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Roar to the World with the Spirit of the Red Tiger” …119th Commencement Ceremony of Korea University Business School Korea University Business School held their 119th Commencement Ceremony on February 25 at Inchon Memorial Hall. Degree recipients, along with their families, faculty, and guests from within and beyond the university, attended the ceremony to celebrate the graduates’ new journey. Even amid the solemn atmosphere, the ceremony was filled with anticipation for the future and a sense of joy. The commencement ceremony began with an academic report delivered by Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Chair of the Department of Business Administration, Hyun Seung Na. This was followed by a commencement address by Dean of the Business School, Eonsoo Kim, who shared words of encouragement and advice with the graduates. Dean Kim highlighted several recent achievements of the Business School and emphasized pride in their alma mater. The Business School ranked first in Korea in the Business and Economics category in the 2026 World University Rankings by THE, while also further demonstrating its global competitiveness by ranking 28th globally in Marketing and 42nd in Business and Management Studies in the QS World University Rankings by Subject. Dean Kim emphasized the importance of the ability to “learn how to learn” as a key competency needed in a rapidly changing era. He stated, “What matters more than the amount of knowledge is learning how to learn on one’s own,” and advised graduates, saying, “In this rapidly changing world, I hope you will maintain the attitude of ‘Learn how to Learn,’ going beyond simply acquiring knowledge to mastering the ability to learn independently.” Next, Youngseok Cheon, CEO of Twinny and a Business School alumnus (Class of 2000), delivered the congratulatory speech, sharing a sincere message as a senior business leader. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “What brought me to where I am today was not extraordinary genius, but the attitude of never stopping asking questions.” He added, “I hope you will lead this era of change by making decisions based on your own standards, rather than the standards set by the world.” He remarked, “Although business is a field that values efficiency, your life does not always have to be efficient,” and encouraged graduates by saying, “I hope you will discover your own ‘algorithm of happiness’—what truly brings you joy.” He concluded with a message of encouragement: “I hope you will roar toward the world with the spirit of the red tiger,” which drew great applause from the graduates and attendees. ▶ View the full text of the congratulatory addresses by the Business School Dean and Twinny CEO Youngseok Cheon, as well as the valedictorian speech. (Click) Representing the graduates, valedictorian Juhyun Park (Business Administration, Class of 2023) reflected on her university life by quoting “Ode to Youth,” a Korea University fight song. She said, “We regarded one another not as competitors, but as companions moving forward shoulder to shoulder,” and expressed deep gratitude to her fellow students, professors, and family members. The ceremony then continued with the presentation of the President’s Award and the Dean’s Award. This year’s President’s Award was presented to Jisoo Jeong (Korea MBA) and Juhyun Park (Business Administration), while the Dean’s Award was presented to Soontaek Jeon (Korea MBA), Kyungcheon Choi (Executive MBA), and Subin Chae (Finance MBA). Following the award presentation, a celebratory string quartet performance took place. Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida,” performed by the string quartet, filled the commencement hall with a brighter and more vibrant atmosphere. In particular, the return of the celebratory performance, which had not been held for some time, added greater richness to the meaning of the graduation ceremony. The performance, which brought a sense of celebration and joy to the traditional solemnity of the ceremony, was warmly received by graduates and their families. Diplomas were conferred upon graduates in the following order: the Graduate School (MS/PhD), Korea MBA, Executive MBA, Finance MBA, and the undergraduate program in Business Administration. As graduates received their degrees directly from the dean and faculty, the ceremony became a meaningful moment recognizing their years of effort. Faculty members exchanged handshakes and congratulatory remarks with the graduates, offering encouragement for their new beginnings. The graduates’ faces reflected both nostalgia for the time that had passed and excitement for the journey ahead. Graduate Minseong Kim (Business Administration, Class of 2018) said, “When I first entered the university, graduation felt so far away, but standing here now is truly overwhelming,” adding, “The friends and professors I met at the Business School will remain a great asset throughout my life.” Another graduate, Jisoo Jeong (Korea MBA Class of 2024, recipient of the President’s Award), shared her thoughts: “Balancing work and study was not easy, but thanks to my classmates who studied alongside me, I was able to make it to the end,” adding, “I believe the network and knowledge I gained here will be a great strength in my future career.” Toward the end of the ceremony, a special celebration honoring the graduates took place. The graduates celebrated the completion of their studies and the beginning of a new chapter through a “Cap Toss,” throwing their mortarboards high into the air. Amid cheers and laughter filling Inchon Memorial Hall, they congratulated one another and embarked on their new journey as Korea University business leaders. The singing of the university anthem concluded the commencement ceremony. Led by a staff member of the Business School Administration Office, graduates, faculty, and