Produced by JETRO Yamagata Last update 2010.12.15 This report contains Japanese characters that may not be viewable on some computers. In order to view these characters, open the document with your browser and proceed to encode it for Japanese. ******************************************************************** 2010.12.15 Venture Business Front Line - No. 145 【日本語要旨】 2011年 消費者動向 未来派頭脳集団ダビンチ研究所・所長トマス・フレイ氏は、未来を理解する最 大の価値は、絶え間なく変化する(文化、人種、年齢、収入、教育レベル、就 業状況、居住地域などが含まれる)経済・市場情報を逸早く捉えて、実行可能 なビジネス戦略に変換する事であると述べている。 "The greatest value in understanding the future comes from spotting the major cultural, demographic, societal, and economic shifts early and translating them into viable business strategies," says Futurist Thomas Frey who is the Executive Director of the DaVinci Institute. [1] そこで今回は新しい年を迎えるにあたり、世界規模でビジネス・消費者動向を 研究分析するtrendwatching.com社が発表した"11 CRUCIAL CONSUMER TRENDS FOR 2011"(2011年の重大消費者動向11項目) [2]を記載する。 詳細は年が明けて次号にて掲載するが、今回は下記の11項目をどのように和訳 (片仮名でない日本語に)出来るか、下の単語だけを見てどれだけ内容を予測で きるか試して欲しい。時間のある読者は、[2]に掲載されている記事全文を参 考すると理解が深まる。 1. RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS 2. URBANOMICS 3. PRICING PANDEMONIUM 4. MADE FOR CHINA (IF NOT BRIC) 5. ONLINE STATUS SYMBOLS 6. WELLTHY 7. SOCIAL-LITES AND TWINSUMERS 8. EMERGING GENEROSITY 9. PLANNED SPONTANEITY 10. ECO SUPERIOR 11. OWNER-LESS [1] http://www.davinciinstitute.com/ [2] http://trendwatching.com/ バリッド・テクノロジー・グループ代表 黒木嗣也 ( くろき・つぐなり ) kuroki@validtechnology.com www.validtechnology.com ******************************************************************** 2010.12.01 Venture Business Front Line - No. 144 "Gujarat 2011" by Edward Kuroki President Obama said at a recent meeting in Mumbai, India, "The United States sees Asia, especially India, as the market of the future." For the past 10 years, the distance between India and the developed countries has been getting much closer in terms of India's stance in the ever competitive business and political world. For this issue, an interview with Mr. Yogesh Mishra was conducted on Gujarat 2011 (http://www.vibrantgujarat.com/) and on the intricacies of the Indian business world. Mr. Mishra who is originally from the State of Utter Pradesh, India, and has been working in the U.S. for the past 20 years in the fields of financial IT and e-commerce. He has been a consultant to Fidelity Investments since 2003 where he has developed many complex financial management systems. [KUROKI] According to "INDIA IN BUSINESS," there are hundreds of Special Economic Zones in India: http://www.indiainbusiness.nic.in/industry-infrastructure/infrastructure/sez.htm Vibrant Gujarat 2011 Summit is going to be held on January 12 - 13, 2011. What differentiates Gujarat from other SEZs in India? [MISHRA] Closer proximity to Middle East and good sea-ports are suitable for petro based industries. Pro-business stabilizes state government and has less of a geo-political risk. [KUROKI] Do you recommend investing in Gujarat? If so, why? [MISHRA] Yes, I recommend investing in Gujarat because of its pro business and progressive government structures with educated and trained local employees. [KUROKI] According to "DOING BUSINESS - MEASURING BUSINESS REGULATIONS" by World Bank Group (http://doingbusiness.org/), India is ranked No. 133 out of 183 countries, and among 17 Indian cities Ludhiana, Hyderabad, and Bhubaneshwar are ranked high on the list: http://doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/india/ http://doingbusiness.org/rankings/india/ In your opinion, what are some of the pros and cons for doing business in India? [MISHRA] National growth rate is around 7-8% so almost all sectors of economy are booming. Government is allowing targeted FII where 100% repatriation is allowed. On the Con side, there is lot of bureaucracy and corruption that can slow down setting-up of plants and operations. [KUROKI] According to the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) report on India, India is becoming a world superpower due to its rapid economic development despite its significant overpopulation, environmental degradation, extensive poverty, and widespread corruption. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/in.html What are some of the problems of India's SEZ development -- Gujarat in particular? Does India (Gujarat) have sufficient water, food, oil, fertilizers, etc. to maintain its momentum? [MISHRA] Some of the SEZ have not materialized because of resistance from the local population because SEZ may be trying to acquire fertile agricultural land. Gujarat has a lot barren land that has little productive value to locals so this issue is not present in the state. SEZ were designed as export oriented zones but there are loopholes that allow local import into India from SEZ and there are critics of SEZ with the view that multinational companies are exploiting these loop-holes in SEZ and avoiding import duties. Gujarat SEZ may have power and raw material shortages as common in other parts of the country. [KUROKI] What is your view on web-based SEZ management solutions? [MISHRA] Web based solutions would make operations of a company in SEZ more efficient. However, there will always be a component of dealing with red-tape and corruption at local level. [KUROKI] Considering the increasingly complex interplay and competitiveness among some of the African nations, China, Japan, North and South America, Russia, U.S., Vietnam, etc., where is India heading in the future? [MISHRA] India is trying to rise up the value chain. In India, cost of doing business is rising and in the future, India may not be as competitive for low cost operations. In fact many forward looking Indian companies are scoping out other local cost countries such as Vietnam, China, and South America etc for setting up manufacturing, and even leased agriculture. [KUROKI] How is Japan being perceived by people in India? How about America? [MISHRA] America and Japan both are looked at in a positive light in India. India has had soft spot for Japan since Japan helped Indians in their freedom fight against British rule. Japanese products had very good reputation. (However lately Sony's quality problems are hitting India too. ) For more information, contact: Edward Kuroki kuroki@validtechnology.com http://www.validtechnology.com ACKNOWLEDGMENT: Editorial and research assistance was provided by Freyja Sanger and Michiko Kuroki. 【日本語要旨】 ”GUJARAT (グジャラート) 2011” 過去にもインドに関する情報をベンチャー・ビジネス最前線(VBFL)を通して提 供してきた[1]。 今回は、来年1月インドの北西部に位置するグジャラート州 ガンディーナガル市で開催される”GUJARAT (グジャラート) 2011” [2]と呼 ばれる第五回グローバル・ビジネス・サミットに関係して、インドのUttar Pradesh (UP)州出身、現在アメリカ最大の投資信託会社フィデリティ・インベ ストメンツ[3]のIT部門でコンサルタントを務めるYogesh Mishra(ヨーゲシュ ・ミシュラ)氏に話を伺った。 世 界銀行が調査分析提供する、"DOING BUSINESS - MEASURING BUSINESS REGULATIONS" (ビジネス環境難易・容易度指標) [英語本文参照] によると、 過剰人口、貧富の格差、食糧不足、環境汚染、政治汚職など様々な問題を抱え るインドでビジネスを行うことは決して容易ではないことがわかるが、日本、 カナダはGUJARAT 2011の協賛国で、ジェトロも協賛団体の一つとなっている。 60以上のSpecial Economic Zone(経済特区)を抱えるグジャラート州では、こ のサミットを通してさらに様々な分野での投資家・企業誘致を活発に進める計 画だ。 [1] インドに関する「ベンチャー・ビジネス最前線」記事リスト VBFL 128. 中国・ラテンアメリカ -強敵のインドに対する資源と市場をめぐる 激しい攻防戦(2009.08.03) VBFL 109. ベトナム - ポスト・中国/インドと成り得る国(2007.07.02) VBFL 99. 医療観光事業 - (インドへの)メディカル・アウトソーシング (2006.12.01) VBFL 84. チンディア - 全世界人口の三分の一・興隆する中国・インド戦略 (2005.12.01) VBFL 44. シリコン・インディア - インドの日本工業団地特別地区設立に関す るプロポーザル(2003.09.16) VBFL 42. インド - FDIに頼らない「ボトム・アップ型」インド起業育成モデル(2003.08.01) VBFL 37. インド・ロシア・中国 - 日本はこれからどこを見たらよいか？ 準備は整っているか？ (2003.05.01) VBFL 33. インダス起業家 - インド系ベンチャー・ビジネスのネットワーク集団 (2003.03.03) VBFL 29. 開発途上国市場その3 - BOP市場で成功した会社6例(2002.12.16) VBFL 28. 開発途上国市場その2 - BOP市場で成功した会社7例(2002.12.02) VBFL 26. 開発途上国市場その1 - 多くの可能性を秘めたBOP (Bottom of the Pyramid)市場 (2002.11.01) 参考までに、BOP (Bottom of the Pyramid) 「ピラミッドの最底辺」概念は、 "Base of the Economic Pyramid"とも言われているが、この概念は故・C.K. Prahaladミシガン大学教授によって確立され、The Wharton School Publishing (ウォートン・スクール出版会) からは2005年"THE FORTUNE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PYRAMID Eradicating Poverty Through Profits" by C.K. Prahaladが出 ている。日本語版は英治出版株式会社から"ネクスト・マーケット「貧困層」 を「顧客」に変える次世代ビジネス戦略"と題する本が様々な事例を取り上げ ている。今年七月には増補改訂版も出た。必読書の一つと思う。 [2] http://www.vibrantgujarat.com/ [3] https://www.fidelity.com/ バリッド・テクノロジー・グループ代表 黒木嗣也 ( くろき・つぐなり ) kuroki@validtechnology.com www.validtechnology.com ******************************************************************** 2010.11.01 Venture Business Front Line - No. 143 "The use of the Internet for political campaigning" by Edward Kuroki There is no doubt that the Internet and other media technologies have become major factors for recent political campaigning. Arianna Huffington, an author and syndicated columnist was quoted in The Huffington Post: "Were it not for the Internet, Barack Obama would not be president. Were it not for the Internet, Barack Obama would not have been the democratic nominee" while speaking on a panel at the Web 2.0 Summit 2008 (Nov 2008) in San Francisco.[1] "Amber Lee Ettinger's video ("I Got a Crush on Obama" created by Ben Relles) has been viewed over 75 million times" which became one of the most effective tools for Mr. Obama's recent presidential campaign.[2] In 2010, Newsweek named this video as the #3 biggest Internet meme of the decade. [3] An article titled "How Campaign Communication Technology Works" by Dave Roos, provided a chronology of "Memorable Moments in Web Politics" [4] prior to 2008 based on Pew Internet & American Life Study: 1994: Senator Dianne Feinstein of California launches the first campaign website 1996: In a televised debate, presidential candidate Bob Dole gives the wrong address for his web site. 1998: Ex-professional wrestler Jesse Ventura uses e-mail to rally support for his surprise victory as Minnesota governor. 