tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80976522412274370782012-03-03T08:27:50.470-05:00Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.comBlogger501100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-44472533486430670692011-11-30T13:39:00.000-05:002011-11-30T13:39:20.867-05:00

The Boston University EMBA 24 is beginning preparations for their International Field Seminar. The EMBA class and faculty will visit both Mumbai and Delhi on their trip. During the seminar,students will have the opportunity to participate in the following activities:•Lectures and presentations, including discussion of cultural, legal, and regulatory issues•Site visits with businesses, government

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-11990203637724033172011-04-26T09:30:00.000-04:002011-04-26T09:30:32.511-04:00

Titan Industries revolutionized the watch industry in India. It was also our last class visit prior to our travel from Bangalore to Delhi. Our tour started with a briefing from one of the company’s Senior Engineers who told the story of how Titan transformed the watch industry from outdated and declining to fashionable and growing. In doing so, he told us about how over the course of 13 years,

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-60335112669873262782011-04-05T16:42:00.001-04:002011-04-26T09:30:56.619-04:00

On Monday March 7, we had a class visit to the Narayana Hrudayalaya heart hospital in Bangalore, which is one of the largest hospitals in the world with 1000 beds. The vision for the hospital was from founder, Dr. Devi Shetty, who acted on the premise that no child should be deprived of the best healthcare just because their parents can't afford it. The hospital has 24 operation rooms and

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-83453651129842544482011-03-25T14:24:00.002-04:002011-04-26T09:31:39.461-04:00

With a lei of jasmine, a mark of good wishes and fresh juice, the majority of the EMBA class was welcomed to Bangalore India early on Sunday morning. Although exhausted, the hotel reunion was full of laughter and stories, as already many classmates had extended layovers and travel stories to share. Some highlights: - Paris with lots of wine and a quest to find an “underground nightclub” - The

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-12293928875378630342011-03-07T13:50:00.001-05:002011-03-07T13:51:04.992-05:00

The Boston University EMBA 23 class is traveling to India for their International Field Seminar. The EMBA class and faculty will visit both Bangalore and New Delhi on their trip. During the seminar,students will have the opportunity to participate in the following activities: •Lectures and presentations, including discussion of cultural, legal, and regulatory issues •Site visits with businesses,

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-73499244080632314882010-05-26T11:00:00.004-04:002010-05-26T11:56:43.362-04:00

The visual landscape here is so rich that it is easy to forget that we are strange guests to someone's home. I was reminded of this today. Our group is touring Hanoi on two large US-style buses. While the drivers are adept at navigating through the narrow streets, these vehicles are inappropriate for many of the thickly settled neighborhoods. Heading toward the medical district, we stare out

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-29309234281016088162010-05-26T00:28:00.004-04:002010-05-26T11:28:58.398-04:00

I'm writing my final post for the EMBA blog from Needham, Massachusetts. Yes, I'm back home, following 24+ hours of plane travel that took me from Saigon to Logan Airport. I was accompanied by about half of EMBA. The rest of the class chose to stay on in the area, or in Vietnam, in several cases joined by their respective spouses. Our last weekend in Saigon was (mostly) about being tourists

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-91602592700703877982010-05-22T08:07:00.002-04:002010-05-25T09:01:12.840-04:00

Friday was our final day of site visits in Ho Chi Minh City. We confined ourselves to only two visits today, and for good reason: both were large facilities on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City, requiring about 4 hours of total time in the buses. Our first trip (roughly 90 minutes) took us to one of the largest, if not the largest, shoe manufacturing plants in the world. Operated by a South

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-58792205572943068812010-05-21T09:41:00.004-04:002010-05-21T10:35:43.786-04:00

Our first full day of site visits in Ho Chi Minh City didn't take us far from downtown Saigon and the area of our hotel, but the incessant heat and humidity here made our buses seem a little less extravagant.Our first stop was at Family Medical Practice of Ho Chi Minh City, the sister organization to the FMP we had visited a few days before in Hanoi. Compared to Hanoi, the HCMC office was larger,

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-54391998733306722002010-05-20T08:22:00.005-04:002010-05-20T10:43:23.187-04:00

