2023 Cohort
6
edits
Changes
<br />
=2023 Strategic Priorities=
==='''Strategy #1 Bilingual Networking Event'''===
===='''Background:'''====
This idea of Bilingual Networking Event originated during our discussion about how we might “Promote Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” as outlined in one of the five criteria used for creating the Landscape Canvas. Sophia University currently has multiple initiatives and activities aimed at encouraging students in pursuing their interests in various fields, of which a few feature aspects related to Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E). Events such as Yotsuya Hatch, a business pitch contest hosted by Sophia Start-Up Club, and Hult Prize, an annual global start-up competition, are some of the examples showing there are people in Sophia who are interested in this field. However, despite the implementations of such contests, we concluded that there is a lack of sufficiency in the current resources provided for students at campus to practice I&E. How might we help those start-up and innovation enthusiasts connect to others with the same mindset, so that they can interact and come up with ideas more powerful than any other groups? This is where our Bilingual Networking Event comes in, and based on our interactions with potential users, we concluded that startup enthusiasts are really in need of having the opportunity to meet with the same-minded people as well as real entrepreneurs at their university. In addition, since we want to open this opportunity to everyone at campus, including both Japanese and International Students, we decided to make it into a Bilingual Networking Event, where there will be support from staff to assist with language barriers.
===='''Structure:'''====
The most important aspect of this project is the way we approach each stakeholder and the relationships we build with each of them. First, as for the approach to students, we will focus from the perspective of supporting their careers. Students should be approached first and foremost from the perspective of supporting their own careers, and should be relatively tolerant of students who may present a higher barrier if approached from the perspective of I & E. Secondly as for the entrepreneurs, we would let them use it as a place to test their products and to encourage career adoption. Third, for professors, it would be better to target professors, especially those doing I & E research. This way, there is a possibility that the project itself can be tied to their research. Fourth, regarding university staff, in light of Sophia University's policy, we think it would be better to have them enter the project from a career perspective. These are just hypotheses, and we believe that these can be tested and adjusted again and again in the future to make the project more stable.
===='''Steps:'''====
#Gather as a team and define what the goal of each program will be and set a concrete content of the program.
#For each program there will be a specific persona that we would want to approach, so define them.
#Contact the campus representative and ask for the availability of the venue, and set the date of the event.
#Ask for companies, schools and entrepreneurs for funds, and indicate that as for a return they would have an opportunity to get intouch with international students and also will have an opportunity to do a presentation regarding their business.
#As all stakeholders are clear, map out the plans for all action that will be taken until the day of the event.
#Create an agenda list for the members and assign the tasks.
#Promote the event via instagram, school paper, and any advertising channels.
#Create an image design for the event and make a registration page on peatix.
#Prepare name badges for participants with their names and organizations, promote the information of experts in advance (SNS, Email, etc…) to increase participation.
#Depending on the budget, arrange a catering service that suits the event’s theme and duration while taking in mind the dietary restrictions and allergies.
#The leaders should communicate well and efficiently with each other, and make sure that all plans and logistics are in the right place before the day of the event.
#On the day of the event, implement various ice-breaking activities and interactive workshops to facilitate networking opportunities.
#Gather feedback from participants at the end of the event through Google Forms.
#Send a follow-up email to all participants, including students, to say thank them for coming.
#Analyze the success of our event based on the objectives we set, such as, offering students the opportunity to network, etc…
#Learn the key lessons that are received from the feedback, and plan for the challenges of the future.<br />
==='''Strategy #2 Japanese Innovation & Entrepreneurship Course'''===
===='''Background:'''====
Sophia University offers a variety of opportunities for students to engage in I&E, such as through classes, activities, and many more. However, many international students in Sophia University are seen to frequently participate and actively engage with it, while large numbers of Japanese students do not. Moreover, the likely reason for this participation shortage is caused by the lack of awareness and value of I&E among many Japanese students. Though there are Japanese students who are seen to be keen on I&E, they both lack resources to explore I&E in depth. To support students in Sophia University to continuously support their I&E journey, and spark interest in the concept to those who are unaware, our group is interested in making a website solely about I&E. In the end, we want to be a resource hub that enables students to not only learn about I&E, but also take actions in being involved and creating an impact.