2000: Presidential hopeful John McCain proves that the Web is a powerful fund-raising tool. 2002: Millions of Americans turn to the Web as their primary source of political information. 2004: Presidential candidate Howard Dean uses blogs and social networking sites like Meetup.com to launch a sweeping grassroots campaign. 2006: Internet videos become an integral part of campaign sites. 2007: Every presidential candidate has a MySpace and Facebook page. [Interesting note: most of the presidential candidates also had Twitter accounts] Access to the Internet as a tool to conduct political campaigning is however unique to America. In some countries like the People's Republic of China, North Korea, South Korea, Vietnam, Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, etc., the use of the Internet is still censored by government authorities and freedom of political expression is restricted. Surprisingly, even in Japan, only certain "Tier One Campaign Web Sites" are legal, and other activities such as donations, volunteer sign-up, blogs, audio, RSS feeds, "house parties," team building, personal fund-raising campaigns, etc. are still restricted. [5] This is due to a general lack of transparency in Japan's political campaigning process and a fear of sophisticated Astroturfing operations. In this article, I have interviewed Ms. Laura M. Corser, a graduate student at Indiana University in the East Asian Languages and Literature Department. Ms. Corser graduated from Wellesley College [6] with a double-major in East Asian Studies and Political Science. While at Wellesley, she served as a student liaison to the Committee for Political and Legislative Action, secretary of Advocates for North Korean Human Rights, liaison for the Japan Club, captain of the Wellesley College Kendo Club, and president of Spectrum, Wellesley's LGBTQ organization. In this article, Ms. Corser provided unbiased and intriguing responses to questions pertaining to the use of the Internet for political campaigning. [KUROKI] How has the style of political campaigning in America changed with the introduction of radio, TV, Internet, etc. technologies? [CORSER] Without a doubt, mass media technologies have personalized politics. The radio first enabled candidates to directly address their constituents on a previously unprecedented scale. People who might never have had the opportunity to go out and see a candidate -- let alone a candidate and their opponents -- could get a personal impression of the candidates through the style and manner of their address. This effect has been further compounded by televised debates and, most recently, the Internet. Debatably, ever since televised debates entered the political arena, the more charismatic candidate in a presidential election has won. One striking example is the 1960 debates between Nixon and Kennedy, the first televised presidential debate. Those who listened to the radio staunchly believed that Nixon had won, while television viewers (the majority) believed Kennedy took the lead.[7] The televised presence of political candidates continues to affect elections to this day. The question, then, becomes "where does the Internet fit in to the established paradigm?" Now, not only can we hear candidates on our radio and see them on our television, we can access every minute detail of their lives through our computer screens. According to my grandfather, a retired history teacher who has regaled me with political stories since I was a toddler, the mudslinging and personal attacks that have been rampant over the last decade didn't occur until the Lewinsky drama with President Clinton. Now, while that might be over-idealizing the past a bit, I think the Internet played a large role in that phenomenon. In the Information Age, everyone -- and most especially young people -- expect accessibility to every aspect of people's lives. Perhaps even more importantly, information can be shared at the touch of a button. Minor mistakes can become major political news simply because of the speed with which it could spread. In short: for better or worse, the Internet disseminates information at an absolutely unprecedented speed to parties who can use that information in whatever way they choose. [KUROKI] What are some of the most important factors for political campaigning in America? Why? [CORSER] Aside from the logistical measures (personal outreach, organizational preparedness, and media control), it is absolutely imperative that American politicians present themselves in a way that makes the public think they are capable, but also "real" in the sense that they could easily be a neighbor. Laws regulate certain transparency and funding issues (e.g., who pays for and supports television campaign ads). [KUROKI] Can you relate some of the challenges for political campaigning in America to other countries (i.e., Japan)? [CORSER] Obviously financing is always a problem for politicians, and thus it is carefully regulated and monitored. Still, appealing to interest groups occurs, and perhaps more concerning, they pre-target voters and focus their energy and resources appealing to them (particularly baby boomers, due to the reliability of their voting.) This becomes a problem when certain groups are ignored -- for example, the young demographic that turned out in droves for President Obama, in large part because he addressed their issues and communicated with them through a forum they understand (i.e., the Internet). Political campaigns in the United States devolved over the last decade into personal attacks as much as political platforms, both within and between the Democrat and Republican parties. Though I have not had the privilege of being IN Japan for a national election, from what I understand of Japanese politics, this has not occurred, especially not to the same degree. I think this has a lot to do with the differences between the parliamentary and presidential systems, the former being more party-oriented and the latter being more individual-oriented. [KUROKI] What are some of the challenges for both Democrats and Republicans with regard to the use of Internet for political campaigning? What are the pros and cons? Why? [CORSER] The root of Internet campaign problems is control. The Internet as it exists in America cannot be reigned in and regulated. Anyone can publish anything, regardless of its truthfulness, and the distinction between party and politician-approved messages and others becomes murky at best, especially if individuals post their own messages and opinions, or even worse, impersonate someone. The anonymity of the Internet provides free fora for interaction, but that also means it is inherently chaotic for politicians and campaign managers alike. [KUROKI] How will the use of Internet affect the next U.S. presidential election? Can you think of any other technology or gadget that can affect the use of Internet? [CORSER] Much of today's technology is working to increase our access to the Internet, particularly those corners of the Internet that mesh with our personal interests. While I wouldn't be surprised if a few new political apps come out between now and the 2012 elections, I don't think we will see technology creating as radical a change as the radio, television, or Internet in the next two years. [1] Please refer to http://www.web2summit.com/web2010 for the latest Web 2.0 summit. [2] http://obamagirl.com/ [3] http://2010.newsweek.com/top-10/internet-memes/obama-girl.html [4] http://communication.howstuffworks.com/how-campaign-communication-technology-works.htm [5] According to te Bivings Group identified three “tiers” of campaign Web sites offering different levels of technical sophistication where Tier One Web sites offer the basic campaign information, such as candidate biography, contact information, donations and volunteer sign-up. In 2006, 80 to 94 percent of campaign Web sites offered Tier One features in the U.S. [6]　http://web.wellesley.edu/web -- Founded in 1870, it is one of the most prestigious (and the wealthiest) U.S. private woman's colleges. Among many successful graduates from Wellesley College, Mrs. Hillary Clinton (the 67th United States Secretary of State) is one of them. [7] "THE KENNEDY-NIXON PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES, 1960 - The Museum of Broadcast Communications". The Museum of Broadcast Communications (MBC). http://www.museum.tv/eotvsection.php?entrycode=kennedy-nixon Contact: Edward Kuroki kuroki@validtechnology.com http://www.validtechnology.com ACKNOWLEDGMENT: Editorial and research assistance was provided by Freyja Sanger, Arlene Hirae and Michiko Kuroki. 【日本語要旨（前回のあらすじ）】 インターネットと選挙運動 ハフィントン・ポストの創設者であるアリアナ・ハフィントンさんは、2008年 11月"インターネットがなければ、バラク・オバマ氏は大統領候補になること はなかったし、ましてや大統領になることなどありえなかった。"と述べた。 日本では、憲法第21条第1項で「集会、結社及び言論、出版その他一切の表現 の自由は、これを保障する」とあるが、公職選挙法142条第1項や第146条によ り選挙運動のインターネット利用が禁止されている。HPブログ更新、電子メー ル、ツイッター等選挙期間中のインターネット利用の解禁事項として与野党が 検討している部分もあるが、進行は遅い。しかしながら日本のネット選挙解禁 は時間の問題だと思う。インターネットと関連するP2Pなどの選挙運動組織構 造変化、Web2.0などのウエブ・ソフト技術、データマイニング技術を駆使した オンライン募金活動などを考察し、将来に向けた新しい選挙戦略を立てる時期 が来たと思う。 今回は、米国マサチューセッツ州にある名門女子大ウエルズリー大学（ヒラリ ー・クリントン国務長官の出身校）を卒業（政治学とアジア学専攻）して現在 インディアナ大学の大学院で日本・南北朝鮮に関する政治学を専攻するローラ ・コーサー(Laura Corser)さんにインタビューを行い本題に関し偏見のない意 見を聞いた。 