International Program on Effective Utilization of Technology

1. Program Outline

International Program on Effective Utilization of Technology is targeting not only those who graduated from engineering departments but also those who studied managerial subjects, social sciences and the humanities in universities. This program is intended to provide students with fundamental and practical knowledge and skills on utilizing various technologies, as well as concepts and approaches to applying them to new objects, issues and technology in order to contribute to sustainable development in the twenty first century.
This program is designed to obtain Master’s and Doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees in minimum three years.

 

2. Subjects and Faculty in the Program

Subjects in the program are offered by the faculties of the departments below in Graduate School of Decision Science and Technology and the Graduate School of Innovation Management, utilizing strong and abundant resources related not only to engineering education but also social sciences and the humanities. In addition, several subjects on Japanese culture and institution will be also offered through camp-based workshops twice a year on the basis of request so as to educate students who will work as a bridge between Japan and their own countries.

  1. Department of Human System Science
  2. Department of Value and Decision Science
  3. Department of Industrial Engineering and Management
  4. Department of Social Engineering
  1. Department of Management of Technology

 

3. Guide to study in the Program

(1) Master’s Degree
To obtain the Master’s degree in this program, the following requirements must be met in addition to general requirements stated in school regulation.

a. Credits

Category I: “Technology”;
Category II: “Utilization of Technology for Business Resources”;
Category III: “Application Objects of Technology”;
Category ‡W: “Obligatory Subjects”, Seminar, Practical Exercise, and Colloquium (Note : Workshops are excluded)

b. Master thesis or Research paper
Students must submit Master thesis and take the final examination and evaluation of his/her thesis.
Research paper could be substituted for Master thesis upon approval.

(2) Doctoral degree (Ph.D.)
To obtain the Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in this program, the following requirements must be met in addition to general requirements stated in school regulation.

a. Credits

Category I: “Technology” 10 credits or more;
Category II: “Utilization of Technology for Business Resources” 14 credits or more;
Category III: “Application Objects of Technology” 4 credits or more

b. Doctoral dissertation
Students must submit Doctoral dissertation and take the final examination and evaluation of his/her thesis.
In addition to Doctoral dissertation, students must have two or more published papers and one or more academic presentation at International conference.

 

4. Tables of Subjects in the Program

Category I: “Technology”
Credits of the Category I: “Technology” must be acquired from the subjects provided by International Graduate Programs of other Graduate Schools listed on this Guide to Graduate Education and International Graduate Program.

Category II: “Utilization of Technology for Business Resources”

Management of Technology
Registration
Number
Subject name Credit Chair Semester
S: Spring
A:Autumn
Opening year
a: Annually
e: Even
o: Odd
Remarks
(See Footnotes)
IGP(A) IGP(C)
36005 Strategic Management of Technology 2-0-0 K. Miyazaki S a  
36006 Strategies and Systems of Innovation 2-0-0 K. Miyazaki A a  
36016 Corporate Management and Intellectual Property Activities 2-0-0 Y. Tanaka A a (1)

Utilization of Technology

Registration
Number
Subject name Credit Chair Semester
S: Spring
A:Autumn
Opening year
a: Annually
e: Even
o: Odd
Remarks
(See Footnotes)
IGP(A) IGP(C)
36010 Quality Management 2-0-0 H. Osada A a (1)
36013 Business Models in the Net-Society 2-0-0 K.Higa S a (3)
36014 Information and Communication Technology for Organizational Strategy 2-0-0 K. Higa A a (3)
36040 Strategic Debating Skills 0-1-0 K. Miyazaki A a (2)
65060 Presentation Skills 1-1-0 S. Mayekawa
K. Matsumoto
S a  
65066 Introduction to Bayesian Statistics 1-0-0 S. Mayekawa S a  
66045 Effective Presentations in English with Power Point 1-1-0 M. Reber A a  
67006 Ergonomics for Organization and Systems Design 2-0-0 K. Itoh
H. Aoki
A a  
67020 History of Science and Technology and Environmental Problems 2-0-0 M. Kaji S a  
67032 Business Information Systems Project 2-0-0 J. Iijima
D. Senoo
S a (1)
67056 Marketing 2-0-0 S. Chung A a  
67060 Transdisciplinary Collaboration Practice 0-0-2 J. Iijima
D. Senoo
A a  
67062 IT Value in Practice 2-0-0 J. Iijima
D. Senoo
A a  
68008 Organizational Design for Planning 2-0-0 T. Sakano A e  
68043 Public Policy and Project Valuation 2-0-0 N. Hidano S a  
68058 Surveys and Experiments in Environmental Economics 1-0-0 N. Hidano A a  


Category III: “Application Objects of Technology”

