#Japan #risk management #Okayama #Okayama University #ERM Training

Okayama University Conducts Department Heads' Session on Enterprise Risk Management

On December 2, 2025, Okayama University conducted its second departmental heads session for the academic year, aimed at tackling essential issues related to the university’s sustainable development. This gathering brought together the university's executive team and representatives from various faculties, fostering open discussions about significant concerns impacting the university’s future.

The theme of this session was 'Understanding ERM (Enterprise Risk Management).' It served as a crucial training on risk management tailored for university executives and department heads, held at the Tsushima Campus within the main building. The session aimed to equip participants with foundational knowledge on risk management processes and assessments, enabling them to utilize this knowledge in preparing goals and plans for the next academic year.

The university invited Ryosuke Katsumata, Vice President and Principal Consultant of Newton Consulting, to lead the training. The session began with an opening address by Yukari Mimura, Director in charge of Planning, Evaluation, and General Affairs, who emphasized the importance of integrating ERM methods in the setting and execution of organizational goals. She encouraged participants to take full advantage of this learning opportunity.

Following the initial remarks, Mr. Katsumata conducted a lecture that deepened participants' understanding of risk management through interactive workshops based on relatable topics. These workshops covered the significance and processes of risk management, setting goals and objectives, and understanding risk appetite. Additionally, participants engaged in practical exercises simulating real university scenarios, allowing them to apply the concepts learned during the session to concrete risk management efforts.

In his closing remarks, Masamitsu Suga, another director overseeing educational affairs, reinforced the necessity for the university to advance despite the inherent risks. He stated, 'It is crucial for the executive board to provide direction while collectively engaging the entire university in risk management initiatives.'

This department heads session proved to be a valuable platform, fostering a shared understanding among management about ERM and enabling departments and administrative offices to formulate organizational goals with ERM considerations in mind. As Okayama University continues its commitment to being a core regional university with distinctive research initiatives, expectations remain high for its ongoing efforts towards sustainable development.

Event Highlights:

• - Address by Yukari Mimura, emphasizing the integration of ERM in goal setting.
• - Engaging workshops led by Ryosuke Katsumata to cultivate a deeper understanding of risk management.
• - Interactive group activities simulating real university challenges.

For more detailed information, please visit Okayama University’s official website at Okayama University.

Though the session has concluded, the university's persistent endeavors in the realms of academia and community engagement showcase its role as a pivotal research center invested in the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Okayama University remains dedicated to contributing to academia and society at large, as recognized by accolades such as the Special Award at the inaugural 'Japan SDGs Award'.

As the university pushes forward with its unique characteristics as a core regional research institution, there are continued hopes and expectations from the community regarding its future initiatives and collaborations.