families joined together in singing, reflecting their pride in their alma mater and their sense of community. This moment, shared by students, faculty, and staff alike, further highlighted the spirit of the Business School community. The ceremony concluded with graduates sharing the lingering emotions of the day and taking commemorative photos together. On this day, a celebratory atmosphere marking graduation could also be felt across the Business School campus. In particular, large inflatable figures of Korea University’s mascot characters, HOI and KUI, were installed, drawing the attention of graduates and their families. Many graduates took commemorative photos in front of the figures, capturing memories of their final moments of university life. HOI, known for appearing whenever students need help, and KUI, loved for its cheerful and innocent charm, became another highlight of the campus that day. Long lines of graduates and their families formed to take commemorative photos with the characters, and many shared smiles as they turned the final moments of their university life into special memories.
2026.03.12국제실
“Building the Future on the Weight of Tradition”… Korea University Business School Holds 2026 KMBA and FMBA New Student Orientation The 2026 off-campus orientation for new students of Korea MBA (K-MBA) and Finance MBA (F-MBA) at the Korea University Business School was held on Saturday, February 7, at the Grand Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul. The event was organized to help newly enrolled students understand the history and educational direction of Korea University’s MBA programs and to prepare for their upcoming academic journey. The ceremony began with the national ceremony and the introduction of guests. Associate Dean Gangseog Ryu, K-MBA Academic Director Professor Kwanghyun Kim, and F-MBA Academic Director Professor Taejin Kim, along with faculty members, student representatives, and alumni mentors, attended the event to welcome the new students. In a congratulatory video message, Dean Eonsoo Kim referred to K-MBA as the first MBA program in Korea and stated, “Balancing work and study is by no means easy, but the trust built through that shared experience becomes one of the greatest assets of Korea University’s MBA.” The new students then recited the Student Code of Ethics, pledging their commitment to academic responsibility and a strong sense of community. During the program briefing session, the practice-oriented curriculum of K-MBA designed to strengthen professional competencies, as well as systems aimed at expanding professional networks, were introduced. The course registration bidding system, overseas field trips, and the Renaissance Program designed to meet global standards were explained, while F-MBA also shared details about its finance-specialized curriculum and program structure. Both programs emphasized an educational structure that balances theory with practical experience. In the student council and alumni association session, the extensive alumni network was highlighted. Beommoo Hur, President of the K-MBA Alumni Association, remarked, “We find it especially meaningful to welcome the new semester alongside the achievement of ranking No. 1 in Korea in the THE Business and Economics category in 2026,” adding, “I hope that the decision you make at this moment will become an important turning point in your long professional journey.” Secretary General Jungkwon Kim and Executive Director Inwoo Lee then introduced the current status of approximately 10,000 alumni active across various fields since the program’s launch in 1963, as well as the ‘Alumni Directory’ system, explaining practical ways to leverage the network. In the special lecture session, Professor Younghun Cho of the Department of History Education at Korea University delivered a talk titled “The Path of Management.” Professor Cho connected the historical transformations surrounding the founding of Boseong College in 1905 with today’s transition into the era of generative AI, reflecting on the role business education has played during periods of major transformation. He emphasized, “In times when a new order is taking shape, it becomes even more important to ask fundamental questions.” Referring to the pioneering role Boseong College played during the introduction of modern academic disciplines, he encouraged the new students to grow into leaders with a balanced perspective in a time of rapid change. During the subsequent Q&A session, members of the Class of 2025—Jongsu Jang, Haein Lee, and Hyojin Park—participated as mentors and shared practical advice. Specific examples drawn from real experiences—such as balancing work and study schedules, managing childcare alongside coursework, and handling academic responsibilities during business trips—helped new students better understand the realities of the program. The mentors emphasized, “Korea University’s MBA is an environment where members inspire and challenge one another, enabling individuals to expand their capabilities.” The event concluded with a signature Korea University tradition. New students came up to the stage in groups to share their personal goals and participated in a traditional “sabal” toast using personalized makgeolli bowls engraved with their names. Under the guidance of the university cheering squad, they learned the university’s cheer songs and enjoyed a performance by the student council band, filling the venue with vibrant energy. This orientation provided an opportunity for the Class of 2026 to share in the history and vision of Korea University’s MBA programs and to reaffirm the meaning of balancing academic study with professional responsibilities. Meanwhile, Korea University Business School continues to foster an environment where students can focus on their studies through well-structured academic programs and diverse networking opportunities.
