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Graduate School of Business Administration (GSBA)

In 1902, the former Kobe Higher Commercial School was established as the second public school in Japan dedicated to commerce studies. Alongside two other educational institutions, it played a pivotal role as a leading academic institution in this field.

Building upon this rich heritage, Kobe University was founded in 1949 and became the first university in Japan to establish a Faculty of Business Administration, with a strong emphasis on management and accounting disciplines. Since its inception, the university has been committed to advancing research and education in the realm of business administration.

As the pioneering business administration school in Japan, the Graduate School of Business Administration holds a distinguished history and occupies a significant position in the academic landscape. The school offers a range of programs, including a Ph.D. Program, an MBA Program, and an Undergraduate Program, providing students with the opportunity to pursue their individual goals and aspirations.

The Graduate School of Business Administration is dedicated to nurturing exceptional talent, fostering cutting-edge research, and equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the dynamic business world. By providing a comprehensive and diverse curriculum, the school strives to empower students to become innovative and socially responsible leaders.

As a student at the Graduate School of Business Administration, you will benefit from a rich academic tradition, access to renowned faculty members, and a supportive learning environment. The programs offered are designed to cultivate critical thinking, analytical abilities, and practical skills, enabling you to make a meaningful impact in the business sphere.

Join us at the Graduate School of Business Administration, where you can become part of our distinguished history, embrace new opportunities, and pursue your academic and professional goals with confidence and excellence.

Our English-taught Postgraduate Programs

Welcome to our English-taught postgraduate program at Graduate School of Business Administration, Kobe University, where we have been at the forefront for over 10 years. As one of the pioneering universities in Japan to offer an English-taught postgraduate program in management, we have gained extensive experience and continuously refined our curriculum to develop talented individuals who can make significant contributions to the global business and academic arenas.

Our journey began in 2013 with the launch of the SESAMI Program (Strategic Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Alliance Management Initiatives),” comprising both Master’s and Ph.D. programs. With a focus on advancing knowledge and practice in strategic entrepreneurship and sustainability alliance management, we have built a solid foundation of expertise across various management disciplines.

Following the resounding success of the SESAMI Program, we expanded our offerings in April 2015 by transforming the SESAMI Master’s Program into Global Master Programs. Collaborating with the faculties of Economics and Law, we broadened the scope of studies and fortified our commitment to global leadership education.
All while upholding our primary objective of advancing knowledge and practice in strategic entrepreneurship and sustainability alliance management, the GMAP in Management places special emphasis on three key areas: developing advanced expertise, fostering analytical skills, and cultivating effective management strategies.

As our program has evolved, we have nurtured fruitful collaborations with prestigious international universities, capitalizing on the extensive research network of the Graduate School of Business Administration at Kobe University, including partnerships with some of the world’s leading business schools. Through these collaborations, we invite world-class professors as guest lecturers and facilitate joint lectures with our esteemed faculty members at Kobe University. Our students immerse themselves in cutting-edge business administration, leading to remarkable career growth in academia, business, government, research, and consulting firms.

Building on the strengths of our previous program, we are thrilled to introduce our latest endeavor: KIMAP in Management! Our program is designed to empower students to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape, where the boundaries between disciplines are increasingly blurred. Join us at KIMAP in Management and embark on a transformative journey that will shape your future. Explore the possibilities that await you, expand your horizons, and join a vibrant community of learners and innovators. Together, let’s push the boundaries of knowledge and drive positive change in the world.

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message from the dean

Katsuhiko Kokubu

Since its inception in 1902, the Graduate School of Business Administration has been a vital force in both academia and the business realm, establishing itself as a hub for management studies in Japan. The introduction of our English-taught postgraduate program in 2013 has marked a decade of diverse enrollment, welcoming students from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Japan. With graduates successfully completing the Master’s program and some advancing to the Ph.D. level, the curriculum also nurtures collaborative research opportunities with esteemed lecturers and faculty members.

At the core of our program lies an unwavering commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. In a world growing increasingly intricate, this program equips you to seamlessly blend diverse perspectives, fostering not just innovation, but also furnishing you with the skillset to navigate intricate landscapes. This synthesis propels you as a trailblazer in an interconnected world. Here, knowledge isn’t just transferred; it’s cultivated. You’re encouraged to delve deeply into the realms of business acumen and strategy. As you navigate the program, you’ll sharpen advanced problem-solving skills, setting yourself apart as a savvy business leader poised to tackle the challenges of today’s corporate landscape.

To our esteemed KIMAP students, as you embark on this transformative journey, remember that you’re not merely absorbing knowledge – you’re crafting a legacy of value creation. The Graduate School of Business Administration stands as your launchpad, poised to propel you into a realm of boundless opportunities. Armed with insights, acumen, and unwavering determination, you’ll shape the future of business. Your voyage begins here, where tradition and innovation meld seamlessly, and the pursuit of knowledge knows no bounds.

message from the director

Yan Ma

A warm welcome to the transformative journey that is the Graduate School of Business Administration. As you embark on this educational odyssey, you become part of a legacy that began in 1902, shaping the very landscape of management studies in Japan.

Our commitment to academic excellence and innovation shines brightly through our history, and it’s with immense pride that we present to you the English-taught master’s program launched in 2013. Over the past decade, we’ve had the privilege of hosting a diverse student body hailing from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and, of course, Japan. This cultural amalgamation enriches our classrooms, fostering an environment where global perspectives seamlessly merge.

Guided by our distinguished faculty, who possess expertise across a spectrum of disciplines, you’re poised to receive not just education, but an immersive experience that empowers you to become leaders in the ever-evolving business world.

At the heart of our program lies the pioneering KIMAP initiative, a bridge between domestic prowess and international acumen. It’s a fusion of ideas that transcends boundaries, embodying the ethos of interdisciplinary collaboration. As you embark on this remarkable journey, you’ll find that we don’t just transfer knowledge; we nurture it. Our program sharpens your business acumen, refines your problem-solving skills, and propels you towards becoming astute leaders primed to excel in the dynamic corporate sphere.

Our Faculty

Explore in-depth faculty profiles here.