===='''Structure:'''====
We will have professors and students engaged in I&E to participate in the project. Firstly, as we will offer information (e.g: What is I&E, its values, etc.) regarding I&E, professors who are teaching or involved in any I&E classes or activities will cooperate in strengthening the importance of the concept. Moreover, as many professors are teaching in English and Japanese, we will have them promote the website as much as possible, or offer the source for students to use in their research. For students, there are many involved in projects including Hult Prize and UIF. Our website is willing to offer students on the Sophia campus with activities that unleash their potential and interest in I&E, and we will have students engaging in I&E to support this process by having their organizations, circles, clubs, etc. be sponsored on our website. In addition, if there are upcoming events or activities within these groups, we would like that information to be posted on our website to encourage students to engage.
===='''Steps:'''====
#Conduct a survey & collect opinions regarding I&E from students and faculty members.
#Identify clubs, circles, and organizations within Sophia University actively/being involved in I&E.
#Recruit professors and students that are willing to support the project by offering information about their activities and knowledge.
#Receive feedback from stakeholders on information that can be included on the website.
#Creating a website, and getting feedback from a larger number of students and professors.
#Adjust the website according to professors and students' feedback; discuss with professors for possible improvements.
#Revise, and repeat 6.
<br />
==='''Strategy #3 Create a Design Thinking (DS) course as part of the Data Science program to enable students to acquire and learn DS'''===
===='''Background:'''====
Sophia University has realized the need for data science and has successfully expanded its required courses and accompanying courses over the past few years, adding numerous courses. It has greatly improved the bottom line of students' abilities in quantitative aspects. Here, I strongly believe that design thinking should be integrated. The significance of design thinking is that it takes a user-first approach, which develops the qualitative ability to understand problems and needs. This foundation of thinking is also the foundation of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and I believe that it is of great significance for young students to gain learning experiences to understand the concept of Design Thinking before they form their careers, in order to live in the complex world of the future.
===='''Structure:'''====
・Benefits to Stakeholders
・Who are stakeholders→university and data science program officials
(i) Making it a subject in the data science program makes it easier to gain cooperation with existing Data Science programs.
(ii) They can also better emphasize the significance of a subject already existing by marketing design thinking.
・Potential needs
University leadership wants to attract good students and researchers and to keep Sophia education competitive and attractive, students want to acquire the skills that better prepare them for the challenges ahead, etc. But they all share in common that they are Sophia’s who work towards solving the wicked problems that challenges us at different levels.
・Benefits to students
(i) Developing both quantitative and qualitative skills since it is assumed that most students interested in data science will take it because the course is expected to be taken after the required Data science class.
・How to appeal to students with "no prerequisite knowledge" (motivation for students to participate)(i) Have a brief presentation announcing the course posted on Moodle for the final Overview of Data Science session.
(ii) Adding an overview of the course to the existing UIF website may attract students who have already read the existing articles and are interested in the course.
・Timeframe/Implementation costs
(i) 1 to 2 years required (course materials, content, and application, etc.)/cost of inviting lecturers and creating course materials
・Identify resources
(i) Seek help from data science program departments
Factors: (know-how, advice, voluntary cooperation, information, further stakeholder contacts)
(They have started from scratch within the last year, advertising on all media such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, posting ads at the bus stop in front of the university, and opening a data science clinic)
====Steps====
1) Refine and radically revise the plan
2) Discuss at the meeting and gain inputs from cohort
3) (Before the stakeholder meeting, ask several stakeholders "what they think, "reality", and "setbacks". Depending on the degree of feedback, go back to 1).
4) Execution (project start)
=2022 Strategic Priorities=
==='''Strategy #1 Japanese Innovation & Entrepreneurship Course'''===
===='''Background:'''====
It could be said that Sophia University overall lacks classes or activities with entrepreneurship-related themes, especially those offered in Japanese. Through interviews, it became clear that Japanese students are not aware of the importance and value of I&E. It also seems like the goal of a typical Japanese university student is to go through the job hunting process and graduate, for which taking classes of interest is not a high priority nor a motivation. However, as the definition and aims of I&E are explained, Japanese students seemed to be open to learning more about these skills as they saw how this could be applied in daily life inside and outside the university. The lack of opportunities in Japanese medium has unfortunately limited their opportunities to be more involved with I&E courses/events. Thus, by making a Japanese I&E course and increasing accessibility of this, it is hoped to encourage and boost awareness and experience of I&E on campus, particularly among Japanese students.