We got an early start on Wednesday, May 19, our first day in Saigon, which was dedicated to sightseeing in a few small groups. We were joined by our guide from Destination Asia, Dzung. A real student of Vietnamese and US history, he added tremendous amounts of context and colorful detail to everything we would see and do during the day.EMBA had two choices for sightseeing in the AM: a boat trip

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-16428094925632839422010-05-19T07:51:00.004-04:002010-05-19T14:36:23.604-04:00

Tuesday, May 18th was our last day in Hanoi. Things started early with a trip to PayNet, an internet startup focused on electronic payments, including online and pay-by-mobile phone. In many ways, PayNet looked familiar to an American audience, with a large, young staff sprawled across makeshift offices occupying several floors of a building: the classic dotcom. Like a US dotcom, they've

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-28832047567659031342010-05-19T06:06:00.005-04:002010-05-19T13:08:23.968-04:00

Groups began to trickle through customs at the Hanoi Airport on Saturday afternoon. Hiep, our guide greeted us and entertained the first wave of travelers with stories of Hanoi. He had good information on night life, how to behave, and what to worry about. Hanoi is a very safe city. Other than purveyors of hats and other souvenirs, people rarely accost you. The biggest danger may be crossing the

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-29266731920831544032010-05-18T23:39:00.007-04:002010-05-20T10:19:47.505-04:00

I lost my wallet in a cab coming back to the hotel in Hanoi. I rarely ever carry my wallet when traveling, instead just carrying a few dollars and one credit card in a money clip. I left my money clip at home and was at a dinner with friends earlier, so I broke my rule and of course it's always that one time.I was in the front seat of the taxi and when we went to pay the fare, I pulled out my

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-40431666452378501362010-05-18T13:55:00.006-04:002010-05-20T10:44:34.902-04:00

Monday, May 17, was our first day of site visits, and a very full day for EMBA 22.We started the day early with a visit by Donald Nay, the commercial attaché for the US Consulate in Vietnam, who joined us for breakfast at the hotel. Donald started by telling us his story: turns out he is a BU grad himself whose mother grew up in Jamaica Plain and his father in Dedham. In many ways, Donald's story

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-24069886676589377452010-05-17T11:55:00.004-04:002010-05-18T09:46:43.016-04:00

Friday and Saturday (May 14-15) were both taken up by traveling. Roughly half of EMBA 22 chose the same set of flights from Boston to NYC via Jet Blue, and then NYC to Hong Kong via Cathay Pacific. Checking-in for that second flight led to this exchange for me at the ticket counter at JFK:Airline agent: Your seat will be 62A. This is a window seat. Is that OK?Me: Hey, if I have to sit through a

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-55357296196748646252010-05-14T16:06:00.004-04:002010-05-17T09:59:22.498-04:00

Travel like this tests your sense of time. Later today, the class will converge in Hanoi, coming in from multiple cities, at all different times. Having left Boston myself yesterday at about 8am, I seem to have lost Thursday night along the way, arriving in Tokyo on Friday afternoon with 3 classmates, Sekou, Behzad, and John. While Tokyo is not exactly on the way to Hanoi, it is if you are trying

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-19394348279352002072010-05-11T10:48:00.006-04:002010-05-17T09:58:47.666-04:00

EMBA 22 is furiously packing, planning, and generally getting things in order for our upcoming trip to Vietnam. While we can't report from Vietnam yet (though a few adventurous classmates are already out touring neighboring countries like Thailand and China), we did want to provide some quick background, namely, "Why Vietnam?"This question has resonance for all of EMBA, but especially for me, as

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-80366838703181680182010-05-06T14:51:00.002-04:002010-05-06T14:54:48.747-04:00

The EMBA 22 Class is preparing their final business plan presentations and this weekend they will present their ideas to a panel of venture capitalists. In less than a week, the class will be in Vietnam learning firsthand about the country and its economy. Visit the blog to read about the class' site visits and adventures during their 10 day trip to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-56228740689126697362009-05-20T14:35:00.003-04:002009-05-20T16:00:50.569-04:00

We finished our final business plan presentations this afternoon and have completed our credits to officially be done with our MBA's!! We are all extremely excited and genuinely proud of each other. We miss you today Jorge. Have a celebration tonight. We are thinking of you.We are having dinner at the Palffy Palace this evening, celebrating the culmination of our program. To quote Toby Bell

