Exploring Vietnamese Business Landscape: A Visit from MBA group -The University of Texas McCombs School of Business

An exciting experience we had at Simple Decor on 17 May 2023 was: Hosting a group of MBA students from the University of Texas at Austin, led by Professor Joseph G. Stephens. The visit provided a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and insights on various aspects of Vietnamese culture and business practices.

The University of Texas at Austin is a leading public research institution in the United States. McCombs School of Business is one of the largest and most distinguished business schools in the country, the McCombs School of Business (https://www.mccombs.utexas.edu) is dedicated to educating the business leaders of tomorrow while creating knowledge for industry and society. The university is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the US. They are one of the few schools in the country to receive top marks in nearly all the business specialty areas by U.S. News & World Report – at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

During the visit, the MBA students immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of our company, engaging in discussions and exploring the main topics shaping the Vietnamese business landscape, especially Simple Decor’s business model. The visit spanned nearly three hours and encompassed activities designed to deepen their understanding.

The discussions with the group cover a diverse range of topics, including manufacturing, innovation, supply chain, poverty and income, and the labor force. We were truly impressed with their academic knowledge and unique perspectives on these subjects. Here are some key insights that emerged from our conversations:

• Manufacturing: We delved into manufacturing at Simple Decor, especially design-driven Manufacturing. Our manufacturing processes are driven by our design philosophy. We blend contemporary design with Vietnamese cultural elements to create unique and captivating products. Our team of skilled artisans and craftsmen work diligently to ensure that each piece reflects the highest level of artistry and attention to detail.
• Sustainable Practices: Sustainability is a core value at Simple Decor, and we integrate environmentally friendly practices into our manufacturing processes. We strive to minimize our carbon footprint by utilizing eco-friendly materials such as natural and recycled materials, implementing energy-efficient practices, and reducing waste generation. We actively seek sustainable sourcing options and collaborate with suppliers who share our commitment to environmental stewardship.
• Socio-Economic Factors: Exploring topics such as poverty, income inequality, and the labor force allowed us to gain a broader understanding of the social and economic context in Vietnam. We shared how we make a positive impact on our local community by providing income opportunities to the villagers in surrounding areas, who don’t have stable work and income opportunities but they have skills in traditional craftsmanship.

By highlighting these efforts in our blog, we hope to inspire others to value and support local artisans and their traditional skills. Together, we can make a significant and lasting impact on the lives of individuals and the preservation of cultural heritage in our community. We at Simple Decor also strive to connect with partners worldwide and assist them in achieving success by selling our products or supporting us in improving our productivity and working environment. We believe in fostering mutually beneficial relationships and expanding our reach to global partners.

Overall, hosting a visit from MBA students from a prestigious university like The University of Texas at Austin gives us a chance to share our values and provided valuable insights and knowledge about Vietnamese culture, business practices, and specific topics, we hope to offer them a practical understanding in the context of Vietnam and to gain valuable insights that will benefit them in their future careers. We would also like to express our appreciation for the group’s active participation and thoughtful questions. Their engagement demonstrated a genuine interest in learning and a willingness to explore new perspectives.

The visit also provided an opportunity for networking and potential collaboration. It will not only provide an opportunity for cultural exchange, and market expansion but also educational collaboration.