===='''Structure:'''====
Collaboration with professors will be key for this project. Because there are more English-based I&E courses taught by foreign professors on campus, it is ideal to invite Japanese professors to teach similar content but in Japanese. However, as the concept of I&E may not be so established in Japan, looking for foreign professors who currently teach I&E courses in English who can speak Japanese may also bring new insight and contexts. This will require administrative work and will be a long-term project, yet planning with collaborators seems promising to increase the opportunities to engage with I&E.
===='''Steps:'''====
#Conduct a survey and collect opinions regarding I&E from students and faculty members from the Japanese-speaking departments
#Identify the need for implementing I&E courses (according to survey results)
#Recruit professors that are willing to support the implementation of this project and present them the set purpose and goals
#Address the idea to professors to receive feedback and comments
#Discuss with Japanese-track professors / foreign I&E professors about possible I&E courses that could be implemented in the Japanese language
#Create a sample syllabus with professors
#Test the idea by creating mock I&E courses course on campus (university-wide)
#Get Japanese students' feedback on the mock course
#Adjust the syllabus according to students' feedback; discuss with professors for possible improvements
#Test the idea again (revised mock I&E courses)
#Get Japanese students' feedback on the revised mock course
#Final adjustments/discussion with professors & board members
#Put forward the class syllabus and plan to the administration in charge
#Official implementation of the New Course
==='''Strategy #2: Sophia International Society (SIS)'''===
===='''Background:'''====
Sophia University offers three English-taught programs–The Faculty of Liberal Arts (FLA), the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), and the Sophia Program for Sustainable Futures (SPSF)–creating a vibrant and diverse environment for students to engage in academic and social events. However, as research through interviews with English program students was conducted, many students expressed a lack of fulfillment in their university life, as interactions between students as well as faculty members from the English-taught programs are limited and lacking. Moreover, the impact of the COVID pandemic further exacerbated the experience of loneliness and social isolation among students, making many lack a sense of belonging to Sophia University. Therefore, the establishment of the “Sophia International Society” is aimed to foster effective communication, improve integration between English-taught program students, and amplify diverse voices from students and faculty members in order to create a friendly and safe space for English-speaking students.
===='''Structure:'''====
Students in the English-taught programs will be the center of the Sophia International Society and will organize SIS with the help of student leaders elected from each department and year. Within SIS, student leaders will work in different committees, such as the public relations and events committees, along with other student members. They will carry out projects for both students and professors could lead, join, and take part in. In this way, students will feel more connected with their peers and professors as they work on various projects that can bring positive changes to SIS and our campus. Social and interactive events such as grouped lunch sessions, outings to explore Tokyo, and career seminars may also be held by SIS and will be open to all students and faculty members from the university. It is important to note that the Sophia International Society does not intend to exclude non-English program students from participating in SIS events and activities, but rather simply emphasize on the use of the English language. SIS is also envisioned to be the bridge between English-taught and Japanese-taught programs so that further integration can be made on campus in the future.
===='''Steps:'''====
#Talk to Prof. Maruyama and other faculty members about the possibility of creating the Sophia International Society
#Gather group opinions/thoughts on ideas (e.g. SPSF, FLA, FST)
#Send recruitment survey to find students from each department
#Organize a meeting to discuss the possibility and brainstorm ideas for this committee
#Create mission, structure/framework and functions of the organization
#Create group hangouts/calls with departments to discuss
#Send out survey for to gains student voices on the solutions
#Prototype one of the solutions
#Enact one of the functions outlined by the group (e.g. group meeting with all of SPSF, guest lecture, website, information gathering)
##Assess prototype solution completion - was it successful/unsuccessful?
##Consider further improvements, functions and/or re-structuring
#Create review framework on the topic
#Recruit members to sustain the SIS
#Official implementation of the SIS
==='''Strategy #3: Sustainable Bento: Making good use of food surplus'''===
===='''Background:'''====
From cafeterias, food trucks, and to cafés, there are many food options available to students and faculty members at Sophia University. However, throughout the campus research conducted by the team, it was clear a great amount of edible food that was thrown away in cafeterias. As food loss and food waste become increasingly severe issues at a global scale, edible food going to waste in cafeterias indeed does not seem ideal. Therefore, with this initial goal of solving food surplus in mind, a survey pertaining to this issue was created and 99 responses from students across different departments were received. According to the survey results, many students are aware of the issue of food surplus and are also keen to solve it for the betterment of the campus. Surprisingly, there is a high demand for food options available after 15:00 on campus, as there are few to none. With this situation, a brainstorming idea was that of selling “Sustainable Bentos”, which can not only solve the problem of food waste but can also offer food options for students as well as faculty members after lunchtime, therefore helping Sophians to stay energized throughout the day at university.
