Greetings from Tokyo, Japan. I have just returned from my third visit to Sofia where I conducted lectures in Marketing Management, Global Marketing and Japanese Management Style. I am honored to be associated with the MSDC project since its inception of the pilot program. It has been a very pleasant experience for me to have the opportunity to help develop management skills for Bulgarian business people. I found the course takers to be very committed to learning new skills.
My teaching philosophy is to integrate theories with practices. Managers should have a sound background in theories as they are useful in analyzing and interpreting complex business realities to uncover the universal principle. Understanding of theories enables managers to apply them to solving their business problems and make right decisions. There is nothing so practical as a good theory. However, just learning theories is eating Shopska Salad without Rakia. Thus, in order to ensure course takers’ understanding of sound theories as expressed in basic principles and methodologies, I show examples of both good and bad practices based on my 30 year business experience. In this respect, I am happy to share my own experience of having been associated with such world class brands as Levi’s and Coca-Cola. In addition, I organize a class discussion on mini cases where course takers can exercise their ability to apply theories to a real business case.
As the world becomes increasingly global under the capitalistic market economy system, so is the need for managers who are competent in managing businesses in an increasingly competitive environment. The MSDC Project at IPS precisely addresses such a need and its mission is critical for future success and growth for Bulgaria and its neighboring countries.