China's first "MBA training course for monks" held a graduation ceremony at the Antai College of Economics & Management of Shanghai Jiao Tong University on June 28. Eight graduates dressed in yellow monastic robes and 10 kulapatis solemnly received their graduation certificates from their teachers.
As they graduated, the second MBA training course for 16 monks and kulapatis was also inaugurated on the same day.
It is unprecedented in China's Buddhist circle for monks to take MBA courses. Monk Juexing, abbot of Jade Buddha Temple who initiated this bold idea, said that as a famous temple in an international metropolis, it is necessary to learn from the ideas and approaches of modern business administration to elevate the management level of the temple. "This is not for faddism, but for concretely acquiring knowledge."
Therefore, Shanghai Jiao Tong University has prepared original materials for "the MBA core curriculum extension course for the senior management staff of Jade Buddha Temple". The content includes organizational behavior, human resource management, strategic planning, marketing and financial management.
In class, teachers talk with this special group of students on such topics as Japan's electronic appliances, the throughput of Yangshan Deep Water Port and the restriction of natural landform on Zhenjiang's urban development. All students must pass exams and oral defense before they can graduate. Quite a few students have written high-quality papers.
