SDM Research Institute sponsors "1st Project Leader Training Course"
Taking on the challenge of global projects
"To see the trees and the forest." Project leaders need to balance the ability to see each individual tree and the ability to see the forest as a whole. They must be able to visualize difficult, complex problems and arrive at solutions that incorporate multiple points of view.
We want to train the next generation of leaders in "system design and management" techniques.
Pamphlet is available for download here
Dates: September 14 to 18, 2009 (Monday-Friday)
Venue: Hiyoshi Campus Collaboration Complex, Keio University
Sponsor: SDM Research Institute, Graduate School of System Design and Management at Keio University
Outline of the 1st Project Leader Training Course
"To see the trees and the forest." Project leaders require the ability to see every detail of each individual tree while also having a balanced picture of the entire forest. The generation that experienced and overcame the adversities of the High Growth Period is now entering retirement, and the OJT methods of the past cannot train leaders as fast as they are required. We therefore proposed a new industry-academia approach to human resources development that led to the first "Project Leader Training Course." Our goal is to train the next generation of leaders by developing a new project management approach based on the ideas of "system design and management" regarding the visualization of difficult, complex problems to arrive at solutions that incorporate multiple perspectives.
Course description
This course uses workshops to train project managers (PM) and project leaders (technology leaders etc.). It is based on the following five pillars:
1 Project management (PMT)
The business environment for projects is becoming ever more complex and demanding. It is essential that managers understand and are able to use the techniques of PMT if they are to move projects forward effectively. We examine scenarios for success, techniques that leaders must have and polish, the foundations of project-oriented companies and guidelines for leader training. Instructor experiences are used to illustrate these concepts.
2 System design and management (SDM)
In projects where there are multiple stakeholders, it is crucial to incorporate multiple perspectives, to be able to "see the trees and also the forest." Students learn the SDM flow, from requirements analysis to system design, decomposition, construction, integration and administration. In the process, they master techniques of system conceptualization, problem visualization and decision-making.
3 Teamwork management
It is vital that members of a project share the same purposes, values and information. Individual members must perform a variety of complex tasks while negotiating and coordinating with each other according to the project's overall progress. The ability to inspire and manage teamwork will be an important tool for Japanese companies as well as a strategy for differentiation.
4 Contract risk management
Japanese people tend not to have the same sort of "legal minds" as found in Europe and North America. It is not uncommon for world-class technology to fail because of errors in the way that contract risk is handled. We teach leaders the basic "legal mind" (contract sense) than they will need for their job.
5 Foundations of corporate management
This portion of the course instills a deeper understanding of systematic management systems by identifying the functions that companies must manage as they conduct projects, the construction of technology foundations for project implementation and the identification of the elements that a company most requires and is most adept at. In the process, students learn how to effectively conduct a wide range of projects, including the development of new technologies, products and services, the pioneering of new markets and the startup of new businesses.
Instructors
Chief trainer
Yoshikuni Takahashi
Advisor, JGC Project Services Co., Ltd.; Part-Time Lecturer, Keio University
Joined JGC Corp. in 1964 and served as a project manager for numerous domestic and international projects, including petroleum refining, chemical, food processing, consumer electronics and automotive plants. Was a member of the Project Management Subcommittee of the Engineering Advancement Association of Japan during the 1980s. Currently teaches courses on PMT at the university level, does lectures and speeches, and provides consulting services.
Kunihiko Furuya
Professor, Faculty of Law, Kyushu International University
Graduated with a degree in political science from the Faculty of Law, Keio University in 1966. Joined JGC Corp., a general engineering firm, that same year. Spent his career in the legal affairs department, where he was responsible for international contracts (projects, intellectual property licensing, M&A etc.). Took up current position in 2000. Responsible for international trade law.
Mitsugu Iwashita
Director, the Intercultural and Business Communication Center
Spent 2 years in the doctoral course at University of Southern California where he coached "Debate and Argumentation." Was later involved in and provided advice to seminars on management systems formulation, market strategy formulation and effective techniques of internal and external negotiation for companies moving overseas, including Yamatake, Mazda Motor, Denso, NEC and IBM.
Yoshiaki Ohkami
Professor, Graduate School of System Design and Management
Areas of expertise: Design and management of large aerospace systems, strategic systems engineering
Taketoshi Hibiya
Professor, Graduate School of System Design and Management
Areas of expertise: System design in large-scale scientific research
Kenichi Takano
Professor, Graduate School of System Design and Management
Areas of expertise: Risk management and human factors in large technology systems
Tuition
250,000 yen (exclusive of tax)
Eligibility
Mid-level employees who have experience with projects and seek to become leaders
How to participate
Apply here.
Contact
System Design and Management Research Institute Secretariat (within the Department of Students (Graduate School Office), Hiyoshi Campus, Keio University)
Phone: 045-564-2518; Email: sdm@info.keio.ac.jp