Registration
Number
Subject name Credit Chair Semester
S: Spring
A:Autumn
Opening year
a: Annually
e: Even
o: Odd
Remarks
(See Footnotes)
IGP(A) IGP(C)
65056 Introductory Cognitive Psychology 2-0-0 K. Yamagishi S a  
65061 Introduction to Brain Science and fMRI 1-0-0 H. Akama S/A a Intensive Course
65062 Introduction to Cognitive Linguistics 1-0-0 H. Akama A o Cancelled
in 2011
65063 Embodied Economics and Cognition 1-0-0 K. Yamagishi S e  
65067 Computational Brain Science and
Comlex Networks with Matlab(SPM)
0-2-0 K. Wakita
H. Akama
S a  
65068 Human Economic Science by Mathematica 0-2-0 H. Akama S a  
65076 Web – based Learning System 2-0-0 M. Murota A a (2)
66014 Global Environmental Governance 2-0-0 N. Kanie S a  
66046 A Comparative Study of Modern Japanese Culture 2-0-0 L. Morton A a  
67037 Managing Transformation by ICT 2-0-0 D. Senoo A a (2)
67038 Design Thinking 2-0-0 H. Umemuro S a  
68003 Advanced Theories and Practices of
Urban Land Use Planning
2-0-0 N. Nakai A a  
68028 Modeling of Global Environmental and Economic Growth 1-1-0 T. Masui S a On Demand
68040 Advanced Theory of Socio- Space 2-0-0 M. Dohi A o On Demand


Category IV: Obligatory Subjects
1) Workshop

Registration
Number
Subject name Credit Chair Semester
S: Spring
A:Autumn
Opening year
a: Annually
e: Even
o: Odd
Remarks
(See Footnotes)
IGP(A) IGP(C)
* Decision Science and Technology International Workshop I 2 Supervisor A a (4)
* Decision Science and Technology International Workshop II 2 Supervisor S a (4)
* Decision Science and Technology International Workshop III 2 Supervisor A a (4)
* Decision Science and Technology International Workshop IV 2 Supervisor S a (4)
* Decision Science and Technology International Workshop V 2 Supervisor A a (5)
* Decision Science and Technology International Workshop VI 2 Supervisor S a (5)
* Decision Science and Technology International Workshop VII 2 Supervisor A a (5)
* Decision Science and Technology International Workshop VIII 2 Supervisor S a (5)
* Decision Science and Technology International Workshop IX 2 Supervisor A a (5)
* Decision Science and Technology International Workshop X 2 Supervisor S a (5)


2) Seminar, Practical Exercise and Colloquium

Registration
Number
Subject name Credit Chair Semester
S: Spring
A:Autumn
Opening year
a: Annually
e: Even
o: Odd
Remarks
(See Footnotes)
IGP(A) IGP(C)
* International Seminar in Decision Science and Technology I 0-1-0 Supervisor A a (6)
* International Seminar in Decision Science and Technology II 0-1-0 Supervisor S a (6)
* International Practical Exercise in Decision Science and Technology I 0-0-1 Supervisor A a (6)
* International Practical Exercise in Decision Science and Technology II 0-0-1 Supervisor S a (6)
* International Colloquium in Decision Science and Technology I 1 Supervisor A a (4)
* International Colloquium in Decision Science and Technology II 1 Supervisor S a (4)
* International Colloquium in Decision Science and Technology III 1 Supervisor A a (4)
* International Colloquium in Decision Science and Technology IV 1 Supervisor S a (4)
* International Colloquium in Decision Science and Technology V 2 Supervisor A a (5)
* International Colloquium in Decision Science and Technology VI 2 Supervisor S a (5)
* International Colloquium in Decision Science and Technology VII 2 Supervisor A a (5)
* International Colloquium in Decision Science and Technology VIII 2 Supervisor S a (5)
* International Colloquium in Decision Science and Technology IX 2 Supervisor A a (5)
* International Colloquium in Decision Science and Technology X 2 Supervisor S a (5)


3) Off-Campus Project

Registration Number Subject name Credit Chair Semester
S: Spring
A:Autumn
Opening year
a: Annually
e: Even
o: Odd
Remarks
(See Footnotes)
IGP(A) IGP(C)
* Decision Science and Technology International Off-Campus Project I 4 Supervisor A a (5)
* Decision Science and Technology International Off-Campus Project II 4 Supervisor S a (5)

Footnotes:
* Regarding Registration Number of the courses, please refer to those of your departments
(1) Even year in English, Odd year in Japanese
(2) Even year in Japanese, Odd year in English
(3) Conducted in Japanese
(4) Master’s Course
(5) Doctoral Course
(6) Open for the students in Master 1st Grade
Open for the students in all the departments
Open for the students in Depts. of Value and Decision Science, Industrial Engineering and Management, and Social Engineering
Open for the students in Depts. of Industrial Engineering and Management, and Social Engineering
Open for the students in Depts. of Value and Decision Science, and Social Engineering

 

5. Syllabus of Subjects in the Program

Category II: “Utilization of Technology for Business Resources”
Management of Technology

