by a Government official who serves for Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
I am always interested in someone talks and especially from the topic covered
import/export strategy, which is being discussed elsewhere at this moment.
It was a 2 hour long session and I cannot recall every piece of it, however,
I noted down three implications in which I can share with you here.
1). International Competitiveness
This simply tells that the stigma of "Japan has lost its competitiveness against the rest of world since
1990s". It is true and we must act now. I think everyone in the room were on same page with this.
2). Opportunities for the Young Business Elites
Related to the 1). Yet, from cultural/traditional point of view,
the Young Japanese business elites would less likely to work in international environment
consisted by multi-national/cultural backgrounds. Being an IT project member, I have a plenty
of opportunities like this. However, letting the young to manage the projects is not something
that Japanese usually do. In the meantime, I have seen project managers from Singapore, or other
countries. I will practically be assigned to business analyst, and/or project leader. Not formally, a
"project manager". Japan needs to push young business elites (not necessarily be a elite, but
why not start from an elite).
3). Need for Design Thinking/Systems Engineering Methodologies to Larger Platform
Design thinking (include architects, knowing that I am using the term too loosely)
is an important, or "essential", way to optimize the functionalities/interfaces/components.
It is based on "systemic thinking". See things as a system. For definition of system,
you can refer to the book below.
Now, INCOSE defines a system as not only of mechanical engineering, but as a larger entity.
Such as "social" systems.
The items that covered by the talks would sit comfortably with this "application of
systems engineering in a large entity (i.e. social systems)".
The steps should be;
a). Requirement Analysis
b). Concept of Operations
c). Design and Architect
d). Procure/Build
e). Verify and Validate
Note that the terms used may differ by individual cases.
Each steps are not separated; they are connected. they are reviewed. and they are tested.
The exit gate of each step is often called "decision gate".
In my business orientation, it is a management review committee, so-called steering committee.
Last but not least.
I will be taking extra-PMP(Project Management Professional) course in college, and
hopefully to acquire the certificate within this year.
My long term goal, is to be a "lazy project manager".
But for now, I have no choice.
I am, and will be the busy one.