The Center for International Business Education (CIBE) at Loyola Marymount University (LMU), in collaboration with Florida International University (FIU), hosted its first annual Faculty Development in International Business Program (FDIB) in South Korea, the 6th largest trading partner with the U.S. from May 30 – June 8, 2019. The primary objective of the FDIB program is to broaden faculty perspectives about global business and support their research activities and internationalization of curriculum. Yongsun Paik, LMU CIBE Director, and Jillian Avendano, FIU CIBE Program Director, led the program.
A total of 13 participants from four different countries took part in the inaugural program, representing 8 universities and colleges, spanning various disciplines of business, including marketing, management and business law. Among the members, most notably, was LMU’s very own dean of the College of Business Administration, Dayle Smith, as well as LMU Assistant Professor of Marketing, Aidin Namin.
Over the course of the 10-day program, participants visited the headquarters of major Korean multinational corporations, including: Amore Pacific, the world’s 14th largest cosmetic company which runs and operates 33 health, beauty and personal care brands; CJ Foods, a subsidiary of the conglomerate holding company CJ Group; LG Electronics, archrival of Samsung Electronics; and Kia Motors, sister company of Hyundai Motors. Additionally, the group visited the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to learn about the main trade issues between the two countries including the recently modified Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA).
Distinguished speakers and professors from Sungkyunkwan University, the local partner of this program, provided special seminars covering a wide range of topics from “The Rise of Korean Global Corporations” to “Samsung’s Strategy for Innovation.” The FDIB program also exposed participants to Korea’s rich culture and history with visits to significant landmarks, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the Suncheon Bay Nature Reserve, and the National Museum of Korea.
Yongsun Paik mentioned, “The program was a great success as demonstrated by the testimonies from the participants.” Mark Beattie, Clinical Assistant Professor, Carson College of Business, Washington State University said, “I learned so much and met such fantastic people through the university and industry tours. A highlight of my year!” CBA Dean Smith stated, “The FDIB program provided an impactful experience, which enhanced my understanding of Korea, and further shaped my vision for international business pedagogy.” This program will be offered again in 2020 to all college faculty members across the country who are interested in learning about South Korea.
For more information about the FDIB South Korea program, please contact Marki Jones at marki.jones@lmu.edu.
