GSBA 582 - PRIME

Professor Baizhu Chen

This section examines how firms compete and innovate within the world's second-largest economy, emphasizing industrial upgrading, technological innovation, and global competitiveness. With a focus on Beijing's role as China's political, technological, and innovation center and Shanghai's position as its financial, commercial, and global business hub, students analyze how government policy, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and advanced manufacturing shape corporate strategy. Applying MBA frameworks in an international context, students complete pre-trip coursework, a week-long field study with visits to leading companies, government agencies, and innovation ecosystems, and a post-trip consulting project culminating in a management report on how China's evolving business environment influences strategic decision-making and global competition.

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Professor Selahattin (Selo) Imrohoroglu

This section applies core business concepts to analyze how major forces—digital transformation, productivity and growth, trade disruptions, regulation and geopolitics, aging and automation, and advances in innovation and artificial intelligence—are reshaping industries, firms, and national strategy in Japan. Pre-trip sessions cover Japan's economic history and outlook, business culture and etiquette, language, and consumer behavior, preparing students for an immersive week of field study in Tokyo. There, students meet directly with executives at leading companies to see how firms are responding to these forces, while working in teams on projects addressing real-world challenges facing business in Japan.

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Professor Greg Patton and Professor Pete Cardon

This section examines the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on business, leadership, and global competition. Centered on Singapore as a leading hub for AI, technology, and innovation, students explore how organizations adopt and scale AI to drive value and strategic advantage. Through participation in signature events—including the USC Marshall AI Globe Summit, Tech Forum, and a global case competition at the National University of Singapore—students engage with industry leaders and emerging trends. Combining pre-trip preparation with a week-long field study, the course emphasizes cross-cultural teamwork, hands-on application, and direct exposure to Singapore’s dynamic AI ecosystem.

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 *** If you have class conflicts with Wednesday AI Camps, please contact Prof. Patton and Prof. Cardon immediately.

Professor Baizhu Chen

This section examines how nations build and evolve competitive advantage, emphasizing industry innovation, upgrading, and movement along global value chains. With a focus on Southeast Asia’s geographic advantage as a regional hub for trade, investment, and multinational activity, students analyze cases such as Singapore’s shift to high-tech leadership and Thailand’s strengths in agriculture, tourism, and emerging EV production. Applying MBA frameworks in an international context, students complete pre-trip coursework, a week-long field study with company and government visits, and a post-trip consulting project culminating in a management report on how country-specific factors shape business strategy.

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Professor Scott Abrams

This section explores the rapid transformation of the global media and entertainment industry, driven by streaming platforms, digital technologies, shifting consumer preferences, and the globalization of content. Focusing on Seoul and Hong Kong as key centers of media innovation and cultural export, students examine how Asian markets shape industry trends, monetization models, and cross-border distribution. Topics include digital disruption, strategic mergers and acquisitions, and the challenges of sustaining growth in a digital ecosystem. Through pre-trip coursework, a week-long field study, and a team-based consulting project, students engage with industry leaders and analyze how firms adapt strategy and compete in an interconnected global market.

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Professor Joseph Nunes

This section explores the rapid growth of the experience economy as companies push beyond products to meet the growing demand for immersive and engaging in-real-life (IRL) experiences. As firms increasingly invest in immersive dining, competitive socializing, interactive retail and museums, transformational wellness services, and new forms of entertainment, students will examine why and how experiences have become the best way to communicate brand meaning, build emotional connections, generate social buzz, and create competitive advantages that are difficult to replicate. London is a global hub for experience innovation, providing an ideal setting to examine the roles of immersive design, storytelling, and emerging technologies – including virtual, augmented, and mixed reality – in shaping next-generation experiences. Through pre-trip coursework, a week-long field study, and a client-based project, students analyze how designers, producers, and brands create, market, and scale compelling experiences in a competitive global marketplace.

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