36005
Strategic Management of Technology

Spring Semester (2-0-0)
Prof. Kumiko MIYAZAKI

  1. Objective
    This course aims to teach the basic concepts, tools and theories needed for strategic management of technology. The topics covered include, innovation models, sectoral models of innovation, technological competence building, technological diversification strategy, technology portfolio management, strategic alliances and management of research and development.
  2. Course Outline
    1. Introduction
    2. Models of Innovation
    3. Success and Failures in Innovation
    4. Sectorial Patterns of Innovation
    5. Strategic Planning Process
    6. Technological Competence Building Strategy
    7. Management of R & D
    8. Product Platform Strategy
    9. IT Based Strategy, Knowledge Management
    10. Technology Diffusion and Diffusion of High Tech Products
    11. Technology Management of Complex Products and Systems
    12. Learning from Technological Alliances
    13. Group Presentations
  3. Evaluation
    Students are assesses by class participation, individual presentations, group work, debate and the end of term report.
  4. Textbook/Reference
    Managing Innovation (Integrating Technological Market and Organizational Change) J. Tidd, J. Bessant and K. Pavitt, John Wiley, 1997

Note : No special prior knowledge of management is required. Active class participation is welcome.

36006
Strategies and Systems of Innovation

Autumn Semester (2-0-0)
Prof. Kumiko MIYAZAKI

  1. Objective
    This course relates to the various agenda concerning technology strategy at the level of the firm, sector and national systems of innovation. Based on empirical research findings, technology strategies in sectors such as information and communications, consumer electronics, pharmaceuticals, telecom services and robotics will be analyzed. Strategies towards globalization and national systems of innovation in different countries will also be examined. Students are assessed by class participation, case studies, presentations, and end term report.
  2. Purpose
    The ability to generate and manage technological change is a major feature of competitiveness of firms. The course aims to teach basic concepts related to technology strategy. Technological opportunities and strategies are heavily influenced by the characteristics of technology paradigms and the direction of technological change, which influence corporate strategies as well as Sectoral Systems of Innovation; the course will identify and analyze major tasks facing firms in the generation and exploitation of technology. We will use some studies to illustrate the concepts.
  3. Course Outline
    1. Introduction to the course
    2. Innovation Models and Sectoral Patterns of Innovation
    3. Technological Competence Building – the case of Optoelectronics
    4. Technology Diffusion - (Mobile Telecom)
    5. Technology Diffusion - (Robotics)
    6. Innovation Infrastructures (case 1)
    7. SSI (Sectoral System of Innovation) (Nanotechnology)
    8. Innovation related Techno-economic Networks
    9. Managing Strategic Alliances (case of high tech industries)
    10. Strategies for Complex Product and Systems
    11. Case of Renewable Energy (wind power, solar power)
    12. National Systems of Innovation (US Model)
    13. Ethics and Environment Technologies in the UK
    14. Group Presentations
  4. Evaluation
    Class participation (20%), 2 Case Studies (40%), Group Presentation (40%)
  5. Textbook / Reference : Reading material will be provided.

Note : Prior knowledge of economics or management is not needed. Active participation is encouraged.

36016
Corporate Management and Intellectual Property Activities

Autumn Semester (2-0-0) Even year in English; Odd year in Japanese
Prof. Yoshitoshi TANAKA

  1. Objective
    The role of intellectual property is to protect our own technologies with exclusive rights against competitors not to participate in our business area, strengthening our business competence. However, the intellectual property activities shall not only be limited to obtain such exclusive rights but also be expanded into all IP related activities, as they are contribute to our business growth. Therefore, IP activities shall be positioned close to corporate management strategy, and linked to the achievement of corporate objectives. In this class, first we share the minimum knowledge on business management, and also we understand what the IP activities are. As a group discussion, we will proceed with a specific business case in order to link the IP activities with corporate objectives. In addition, we learn what kind of IP related activities shall be done in other functional department, such as Marketing, R&D, Production, HR, Financing, etc.
  2. Contents
  3. Reference

Category II: “Utilization of Technology for Business Resources”
Utilization of Technology

36010
Quality Management

Autumn Semester (2-0-0) Even year in English; Odd year in Japanese
Prof. Hiroshi OSADA

  1. Objective
    Quality Management (QM) as management method to increase quality of product and “service is explained about its concept, methods and application.” “In addition, leading edge methods in QM for improving management quality such as” assessment method on management quality and strategic management by policy etc. are introduced and discussed through case studies.
  2. Contents
    1. Quality Management(QM) in corporate management
    2. Concept of QM and History of QM
    3. Quality Management System
    4. Strategic Planning and QM(Strategic Management by Policy)
    5. Quality innovation and creation of best practice
    6. Case study(1): Quality innovation in Komatsu
    7. Management Quality
    8. Assessment method on Management Quality
    9. Competitive advantage through QM
    10. Case study(2): Quality management in Toyota
    11. Case study(3): Business excellence through TQM at foreign Deming prize winner(India)
    12. New Topics in QM
  3. Evaluation
    Two reports and group discussions are evaluated.

Note: This subject is held every two years at Tamachi campus and will start in 2008 (Autumn).