バリッド・テクノロジー・グループ代表 黒木嗣也 ( くろき・つぐなり ) kuroki@validtechnology.com www.validtechnology.com ******************************************************************** 2010.08.02 Venture Business Front Line - No. 142 【日本語要旨】 インターネットと選挙運動 ギリシャ系アメリカ人作家、コラムニスト、ハフィントン・ポスト[1]の創設 者であるアリアナ・ハフィントン（Arianna Huffington)は、2008年11月"Were it not for the Internet, Barack Obama would not be president. Were it not for the Internet, Barack Obama would not have been the nominee (インターネットがなければ、バラク・オバマは大統領候補になることはなか ったし、ましてや大統領になることなどありえなかった。)" と述べた。 一方日本では、憲法第21条第1項で「集会、結社及び言論、出版その他一切の 表現の自由は、これを保障する」とあるが、公職選挙法142条第1項や第146条 により選挙運動のインターネット利用が禁止されている。HPブログ更新、電子 メール、ツイッター等選挙期間中のインターネット利用の解禁事項として与野 党が合意・検討している部分もあるが、首相交代、参院選挙の結果も重なり、 進行状況は遅いと言える。 しかしながら日本のネット選挙解禁は時間の問題だと思う。米国においてイン ターネットが選挙活動に功を奏したハワード・ディーンの大統領選挙にさかの ぼり、インターネットと関連するP2Pなどの選挙運動組織構造変化、Web 2.0[2] などのウエブ・ソフトウエア技術、データマイニング技術を駆使したオンライ ン募金活動などを慎重に考察し、将来に向けた新しい選挙戦略を選挙をする立 場と選挙を監視する立場両方から用意するべきである。 詳細は次号英文にて掲載する。 [1] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ [2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0 バリッド・テクノロジー・グループ代表 黒木嗣也 ( くろき・つぐなり ) kuroki@validtechnology.com www.validtechnology.com ******************************************************************** 2010.07.15 Venture Business Front Line - No. 141 "Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)" by Edward Kuroki The recent outbreak of Foot-and-Mouth Disease has been threatening the livelihood of Wagyu cattle farmers in Miyazaki Japan. Foot-and-mouth disease (also know as FMD) is a highly contagious and sometimes fatal viral disease to cattle, water buffalo, sheep, swine, goats, and other cloven-hoofed animals. In many parts of the world, it is an endemic. FMD's potential to spread rapidly makes it one of the most economically devastating livestock diseases. Wagyu literally means "Japanese cow," and refers to several breeds of cattle genetically predisposed to intense marbling and production of a high percentage of oleaginous unsaturated fat.[1] Kobe Beef is one of them, and so is Miyazaki Beef. Miyazaki is one of the prefectures of Japan located on the eastern side of Kyushu island, which is approximately 540 miles south from Kobe. FMD has been around throughout the world for many centuries; however, the virus was identified by a German bacteriologist, Dr. Friedrich Loeffler, at the University of Greifswald in 1897. The U.S. has not been hit by an outbreak of FMD since 1929, while the U.K., Taiwan, China, Korea, etc. have recently slaughtered millions of animals in an attempt to stop FMD. On 26 June 2009, the OIE (The World Organisation for Animal Health) / FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) Global Conference on Foot and Mouth Disease was held in Paraguay, the outcome of this conference was an agreement upon boosting new national and regional policies and actions towards the ideal of global control over FMD.[2] The U.S. has placed a high priority on preparing for an outbreak of FMD. One of the studies conducted at The Plum Island Animal Disease Center[3] of USDA-ARS (United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service)[4] indicates novel technologies using Infrared Thermography that could be instrumental in the selection of potentially infected animals for further FMD testing -- either by direct virus detection or by using serological methods.[5] In "Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Novel Technologies Improve Detection and Control" published in the April 2009 issue of Agricultural Research magazine, Dr. Rodriguez states the following: "It’s a huge endeavor to examine the animals one by one. Even on a small farm it’s a big task,” says Rodriguez. He and his colleagues evaluated a new method for rapidly and accurately detecting animals at risk of infection. Their method, which uses IRT cameras to quickly identify potentially infected animals, is not intended to be a diagnostic test. Rather, it enables scientists to concentrate their resources by quickly isolating animals that require further testing with a disease-specific method. This technology still needs to be validated through multiple field tests; however, its testing and implementation should be considered seriously, especially in geographic areas where FMD is currently leaving its deadly mark. [1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wagy%C5%AB [2] http://www.oie.int/eng/press/en_090626.htm [3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plum_Island_Animal_Disease_Center [4] http://www.ars.usda.gov/main/main.htm [5] Detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus infected cattle using infrared thermography The Veterinary Journal, Volume 180, Issue 3, June 2009, Pages 317-324, Kaitlin Rainwater-Lovett, Juan M. Pacheco, Craig Packer, Luis L. Rodriguez Contact: Edward Kuroki kuroki@validtechnology.com http://www.validtechnology.com ACKNOWLEDGMENT: Editorial and research assistance was provided by Freyja Sanger, and Michiko Kuroki. ******************************************************************** 2010.07.01 Venture Business Front Line - No. 140 【日本語要旨】 口蹄疫 米国農務省農業研究事業団 USDA-ARS (United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service)[1]のThe Plum Island Animal Disease Center[2]は、口蹄疫にかかった牛の赤外線カメラを使った早期発見 方法を発見した。この研究内容と検査方法は下記文献に詳しく紹介されている。 "Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Novel Technologies Improve Detection and Control" published in the April 2009 issue of Agricultural Research magazine, also published at http://www.thecattlesite.com/articles/1945/foot-and-mouth-disease-novel-technologies-improve-detection-and-control Detection of foot-and-mouth disease virus infected cattle using infrared thermography The Veterinary Journal, Volume 180, Issue 3, June 2009, Pages 317-324, Kaitlin Rainwater-Lovett, Juan M. Pacheco, Craig Packer, Luis L. Rodriguez 上記文献によると、口蹄疫にかかった牛蹄部の温度を赤外線カメラで温度分布 測定することにより、87.7%の確率で二日以内に症状が出るか否かを探知する ことが可能である。これには、現在既に多分野で使われている赤外線カメラを ある一定の指定された環境下で使用する。特別なハード・ソフトウエアは必要 ないのでコストは最小限で済む。宮崎県では、目視による臨床検査を続けてい るが、赤外線カメラ測定方法を導入することにより臨床検査の効果と精度を高 めることが可能になる事が考えられる。 当研究主席研究員を務めるLuis L. Rodriguez氏に直接上記方法の日本におけ る応用の可能性を尋ねたところ、今まで行われた臨床試験の環境条件は現地日 本の環境(天候・温度)条件と類似するので検査精度は高くなると推測される。 だが、今まで日本からの問い合わせはなく、日本での導入実績もない。 詳細は次号英文にて掲載する。 [1] http://www.ars.usda.gov/main/main.htm [2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plum_Island_Animal_Disease_Center バリッド・テクノロジー・グループ代表 黒木嗣也 ( くろき・つぐなり ) kuroki@validtechnology.com www.validtechnology.com ******************************************************************** 2010.06.15 Venture Business Front Line - No. 139 "Barefoot Running" by Edward Kuroki The human foot and ankle are mechanically complex structures. Anatomically, they consist of 26 bones (one-quarter of the bones in the human body), 33 joints, over 100 muscles, tendons, ligaments, a network of blood vessels, nerves, skin, and soft tissue. The development of the human foot and ankle played an important role in the evolution of mankind; however, the biomechanics of foot strikes has not been well understood. A group of researchers, directed by Dr. Daniel E. Lieberman, has been observing the foot in a study called the Biomechanics of Foot Strikes & Applications to Running Barefoot or in Minimal Footwear [1]. Their study provides useful information on (1) human evolution and endurance running, (2) foot and lower limb biomechanics when running in shoes,(3) foot and lower limb biomechanics when running barefoot or in minimal shoes, (4) biomechanical differences between forefoot and midfoot striking and heel striking, (5) tools to help assess potential benefits of learning to forefoot or midfoot strike, and finally (6) transitioning safely to forefoot or midfoot striking in minimal footwear or barefoot. This research was partially funded by Vibram USA which is a manufacturer of five finger footwear for a wide range of activities [2]. Do you remember Abebe Bikila from Ethiopia? He was a two-time Olympic marathon champion. During the 1960 Summer Olympics, he ran barefoot and won a gold medal in a record time of 2:15:16.2. How about the New York Times best seller book titled "Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen" written by a former war correspondent for the Associated Press - Christopher McDougall [3]? This book was inspired by the life and incredible running habits of the Tarahumara Indians in the Sierra Tarahumara in northwest Mexico who still live in caves and under cliffs. I had the opportunity to interview Ms. Sharon Johnson on barefoot running. She is a highly regarded Performance Training Director at Merrimack Valley YMCA [4], USAT Certified Triathlon Coach [5], RRCA Certified Running Coach [6], Certified Pilates instructor, Certified Spinning coach, Certified Sports Nutritionist, and an AFAA certified Fitness Instructor [7]. [KUROKI] When did you start to run? [SHARON JOHNSON] I've run recreationally since high school to stay fit. I started running competitively about 25 years ago, training for triathlons. I continued running through 3 pregnancies and raising three children so that I could compete in triathlons and marathons. [KUROKI] What made you interested in running and barefoot running? [SHARON JOHNSON] It always seemed intuitive to me that it is advantageous to have a good awareness of your weight distribution and body position over your feet while running. Minimal support and interference between your foot and the ground seemed like a good way to improve that body position awareness