2026.03.04국제실
A Joint Research Team from Korea University and Stanford University Develops the World’s First Quantitative Indicator for Water Resource, ‘WSI’ — Published in 「Nature Water」… Enhancing the Precision of ESG Water-Related Disclosures In corporate ESG disclosures, water resources have long been considered an area that is difficult to compare and verify despite their importance. To address this gap, Korea University, Stanford University, and the International ESG Association have jointly developed the world’s first data-driven index capable of quantitatively evaluating corporate water resource management. The research findings will be published in February 2026 in the prestigious journal Nature Water, and are expected to draw significant attention from both academia and industry. This achievement is the result of a collaborative study conducted by Professor Yong Sik Ok of the Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering at Korea University (President of the International ESG Association), Dr. Yura Cho (Director of the International ESG Association), Professor Jay Hyuk Rhee of Korea University Business School (Director of the Korea University ESG Research Institute and President of the International ESG Association), and Professor William Mitch of the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability at Stanford University (Fellow of the International ESG Association). The Water Sustainability Index (WSI) proposed by the research team was designed to assess corporate water-related activities based on data rather than qualitative descriptions or general commitments. In the past, differences in the methodologies and assumptions used by rating agencies limited comparability among companies. By clearly defining core indicators, WSI has been recognized for significantly enhancing the transparency, consistency, and reproducibility of ESG disclosures. The research team also highlighted imbalances in the current disclosure framework. An analysis of data from the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) found that among 3,107 companies that received ESG ratings, approximately 40% disclosed greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, whereas only 26% disclosed total water withdrawal, the most fundamental indicator of water use. Disclosure of recycled water usage was even more limited, empirically demonstrating that water-related information remains a blind spot in corporate evaluation. Professor Yong Sik Ok explained, “While greenhouse gas emissions have relatively similar impacts on a global scale, water is a local issue that varies by watershed.” He added, “Evaluation methods that rely on opaque algorithms can produce different results across institutions and may increase concerns about greenwashing.” The Water Sustainability Index (WSI) developed by the research team is calculated based on four key water flow indicators: groundwater and surface water withdrawals, wastewater discharge, water consumption, and water reuse. The index also incorporates the ‘water stress’ criteria of the World Resources Institute (WRI), applying double weighting to facilities located in water-stressed regions. This approach provides a practical mechanism that encourages companies to reassess site selection and operational strategies from a water risk perspective. This research represents a synergistic collaboration among Professor Yong Sik Ok and Dr. Yura Cho in environmental and ecological engineering, Professor Jay Hyuk Rhee in ESG management and evaluation, and Professor William Mitch of Stanford University, who contributed engineering expertise to the study. It is being recognized as a successful model of global interdisciplinary research, demonstrating how diverse academic disciplines can create meaningful synergy. The study also aligns with Korea University’s broader research trajectory of viewing ESG as a core element of strategic decision-making. Korea University Business School has expanded its research base grounded in issues of sustainability management, while the Korea University ESG Research Institute, directed by Professor Jay Hyuk Rhee, has strengthened collaboration with domestic and international academic institutions and organizations to enhance the rigor of disclosure and evaluation frameworks. The development of WSI is particularly significant in that these efforts have converged with environmental and engineering research teams, as well as international collaborators, to produce tangible outcomes. Professor Jay Hyuk Rhee stated, “WSI will serve as a standard that enables companies to demonstrate their water management responsibilities to investors and other stakeholders through data-driven metrics.” He added, “Through follow-up research that quantifies and manages water risks across supply chains, including suppliers, we aim to further develop WSI into a global disclosure standard.” By shifting the discussion of water issues from narrative-based explanations to data-driven evaluation, this research is expected to serve as a key framework in the development of future global ESG standards.
