Research Presentations (3 of 5) - Fukuda, He, Morigaki and Takeda

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In this session of the Shorenstein APARC Corporate Affiliate Visiting Fellows Research Presentations, the following will be presented:

Mitsunori Fukuda, "Learning From Regulations About Electricity Supply in California"

In March 2011, a massive earthquake and tsunami struck Japan causing a severe accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.  As a result of this accident and an electricity crisis in Japan, it has become increasingly more important to create a more stable and robust electricity supply system.  On the other hand, there is a unique electricity supply situation in California.  Although the situation is much different from the one in Japan, the California government has also tried to improve its situation by reforming regulations for electricity supply companies.  In his research, Fukuda reviews the Japanese electricity supply situation and related regulations.  Additionally, he identifies significant learning points for Japanese improvement from the California situation. 

Chengbao He, "The Characteristics of Research and Development Management of Large Oil Companies"

Large oil companies play a dominant role in the oil industry, a vast majority of which is integrated with upstream and downstream business.  These large oil companies consist of international oil companies (IOCs) and national oil companies (NOCs).  Along with the accelerated economic globalization process, competition and cooperation between NOCs and IOCs will be more extensive and diverse.  The competition between these enterprises is not only a competition for resources, but more importantly, it is about the technical strength of competition and the ability to develop and deploy new technology.  Strengthening the management of research and development (R&D) and improving the efficiency of R&D is the constant goal of each oil company. 

In his research, He introduces the typical generation of R&D management mode at present, focuses on the analysis and comparison of R&D management and operation practice of the five well-known large oil companies, namely ExxonMobil, BP, Shell, Chevron and CNPC.  They have formed their unique management mode, technological advantage and competitive advantage in technology innovation. 

Tsutomu Morigaki, "How Do Japanese Electric Companies Expand Business both in Japan and Globally?"

Traditional Japanese electric companies have been struggling with expanding their own businesses as well as their declining international competitiveness in the field.  Why is it difficult for Japanese companies to recover and succeed in international markets?  Morigaki analyzes the current situation from various points of view such as cultural features, technological trends and the movement of leading companies in the United States.  In this presentation, Morigaki provides suggestions on how to make strategies and which fields Japanese electric companies should focus on in the near future. 

Toshihiko Takeda, "Enhancing Multiculturalism Through Implementing Immersion Programs in Japan – Learning from Schools in the San Francisco Bay Area"

The United States has accepted generations of immigrants for more than 240 years from all around the globe.  While on the opposite shore of the Pacific Ocean, Japan maintains a virtually homogeneous society.  However, some local governments in Japan are facing an influx of foreign migrants who need to communicate with new neighbors in many places including classrooms.  The United States has a long history of language education for immigrants and its children.  Takeda explores various language immersion programs and analyzes good practices in the San Francisco Bay Area and implementation options for Japan.