===='''Structure:'''====
The sustainable bentos are envisioned to include edible food that was not sold during the cafeterias’ opening hours and to be sold at a later time at a cheaper price. Although not concretized, part of the profit could go to the student staff selling them and the rest to the cafeterias. It is envisioned to collaborate with the University’s Asset Management office to understand the backgrounds behind each of the 4 cafeterias and 2 cafes on campus and to work together with the office to facilitate this project in each of these places.
===='''Steps:'''====
#Research on food management ecosystem and stakeholders on campus
#Interview students (for demand) and main stakeholders (regarding supply side)
#Identify the key pain point
#Think of solutions to tackle the key issue
#Conduct survey with students and faculty for feedback on the ideas
#Conduct a stakeholder meeting to propose the project idea
#Collaborate with stakeholders throughout the project-making process
#Prototype the final chosen solution
#Survey students and faculty for feedback on idea to make improvements
#Refine the prototype with feedback from stakeholders and users
#Recruit members to sustain the project
#Official Implementation of the project
==='''Strategy #4: Create an I&E startup collaboration hub'''===
===='''Background:'''====
Sophia University does not seem to have many opportunities for students to interact with those working, especially in the I&E area. Many Japanese students are not familiar with this concept and do not know its use of it either. Additionally, unfortunately, in Japanese society, university students in their 3rd and 4th year in the job hunting process often merely look into big companies. They are not so interested nor aware of the venture or startup businesses. For this, having the opportunity to interact with people involved in such initiatives may open new doors and options for their job hunting process as well as allow them to generally gain new experiences. By closing the distance between ventures/startups and students, and simultaneously making use of open spaces on campus for such activities, it is hoped that I&E becomes more present even merely as a concept on campus.
===='''Structure:'''====
What is envisioned for this collaboration hub is ventures and startups utilizing the empty classrooms available on campus, especially on weekends and long holidays for a lower than the market price or for free, in exchange for opportunities for Sophia students to participate in these activities and meetings. Through this, the incoming of diverse startups and ventures will help to promote innovation and entrepreneurship on campus as it enables new opportunities to enter Sophia university’s door, for which students and faculty can benefit intellectually and socially in regards to the expansion of connection and self-exploration for their job-hunting or graduate school journey.
===='''Steps:'''====
#Research and connect with stakeholders that have connections to space management
#Ask Sophia about their usage of space and campus, especially Bld.15
#Look for open spaces that could be effectively utilized, especially during the weekends
#Plan further stakeholder meetings
#Think about how we can ensure safety (membership card could be an option) and how students will be able to engage with them
#Make a plan of action
#Recruit people that will be willing to use the space (find a website to post this and promote it with the consent of the university)
#Collaborate with start-ups related to I&E and negotiate with them to offer service to Sophia students in return
#Organize and have a test run
#Analyze what went well and how we can improve in order to react and respond
#Official implementation
=2021 Strategic Priorities=
Curriculum: (1 Quarter = 8 weeks = Length of Summer break)
First Week: 1. - Design Thinking Introduction: What is its purpose or its effect? Why is it important? Where can it be used or applied? 2. - Explain the steps to design thinking.
Second Week: 1. Design Thinking Brainstorming. 2. Analyze Design Thinking Model Projects and how creators apply their knowledge to solve problems. 3. Guest Speaker Invitation.
- Design Thinking Brainstorming - Analyze Design Thinking Model Projects and how creators apply their knowledge to solve problems - Guest Speaker Invitation Third Week: 1. - Analysis of the competition theme. 2. - Introduce participants to resources the University provides. 3. - Group brainstorming.
End of Base Design Thinking Introduction Program
Fourth-Eighth Week
Group Check-Ins, Prototyping, Testing, Refining, Preparation for competition, Creating presentations and slides.
Competition Week
5. Create an online presence for the project.
5. Pilot Open Walls For Innovation Week