A Close Look at Korea’s Economic Development and Digital Transformation: ESADE International Study Visit The “ESADE International Study Visit: Digital Transformation” program successfully concluded its five-day program from January 26 to 30. A total of 47 participants joined the program, including 45 master’s students, one professor, and one staff member from ESADE Business School. At the opening ceremony held on January 26, Associate Dean Gangseog Ryu and Associate Dean Byung Cho Kim of Korea University Business School welcomed the participants. Associate Dean Gangseog Ryu remarked, “On behalf of Korea University Business School, I warmly welcome you and hope you will have a brief yet enriching learning experience.” Following the remarks, Program Director Byung Cho Kim introduced the structure and schedule of the program, marking the official start of the academic sessions. The study visit was led by Associate Dean and Program Director Byung Cho Kim and featured a curriculum integrating both theory and practice, with a focus on digital transformation. The main lectures included the following: △Digital Transformation and Data Literacy △Innovation and Strategy in Digital Transformation △Korea’s Economic Development Strategy: The Miracle on the Han River △AI and Creativity: At the Frontier of Everything △Customer Insights from Marketing Analytics △Data-Driven Decision-Making: Default Prediction △Digital Transformation and Business Analytics in Services. In particular, by incorporating sessions that examined Korea’s economic development strategy alongside lectures on digital transformation, participants were able to understand technological change and industrial strategy within a historical and macroeconomic context. The program went beyond technical learning, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of the structural foundations underlying Korea’s economic growth. During the program, participants took part in two field visits to leading Korean companies. They visited the headquarters of Amorepacific, where they toured the headquarters facilities and learned about the company’s digital transformation strategy. They also visited NC AI, where they participated in an office tour, a company introduction session, and a special lecture by the CPO, gaining firsthand insight into AI-based business models. These visits enabled participants to observe in practice the digital transformation strategies discussed in the classroom, further enhancing their understanding and engagement. Alongside the academic program, participants also engaged in cultural experiences in Korea. They joined an English-guided tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace and visited the National Palace Museum of Korea, experiencing Korea’s history and traditions firsthand. This component underscored the importance of understanding the digital economy within its broader social and cultural context. On the afternoon of January 30, a completion ceremony was held at Ahn Young-Il Hall in LG-POSCO Hall. Students who successfully completed the full program were awarded certificates issued in the name of the Dean of the Korea University Business School. Participants commemorated the five days of learning and exchange with a group photo. A farewell dinner followed, attended by Associate Dean and Academic Director Byung Cho Kim, as well as Professors Hyun Seok Lee and Jeunghyun Kim, who shared farewell remarks with the participants. Throughout the study visit, enthusiastic lectures were seamlessly integrated with student discussions, Q&A sessions, company visits, and networking opportunities, resulting in high overall satisfaction. Even in an unfamiliar environment, participants actively asked questions and engaged in discussions, demonstrating a strong commitment to gaining an in-depth understanding of Korea’s digital business models. Korea University Business School EEC plans to continue strengthening global partnerships through such international exchange programs and to collaborate with future global leaders in digital transformation and sustainable management. The program also reaffirmed the longstanding trust between Korea University and ESADE while paving the way for expanded academic and industry collaboration in the years ahead. Korea University Business School EEC (Executive Education Center) offers customized Study Visit programs for overseas universities. These programs integrate digital transformation, AI and data analytics, innovation strategy, Korea’s economic development model, company visits, and cultural experiences, enabling participating students to gain a comprehensive understanding of Korea’s industrial, technological, and business environment over a short period. The curriculum is jointly designed in alignment with the educational goals and academic focus of the partner university. Components such as lectures, company visits, seminars, student exchanges, and cultural activities can be structured in a modular format. The schedule and topics may also be tailored through consultation. Universities interested in participating in the Study Visit program may develop a customized program through prior consultation with Korea University Business School EEC. Inquiries may be directed to kubseec@korea.ac.kr.