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-53269444773069504052009-05-20T02:39:00.003-04:002009-05-20T09:25:20.537-04:00

Yesterday we capped off our site visits with a tour to Pivovar Klaster, an authentic Czech brewery dating back to the 1500's. It was originally built on a monastery, with laagering cellars deep underground (which were quite cold to trek through without a jacket!). We had a great meal in a restaurant carved in a rock cave by the monks hundreds of years ago. It was a great visit, with awesome food

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-73844889021507183822009-05-19T04:44:00.002-04:002009-05-20T09:23:07.082-04:00

Team met with Allen and Overy to discuss the up and down of conducting business in Czech. Host Jan Myska and his associates shared insight of the pleasures and the pitfalls of contract law, labor law and the culture of mergers and acquisitions in the wake of post-communist change and market liberalization.Our hosts were gracious and engaging.

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-51534421398875236142009-05-19T04:35:00.002-04:002009-05-20T09:19:20.377-04:00

Our visit in the Czech TV was like traveling back in time..the building, the people and the atmosphere all together gave us a taste as of the Czech Republic before the Velvet Revolution.Czech TV is the public broadcasting company for the country and historically was the source for broadcasting for the state.There was a stark contrast between the dated facilities and the current innovative and

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-3341001497410561912009-05-19T02:56:00.001-04:002009-05-19T10:23:05.344-04:00

Yesterday, Education Angels arranged a panel discussion with a variety of entrepreneurs doing business in Czech. Adam Lutonsky, a friend of Todd's college roommate's brother, arranged the visit. Adam has recently started a Czech subsidiary of the American company Ahold (owner of Stop & Shop).He also arranged for Brian Olsen, a Danish corporate banker who runs his own merger advisory firm to

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-53537536237019437152009-05-19T02:40:00.002-04:002009-05-19T10:18:56.651-04:00

We started our Prague site visits out great with an extensive tour of the Prague Hilton's operations from the Laundry Room to the Executive Suites; both equally impressive in their own right.The hotel cleans more linen each day than any other hotel in Europe and the Executive Level definitely provides the level of service to accommodate the needs of top executive teams doing business in Prague.We

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-48689339072511566892009-05-18T10:42:00.002-04:002009-05-18T10:42:37.242-04:00

We visited the Prague Castle today and this musical Trio was playing outside the castle walls. Toby purchased bean-bears for his boys and has been photographing them at different sites throughout Prague.

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-86780994332986482052009-05-17T14:17:00.004-04:002009-05-18T10:41:37.728-04:00

We are taking in the AC Sparta - Bohemia Soccer Match this evening. They are two of the Czech premier league teams and several of us are decked in the home AC Spartan jerseys.So far 0 - 0 with Sparta is dominating the action. You can check out the team and match at the link below...http://www.sparta.cz/en/1 - 0 with a late goal. Nice!! EMBA's celebrate all over Prague tonight.

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-86640650851478564322009-05-17T07:11:00.003-04:002009-05-19T10:02:53.802-04:00

We've spent our first morning in Prague taking in the amazing views of the city from our Tour of the Prague Castle. This is the largest castle in Europe and the architecture spans an amazing range of movements, from Roman, Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Neo Classical. The Old Royal Palace Buildings, St. Vitus's Cathedral, and St. George's Basilica are truly wondrous.We also got to take in

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-74350906805917896492009-05-16T17:55:00.002-04:002009-05-18T10:38:34.185-04:00

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-40744681383489319912009-05-16T17:49:00.002-04:002009-05-18T10:38:00.878-04:00

So much for a light dinner - it doesn't exist in Prague. Full night of Bratwurst, Pilsner and appetizers. Quiet night for the city as most of the locals are away at their vacation houses for the weekend. Old town square is still bustling and is an incredible setting.