36013
Business Models in The Net-Society

Spring Semester (2-0-0) in Japanese
Prof. Kunihiko HIGA

  1. Objective
    The worldwide diffusion of the internet made the direct link between producers and consumers possible and access to various markets easy. As a result, many business models fit to this new net-society have been emerging. In this class, these new models will be examined, compared, and discussed. Also how to apply these new models to the existing business will be studied.
  2. Contents

36014
Information and Communication Technology for Organizational Strategy

Autumn Semester (2-0-0) in Japanese
Prof. Kunihiko HIGA

  1. Objective
    As the society shifting from the industrial society to the knowledge society, many organizations are facing the existing high-cost structure and inflexibility to respond to the drastic changes in their corresponding markets. In this class, a new organizational structure with high cost-performance and flexibility will be discussed. Particularly the use of information technology for organizational innovation and organizational restructuring will be studied. Also the role of information technology as a strategic business tool will be examined.
  2. Contents

36040
Strategic Debating Skills

Autumn Semester (0-1-0) Even year in Japanese; Odd year in English
Prof. Kumiko MIYAZAKI

  1. Objective
    Based on a formal, well structured methodology, this 7 week course aims to teach strategic debating skills. In every class a debate will take place between 2 teams. Those who are observers are asked to make comments on the debate afterwards.
    Maximum class size is 25.
  2. Course Outline
    1. Introduction. Importance of debating skills will be discussed. A trial debate.
    2. Debate 1. Listening Skills
    3. Debate 2. Exercise to develop one’s argument
    4. Debate 3. Exercise to make counter arguments
    5. Debate 4. Improving one’s debating style
    6. Debate 5. Think strategically and logically
    7. Debate 6. Integrating the skills learned
  3. Evaluation
    Participation (20%), Debate Performance (60%), Learning Efforts (20%)
  4. Textbook / Reference: Reading material will be provided

Suggestions for topics are welcome. Every week, the topic for the next debate will be announced so the students are requested to make preparations in advance. I hope students will make bold challenges, not being concerned about their performance.
This course began in 2007. The title of the course used to be “British Style Debating Skills”, so if one has already taken that course, one can not take this course.

65060
Presentation Skills

Spring Semester (1-1-0)
Prof. Shinichi MAYEKAWA and Lecturer Kahoko MATSUMOTO

  1. Objective
    The objective of this course is to improve students’ English presentation skills to the level at which they can do understandable and effective presentation at international conferences in their fields.
    The course covers various aspects of presentation including language skills, contingent non-verbal elements and confidence-raising.
    Reflecting the purpose, classes will be interactive with many chances of practice, self-observation and feedback sessions with peers and instructors.
  2. Course Activities
    1. 1st–2nd Classes
      Orientation
      Introduction of the various elements that constitute an effective presentation
    2. 3rd–4th Classes
      First presentation (Introduction of the one’s background and research interests : 5 minutes)
      Self-observation by video
      Feedback sessions with peers and instructors
    3. 5th–6th Classes
      Important elements of an effective presentation (with video-taped models and examples)
    1. 7th–8th Classes
      Second presentation (10-15 min. presentation on one’s past or on-going research).
      Practice sessions with advice from peers and instructors
    2. 9th–10th Classes
      More practice sessions focusing on improving language use (delivery, grammatical control, articulate / effective expressions, use of transition markers, etc.,)
    3. 11th–12th Classes
      Contingent elements
    1. 13th–15th Classes
      Final presentation (15-20 min. presentation on one’s past or on-going research)
      Final evaluation both by peers and instructors
  3. Grading: Make up of a final grade is as follows:
  4. Textbook Reference: No textbook. All necessary material will be provided while the reference of additional books will be offered based on individual needs.

65066
Introduction to Bayesian Statistics

Spring Semester (1-0-0)
Prof. Shinishi MAYEKAWA

  1. Objective
    Starting from mathematical presentation such as probability distribution, linear algebras, we will study the theory of Bayes and its extension, natural conjugate distribution, hierarchical Bayes, numerical resolution such as MCMC, other logit profit models and Bayesian network.

The credit of this course can be used to complete the International Human Economic Science Special Course that commenced in April 2009.

66045
Effective Presentations in English with Power Point

Autumn Semester (1-1-0)
Lecturer, Michael REBER

  1. Objective
    The purpose of the course is for students to learn to make effective presentations in English using Power Point. Students will learn the following skills for making effective presentations, presenting background information, preparing and giving the introduction, signposting the organization of a presentation, changing written language to spoken language, designing and using good Power Point aids using body language to communicate message clearly and persuasively, and ending a presentation.

67006
Ergonomics for Organization and Systems Design

Autumn Semester (2-0-0)
Prof. Kenji ITOH and Assoc. Prof. Hirotaka AOKI

  1. Objectives
    This course aims at obtaining knowledge and basic skills about the disciplines called ergonomics/human factors, their approaches and their applications to actual design of human-machine systems, work and organisations. Among various contents related to ergonomics with which people are working, this class focuses on applications of ergonomic approaches and methods to actual design and evaluation of human-machine systems and organizational aspects. Contents covered in this class are largely divided into three categories, for which some case studies are included: (1) Introduction to ergonomics (2) Human-machine interaction and usability, (3) Human errors and risk management.
  2. Contents

Note: In addition to lectures, some group assignments (+ presentation and discussion) will be made concerning some specific topics for better understanding of ergonomic concepts and approaches. Simple questions – just one page answer required – will be also given every second week in the end of lecture for the same purpose.