2026.02.25국제실
The Era of Zero Development Costs: What Should Startups Prepare For? KUBS Startup Station Explores a New Approach to Entrepreneurship Through ‘Vibe Coding’ In today’s startup landscape, the ability to deliver the right technology exactly where customers need it has become more important than simply possessing technology. Reflecting this shift, the “Startup Essential” course hosted by KUBS Startup Station—together with software developer Malacca—offered practical solutions to one of the most pressing challenges startups face: building an app quickly and at minimal cost. With web and mobile applications now virtually essential across most industries, the course aimed to guide startups in building their own services while reducing both development costs and staffing burdens. The curriculum was designed as a hands-on program, using AI tools to streamline and accelerate the development process. Vibe coding—a concept recently highlighted by Andrej Karpathy—refers to a development approach that moves away from traditional coding focused on syntax and writing code line by line. Instead, developers communicate intent and requirements in natural language, while AI takes the lead in implementation. In this model, the core skill is no longer “how well you write code,” but how clearly you articulate what you want to build and why—so that AI can accurately translate your ideas into a working product. In the past, app development was a major barrier for startups. Building even a basic product typically required a full team—product managers, designers, and both front-end and back-end developers—often pushing initial costs into the tens of millions of won. Rapid advances in AI-powered development tools, however, are now reshaping that equation. A World Where App Development Costs Are ‘Almost Zero’ To make these changes tangible rather than merely theoretical, the course was structured around hands-on practice in a local development setup. Participants configured a Node.js–based web application environment, set up a project directory, and executed source code step by step—gaining firsthand experience of the core development workflow. They also explored how AI can assist in editing, running, and even controlling the development environment using Antigravity, Google’s AI-powered code editor. Features that were traditionally separate—such as image generation (Nano Banana) and voice command input—were seamlessly integrated into a single workflow, emerging as one of the session’s most notable highlights. Even without advanced programming expertise, participants were able to describe screen layouts and functional requirements in natural language and have AI implement both front-end and back-end components, carrying the process all the way through to deployment. The exercise demonstrated the scalability and broader potential of vibe coding. As barriers to implementation continue to fall, startups are positioned to test ideas more rapidly and iterate with greater frequency. The session also introduced the concept of ontology through examples using the IPOs all-in-one system. Rather than focusing solely on functional implementation, an ontology-driven approach structures a service so that AI can understand its underlying concepts and meaning. In other words, before deciding what to build, it becomes essential to organize why it is needed—and embed that logic into the system. This perspective is particularly relevant for startups operating under tight timelines, where rapidly developing MVPs (Minimum Viable Products) and validating market response are critical. The discussion extended beyond creating a minimal feature set, emphasizing the possibility of designing “Minimum Viable Projects”—initiatives that remain executable even with limited resources. Another emerging concept addressed in the lecture was MCP (Model Context Protocol). MCP is a standardized framework that enables AI agents to connect directly with external systems, expanding AI’s role beyond code generation or user interface design to the execution of real-world service functions. For example, if a startup seeks to integrate payment functionality into its application, it can connect banks or payment gateway providers’ modules—such as APIs or SDKs—through MCP. This approach allows complex integrations to be implemented relatively quickly without building every component from scratch. The case illustrated how vibe coding is evolving beyond rapid prototyping to encompass core business functions, including payments and data processing. Not a Silver Bullet: The Limits of Vibe Coding and the Need for ‘Classical Processes’ Despite its clear advantages, vibe coding is not without limitations. AI may sometimes perform tasks it was not asked to do or interpret requirements in unintended ways, producing outcomes that diverge from the original intent. Rather than attributing these issues solely to the limitations of AI itself, the session highlighted that many of these challenges stem from how requirements are communicated. This brought the discussion back to the importance of traditional development processes. From idea generation and intent definition to brainstorming, user journeys, screen flows, use cases, sitemaps, information architecture (IA), functional specification documents (FSD), wireframes, UI specifications, and prototyping, the standard web and app development workflow remains essential for effectively leveraging