[2024 Fall Semester New Faculty Interview] Professor Min Jung Kim – The Business School as a 'Laboratory for the Future'... A Place Where Students Can Experiment with Ideas and Solutions Freely

[2024 Fall Semester New Faculty Interview] Professor Min Jung Kim 

Korea University Business School (Dean: Eonsoo Kim) has appointed five new faculty members as of September 2024: Professors Baek Jung Kim (Marketing), Min Jung Kim (Strategy), Jongsoo Kim (Strategy), Hae Kang Lee (Finance), and Viacheslav Savitskiy (Global Business). In this context, the KU Business Journal interviewed the new faculty members to share their aspirations with readers. 

Q: Can you introduce your journey so far? 

A: Before joining Korea University Business School in the fall of 2024, I was a professor of strategy at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in the United States. My research primarily focuses on management strategy and global strategy, particularly on how external environments affect corporate technological innovation, strategy, and performance. 

Q: What motivated you to choose the path of an academic after graduating? 

A: I was deeply fascinated by the influence that management scholars can have. They explore the complex interactions among various elements within companies and society, elucidating the underlying mechanisms that shape our understanding of the world. Witnessing how academic achievements contribute to a deeper comprehension of these dynamics inspired me to engage in this process and make meaningful contributions. 

Q: What led you to join Korea University Business School? 

A: I chose Korea University Business School because I have a deep affection for it and want to grow alongside the institution where I learned so much. Korea University has provided me with invaluable opportunities for academic development, and I believe my education here has significantly shaped who I am today. I aspire to further my growth as a researcher and educator within the exceptional academic environment cultivated by the talented students and faculty at Korea University Business School, sharing what I have learned and advancing together. 

Q: What aspects of Korea University Business School do you find most appealing? 

A: I find the charm of Korea University Business School in its vibrant passion There is a constant pursuit of self-improvement, with students and faculty actively engaging in open dialogue and enthusiastically exploring new ideas. 

Q: What teaching methods do you employ as a faculty member? 

A: Understanding that it’s challenging for all students to fully grasp the course material right away, I focus on identifying and addressing the areas they find difficult by continuously asking questions and listening to their perspectives. I emphasize that while expressing their ideas can be difficult, the process is more important than getting the answers right or wrong. Incorrect answers often reveal thought processes and offer valuable learning opportunities, so I encourage students to share their opinions with confidence. 

Q: Can you introduce the courses you teach? 

A: I teach Management Strategy and International Management, with a focus on helping students develop the ability to flexibly apply theories to real-world situations, rather than simply conveying theoretical knowledge. Today's business environment is marked by uncertainties and unpredictable changes. 

For instance, challenges such as COVID-19, geopolitical conflicts, global supply chain instability, climate change, and rapid technological advancements present new issues that cannot be solved with existing strategies. In such an environment, students need not only the ability to understand and apply theories accurately but also the capacity to adapt strategies flexibly in response to changes. In my classes, I guide students in creatively utilizing various management tools and teach them how to continually evaluate and adjust strategies in a changing environment. Additionally, I aim to connect management theories with philosophical and humanistic inquiries, offering students opportunities to reflect on the social and human implications of corporate strategies. 

Q: What research achievements do you aspire to as a faculty member of Korea University Business School? 

A: I aim to continue and further develop my research on how external environments, particularly adverse conditions and changes within industrial clusters, impact corporate strategy, performance, and technological innovation. For instance, studying situations like product recalls ordered by regulatory agencies, policy uncertainty, trade wars, or the sudden contraction and growth of industrial clusters is crucial for understanding strategic decisions in industries where innovation is key. 

Through this research, I hope to provide insights into how companies can respond to rapidly changing environments and reconstruct their strategies for sustainable growth. This research could offer practical benefits for Korean companies facing complex challenges on the global stage, helping them make more informed strategic decisions. 

Q: You described Korea University Business School as a “laboratory for the future.” What inspired you to use this expression? 

A: This is a place where students have opportunities not only to learn academically, but also to experiment and explore strategies that can be applied in the real world. I believe Korea University Business School provides a space where students can freely test their ideas and solutions in a rapidly changing business environment. 

Additionally, Korea University has built a strong foundation for philosophical thinking and critical perspectives grounded in the humanities. This intellectual base naturally integrates with business studies, enabling students to approach complex problems from multiple angles. As a result, they develop the ability to devise flexible and innovative strategies informed by humanities insights, even in the face of changing circumstances. 

Q: How would you like to be remembered by your students as a professor? 

A: I hope my students discover the joy of learning through my classes, deepening their critical thinking and broadening their perspectives based on their enhanced analytical skills. While I strive to create a comfortable and enjoyable classroom atmosphere, I also aim to help them build a solid foundation for applying management thinking academically and in real life. Ultimately, I want to be remembered as a guide who helps them make meaningful choices not only in business and society but also in their lives.