  1. Evaluation
    Final assignment, individual assignments, group assignments and ordinary attitudes in the class, e.g., participation in discussions and questions (+ attending status in the class).

67020
History of Science and Technology and Environmental Problems

Spring Semester (2-0-0)
Assoc. Prof. Masanori KAJI

  1. Objective
    This course intends to offer a survey of major environmental problems in the 20th century, while tracing the growth of environmental awareness and environmentalism in regional and national as well as global contexts. This seminar course intends to offer a survey of major environmental problems in the 20th century, while tracing the growth of environmental awareness and environmentalism worldwide. The course hopes to raise student’s awareness of growing environmental problems associated with science and technology, and to give them an opportunity to explore and assess these problems critically and from multiple angles. It also aims to help them to improve their conversational and writing skills.
  2. Contents
    A survey of major environmental issues since the mid-20th century, focusing on the debates surrounding the Minamata disaster, Itai-itai disease, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring (1962), the topical subjects of global warming and nuclear energy.

67032
Business Information Systems Project

Spring Semester (2-0-0) Even year in English; Odd year in Japanese
Prof. Junichi IIJIMA and Assoc. Prof. Dai SENOO

  1. Objective
    The overall objectives of this course are to investigate the nature and techniques of business information systems development project. Through a semester-long project, students will learn how to set and formulate a problem and a goal of the target system.
  2. Contents

67056
Marketing

Autumn Semester (2-0-0)
Assoc. Prof. Sulin CHUNG

  1. Objectives
    Marketing is one of the various management processes employed by companies to create value for customers. The skillful marketer is able to identify or create customer needs, and then work with the various other functions within or outside the company to design and deploy capabilities to satisfy those needs better than competitors can. By the end of this course, students will: 1. be familiar with characteristics of marketing and distribution strategies and practices. 2. be able to analyze, synthesize, and integrate basic marketing theories and concepts through the use of cases.
  2. Contents

67060
Transdisciplinary Collaboration Practice

Autumn Semester (0-0-2)
Prof. Junichi IIJIMA and Assoc. Prof. Dai SENOO

  1. Objectives
    The objectives of this course are to connect the theories and knowledge that students have obtained at the School to real business practices. Each project team is assigned an actual issue faced by actual companies. Through group work, students will formulate the problems and recommend original solutions. After the final presentation, students will review the whole research process based on the feedback provided by the companies, and design further personal growth strategies.
  2. Contents

67062
IT Value in Practice

Autumn Semester (2-0-0)
Prof. Junichi IIJIMA and Assoc. Prof. Dai SENOO

  1. Objectives
    The investments in Information Technology (IT) are increasing, however productivity at the economy, industry, and organization levels are not increasing. In order to escape this “IT Paradox”, the course sets these four objectives.
  2. Contents

68008
Organizational Design for Planning

Autumn Semester (2-0-0) Even Year in English
Assoc. Prof. Tatsuro SAKANO

  1. Purpose:
    The purpose of this course is to give students an insight to evaluate critically the validity and relevance of organized decision making and collective action called planning. By doing so, the course also aims at developing student’s capability to design and manage constructively the planning process and the organization in public domain.
  2. Course Description:
    The limitation of objectivism and instrumental rationality in solving value conflicts and in overcoming limited rationality casts doubts on the efficiency and the legitimacy of modernistic style of planning and organization. The development of planning theory and organizational design for the last half century is a result of exploration of the alternative mode of rationality. It is also a search process to formulate a new conception of public governance and to design a new institution which facilitates solving collective action dilemmas. The course starts with the comparison of different procedural styles of planning and the corresponding modes of rationality. Then discussion expands to the issue of public governance and collective action dilemma, which leads to debates on their political and ethical implications.
    Second half will focus on organization theory.
  3. Course Outline

68043
Public Policy and Project Valuation

Spring Semester (2-0-0)
Prof. Noboru HIDANO

  1. Objective
    I intend to offer you the essence of cost benefit analysis and valuation methods for public policy and projects including revealed preference techniques for non-market goods, ordinal estimations for market goods and stated preference methods, such as contingent valuation, in environmental and ecological economics.
  2. Schedule
    Introduction
    Cost benefit analysis
    Expenditure functions and several measures
    Benefit estimation methods
    Contingent valuation methods and incentive compatibility
    Problems of travel cost approach
    Hedonic analysis and capitalization theorem
    Hedonic econometric estimations
    Several examples
  3. Text: Hidano, N. (2002). The Economic Valuation of the Environment and Public Policy: A Hedonic Approach, Edward Elgar

Note: It is important for students who take this lecture to have basic knowledge in undergraduate micro-economics.
Office: W9-628
Office hours: about 30 minutes after each lecture

68058
Surveys and Experiments in Environmental Economics

Autumn Semester (1-0-0)
Prof. Noboru HIDANO and Adjunct Professors (TBA)

We will talk about the basic issues in surveys and experiments related to environmental economics. Topics cover econometrics, incentive compatibility, reciprocity, anchoring among others.

