Keynote Speakers

Keynote Speakers


Prof. Kuan-Chou Chen
Purdue University Northwest, USA

 

Kuan-Chou Chen is the Associate Dean for Graduate Program and Research, Thomas M. McDermott Sr. Endowed Chair, Professor in Economic Development, Professor of Management Information Systems. He was the Department Head of Information Systems, Finance, and Business Analytics (2005-2016), as well as Interim Department Head of Department of Graduate Studies in Education (2013-2014) at Purdue University Northwest. He received his Ph.D. from Michigan State University and his MBA from National Cheng-Kung University in Taiwan. He specialized in computer programming, system simulation, project management, decision support systems, data mining, system analysis and design, e-business strategy and application, supply chain management, network design and security, knowledge management, and information economy. Professor Chen has more than 90 scholarly publications, most in peer-reviewed journals. He is an active participant in several professional journals and serves on three paper reviewer boards. Currently he is an Editor-in-Chief of International Journal of e-Education, e-Business, e-Management and e-Learning. His productivity and scholarship have been recognized by his colleagues, being nominated three years in a row for an “Outstanding Scholar Award.” He also the recipient of Teacher of the Year Award (Purdue University Northwest, 2005).

 

Title: Artificial Intelligence in higher education

 

Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI), which was a curiosity for generations, is rapidly developing into a major applied technology with many applications in a variety of fields. This presentation examines the applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education, focusing on its potential to enhance teaching, learning, and professional development. AI technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics offer innovative solutions to address the evolving needs of college students and educators. The paper reviews current AI applications in higher education, including intelligent tutoring systems, adaptive learning platforms, plagiarism detection tools, and student support systems. It also discusses challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of AI in higher education, addressing issues such as data privacy, ethical considerations, and the need for faculty development. By integrating AI into higher education, institutions can prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a rapidly changing job market landscape, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability.

 

 

Assoc. Prof. Mitsunori Hirogaki
Kyushu University, Japan

 

Biography

Mitsunori Hirogaki graduated with a Bachelor of Science: Commerce from Doshisha University and pursued his Master's Degree in Commerce and Ph.D.: Commerce from Kobe University. Dr. Hirogaki is currently an Associate Professor of Marketing Strategy at Kyushu University, Graduate School of Economics, Department of Business and Technology Management (QBS Business School), where he teaches Marketing Strategy and International Marketing. He also teaches marketing research and consumer behavior at Ehime University.
He has served as an administrator in various capacities at Kyushu University and as one of the professors in various training programs dealing with Marketing in short-term executive programs, an Introductory Education Program for Freshman MBA students, and a regular feature on QTnet "Morning Business School" radio educational program aired by FM Fukuoka, and at Nikkei Business School. As a member of a research group at the Center for the Study of the Creative Economy (Doshisha University), he works with big data analysis to construct systems that identify seeds of innovation. Dr. Hirogaki’s current research focuses on Cross-Cultural Consumer Behavior in international marketing and marketing strategies in mature, developed societies. He has published numerous papers in international journals such as International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management; International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research; International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business; Micro and Macro Marketing; International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation; and International Journal of Business and Globalisation. He is a member of the Japanese Economic Association, Japan Society of Marketing and Distribution, Kyushu Association of Economic Science, and Japan Association for Consumer Studies.

 

Title: TBA

 

Abstract: Traditionally, Japanese companies relied on in-house training, including on-the-job training (OJT), which was often tied to lifelong employment. However, economic slowdowns and shifts in job trends have rendered OJT more challenging and constrained. Concurrently, there is a growing emphasis on employee development, particularly in advanced industries.
The Japanese government and major economic organizations advocate for the cultivation of "high-level management personnel." MBA programs play a crucial role in developing professionals with advanced skills to foster innovation within companies. However, there is a lack of research on MBA education in Japan. This speech will explore why corporate employees choose to pursue MBA programs.