and sensitivity. [KUROKI] Do you recommend barefoot running to your students? Why? [SHARON JOHNSON] I think barefoot running is useful in teaching efficient running form and technique. Runners need to be careful about starting out too aggressively and the surface they run on. If a runner has good technique, the transition to barefoot will not be very drastic. If the runner needs to make a lot of adjustments they need to build up barefoot mileage very cautiously. It is a tool for helping teach good technique. [KUROKI] What do you think about five finger shoes available in the market for barefoot running? [SHARON JOHNSON] Like barefoot running, they allow for immediate feedback regarding running form and technique, the only difference is that they provide a layer of protection to the skin on the bottom of your foot. There are a lot of very minimalist type running shoes on the market which provide similar protection but give you much of the same "barefoot running feedback". [KUROKI] What kind of changes or improvements would you like to see in the existing barefoot running shoes? [SHARON JOHNSON] From a fashion standpoint you could have a lot of fun working with shoes that have toes. Although they are apish looking , you could have fun with design themes, i.e. psychedelic designs - colorful flowers and peace signs, animal designs - tiger and zebra stripes, leopard spots, glow in the dark fabric for fun (and safety). Functionality wise, less is more, adding anything defeats the purposing of reinforcing the concept of running "light of your feet". There isn't much you can take away from the current design. [KUROKI] If you were to promote barefoot running, how would you do it? [SHARON JOHNSON] Several ways. Most importantly, we were taught to run in conventional running shoes, we were built to run barefoot. Barefoot running reinforces our natural biomechanics which will reduce injuries. We focus on strengthening our core, arms, and legs. Like a tree, we need strong roots. Barefoot running also strengthens our “roots”. One of the beauties of running is the simplicity of it. You don't need a lot of "stuff" to be a runner. Another one is the sense of freedom and satisfaction you get from the feel of running efficiently and gracefully. Barefoot running takes both features a step further, both simplifying the sport and enhancing the feel of freedom. I would promote those concepts as well as the effectiveness of barefoot running at improving running efficiency. [KUROKI] Obesity has become a national epidemic. In general, what do you recommend to the young adults and children to stay fit and healthy? [SHARON JOHNSON] Education. Kids need to understand the significance of good nutrition/vs bad and how both nutrition and exercise affect them physically and mentally. Parents need to understand that as well. In general, the media and marketing/sales campaigns often direct kids to bad choices. The options for kids that promote a sedentary lifestyle are usually more available and convenient than those that promote healthy activity. That needs to change. If kids were more exposed to healthy food and recreational activities, they would feel better about themselves, perform better, and seek out healthier activities. [1] http://www.barefootrunning.fas.harvard.edu/ [2] http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/ [3] http://www.chrismcdougall.com/ [4] Merrimack Valley YMCA - www.mvymca.org [5] USAT - USA Triathlon - http://www.usatriathlon.org/ [6] RRCA - Road Runners Club of America - www.rrca.org [7] AFAA - Aerobics and Fitness Association of America - www.afaa.com Contact: Edward Kuroki kuroki@validtechnology.com http://www.validtechnology.com ACKNOWLEDGMENT: Editorial and research assistance was provided by Freyja Sanger, and Michiko Kuroki. ******************************************************************** 2010.06.01 Venture Business Front Line - No. 138 【日本語要旨】 裸足で走る ハーバード大学に、「Biomechanics of Foot Strikes & Applications to Running Barefoot or in Minimal Footwear (足への衝撃の生体力学と、裸足 もしくは最小限のはきものを履いて走ることへの応用)」と題するHPがある[1]。 そこではハーバード大学と裸足走行用五本指靴メーカーVibram USA[2]の共同 研究成果を見ることが出来る。研究の中心者は同大学進化生物学者のDaniel E. Lieberman(ダニエル・リーバーマン)氏[3]、他に同大学応用工学部生、ミ シガン大学医学部生などがいる。当研究の目的は、裸足で走ると靴を履いた時 と比べて足にかかる衝撃と負担が少なく、様々な足の怪我を防ぐ可能性がある ことを証明すること。現在市販されているようなランニング靴を着用して走る 状態と裸足で走る状態を比較する静止画像と動画は興味深い[4]。 エチオピア出身のマラソン選手アベベ・ビキラ氏が1960年ローマオリンピック において裸足で走り、当時の世界最高記録で優勝したのはあまりにも有名であ るが、ニューヨークタイムズ・ベストセラーの「Born to Run (走るために生 まれた)」（Christopher McDougall氏[5]著）と題する本は、素朴な質問「ど うして私の足は走ると痛むのか？」から始まり、その答えを裸足で長距離を走 るメキシコのタラウマラ族から見出している[6]。 今回は、メリマック・バリーYMCA運動能力訓練プログラム監督[7]、米国トラ イアスロン公認指導者[8]、米国ロード・ランナーズ協会公認指導員[9]、公認 ピラティス指導員、公認スピニング指導員、公認スポーツ栄養指導員、米国エ アロビクス・フィットネス協会公認指導員[10]を務めるシャーロン・ジョンソ ンさんから「現場の声」を聞くと同時に、現在裸足走行用靴として売られてい る靴の改善点などを伺った。因みに日本には、かの有名な石橋徳次郎発明 （1923年10月実用新案登録番号第80594号）の地下足袋があり、五本指裸足用 ランニング靴と似ている点もある。新しいビジネスの機会が考えられる。 英語本文は次号にて掲載する。 [1] http://www.barefootrunning.fas.harvard.edu/ [2] http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/ [3] http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~skeleton/danlhome.html [4] http://www.barefootrunning.fas.harvard.edu/3RunningBeforeTheModernShoe.html [5] http://chrismcdougall.com/blog/category/barefoot-running/ [6] 当著書の邦訳（近藤隆文氏訳）は日本放送出版協会から出版されている (2010/2/23)。 [7] Merrimack Valley YMCA - www.mvymca.org [8] USAT - USA Triathlon - http://www.usatriathlon.org/ [9] RRCA - Road Runners Club of America - www.rrca.org [10] AFAA - Aerobics and Fitness Association of America - www.afaa.com バリッド・テクノロジー・グループ代表 黒木嗣也 ( くろき・つぐなり ) kuroki@validtechnology.com www.validtechnology.com ******************************************************************** 2010.05.17 Venture Business Front Line - No. 137 "Human Resource Management" by Edward Kuroki Our world is constantly changing. The financial crises and other global scale problems are being felt in every country. In the U.S., according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for April 2010 is 9.9% which is slightly lower than the record high 10.1% in October 2009. To solve these problems, it will require many innovative methods that utilize limited global resources in an unlimited way by developing the potentially boundless, latent abilities of people. I had the opportunity to interview Ms. Alice Buckner on HR (Human Resource) management and the future trends of the labor market in the U.S. and other countries. She is Adjunct Professor, Graduate School of Professional Studies for Health Care Administration & Strategic Leadership programs at New England College (www.nec.edu). She is also the Principal of Alice Buckner Consulting (www.alicebuckner.com) who has served multiple government, academia, non-profit, Fortune 100 business, family business and venture capitalized start-ups. She was actively involved in the establishment of The Workplace Institute (later merged with Center for Collaborative Solutions in Sacramento, California) which studied applications for the Harvard Negotiation Model in organized and "non organized" workplaces. [KUROKI] What are some of the current issues and trends in American HR management? [ALICE BUCKNER] Front and center, we have our historic recession. For most of the U.S. HR managers I know and read about, it is nearly impossible to embrace forward looking practices to grow profits with their diminished resources and growing crises that require most of their time and attention. There are many key challenges: increasing public demand for corporate social responsibility; requests for organizational metrics from key executives; off-shoring; and the possibility of the US converting from GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles)[1] to the IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards)[2]. One thing that is definitely true in the US is that the HR professionals are like American doctors. We may have generalists, but they refer to a myriad of specialists. I believe this rings true in other developed countries, judging by global business reports. [KUROKI] How does American HR management differ from other styles of HR management abroad? [ALICE BUCKNER] The most striking differences, beyond the obvious cultural traits, stem from our employment-at-will laws, our high volume of employment and business law, the high cost of health care, and our adversarial labor relations. Employment-at-will allows U.S. employers to terminate much more easily than abroad. American business is highly litigious, leading to a common view that employees are our greatest business liability. American HR departments administer health insurance plans amidst a changing and chaotic system, at great cost. Labor-management relations are only rarely using collaboration and cooperation. [KUROKI] Should the American HR management approach also be adopted in other countries as a core functional department with a seat at the executive table like IT and Finance? [ALICE BUCKNER] Our ideal HR system, as outlined by firms like Towers Watson, consists of 43 strategic practices that, if adopted fully, should results in as much as a 47% increase in shareholder value (Watson Wyatt Human Capital Index Survey 2002)[3]. Let’s define our American HR management model by this standard. I always explain to my students that HR Management is basic maintenance of the employment contract, and SHRM (Strategic HR Management) is the ideal system I identified. I must sadly admit that most of our employers are unwilling or unable to implement and