1)  Surveys and experiments in environmental economics
2)  Incentive compatibility and consequentiality
3)  Reciprocity
4)  Anchoring effects
5)  Surveys and design of experiments
6)  Analytical techniques including econometrics

Category III: “Application Objects of Technology”

65056
Introductory Cognitive Psychology

Spring Semester (2-0-0)
Assoc. Prof. Kimihiro YAMAGISHI

  1. Objective
    This lecture covers basics of cognitive psychology, with emphasis on memory, learning, reasoning, and decision making.
    As an introductory course, familiarity with experimental psychology is not necessary prior to registration.
  2. Content
    Week 1–6 : Structure and function of Memory
    Week 7 : Essay Quiz 1
    Week 8–14 : Higher-order cognition and development
    Week 15 : Essay Quiz 2
  3. Grading : There will be two quiz sessions, and the evaluation reflects the quality of quiz answers.

Textbook Reference: Books by Kathleen Galotti or Robert Solso bearing “ognitive psychology” in their titles would be helpful. They are not required readings, and the lectures design assumes the necessity of no textbook.

Conditions: Registration for the course requires no prerequisites.

Comments from lecturer: English is the language of instruction.
Students should master written and oral English at the level of 60-64 score in Internet-Based TOEFL.

65061
Introduction to Brain Science and fMRI

Spring or Autumn Semester, Intensive Course (1-0-0)
Assoc. Prof. Hiroyuki AKAMA

  1. Objectives
    As a new functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) environment will be established in Tokyo Tech, this subject provides skills in neuroimaging data acquisition and analysis using the fMRI scanner (Signa HDxt 3.0T, GE Healthcare) in the O-okayama campus. In the control room of the fMRI laboratory, students will get the basic knowledge about the cognitive brain science from a guest lecturer, fMRI specialist who will be invited from abroad.
  2. Contents
  3. 1.   Basic concepts of brain science
    2. Neurological techniques for brain science (TBA)
    3.
    4.
    5. Advanced themes (TBA)
    6.
    7.
  4. Comments
    Attention: This course is subject to further revisions.
    Credit from this course can be counted towards completing the International Human Economic Science Special Course.
    For the more detailed information about the course, please refer to http://www.ihes.hum.titech.ac.jp
    Also, feel free to contact Prof. Akama (akama@dp.hum.titech.ac.jp)

65062
Introduction to Cognitive Linguistics

Autumn Semester, Intensive course (1-0-0) Odd year in English
Assoc. Prof. Hiroyuki AKAMA, and others

  1. Objectives
    Embodiment theory, which now plays an important role within cognitive linguistics, leads us to situate language capacity within a more general theory of body and mind, action and perception, movement and imagery. The body-based approach within linguistics is founded on biological substrates that seek to understand the language capacity within the total range of human behavior, just as the branches of economics--behavioral economics, cognitive economics and neural economics--are increasingly being oriented in that direction. This course seeks to position and schematize cognitive and neural linguistics within a new research field called “embodied economics” with the perspective of synergizing different domains within the human system sciences.
  2. Contents
  3. 1.   Basic concepts of cognitive linguistics
    2. Cognitive aspects of the lexicon
    3.
    4.
    5. Evolving fields of embodiment theory
    6.
    7.
  4. Comments
    Credit from this course can be counted towards completing the International Human Economic Science Special Course.
    For the more detailed information about the course, please refer to http://www.ihes.hum.titech.ac.jp
    Also, feel free to contact Prof. Akama (akama@dp.hum.titech.ac.jp)

65063
Embodied Economics and Cognition

Spring Semester (1-0-0) Even year in English
Assoc. Prof. Kimihiko YAMAGISHI, guest lecturer (TBA)

  1. Objective
    This course is offered as a part of the International Program on “Effective Utilization of Technology” at the Graduate School of Decision Science and Technology. The lectures aim at teaching the cutting-edge endeavors of new scientific approaches to economic phenomena. The classical economics has built itself upon the foundation of “homo economics” with perfect rationality and unlimited computational might. In contrast, the 21st century’s approach views economic activities as performed by homo sapiens -- ordinary humans like the readers. Therefore, limitations of human cognitive capability do constrain economic behavior. Sciences embracing such assumptions are “embodied” in this sense. Currently, related branches include Behavioral Economics, Behavioral Finance, Cognitive Economics, and Neural Economics. This course offers a broad perspective of cognitive approaches to understanding preferential choice and judgment.
  2. Contents
  3. Reference
    None -- familiarity with cognitive psychology at the introductory level would greatly help understanding the content.