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-18669003585833521092009-05-16T13:06:00.002-04:002009-05-16T14:37:21.595-04:00

We said goodbye this afternoon to Istanbul after an outstanding final evening last night. We took advantage of the breathtaking rooftop restaurants and exciting nightclubs on our final night. Definitely an enjoyable evening and great way to say goodbye to our incredibly gracious Turkish hosts. We will miss them. We are now en route to the hotel in the heart of Prague. Our guide, Marek is

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-91450572445332916112009-05-15T05:53:00.004-04:002009-05-15T11:50:18.766-04:00

Over the last two days we have spent a LOT of time on the bus, driving from one side of Istanbul to another (and remember, one side is across a bridge into Asia!). A few observations from the road:- Construction is booming - literally everywhere you look there are buildings in various stages of construction- Mosques are everywhere - from the hotel window we can see 7 mosques, and driving around

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-26982862221032175272009-05-15T04:08:00.003-04:002009-05-15T10:48:16.559-04:00

Friday morning started with a visit to the Acibadem Maslak hospital - the newest hospital in the Acibadem Heathcare Group. Acibadem primarily serves the private healthcare market and prides itself in their patient care, and the visit to Maslak was proof of their commitment.The facility was beautiful, spacious, and had the latest technology. They are a completely electronic facility - no paper, no

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-58765441831742467172009-05-14T11:59:00.006-04:002009-05-15T11:39:33.306-04:00

Just finished with our visit to Yeditepe University, where we were graciously hosted by the administration and faculty, including Drs. Atilla and Ulku Dicle. After a lecture hall discussion (maybe our last time in a classroom together!) where we discussed higher education and the business environment in Turkey, we made our way across campus to a group lunch in the faculty dining hall, where

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-19448916673668636872009-05-14T04:34:00.002-04:002009-05-14T09:34:34.783-04:00

May 14 - Today we visited one of the leading law firms in Turkey, Mehmet Gun and Partners. This law firm is the best IP law firm and one of the top corporate and litigation law firms in the country. Mehmet is the founder and managing partner, and he gave a general discussion on doing business in Turkey, macro economic policy and EU accession issues. Pablo asked lots of questions on economic

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-3376958006067992302009-05-13T06:57:00.003-04:002009-05-13T09:17:56.767-04:00

From EMBA 21 - Prague and IstanbulJust finished up lunch at the Topkapi Palace on the water (Sultan's palace). Absolutely beautiful day and country. We spent the morning touring the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Museum. Amazing historical architecture. Heading to the Grand Bazaar to practice the negotiation techniques Professor Khan taught us in Res Week 3. If we get taken, we're charging him!

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-6797804311367421462009-05-12T13:00:00.002-04:002009-05-12T15:43:15.833-04:00

Dinner tonight in Istanbul. At Haci Ba Ba having some Efes And Hitidi. Great Turkish resturaunt with apparently negotiable prices. Putting Brad Coletti in charge of negotiations.Dylan Green's Live Turkish Band ReviewWe have no idea what these guys are singing, but everyone seems to really like it!

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-89269249169182381432009-05-12T04:05:00.001-04:002009-05-12T09:38:51.342-04:00

Down safe in Munich. Layover time. The apfelstrudel is a big hit with everyone.

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-70772171248057211932009-05-11T19:37:00.000-04:002009-05-12T09:28:21.481-04:00

After a few celebratory toasts at Houlihans, Emba 21 is about to board flight 425 to Munich en route to Istanbul! We're all excited and ready to go.

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-48930812813248002882009-05-07T10:40:00.000-04:002009-05-08T15:37:19.532-04:00

The EMBA 21 class, faculty, and staff are preparing for their International Residence Week in Istanbul, Turkey and Prague, Czech Republic. The trip takes place May 11-21, 2009. Stay tuned for updates and pictures from the trip.

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-89834315584945237882008-05-21T09:17:00.001-04:002008-05-21T09:17:26.179-04:00

Struck by how nice the people we meet in Japan and China were. The people involved in the site visits generously gave their time. It was a privilege to get an insider’s perspective. The class put a lot of effort in and we received a lot back. Traveling light worked out well.Thank you to everyone involved.