execute SHRM. Only our top employers enjoy the mastery level of HR management. The level of power, access and prestige of an HR department in any business organization, worldwide, will always correlate to the number of these 43 now global standards genuinely in place. If they are all in place, with authentic support from top leadership, we are likely to see the HR leader as a C-level leader on the organization chart. Yes, since it has been proven by numerous studies such as the Watson Wyatt HCI research that these practices yield a reliable return-on-investment, I think they should be adopted in all countries. These 43 HR sub-groups are very precise. For example, there are 16 sub-categories for rewards and accountability. As we learned from Deming, giving lip service to just one portion of the list is not sufficient. If we skimp on some of these precise activities we may not be operating the human endeavor at its full capacity. [KUROKI] What are some of the future trends of the labor market in the U.S. and other countries? [ALICE BUCKNER] Our world is changing, and there are many compelling trends. One amazing fact I learned through the Roos Cohen study of 1987 is that our brains are becoming more androgynous, and that the more we can use both our left and right brains interchangeably, the healthier our minds and bodies will be. In future decades and centuries the workforce will use a more androgynous brain style. In the cultural diversity field, we are beginning to see how emphasis on differences can be counter productive. To transcend focus on ethnicity, national origin, gender and the like, I prefer to look at our brains and how many different learning and personality styles we have. We might have 16 individuals from Tokyo named Masuda, all age 54, all male. But they might have tremendous brain based diversity. We might also have two very different people (on the outside) with almost the same brain preferences. This reinforces our human commonality. In the U.S., our re-building process, after global recession, will require tremendous resilience and resourcefulness. We will all be continuously learning new information and skills with a great deal of urgency. The new American website www.opportunity.gov set forth by Labor Secretary Solis and President Obama is a great place to study the re-training themes and methods. I believe education will rise in status with all Americans so that the value of education in our culture better matches that of other developed countries. All of the challenges to our planet translate to labor market trends. Here in the US we have health care reform, immigration controversy, the threat of terrorism and helicopter parenting [4]. With the ease of constant communication, the scarcity of jobs and the uncertainty about the future, many US parents are hovering and interfering with the launch of their children’s careers. I hope this is a short lived trend. Worldwide, we overlap with all other nations in responding to the water shortage, climate change and the impact of things like social media on employment and commerce. I think Jeremy Rifkin [5] said it well in his February Huffington Post blog: “We can no longer afford to limit our notion of extended family to national boundaries, with Americans empathizing with fellow Americans, Chinese with Chinese, and the like. A truly global biosphere economy will require a global empathic embrace. We will need to think as a species ? as homo empathicus ? and prepare the groundwork for an empathic civilization embedded in a shared biosphere.” Rifkin also explains he believes that trust and empathy always precede commerce. HR professionals in every nation can influence these behaviors. [KUROKI] What are some of your unique approaches to HR management? Can you give me specific examples? [ALICE BUCKNER] I started out in office administration and then sales, so I have always had two priorities in my HR consulting. First, use efficiency and common sense. Second, match the brand to the internal culture. If employees aren’t living the brand then the organization as a whole can’t sell the brand. Although many HR consultants in the US claim to have the whole picture in mind, I have been told by clients and colleagues that I am unique in my orthodox adherence to a holistic view. Often my customers have asked me why I ask for so much material from other departments. Now this is coming into vogue as an organizational scorecard or “metrics” and I smile a little to myself. I like to move around the organization to get a full view, which always has three “screens”. I see the individuals, the groups, and the whole system at all times. I ask key executives and employees to see situations with a different lens. I have invented many ways to do this. In a strategic planning session or in one of my classes, I will ask participants to look at the business problem as if they were one of six kinds of social scientists. What would an economist, political scientist, anthropologist, sociologist or a psychologist say about this situation? I find that if we are focused all the time on policies, procedures, profits and numbers we might forget the elegance and the grace in business and human endeavor. [KUROKI] In your opinion, what can individuals do to succeed as high value contributors? [ALICE BUCKNER] On the individual level, we must each use personal discipline to spend a higher percentage of time in learning and relationship-building modes. Time management expert Croft had one table in his book that showed 35% difference between high achievers and lower achievers. The 35% gains in time are spent in learning and relationship building. The logic follows that 35% profits can result if enough employees can do this. Specifically, by learning, I want to emphasize that we should fully grasp how our product or service benefits humanity. We should understand how we can navigate throughout our entire company, and indeed our community. If we are not deeply convinced we belong and fit into a positive world picture, we cannot reach our true potential or improve our image with others. I advise my graduate students to watch a key list of documentaries about the state of the world. We must be educated global citizens to create prosperity for ourselves, our countries and the planet. (NOTE: Footnotes were added by the author.) [1] http://www.fasab.gov/accepted.html [2] http://www.iasb.org/Home.htm [3] http://www.watsonwyatt.com/research/resrender.asp?id=w-488 [4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helicopter_parent [5] http://www.foet.org/ To obtain the entire content of this interview, please contact the author. Contact: Edward Kuroki kuroki@validtechnology.com http://www.validtechnology.com ACKNOWLEDGMENT: Editorial and research assistance was provided by Freyja Sanger, Arlene Hirae and Michiko Kuroki. 【日本語要旨】 人的資源管理 HR (Human Resource) Managementを和訳すると、「人事管理」、「労務管理」 もしくは「人的資源管理」となる。大規模・小規模のERP(Enterprise Resource Planning = 企業資源計画)も人的資源管理に使われるようになってきた。しか し、国によっては独特な文化・慣例により管理以前の問題を投げかける面もあ る。例えば日本企業・組織における、正職員、現地採用員、派遣社員などの間 の待遇格差と業務上差別問題である。これは国内に限らず、海外に進出する際 も同じ問題を引きずりながら地元の労務者と様々な争いの原因となっている。 逆に数値化出来るものを重視する人的資源管理体制の反動で、さまざまな違法 偽装行為を講じ内部監査を繰り返す所も少なくない。今回は、人的資源管理の 専門家Alice Buckner（アリス・バックナー）さんから核心に迫る話を伺った。 Bucknerさんはニューハンプシャー州Henniker市にあるNew England Collegeの 大学院で教鞭を取ると同時に、マサチューセッツ州Newburyport市において人 的資源管理を専門とするコンサルティング会社を経営している。驚異的な知識 と人脈を有し、これからの人的資源管理に必要な具体的要素を提示してくれた。 それはアメリカだけに限らず、日本でも通用するものとして深く考察する必要 があると思う。さらに、変化し続ける社会と組織はどのような人材を求めてい るのかについても明確な回答を得ることが出来た。 バリッド・テクノロジー・グループ代表 黒木嗣也 ( くろき・つぐなり ) kuroki@validtechnology.com www.validtechnology.com ******************************************************************** 2010.03.15 Venture Business Front Line - No. 136 "FOOD INDUSTRY - Part 2" by Edward Kuroki Continued from Venture Business Front Line - No. 135 "FOOD INDUSTRY - Part 1" (2010.03.01), Mr. Ken Shapiro (Food Industry Expert) shared his thoughts on the new trends in the food industry today. He discusses enormous food waste, obesity (the growing epidemic in america), ingredients for successful multi-ethnic cross-cultural food business, the smart use of revolutionary new technologies. [KUROKI] What are some of the new trends in the food industry today? [Ken Shapiro] The best trend in the food industry is the push for companies to become responsible citizens to the world - companies like Stoneyfield Farms and Starbucks that set the bar high in their corporate citizenry, that are constantly questing to make the world a better place, and who set the example for others to follow. A trend, in the food industry, that makes great environmental and financial sense is packaging reconstruction. Companies that review their packaging, and redesign for less waste, increased biodegradability, and reduced energy consumption in the manufacturing and shipping arenas, are doing the right thing. For example, a restaurant puts its carryout meals in biodegradable containers, made of recycled paper, instead of traditional plastic containers. Large companies like McDonald’s and WalMart, work with their suppliers, to design their master cartons for the most efficient stack ability in the shipping process, reducing trucking shipments, saving energy, and reducing costs. [KUROKI] More than half of the United State’s food goes to waste. Can you suggest any pragmatic countermeasures? [Ken Shapiro] That is a tough question. Food waste, both raw and finished product, is inevitable, and