AI agents. Ultimately, giving AI clear direction is not about relying on vague intuition; it requires precise, structured documentation. Even in the era of vibe coding, this foundational principle remains unchanged. Roles Still Needed in the AI Era: ‘Basic Attitude’ and ‘Foundational Language’ The course emphasized that even as AI-driven development environments become more widespread, the roles of developers and product managers remain critical. Referring to the widely used Linux developer mantra “RTFM (Read The Manual),” the instructor noted that teams should not accept AI-generated outputs at face value, but instead review and understand them before moving forward. Key human responsibilities highlighted included continuously monitoring what the AI is doing, reading error messages and diagnosing their cause, and—when issues arise—going beyond simply requesting a fix to understanding the context and underlying reasons behind the error. Participants were also encouraged to keep learning better implementation approaches and alternative solutions, and to broaden their perspectives through publicly available practical content such as YouTube tutorials. In addition, even in vibe coding environments, a basic understanding of planning and development terminology remains essential. Knowing the names of layout elements, component-level terms, and fundamental HTML tags enables teams to communicate requirements more precisely to AI. In other words, regardless of professional coding ability, a minimum shared vocabulary is necessary to describe how a service’s screens and functions should be structured. Finally, the course noted that rather than overwhelming AI with many requirements at once, it is often more effective to break tasks into stages and proceed sequentially. In web and app development, moving step by step—starting with structural design, followed by screen layout, and then functional implementation—makes it easier to revise requirements, refine outputs, and reduce unnecessary errors. Vibe Coding: A Practical Breakthrough for Early-Stage Startups The significance of this Startup Essential session lies in its emphasis on building immediate, actionable capabilities for portfolio startups. KUBS Startup Station designs its lectures and curricula around the real needs of the startups it supports, providing tools and knowledge that can be applied directly in practice rather than remaining theoretical. In an era when virtually every business requires an app, the session offered a practical path forward for early-stage startups that have postponed implementation due to development costs. By strategically leveraging AI, startups can build services independently and conduct rapid experiments without relying on outsourcing or large engineering teams. The message of the vibe coding session was clear: what matters today is not how many technologies a startup possesses, but what it aims to build—and how clearly it can communicate that intent. Through its execution-oriented education and support, KUBS Startup Station is establishing a foundation that enables portfolio startups to stay ahead of technological change. The institute plans to continue offering educational programs that reflect startups’ growth stages and practical needs.
2026.02.12국제실
MSBA Capstone Final Presentation: Solving Real-World Business Challenges Through Data The final presentation of the MSBA capstone projects, which focus on solving real-world business challenges through data-driven approaches, was held on Friday, January 16. The event was organized to explore the DTB (Data to Business) model through industry–academia collaboration and to share project outcomes that addressed practical challenges faced by companies using data and analytical techniques. Kyung Sam Park, Center Director, and Jeonghyun Kim, Academic Director of the MSBA program, along with representatives from multiple partner organizations, attended the event both online and offline to review the students’ project results. During the presentation, a total of seven teams showcased the outcomes of their capstone projects conducted across various industries and corporate partners. All projects were grounded in a shared guiding question—“How can data be effectively translated into real-world decision-making and execution?”—and focused on designing structures and tools that enable analytical insights to be directly applied in business practice. One team, collaborating with LG CNS, proposed a solution to address the “bottleneck between insight and execution” that arises during business process analysis within the rapidly growing BPM (Business Process Management) market. While process intelligence offers significant potential, the team highlighted its limitations in translating insights into execution. To address this challenge, they aimed to develop a system that systematically stores extensive business process assets and integrates AI agents to generate evidence-based Q&A responses and actionable improvement recommendations. In particular, their process modeling based on BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) and agent design drew considerable attention. Another project, conducted in collaboration with LG Household & Health Care, proposed a marketing insight tool leveraging unstructured data. The project focused on enabling faster and more accurate identification of market trends through AI technologies, thereby enhancing decision-making