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-71458926012752022422008-05-21T09:16:00.001-04:002008-06-23T11:14:28.904-04:00

Last morningGroup going to Beijing leaves early. Another trip to Old Town. Pretty good at negotiating now. You know you are getting closer to the real price when the say “you must be joking” and when they do not follow you when you walk away.Drive to AirportConstruction continues to amaze. Is this happening all over China? High speed train zips past. Currently being extended to Beijing. Looks

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-69807426322279139312008-05-21T09:14:00.000-04:002008-06-23T11:15:07.580-04:00

Preparation for final presentationGet up early to get presentation done. Takes longer than we thought. Basic model looks good, though learnings from the site visits mean we make some adjustments.Old TownHave time to do some shopping. Go down to Old Town. Try negotiating. Feel like we are getting good prices but not sure. Sometimes they say yes too quickly. Looking to buy two Chinese dolls for

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-27990028714506398482008-05-21T09:13:00.000-04:002008-06-23T11:20:09.696-04:00

SuzhouA Singapore/China partnership. Lakes with great views and fresh air. New apartment building and malls going up everywhere. Feels like Florida.Black and DeckerThe birth place of tools. Discussion of all the current risks for the operation. China still beats Vietnam despite the rising costs and strength of currency. Assembly plant. Lean sigma being implemented.Johnson and JohnsonGreenfield

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-84902186545825339702008-05-21T09:11:00.000-04:002008-06-23T11:18:22.466-04:00

Shanghai Children's Medical CenterChina’s number one Children’s Hospital. Photos of a visit from the Clintons.Staff is backing Hillary.Donations allowed from foreign firms but not from domestic Chinese. Insurance for Children in Shanghai costs 47 RMB for a year. About the cost of a beer at the hotel. Impressive facility. Staff work hard. Achieve 3X the throughput of Boston Children's

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-15377453466546616192008-05-21T09:10:00.000-04:002008-06-23T11:17:18.575-04:00

First impressions of Shanghai: People on the street aggressively selling Rolex. Copy Mall selling fake Samsonite is right next to real Samsonite store. Luxury brands everywhere on Nanjing Road. Wonder about sales volume. Plenty of luxury cards on the road. All the taxis from VW. Clearly the early winner. Buicks everywhere. Nervous about food poisoning. McDonald’s, KFC and Pizza Hut all over the

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-19029477359389304892008-05-21T09:06:00.002-04:002008-06-24T08:27:09.683-04:00

Visa for ChinaOne student did not need a visa. Unfortunately, that changed two weeks before we got there.No flexibility (just like any other country). Student booked on the next flight out in the morning. Good lesson for everyone on importance of checking everything twice before departing on international travel. Two of our friends gone. Not a good feeling.Arriving in ShanghaiHuge new airport --

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-5876347988868718202008-05-21T09:06:00.001-04:002008-05-21T09:10:37.084-04:00

Great experience. A unique culture. Very nice people. Amazing how many people speak English.Class is divided on whether they would want to live and work in Japan because of the homogenous nature of society. See examples of men in suits coming out of bars and restaurants late at night. Hear accounts that the younger generation is working toward striking a better home-work balance though. It will

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-54454360428812634072008-05-21T08:58:00.000-04:002008-06-23T11:08:59.458-04:00

Ota Floriculture AuctionTokyo traffic catches up with us. A little late so the tour has to move fast. 2 million units sold a day. Second largest floriculture auction in the world after Holland. Dutch Reverse auction is new to most people. The clock starts high. A bidder stops the clock and can buy what they want at that price. The clock (price) starts reducing again until another bidder starts

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-16245707003878249622008-05-21T08:57:00.000-04:002008-06-23T11:10:55.371-04:00

Bullet TrainEarly rise for the bullet train to Nagoya. Nice to have some leg room. Japan starts looking like Holland. Lots of Greenhouses and paddy fields. Striking to see how flat this part of Japan is – not too many tall trees anywhere. Also see some interesting Japanese architecture with the unique roof lines and shingles. Houses seemed to have no yards – wonder where the kids played. Golf

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8097652241227437078.post-54707203110224073632008-05-09T06:28:00.000-04:002008-05-13T15:04:14.262-04:00

Departure:The flight left on time. 12 hours-- or 48 for one of us, due to a problem with the aircraft. Traveling over Alaska and the Bering Strait. You could imagine the same rugged artic landscape extending on into Siberia. Instant noodles for lunch showed how air travel has changed. First day with black sweater, white t-shirt and blue jeans, packed lightly - may need to wear this again.Arrival:

Boston University School of Management EMBAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17016573618305860842noreply@blogger.com0