a necessary part of the food chain cycle. Successful companies, and consumers, do keep food waste to a minimum, through good management, monitoring, past usage information, planning, first in - first out rotation, and just plain common sense. No two-consumer households are alike in this realm. No two-food businesses are alike. If the organization is cash tight, chances are better, that planning and use are better, and that food waste is minimal. A restaurant that has a great location, low real estate costs, and a constant flow of customers, can afford to run “fat” and waste endlessly. Compare that to the mom-and-pop restaurateurs, struggling to pay the rent - chances are that they won’t be over ordering raw goods, and over producing. If all organizations ran their food supply, and usage, like a true profit requiring business - waste could be reduced. The biggest opportunities in present society are hospitals, and government run organizations. It comes down to individual situations - with income as the big factor. [KUROKI] Obesity is a growing epidemic in America that, in many ways, affects rising healthcare costs, etc. Do you think that the food industry can help solve this problem? If so, how? [Ken Shapiro] I do not believe that its food industry’s job to fix what is wrong with America. I do believe that its important that consumers get the information that certain choices in what they eat, can contribute to obesity. It’s known that driving fast, and not wearing a seat belt contributes to a higher chance of accidental death. Drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or partaking in risky sexual behavior, leads to a higher risk of bodily harm. Armed with the information that abounds, individuals make their own decisions about everything. In the end, what people choose to consume is their choice, and their right. [KUROKI] As the demand for bio-fuel and the consumption of meat in developing countries increases, worldwide food shortages and food prices also continue to rise. How do you think that the food industry is dealing with this situation? Are there any windows for new opportunities? [Ken Shapiro] The companies that are crossing borders and oceans, and opening “new frontiers” of food supply, in developing countries, will prosper. Yes, I believe that opportunity abounds. Many years ago, when asked why he was investing in McDonald’s, Warren Buffet commented something like, “There’s a lot of people in China. Most have not had a McDonald’s hamburger or fries yet. When they do, they will want more…” [KUROKI] Multi-ethnic cross-cultural food is available at many stores and restaurants. What are some of the "ingredients" to make such business successful? [Ken Shapiro] In a few short years, Hispanics will become America’s majority. The Asian population in America is growing fast. Immigrants are what make America, America. With that being said, it was inevitable that the supply of multi-ethnic food choices would grow, and continue to grow. As with any product, success depends on providing and delivering a quality, consistent product. Companies must develop demand with a strong customer following. If they use elements of targeted marketing, product sampling, and intelligent “piggyback” tie-ins (selling two products together), they will have the ingredients for success. [KUROKI] Can you think of any scientific and/or technological ideas to boost any specific area? [Ken Shapiro] The smart use of revolutionary new evolving technologies, puts progressive food providers that integrate these new systems, ahead of the pack. One example of this is the new icon (product picture) based, touch screen cash registers, that make usage so easy for illiterate, and language challenged employees of fast food restaurants. Another is the technology of telecommunication software implemented call center technology that answers the phones of all of a chain restaurants call-in, to-go orders, and uniformly takes the orders, properly suggestive sells, then shoots the order back to the nearest, and best equipped to handle the order location. And there is “smart building” design 3D construction software, that call for recycled materials, energy producing “green” solutions, and continual building monitoring and maintenance systems. [KUROKI] What kind of food business would you like to start again? [Ken Shapiro] The beauty of the food business is that everyone has to eat! If you provide a quality product that people want, price it right, and can deliver it in a consistent manner, anyone can be successful. I don’t know what my ideal food business would be. But, I do know that I would only sell something that had “best in class” quality, was a product that I could truly stand behind, and benefited all involved parties. Contact: Edward Kuroki kuroki@validtechnology.com http://www.validtechnology.com ACKNOWLEDGMENT: Editorial and research assistance was provided by Freyja Sanger and Michiko Kuroki. 【日本語要旨】 食産業−その2 3月1日配信「ベンチャー・ビジネス最前線 No.135 - 食産業 その1」に引き続 き、食産業 の起業家であるKen Shapiro(ケン・シャピーロ)氏にさらなる質問 を投げた。今回は食産業の動向、深刻さを増す食品廃棄物問題、流行性疾患と まで言われる肥満、多人種・異文化間における食品ビジネス成功の秘訣、さら に食産業を発展させるための科学的・技術的要素等について意見を求めた。 バリッド・テクノロジー・グループ代表 黒木嗣也 ( くろき・つぐなり ) kuroki@validtechnology.com www.validtechnology.com ******************************************************************** 2010.03.01 Venture Business Front Line - No. 135 "FOOD INDUSTRY - Part 1" by Edward Kuroki I had the opportunity to ask Mr. Ken Shapiro some tough questions concerning the U.S. food industry, both from the industry's and the consumer's point of view. Mr. Shapiro has developed and implemented many innovative ideas for the food industry. After working as the general manager at a successful small wholesale baking company in NYC, he founded a baked goods products distribution company in Washington, DC that expanded to Virginia and Maryland. Mr. Shapiro went on to become an award-winning McDonald’s Franchisee Owner-Operator for 20 years in Massachusetts. [Kuroki] What made you get into the food industry? [Ken Shapiro] After college, I was working a “suit & tie” job, for a gasoline supply company in NY, buying and distributing gasoline. The job was boring, and involved covering up gasoline spills and lying to federal agencies. I hated that job and that company. One day, I ran into a family acquaintance, whose son had started a small wholesale baking company in NYC. I quickly got in touch with him, and we met. Within two weeks, I gave away all of my suits, donned blue jeans and tee shirts, and began learning the baking business. When I started with them, they had six employees, and were operating out of a small storefront in Manhattan. I became the General Manager. Five years later, the business had grown to a 20,000 sq ft factory, with over 70 employees, and was shipping products all across the United States. I left, and began distributing their baked goods products down in the Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland areas. I found some other manufacturer’s products, and started selling their products also. I found selling to be easy, because I genuinely enjoy interaction with people. Also, I could stand behind my product, and it’s level of quality and consistency, and I knew that both the vendors, and myself would equally benefit from the sale of my products. When everyone wins - it’s a recipe for success! Someone made me an offer to buy my business that was too good to be turn down, and so I sold it. After, enjoying a period of travel and exploration, I found myself sitting across the table from a franchising manager for McDonald’s. I entered their training program, and began what was to be a 20-year engagement as a McDonald’s Franchisee Owner-Operator. During my tenure, I operated two restaurants. As an award winning McDonald’s franchise, I was a bit of a pioneer. I was one of the first to offer in-store recycling. I provided the first Massachusetts “no-smoking” McDonald’s, was the first to accept credit cards (two years before everyone else), and had the first “icon” based, touch screen fast food register system in America. My restaurants had one of the lowest employee turnover percentages in the northeast, while having one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings. I recently left the McDonald’s business, and am contemplating my next adventure. [Kuroki] What are some of the challenges of the U.S. food industry today? [Ken Shapiro] I believe that food safety is at the top of the food industry’s challenges. Lax food handling at all food chain levels, pose serious concerns. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 Americans get a food borne illness each year. