of our alumni in your country or region, or to set up an appointment to visit us here in Niigata.