[Eikei University] Eikei University's PBL Tackles Real-World Challenges - 2nd Year Students (Summer Quarter 2026)

Eikei University (President: Munehiro Arinobu, Hiroshima City, Naka Ward) has commenced its Project-Based Learning Exercise IA classes for second-year students during the summer quarter. Over approximately two months, each team will tackle themes and real-world challenges provided by three clients.

Initially, Maki Kawase, Head of Department and instructor for the second-year problem-solving exercise, explained the overview of the two-month curriculum.

The problem-solving exercise will be conducted in four steps: "Proposing," "Fieldwork (Research)," "Co-Review (Co-creation)," and "Reporting." After the clients introduce their themes, each team will conduct on-site research and interviews to explore the problems and causes of the challenges. Finally, in the final presentation, they will present the identified core issues.

June 23 (Tue) Client Theme Introduction, Questions, and Exchange of Opinions

Following the introduction and explanation of each theme by the clients, there was a Q&A session.

Client: SATAKE Corporation

Theme

This project explores how to foster innovation by creating a workplace environment where foreign employees can fully demonstrate their abilities through an inclusive mindset. It also examines the current challenges and structural barriers that hinder both the realization of such an environment and the creation of innovation. Inclusion refers to a state or mindset in which diverse individuals are accepted and able to fully utilize their abilities.

Sub-theme

To enable foreign employees to contribute to innovation, it is important to first understand existing challenges. Based on this understanding, we will explore the ideal workplace and identify the actions required to achieve it. Please examine the topic from the following three perspectives:

Perspective 1 What structural and organizational barriers may prevent small and medium-sized enterprises in regional areas from leveraging diversity to drive innovation? ■ Perspective 2 What are the key characteristics of an “ideal workplace” where foreign employees can fully demonstrate their abilities and contribute to innovation? ■ Perspective 3 What challenges must be addressed at the individual, managerial, and organizational levels in order to move closer to such an ideal workplace and foster innovation?

Client Feedback (SATAKE Corporation)

We participated in this exercise with the aim of providing a process that leads to higher-resolution solutions by confronting and thinking through real challenges faced by local companies. We expect that the students' flexible thinking will generate wonderful ideas that make us exclaim, "I see!"

Client: S-Produce. LLC

Theme

Leveraging the strengths of Coworking AxEL and transforming its weaknesses – Creating a community space that is easily accessible to many university students –

Client Feedback (S-Produce. LLC)

The reason our company is participating in Eikei University's problem-solving exercise is that we want to explore solutions from new perspectives together with the students regarding the challenges faced by real society. We feel that the appeal of Eikei University's problem-solving exercise lies not in learning pre-prepared "correct answers," but in proactively engaging in everything from problem discovery to cause analysis and proposal of solutions for issues that actual companies and local communities face.

Furthermore, we see great potential in the university's and students' approach to exploring the essence of challenges through on-site research and interviews with stakeholders.

For us as well, dialogue with the students provides opportunities for new insights and value creation. We expect the problem-solving exercise to be a place where both students and companies can learn and grow together, and a catalyst for creating new value for the region and society. We look forward to continuing to take on challenges together with everyone at Eikei University.

Client: Mazda Motor Corporation

Theme

How can an organization's "atmosphere" enhance value and results? – Considering the effects of BLUEPRINT and the challenges to approach the ideal –

Sub-theme

・What constitutes a "good organizational culture"? ・How can the penetration of BLUEPRINT be increased among employees/in the workplace?

Client Feedback (Mazda Motor Corporation)

Our company is currently working on transforming its corporate culture, and we are participating in this problem-solving exercise with the expectation of proposals based on "new perspectives and ideas" unique to the generation that will lead society in the future. We aim to create new value through collaboration with a university rooted in the region.

Students exchanged questions and opinions with the clients in preparation for future fieldwork activities.

Some materials from past "Final Presentations" are available on a special website. "Practical Skills to Change Society" - What is Eikei University's PBL -

Eikei University's PBL Tackles Real-World Challenges - 2nd Year Students (Summer Quarter 2026) - [Official Website] Eikei University, Public University Corporation of Hiroshima Prefecture

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