and productivity for marketing practitioners. The team designed an AI agent–based chatbot that allows users to efficiently search for and utilize relevant information within large-scale datasets. A team collaborating with PwC proposed an automated corporate performance analysis system utilizing an ontology-based Graph-RAG architecture. Recognizing that time delays in corporate performance analysis directly translate into opportunity costs, the team pointed out the limitations of general-purpose large language models (LLMs) in fully understanding company-specific contexts. To address this challenge, they proposed a multi-agent–based system that structurally pre-learns corporate information, enabling more reliable analysis and faster decision-making. Another project, conducted in collaboration with Hyundai Department Store, focused on advancing data-driven ordering decisions in the fresh food category, particularly fruits. Using sales data by date, store, and product from top-performing locations—including the Hyundai Department Store Apgujeong Main Store, Trade Center Store, and Pangyo Store—the team built time-series demand forecasting models and presented a proof-of-concept (PoC) decision support model designed to simultaneously minimize waste rates and stockout rates. A key feature of the project was the application of methodologies tailored to data characteristics, ranging from SQL and statistical techniques to machine learning and deep learning. In the Hyundai Motor Blue Members project, the team presented a customized decision-making toolkit designed to strengthen customer retention through promotion- and partner-based strategies. Leveraging integrated Blue Members membership data, the toolkit structures customer status and partner information to identify customers with a high likelihood of behavioral change in the near term, enabling proactive engagement. The system also allows for comparisons of partner commission fees and benefit changes from both performance and risk perspectives. By applying different models based on the depth of available customer information, the toolkit recommends optimal partner offerings in advance, supporting more effective and data-driven decision-making. Another team, collaborating with Hyundai Motor Securities, presented a project focused on enhancing retirement pension product recommendation services to acquire new IRP (Individual Retirement Pension) customers. In an environment of intensifying competition among banks and securities firms, the team designed a recommendation solution that precisely matches retirement pension products with customers’ investment profiles, with a particular emphasis on downside risk. Targeting second-generation baby boomers as the primary segment, the project placed strong emphasis on reliability and explainability. In the project conducted in collaboration with Hyundai Home Shopping, the team proposed a plan to develop recommendation algorithms optimized for Hmall’s business characteristics. By implementing personalized recommendation logic based on customer clustering, the project aimed to increase purchase conversion rates while also designing a structure that considers future expansion into AI-powered shopping agents. During the feedback session that followed the presentations, partner organization representatives offered a series of positive evaluations. A representative from Hyundai Motor Securities commented, “The portfolio design centered on loss thresholds and the personalized reports demonstrate a level of sophistication rarely seen in existing financial services,” adding that “with appropriate legal review, the solution could be applied directly to real-world operations without difficulty.” A representative from Hyundai Home Shopping also noted, “We plan to apply the algorithms developed through this project to Hmall starting in February,” and added that “the project provided practical support in internalizing recommendation systems and expanding AI-based services in the future.” The event concluded with closing remarks from Jeonghyun Kim, Academic Director of the MSBA program. He noted that the students’ sustained efforts over the approximately one-year project period, which began last February, were fully reflected in the final outcomes. He also shared that it was particularly impressive to see how students have become increasingly adept at leveraging more advanced technologies with each successive cohort. He added, “While the final presentation marks the end of this stage, I encourage you to carry the projects through with a strong sense of responsibility so that the deliverables can be meaningfully applied in real business settings,” and expressed his appreciation to the representatives of the partner organizations for their collaboration. The MSBA program is designed around industry–academia collaboration, with a curriculum structured to ensure that data analysis results can be effectively applied in real-world business contexts. The capstone project is a representative example of this approach, in which students define problems based on actual data from partner companies and carry out the full process—from analysis to the design of decision-support tools. The outcomes presented at this final presentation demonstrate that the DTB (Data to Business) education model pursued by the MSBA program is being implemented at a level suitable for practical, real-world application.
2026.01.27국제실