65067
Computational Brain Science and Complex Networks with Matlab (SPM)

Spring Semester (0-2-0)
Assoc. Prof. Ken WAKITA, Assoc. Prof. Hiroyuki AKAMA, and others

  1. Objectives
    Matlab is a high-level programming language which provides us effective computational methods with matrices and vectors as well as fantastic tools of image analysis and visualization. This has made this software package very useful for the sciences of complex networks as well as the neural sciences targeting the most important example of complex networks, the brain of an animal. Especially Matlab is considered as crucial for the fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) studies that we are now expecting to enhance at Tokyo Tech all the more because the Graduate School Decision Science and Technology has installed an fMRI scanner (Signa HDxt 3.0T, GE Healthcare) in the O-okayama campus. This course provides trainings for Matlab, using the GSIC Educational System and the Tsubame II Grid Cluster, so that students can develop essential knowledge for analyzing human networks, neural networks and finally fMRI brain image data with SPM (statistical parametric mapping), Matlab based package offering plenty of neuroimaging techniques. Students will also learn in the fMRI laboratory the basic literacy of fMRI experiment based on the introductory skills of Matlab programming.
  2. Contents
    1. Computer literacy and Matlab
      (1) Procedures for obtaining a Tsubame‡Uaccount and introduction to Tsubame‡Uliteracy
      (2) File manipulation techniques
      (3) Basic operations with Matlab
      (4) Computation of data matrices with Matlab
      (5) Complex networks with Matlab
    2. fMRI with Matlab (SPM)
      (1) Installation of SPM and basic usage
      (2) fMRI literacy: experiment design
      (3) fMRI literacy: stimulus and trigger signals
      (4) fMRI literacy: experiment
      (5) fMRI literacy: data analysis
  3. Comments
    Attention: This course is subject to further revisions.
    This lecture course will be held in one of the Practical Rooms in the Global Scientific Information and Computing Center (GSIC) (3rd floor) and the fMRI laboratory of the Graduate School of Decision Science and Technology. The access information can be found at the following URLs.
    http://www.gsic.titech.ac.jp/contents/campusmap.html.ja
    http://www.gsic.titech.ac.jp/contents/campusmap.html.en
    No special knowledge about Matlab is required.
    Please feel free to contact Prof. Wakita (wakita@is.titech.ac.jp)
    Credit from this course can be counted towards completing the International Human Economic Science Special Course.
    For the more detailed information about the course, please refer to http://www.ihes.hum.titech.ac.jp

65068
Human Economic Science by Mathematica

Spring Semester (0-2-0)
Assoc. Prof. Hiroyuki AKAMA

  1. Objectives
    Mathematica is a particularly ingenious, highly precise, and yet very user-friendly, programming language. From the perspective of human economic science, it is most suitable for 1) complicated symbolic computations that include vast amounts of terms, 2) analytical and numerical solutions to equations, differential equations and minimization calculations, 3) and accurate and aesthetic visualizations of graphs and figures. This class provides practice exercises using the GSIC Educational System and the Tsubame Grid Cluster to teach how to utilize Mathematica for economics and cognitive psychology calculations, such as equation solutions, linear algebra (list, vector and matrix manipulations), statistics (descriptive statistics, regressions, ANOVAs), graphs and complex networks, and simulations of complex systems.
  2. Contents
  3. 1. Procedures for obtaining an Tsubame account and introduction to Tsubame literacy
    2. Mathematica: Its features and interfaces--Symbolic programming, use of notebook and math commands for Tsubame computation
    3. Basic built-in functions of Mathematica: Numerical calculations and algebraic calculations
    4. Basic built-in functions of Mathematica: Linear algebra--List, vector and matrix manipulation
    5. Basic built-in functions of Mathematica: Uploading and downloading data; 2-D and 3-D graphics
    6. Functional programming, operators and their syntax
    7. Functions, packages and batch processing
    8. Pattern matching, logical operations and flow controls
    9. Application to human economic science: Statistical analyses
    10. Application to human economic science: Solving equations
    11 Application to human economic science: Differential and integral calculus
    12. Application to human economic science : Combinatorica and network computations
    13. Practice in more advanced programming
    14.
    15.
  4. Comments
    Lecture materials, as used in 2009, can be downloaded from the following URL (only within the campus). However, a total update of the materials is planned for 2010.
    http://www.b.cc.titech.ac.jp/~39499864/Mathematica/
    This lecture course will be held in one of the Practical Rooms in the Global Scientific Information and Computing Center (GSIC) (3rd floor). The access information can be found at the following URLs.
    http://www.gsic.titech.ac.jp/contents/campusmap.html.ja
    http://www.gsic.titech.ac.jp/contents/campusmap.html.en
    No special knowledge about Mathematica is required.
    For the more detailed information about the course, please refer to http://www.ihes.hum.titech.ac.jp
    Please feel free to contact Prof. Akama (akama@dp.hum.titech.ac.jp)
    Credit from this course can be counted towards completing the International Human Economic Science Special Course.

