NUCB International College 'Fundamentals of Finance' taught by affiliated University Faculty

NUCB International College (NIC), an international boarding high school in Aichi, Japan, recently hosted Associate Professor Friendy from our associated university, NUCB Graduate School. Professor Friendy delivered a special lecture using the Harvard-style case method. The lecture centred around the 'Sangamine Festival,' an annual event in which NIC students actively participate. Through group activities and class discussions, the students gained a solid understanding of finance fundamentals, practical problem-solving techniques, and decision-making processes.

Professor Friendy is a distinguished academic who holds master's and doctorate degrees from the  University of Nagoya's Graduate School of Economics. He is also a certified public accountant (CPA) in the State of Illinois and teaches as an associate professor at Nagoya University of Commerce and Business Administration's Graduate School. In the 'Fundamentals of Finance' class, the 'Sangamine Festival' served as a real-life case study, providing the students with hands-on learning experiences to prepare them for their booth operation at the festival later this year.

The Harvard-style case method is an interactive teaching approach widely used at Harvard Business School and other esteemed business schools worldwide. It involves participants engaging in individual preparation followed by small group discussions and subsequent class discussions to deepen their thinking and understanding. This interactive learning process hones students' practical problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities by leveraging the insights and experiences shared among participants. One student who participated in this special class stated: "It was a challenging yet rewarding experience to engage in a comprehensive case study. It helped us grasp the impact of our decisions on the real world." Prof. Friendy also commented on the merits of the case method, saying: "The diverse and dynamic discussions that take place during the class foster innovative ideas as students actively interact with one another."

Moreover, this special class served as part of the NIC's training programme, aiming to enhance their instructional skills. NIC incorporates case method classes across all subjects—a distinctive initiative in Japan, fostering critical thinking skills, practical problem identification and solving, and decision-making abilities among all students. By observing lessons conducted by teachers from affiliated schools with extensive experience in case method teaching, NIC seeks to deliver high-quality instruction as part of its regular curriculum.

Through this pioneering educational approach, made possible through a long-standing partnership with the affiliated school, NIC aims to develop students' critical thinking skills, nurturing them as future leaders capable of influencing and driving progress by collaborating with others.

NIC Advantages

NUCB International College is designed to provide a world-class education with excellent facilities and a rich natural environment, on its 200-acre campus, in Nisshin city, Japan.

Excellence in Education

The case method, first developed at Harvard Business School in 1922 and now commonly used in elite academic institutions worldwide, is incorporated into the teaching approaches for leadership education at NIC. Small classes enable personalised supervision by multinational faculty members with master's or doctoral degrees and faculty from affiliated top business schools. In addition, the Summer School for prospective students (July) and a preparatory course (the Bridging Programme) for September admission are also offered.

Safe Boarding Environment

The school provides a safe and secure co-educational boarding environment with reference to international boarding standards. 'House Supervisors', who are well versed in psychological and health management, provide daily support and regular individual counselling to ensure optimal support and guidance for each student. Through living together with peers from different cultures and experiences, students develop the qualities required of the next generation of leaders.