NEWS

On February 3, 2024, the Graduate School of Management (MBA) conducted fieldwork in Tsukumi City, Oita Prefecture, involving Kotegawa Sangyo Co., Ltd., which is engaged in lime manufacturing and sales, and the dolphin interaction experience facility “Umitama Experience Park Tsukumi Dolphin Island." A total of 48 students and faculty members from 21 countries and regions participated in the fieldwork. This marked the first time that 48 MBA students and faculty members conducted fieldwork at companies in Oita Prefecture.

At Kotegawa Sangyo, which celebrates its 129th anniversary this year, President and CEO, Mr. Yasumasa Kotegawa, provided an overview of the company, its products, and its efforts towards digitalization. Participants also had the opportunity to learn about the company's technology through factory tours. At Tsukumi Dolphin Island, Mr. Hitoshi Hashimoto, President and CEO of Marine Palace Co., Ltd., the operating company, delivered a lecture on the facility and its initiatives related to SDGs. Participants experienced interactions such as dolphin performances and feeding.

Associate Professor Kimihiro Fukuyama, the faculty member in charge, stated, "As almost 100% of MBA students are international students, this was a valuable opportunity for them to learn about local companies with unique characteristics in Oita Prefecture. Staying true to the nature of APU’s MBA program, we would like to continue planning fieldwork activities that are closely tied to the local community.”