Teaching across cultures and bringing experience back home

"Decision Making for Business" is a course module I have had the pleasure of teaching for many years in different parts of the world. Not only at Ghent University and Vlerick Business School in Belgium or at UCL School of Management, but also at business schools and universities across Europe, China and the Middle East.

Teaching internationally is enriching in many ways. Of course, it is wonderful to discover new places, meet new people, experience different cultures, and taste local food. But perhaps the greatest value lies in bringing those experiences back home and integrating them into our teaching in Belgium.

This is especially true for the case studies we use in class. Every case study is grounded in real projects, with real stories and real managerial challenges. While many business problems are universal, the way people approach them often differs subtly across cultures. Those differences are fascinating, and they make classroom discussions even more engaging and insightful.

This latest edition in China was particularly memorable. Together with Tom Servranckx, we introduced several completely new case studies to a group of highly professional and ambitious MBA students. The topics ranged from drone development (cf. picture) and event organisation to supply chain optimisation and data-driven decision making. These cases challenged students to think critically, work collaboratively, and apply analytical models to practical business situations.

As a teacher, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing students engaged, curious and enthusiastic. Judging by the smiles in the picture, I believe the students enjoyed the experience. And when students are happy, teachers are happy too.

There was time for other work as well. The research collaborations with Northwestern Polytechnical University together with Jie Song, and with Dalian University of Technology together with Jinbo Song (no family relation!) are really taking off.

The collaboration with Jie Song dates back to her PhD period in Belgium, and she is now an associate professor in Xi'an. Her visit to Beijing was not only fruitful (we are currently working on a paper together) but also very enjoyable. Nobody can guide us to better restaurants than Jie can.

A few days later, I met Jinbo Song. Due to our heavy schedules, the meeting was short but very productive, and the first steps towards what I hope will become a long-term collaboration have now been taken.

It was not the first time Tom and I travelled to China, and I am quite certain it will not be the last. But before the next journey begins, it is time once again to refine and update our case studies, continuing our mission to make decision making with data and models even more relevant, practical and inspiring than ever before.

I am tired, and happy to be home again. Teaching may begin in the classroom, but its true joy comes from the people we meet, the ideas we share, and the experiences we bring back home. Up to the next challenge…

Mario