65076
Web – based Learning System

Autumn Semester (2-0-0) Even year in Japanese; Odd year in English
Assoc. Prof. Masao MUROTA

  1. Objective
    First part of this course includes the essence of the Internet protocols and technologies as a basic knowledge of Web-based learning system. Then this course introduces basic and advanced technologies and learning theories for a Web-based learning system. I will explore network protocols, fundamental application protocols, and guidelines to develop effective multimedia contents based on learning theory.
  2. Contents
    1. Introduction
    2. Introduction to the Internet
    3. Network Layer
    4. Transport Layer
    5. Domain Name System
    6. E-mail System
    7. World Wide Web
    8. Web Interaction Technologies (1): CGI, Cookie
    9. Web Interaction Technologies (2): Ajax, DOM
    10. Web Interaction Technologies (3): HTML5
    11. Guidelines for effective e-Learning contents (1)
    12. Guidelines for effective e-Learning contents (2)
    13. Guidelines for effective e-Learning contents (3)
    14. Advanced e-Learning (1)
    15. Advanced e-Learning (2)

Note: Fundamental knowledge on computer system and programming language of Perl, JavaScript, and HTML is recommended, but not mandatory.

66014
Global Environmental Governance

Spring Semester (2-0-0)
Assoc. Prof. Norichika KANIE

  1. Objective
    In order to solve global environmental issues such as climate change and depletion of Ozone layer, various environmental governance functions need to be satisfied with multiple actors as well as their trans-boundary networks.
    What lessons can we learn from the past experience on environmental governance in this respect? Using case studies on variety of issues on environmental governance, this course provides students with insights on the reality of environmental governance, and discuss lessons leant from the future institutions for the earth.

66046
A Comparative Study of Modern Japanese Culture

Autumn Semester (2-0-0)
Prof. Leith Morton

  1. Objective
    The chief objective of the course is to introduce students to texts fundamental to the construction of modern Japanese culture, and by reading, examining and discussing these texts in class in English provide students with a introduction to modern Japanese culture and the modern Japanese sensibility. Another objective is to enhance students’ ability to express their understanding of these texts through compulsory essays in English.
  2. Contents
    Class 1 will provide a general introduction to the course. All texts will be read in English translation.
    Classes 2 and 3 will examine Yanagita Kunio’s Tono Monogatari (The Legends of Tono, 1910).
    Classes 4 and 5 will examine Natsume Soseki’s Michikusa (Grass By the Wayside, 1915).
    Classes 6 and 7 will examine Kuki Shuzo’s Iki no Kozo (The Structure of Iki, 1930).
    Classes 8 and 9 will examine Tanikawa Shuntaro’s Tabi (Journeys, 1968).
    Classes 10 and 11 will examine Murakami Haruki’s Umibe no Kafka (Kafka on the shore 2002).
    Classes 12 and 13 will focus on general discussion.
    Class 14-15 will summarize the course.

67037
Managing Transformation by ICT

Autumn Semester (2-0-0) Even year in Japanese; Odd year in English
Assoc. Prof. Dai SENOO

  1. Objective
    Technology plays a critical role for organizations to adapt themselves to the net society where the speed and scale of organizational competition have significantly increased. In this class, organizations’ various ways to cope with the net society will be discussed.
  2. Contents

67038
Design Thinking

Spring Semester (2-0-0)
Assoc. Prof. Hiroyuki UMEMURO

  1. Objective
    Some products or services may give us affective experiences, either in positive or negative way.
    We call such products or services “affective”, or having affective quality.
    In this class, we explore the essences of such “affectiveness”, learn its characteristics, and seek for the ways to design such products or services.
  2. Contents
    - Lecture
    -- Affective quality
    -- Design Process
    -- Other human factors issues
    - Design Workshop
    -- Field study: know your users
    -- Design sketch
    -- Prototyping
    -- User testing
    -- Design proposal and presentations

68003
Advanced Theories and Practices of Urban Land Use Planning

Autumn Semester (2-0-0)
Prof. Norihiro NAKAI

  1. Objective
    The objective of the lecture is to give basic information on urban land use planning and development in Japan for those students who are not familiar with them. Students are asked to contribute to the lecture by presenting comparative view of planning issues.
  2. Schedule
    Introduction
    Modern history of Japanese urban planning
    Japanese planning system and current issues
    Urban development in Japan
    Urban design in Japan

Please note that this lecture will be provided in an intensive form in January or February. The precise timing of the lecture will be determined in November. Those students who would like to participate the lecture are asked to contact Prof. Nakai through e-mail right after the semester begins.

Text: Relevant materials will be provided in each lecture.
Office: W9-507
Office hours: about 30 minutes after each lecture

68028
Modeling of Global Environmental and Economic Growth

Spring Semester (1-1-0) on Demand
Assoc. Prof. Toshihiko MASUI

68040
Advanced Theory of Socio-Space

Autumn Semester (2-0-0) Odd year on Demand
Assoc. Prof. Masato DOHI