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), over 320,000 Americans are hospitalized with food poisoning, and that over 5000 die each year. Those statistics are huge, and should be totally unacceptable. While governmental regulations do exist, and there are industry-accepted standards, oversight and supervision is left to local authorities, whose enforcement ranges from strong to non-existent. A standardized food handlers certification program named Serv Safe, is a great program that many local authorities require. But because it is required, and taking the program and test is expensive, many companies cut corners, and cheat, to pass their employees. The program is company self-administered, so it’s similar to “the fox guarding the henhouse,” and hence fraud is rampant. Food safety, while important, unfortunately is not high on the list of priorities in our world today. It falls way down the list behind the economy, terrorism, energy, education, etc. Sadly, it is a subcategory under the heading of “health issues.” Awareness of how bad our food safety situation is, and how much at risk each and every person is, is what needs to be brought to the forefront of the public. Acknowledgement that the system is broken is necessary. Knowledge, followed by education, regulations, and enforcement are what is called for. Unfortunately, it will take a large population disaster to bring the issue into the media, and a knee jerk reaction by government, to address the issues. By the way, I will always look at a restaurant’s bathroom, and ceiling air vents, to gauge the level of cleanliness that a management team exhibits. Chances are that their level of food handling will match their level of care to cleanliness. [Kuroki] What are some of the challenges of the food consumers today? [Ken Shapiro] Businesses are all fighting for a bigger slice of the consumer pie. In the quest for sales, companies keep producing new products. This can be good, and bad. New products breed future great products. But, there are a lot of bad products produced also. Do we really need Chocolate Cheerios? Years ago, when you walked into a McDonald’s restaurant, you probably were going to buy a burger and fries. Today, when you view their menu board, there are so many choices - not just of products, but sizes, and combinations… And product-advertising success is often based on repetition, and “in your face” advertising. I don’t know about the majority of consumers, but after a point, I begin to tune all those repetitive messages out. Today - it’s all about choice. Consumers today are challenged to become smarter, and cut through the volume of choices presented to them. They need to know what they want, who they want to buy from, and to become product and company educated. The smartest consumers today generally know what they are going to purchase. You see them in the grocery stores - they have lists. You see them in restaurants - they usually know what they are going to order (or at least have a couple of known choices). Not everyone can be that focused, but certainly, an educated consumer is a smarter consumer. Competition, information proliferation, truth in advertising, product labeling, unit size pricing, nutritional information, and media attention, all contribute to helping consumers make better, smarter decisions and choices. Today, consumers also want to buy from companies that are making a difference - whether in corporate citizenship activism, environmentally green initiatives, community involvement and contributions, humanitarian participation, etc. Companies that communicate their good deeds definitely appeal to the buying public. (to be continued) Contact: Edward Kuroki kuroki@validtechnology.com http://www.validtechnology.com ACKNOWLEDGMENT: Editorial and research assistance was provided by Freyja Sanger and Michiko Kuroki. 【日本語要旨】 食産業−その1 現在様々な角度から食の安全性が議論されている。老舗と言われる漬物に農薬 が多量に使用された輸入野菜が使われたり、賞味期限が切れた食品が販売され たり、学校給食に農林水産省が流通を止める措置をとるような物が含まれたり、 輸入された加工食品に基準値を超える放射能が検出されたり、問題は後を絶た ない。米国では、毎年4人に1人が食物に起因する病気にかかると言われ、米国 疾病予防管理センターの報告によると、毎年32万人以上が食中毒で入院、5000 人以上が死亡している。このような現状に、今回インタビューに応じた食産業 の起業家であるKen Shapiro(ケン・シャピーロ)氏は大きな怒りと疑問を持っ ている。シャピーロ氏は大学卒業後ガソリン供給会社(ニューヨーク州)に入社 したが、その腐敗したやり方に我慢できず退社。家族の友人が始めた小さな製 パン卸売会社(ニューヨーク市)に入社。短期間で成功を収め全米に商品を販売 するようになる。その後、独立して製パン関係商品流通会社をワシントンD.C.、 バージニア、メリーランド州地区に設立、再び大成功。拒むことの出来ない金 額で売却を果たし、マクドナルド・フランチャイズのオーナーとして20年間マ クドナルド経営に新風を吹かせ新技術を導入した。以下はこのシャピーロ氏の 類まれな戦歴と、米国食産業の課題点に関してシャピーロ氏の見解である。 バリッド・テクノロジー・グループ代表 黒木嗣也 ( くろき・つぐなり ) kuroki@validtechnology.com www.validtechnology.com ******************************************************************** 2010.02.15 Venture Business Front Line - No. 134 "CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder)" by Edward Kuroki When you see apples, avocados, blueberries, broccoli, California almonds, carrots, cherries, cranberries, melons, onions, oranges, peaches, soya beans, strawberries, various nuts, etc. at your supermarket, can you think of one common factor among these fruits and vegetables? The answer is that they are all pollinated by our unsung hero, bees (mostly Apis mellifera, western honeybee), who are responsible for approximately one-third of the average diet (about 90 commercial crops worldwide). Alfalfa and cotton are also pollinated by these bees. The added crop value from pollination is estimated to be worth more than $60 billion a year, of which some $15 million is in the US alone, according to a study by Cornell University. Pollination is a big business. However, beginning in October 2006, some beekeepers began reporting losses of 30-90 percent of their hives according to USDA ARS (United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service), which has been termed CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder). CCD is also known as Honey Bee Depopulation syndrome (HBDS). ARS scientists and others are in the process of carrying out research to discover the causes of CCD and develop ways for beekeepers to respond to the problem.[1] Pesticides, IAPV (Israeli acute paralysis virus), mites, poor nutrition, annual cross-country trek by commercial apiarists, etc. are believed to be a few of the plausible causes of CCD, all of which contribute to the weakening of a bee's immune system. Congress approved to increase funding totaling around $100 million for research, and in June 2009 as part of its efforts, a Colony Collapse Disorder Progress Report was prepared by the CCD Steering Committee. It was a joint effort by USDA, Department of Defense, EPA, Pennsylvania State University and Purdue University.[2] CCD has been reported not only in North America but also in South America, Europe and Asia. It has the potential to affect the global food chain. In parallel to the research related to CCD, in August 2009 a multidisciplinary team of computer scientists, engineers, and biologists at Harvard University received a $10 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop a small-scale mobile robotic device known as "RoboBee." [3] By working with a Washington, D.C. based microelectronics company called Centeye, they attempted to study the biology of bees and to build a network of autonomous bees. This story was also written in the article titled "Robotic Insects Could Pollinate Flowers and Find Disaster Victims" by By Corey Binns in the 12/17/09 issue of Popular Science. While the RoboBees Project is significant and applicable, it cannot replace the roles of millions of natural bees. The effort to introduce a super bee (by combining the strengths of an African honeybee and a western honeybee) is also underway as a more "natural" solution, but it requires more time and money to perfect the technology. CCD is a global issue. We must form a global team of scientists and engineers to solve this problem. We are dependent on the power of natural bees, and once they are lost, there will be much less food on our tables. [1] http://www.ars.usda.gov/News/docs.htm?docid=15572 [2] http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/br/ccd/ccd_progressreport.pdf [3] http://robobees.seas.harvard.edu/ Contact: Edward Kuroki kuroki@validtechnology.com http://www.validtechnology.com ACKNOWLEDGMENT: Editorial and research assistance was provided by Freyja Sanger and Michiko Kuroki. 【日本語要旨】 蜂群崩壊症候群（ほうぐんほうかいしょうこうぐん） りんご、アボカド、ブルーベリー、ブロッコリー、アーモンド、人参、さくら んぼ、クランベリー。メロン、玉葱、みかん、桃、大豆、苺、など等スーパー で見かける野菜果物類に共通していることは何か。それはみな蜂（主にセイヨ ウミツバチ）による受粉によって出来ることである。何と口に入る食べ物の三 分の一以上に相当する。またアルファルファや綿などもこの受粉によって作ら れる。ところが、近年「蜂群崩壊症候群(CCD又はHBDS)」(何らかの原因でミツ バチが大量に失踪する現象）が世界各地で起きている。その原因として疫病説、 栄養失調説、ミツバチへの過労働・環境の変化によるストレス説などが出てい るが未解明である。米国では農水省の他国防省、大学研究機関を中心とする CCD Steering Committeeが2008 Farm Bill, Section 7204 (h) (4)に基づき Colony Collapse Disorder Progress Reportを昨年作成した。これに並行して、 アメリカ国立科学財団 (National Science Foundation, NSF)は昨年ハーバー ド大学でRobert Wood助教授とGu-Yeon Wei準教授が率いる科学者と技術者チー ムに対してロボット蜂を開発するために$10 millionの研究資金を与えた。 この研究開発はワシントンD.C.に在する超小型電子技術専門のCenteye社から 技術支援を受けながら行われる。この他アフリカ蜂化ミツバチの有効利用も検 討されているが、CCD問題解決には広範囲に渡る状況把握と検討が不可欠である。 これは世界の食料・経済問題を脅かす大きな問題としてもっと多くの国が知恵 と資金を投じるべきと考える。 バリッド・テクノロジー・グループ代表 黒木嗣也 ( くろき・つぐなり ) kuroki@validtechnology.com www.validtechnology.com ******************************************************************** 2010.01.15 Venture Business Front Line - No. 133 "Liberal Arts Education" by Edward Kuroki It has been almost 42 years since Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 to April 4, 1968) was assassinated. With his death, he left many writings and famous speeches which, even today, still empower people to want to make this world a better place to live in. In one of his articles titled "The Purpose of Education" published in the Morehouse College Student Paper, The Maroon Tiger, in 1947, he wrote "To save man from the morass of propaganda, in my opinion, is one of the chief aims of education. Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction." Modern society is inundated with information, largely due to the Internet and other information technology; so much so, it has become difficult to discern truths from untruths. At the same time, many academic and professional fields have become so specialized and degrees so expensive to obtain that holistic and contextual approaches combining multiple disciplines of knowledge have become secondary in various problem solving situations. To help solve this problem, the importance of "Liberal Arts Education" is being re-evaluated and recognized by some global educators. I had an opportunity to interview one such global educator - Andre Kostousov. Mr. Kostousov comes from a unique and diversified academic, cultural, and professional background. He is a Russian native and a graduate of St. Petersburg University in Russia with a degree in education. He is presently the Associate Director for International Admissions at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. He has traveled to over 20 countries in Europe, North America, and Africa, and the Middle East. Besides living in Russia and the U.S., he has lived in Algeria. [Kuroki] Which country's GENERAL educational system makes most sense to you? Why? [Kostousov] I like a lot the way US system builds self-confidence in the student, teaches him to be critical thinker, gives him practical knowledge. Unlike in many other countries, students in US schools not just consume learning material the way it's presented to them, memorize it, and repeat, but are encouraged to question it, critically asses it, and develop own conclusions. They are given freedom and taught how to form and defend their opinions. Discussion is encouraged, as is individual research. Of course, this hinges on a broad and unobstructed access to information and technology. But even more importantly, it is possible largely because of the class environment in which students feel secure and confident to be different. However I see a great disparity in education outcomes directly related to economic and social conditions. The lack of a strong unified curriculum makes it impossible to assure that subject knowledge and learning skills are universally shared. The focus on in-depth study of singular area comes at the expense of broader understanding of the matter. Yet, the more traditional systems rely too much on memorization and reproducing of the material, may stifle creativity and discourage critical thinking. Ultimately, it is up to the individual society to determine what it expects from its young, and I respect that. [Kuroki] What are some of the current challenges and trends in college education worldwide? [Kostousov] We have to consider many aspects of the issue: cultural and historical differences that would affect the type of education offered and its perceived value in the society, social and economic infrastructure determining access to education among social groups, availability of education choices, its affordability, and more. If we limit the scope of the question to the developed world, then I would argue that the challenges university education in these countries faces today center on the value and quality of the education. Bologna process in Europe shortened the time to degree to three years, but at what expense? The jury is still out if this education is truly equal to the one received by the previous generations of students. In the US it is more and more common to hear that today Master's degree has become a new Bachelor's. To what extent college study today prepares young people for the world? On the one hand, society and technology changes too fast for the textbooks to reflect the change. On the other, the speed of the change and increasing demands of the society to build capacity to manage it, do not allow time to create broad humanistic foundation needed for comprehensive assessment of the change. As a result, colleges produce more 'managers' and 'doers', fewer 'thinkers'. The main trends are really the function of this change - creation of more varied options to deliver and receive education, drive towards hybrid education with a strong online component, growing global education mobility where students are no longer confined to receiving education in own country and are prepared to travel abroad to study. [Kuroki] Why does college education cost so much in the U.S. compared to most other countries? [Kostousov] First, we need to see college education in a greater context of the prevailing economic model. As the American pure capitalist economy, it is accepted and universally understood that individuals must pay for the utility they receive. Then, we need to acknowledge that in the US education has long become a required requisite for social mobility. In pure capitalist economy, the law of supply and demand dictates that an unfulfilled demand spurs creation of the offer. Meeting people outside the country, I ask them if they can guess the number of colleges and universities in the US. They are flabbergasted to learn that this number is close to four thousands. So the economic system provides almost unlimited access to education to every member of the society, and it is no surprise that the number of students in college is extraordinarily high. The education system in the US is decentralized. State-run universities receive their funding from the individual states, whereas private schools rely on its own funds. The cost of educating a student is very high - in 2003 it cost about $14,000 per year on average to educate a student in a four-year public (or state-run) school. Expenses at private schools are even higher. The cost of maintaining the physical plant, technical and technologic infrastructure is very high. And then there are expenditures for ongoing research. Another element to consider is enrollment and class size. The larger the class, the less personalized attention is given to the individual student. Yet, maintaining smaller classes brings about greater expenses per student. All in all, it costs a lot of money to educate a student in America. So who can then support the venture of educating vast numbers of students spread across a great number of colleges? Relying on public funding as it is the case outside the USA could not possibly solve the issue. Not only public funding of education has never been a top priority at any level of power, the sheer scope of investment is staggering. So invariably, and in line with the capitalist economy, individuals must bear the cost of their education. [Kuroki] If you were the U.S. Secretary of Education, what would you like to do to improve the present educational system? [Kostousov] Education is a part of the overall economic infrastructure of the society. You can not improve the education system in isolation without making changes in other aspects of the economy connected to it. So, I would advise the Secretary to work with other elements of political power to address the issue in a more comprehensive way. For example, creating ways to enable recent graduates to better and easier integrate into the economy. The value of his education is greatly diminished if a graduate can not find a job. He may also be more productive contributor to the society if he is free of the stifling weight of the financial debt. The value of education must be clearly visible and universally understood by all groups of the population. So it would be imperative to work closely with the communities where the perception of education is low, and understanding of its importance is lacking. I would also advise the Secretary to devise a policy that would force the local education boards to toughen education standards. [Kuroki] In your view, what topics and/or subjects need to be taught with higher priority to make this world a better place for the future generations? [Kostousov] In my view, today like in the past, liberal arts education is essential to this process. Subjects like history, anthropology, foreign languages, literature, philosophy, comparative cultures, and the like, build a broad understanding of the world, society at large, its history, and connections between human development and that of the world. It's good to be prepared to run a profitable business or conduct a brain surgery, but it is the understanding of the context in which these activities take place what makes the world better. Today, especially in the US, the focus more and more is on the application of knowledge rather than the knowledge itself, education which creates 'doers' not 'thinkers'. Liberal arts education may not create a businessman, but it may make the businessman better by providing him with a greater sense of responsibility, cultural awareness, tolerance and humility. To obtain the entire content of this interview, please contact the author. Contact: Edward Kuroki kuroki@validtechnology.com http://www.validtechnology.com ACKNOWLEDGMENT: Editorial and research assistance was provided by Freyja Sanger, Arlene Hirae and Michiko Kuroki. 【日本語要旨】 リベラルアーツ教育 近年日本で片仮名表記「リベラルアーツ」を売り物にする大学が目に付くが、 その効果に疑問を感じる。「リベラルアーツ」とは人を自由(非奴隷)にする学 問として古代ギリシャまで起源は遡る。それは自由七科と呼ばれ、文法・修辞 学・弁証法（論理学）、算術・幾何・天文・音楽が含まれていた。日本では一 般的に「出る杭は打たれる」式で異質の考え方に対する受容性は未だに低い。 学校・職場における悪質な「いじめ」は後を絶たない。日本及び世界を救うの は、武道の精神と論語・大学など古典の人間学であろうと主張する知識人もい る。確かに東洋にも素晴らしい思想と学問が存在し、例えば武道で言われる 「守破離」方式で「リベラルアーツ」と同じ究極目的を達成することも可能で あると思う。が、世界では間違いなく今、様々な思想・教育・環境の下に育っ た(西洋・東洋でない)人達が大きな影響力を持ち始めている。IT技術の進歩と 普及に伴い様々な情報が溢れ真実と虚実の判断が困難になり、同時に専門化・ 少子高齢化が世界的に進み、40年後の2050年の世界がどのようになるか不安で ある。我々はその時に備えて何をすべきか。ロシアに生まれヨーロッパ・アフ リカ・中近東など20カ国以上で様々な教育と経験を積んだアンドレ・コストウ ソフ氏は、型破り自由を尊重するアメリカにおいても真の意味での「リベラル アーツ」教育の再認識と必要性を指摘する。同氏は現在ボストン市内にある Northeastern University(ノースイースタン大学)で国際留学生事務局の副部 長を務めている。 バリッド・テクノロジー・グループ代表 黒木嗣也 ( くろき・つぐなり ) kuroki@validtechnology.com www.validtechnology.com