A Significant Milestone in Business Education: RTOCS® Reaches 1000 Sessions!
On July 5, 2026, BBT University (Aoba-BBT), headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, will celebrate a notable accomplishment as it announces that its RTOCS® (Real-Time Online Case Study) program, under the supervision of the esteemed business consultant Kenichi Ohmae, will reach its 1000th session. This achievement highlights over 21 years of dedication to developing critical thinking skills through real-world business cases.
RTOCS® involves analyzing the current managerial challenges faced by a company each week. Participants are prompted to engage in decision-making processes as if they were the company’s leaders. The milestone of 1000 sessions not only signifies the program's longevity since its inception in April 2005, but also reflects its ability to adapt and remain relevant through diverse business environments and political challenges. RTOCS® has tackled over 880 topics, reaching beyond business to include governmental and nonprofit organizations.
To commemorate this achievement, BBT University is offering free access to select popular episodes from the RTOCS® series through a dedicated website. These episodes feature high-profile companies such as NVIDIA, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Toei, allowing viewers to witness critical thinking in action and engage with the topics covered during the training.
One of the highlighted episodes covers NVIDIA, aired in July 2017, presciently discussing the company's growth strategy just before the explosion of interest in AI technologies. Ohmae's insights from the episode provide a fascinating retrospective view against the backdrop of today’s AI-driven world, expertly aligning past foresight with current realities.
In this era dominated by AI, cultivating the capacity to ask the right questions—something RTOCS® encourages—is more crucial than ever. The ability to think critically, creatively, and make informed judgments built through this program positions individuals uniquely in today’s job market.
What is RTOCS®?
RTOCS® (Real-Time Online Case Study) is a case study program designed to improve decision-making skills by addressing contemporary challenges from real businesses. Participants are placed in a dynamic learning environment, whereby they must decide how they would lead a company facing live challenges within a set timeframe. Unlike traditional case studies focused on past successes or failures, RTOCS® emphasizes problems where no definitive solutions exist yet, prompting participants to develop their questioning and analytical skills.
Through RTOCS®, individuals harness both logical thinking (left brain) and imaginative problem-solving (right brain) to derive solutions based on informed insights. Kenichi Ohmae himself provides guidance by tackling the same challenges from an executive perspective, enriching the learning experience.
About Kenichi Ohmae
Kenichi Ohmae, the president of BBT University, is a globally recognized business consultant and educator. He holds a doctorate in nuclear engineering from MIT and boasts a significant career with McKinsey & Company. Following his departure from McKinsey in 1994, Ohmae has nurtured the minds of future leaders as a professor at esteemed institutions, emphasizing the development of practical skills in business leadership.
Celebrating 1000 Sessions: Episodes Open to the Public
To honor the 1000-session milestone, BBT University presents an opportunity to access three notable episodes for free:
1.
NVIDIA (Episode 571) - Analyzing growth strategies for NVIDIA just before the AI boom.
2.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (Episode 956) - Tackling ongoing challenges in Japan’s maritime industry.
3.
Toei (Episode 964) - Addressing strategic decisions for one of the entertainment sector's giants.
Visit the special website for full access:
RTOCS Information
Recommended Reading
The related book,
RTOCS: Developing the Mindset of Others, elucidates how individuals can strengthen their cognitive skills - including creativity and innovative thinking - in this era where AI competes for intellectual roles. It’s a vital resource for professionals seeking to enhance their capabilities and adapt to the evolving job landscape.
Find the book at major bookstores and online retailers.
Aoba-BBT’s Educational Philosophy
Founded in 1998, Aoba-BBT is committed to cultivating globally competent leaders through innovative educational solutions. By incorporating RTOCS into its curriculum, the institution not only imparts theoretical knowledge but also emphasizes practical decision-making skills necessary for today’s business environment. Students enjoy a dynamic learning experience that prepares them for the challenges of tomorrow, ensuring they can translate knowledge into actionable insights.
Join us in celebrating this remarkable journey of RTOCS® and enriching your understanding of business through real-time case studies!