Japan Research Center

The Harvard Business School Japan Research Center (JRC) opened in January 2002. Located in Tokyo, its primary purpose is to support HBS faculty research and case-writing activities in Japan. JRC plays an important role in helping HBS advance its activities. Through its work in Japan, facilitated by the JRC, HBS strives to deepen faculty's understanding of and exposure to Japanese management issues, trends, and practices, as well as developing locally relevant case studies and course materials for use in MBA and Executive Education programs around the world. The School is heavily involved in strengthening ties with important constituencies in Japan (including companies, universities, government, and HBS alumni) - these relationships are critical to ensuring that the School's efforts have an impact. The work of the JRC has enabled the School's faculty to identify and study important management advancements in Japan, or develop and test their ideas within a Japanese framework.

Japanese Version

Newsletter No. 2 September 2003

Summary of activities during the first half of 2003

Cases

The following cases were released during the first half of 2003.

Investing in Japan
Luis Viceira and Peter Hecht (Finance) developed a case describing the Japanese financial markets from an investment management perspective. The case outlines the extraordinary challenges faced by fund managers in Japan, given a deflationary economy and weaknesses in stock and real estate markets.

The Renault-Nissan Alliance
Mike Yoshino (General Management) developed a case on the strategic alliance between Renault and Nissan, which was formed in March 1999. The case deals with strategic and operational issues related to realizing synergy from the alliance while maintaining the identity of the two companies and two cultures. The case interviews were conducted around the same time as those for Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.--2002, which dealt with the transformation of Nissan under the leadership of Carlos Ghosn.

Peace Winds Japan
John Quelch (Marketing) wrote a case on the Japanese NGO, which was established in 1996. Peace Winds Japan provides assistance to the victims of political circumstances and natural disasters in regions such as Northern Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and East Timor. The case discusses the strategic and operational challenges of this fledgling NGO as well as its environment, where philanthropy is not well established or understood.

HBS cases, including the above, are available at http://www.harvardbusinessonline.com. HBS Publishing is currently exploring ways to facilitate broader distribution of cases in Japan.

In addition to the above, about a dozen cases are at various stage of development.

Faculty Involvement in Academic Events

Huw Pill (BGIE) participated in and made a presentation at "Design Japan Committee," a conference jointly hosted by Keio University and the National Institute for Research Advancement on February 27 and 28. Pill's paper dealt with the relationship between monetary policy and structural reform and was well received. The contents of the conference will be published in a book.

Visitors from Boston

The number of HBS faculty visits declined during the first half of 2003 due to SARS and the conflict in Iraq. The visiting faculty included David Bell (Marketing), Tarun Khanna (Strategy), Huw Pill (BGIE), Earl Sasser (Entrepreneurial Management), and Mike Yoshino (General Management).

Reflecting the global focus of HBS Publishing, two representatives from that group visited our office: Maureen Betses, Vice President, Higher Education and Service, and John Landry, Editor for Business Development. Both visited Japan to explore market opportunities and strengthen the relationship with the existing partners and customers. Lynton Hayes, Executive Director, Corporate Relations, from HBS Executive Education, came to Japan to visit existing and prospective corporate clients.

Andrew Gordon, Director of Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies of Harvard University, visited the JRO in April. He is currently spending a year at The Institute of Social Science, The University of Tokyo, as a visiting professor.

Faculty Involvement in Alumni Events

David Moss (BGIE) made a presentation on the role of government as risk manager during a breakfast meeting hosted by the alumni club. His presentation was quite relevant to Japan where, historically, the government has played a bigger role compared to other countries. As well, there is an ongoing debate on the role of government and the private sector. His book, titled When All Else Fails, is being translated and published this fall.

Newsletter Archives