UM-Flint School of Management

Students recently learned about design thinking in Japan. Their Education Abroad course included visits to KidZania Japan in Tokyo, among other destinations.

Greg Laurence, department chair and professor, has researched KidZania for years. This destination stands out due to the way its visitors interact with custom workplaces.

The following is a lightly edited translation of KidZania’s post:

On May 25 and 27, 2026, Gregory Laurence from the University of Michigan-Flint School of Management, along with approximately 30 students from various departments, visited KidZania Tokyo as part of an educational tour exploring Japanese culture and business. This year marks the third consecutive year that U-M students have visited KidZania.

Laurence is also a valued research partner. In the KidZania White Paper, published in 2025, he collaborated on a joint study regarding "Uniform Magic," the phenomenon where children gain confidence, pride and a sense of capability the moment they put on a work uniform.

During this visit, Laurence himself took the initiative alongside KidZania staff to brief the students on the facility and its underlying concepts. The students listened intently to discussions on the value of the realistic learning KidZania offers. Key topics included the meticulous design of the kid-sized environment and the system that empowers children to independently experience economics through KidZania's proprietary currency, "kidZos."

Following the tour, the students had the opportunity to look through the KidZania White Paper, which features Laurence's research, sparking a lively and cheerful photo session with the white paper in hand.

Below is a comment shared by Laurence regarding this visit:

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Message from Gregory Laurence:

"The students who come to KidZania are truly impressed by the excitement and energy of the space. They all say, 'I wish we had this in America!' (Actually, there is one in Dallas, but that’s a bit far from Michigan! Haha.)

The students on the tour seem to feel that this is a truly special place where children can try new things in a safe environment.

Another aspect that caught the attention of many students was the 'separation of parents and children.' They found it wonderful that the system allows children to explore and experience things freely without feeling parental pressure. Compared to other places we visit, KidZania has a highly focused and consistent business model. Every aspect of the design — from the space and the experience to the uniforms — resonates deeply with the students.

The accompanying faculty members also unanimously agree from their respective perspectives that 'KidZania is an absolute must-visit location.'

For instance, our costume design professor focused on the design of the uniforms, while the graphic design professor analyzed the visual signage. Meanwhile, looking through a management lens, I focused on the business model. KidZania is a place where we can have deep, simultaneous discussions with students from three distinct professional viewpoints, bringing the big picture of our lectures together all at once. That is why we love this place so much."

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Thank you to everyone from the University of Michigan.

Through partnerships with educational institutions and corporations, both in Japan and overseas, we will continue to validate and promote the value of edutainment — which fosters the life skills of children who will shape the future — from both academic and practical perspectives.

To learn more about "Uniform Magic," the joint research conducted with Laurence, please visit the following links:

KidZania White Paper 2025 (PDF): go.umflint.edu/kidzania-paper
Special Interview Column (click translate): go.umflint.edu/kidzania-column

Meet Lee Grant Allen, an automotive executive with a passion for fashion. The 2015 graduate with a BBA in business has quite a story.

Allen's passion led him to become an entrepreneur. This month is his company BAU - HŌUSE's five-year anniversary.

Allen described his journey for Bridges, the university's digital alumni magazine. Hear him in his own words at umflint-bridges.org/lee-grant-allen.

Make sure you receive more alumni stories like Allen's. Update your contact info now at go.umflint.edu/StayInTouch.

Bridges welcomes stories from all alumni. Inspire others with your journey at go.umflint.edu/bridges-stories.

Meet Lee Grant Allen Read Lee Grant Allen’s UM-Flint alumni spotlight.

The city's new policy follows a Data Center Town Hall in Flint on March 18. Visit esflint.com/2025-2026-umf-activities for details.

This town hall was possible thanks to local business students. These students are members of the Entrepreneurs Society of University of Michigan - Flint. This student organization spans both and Mott Community College.

Greater Flint is fertile ground for many potential businesses. What other ventures would you like our students to engage the community about?

-- Flint is close to blocking development of any data centers in the city for one year.

Our summer event lineup is stacked ☀️ Here’s everything coming up, plus links to learn more and register.

Duo Mingle, June 16 - https://bit.ly/DUOMINGLE26
Flint City Bucks Night, June 27 - https://bit.ly/FGYPFCBNight
Lunch Meet Up, July 10 - https://bit.ly/FGYPJulyMeetUp
LEVEL UP Micro Conference, July 16 - https://bit.ly/YPLEVELUP26

Our students applied their skills to enrich Michigan families this spring. Together, they helped almost 200 households claim more than $150,000 in tax refunds.

Residents benefited from a lot more than refunds. Our students also helped them avoid:

• IRS penalties, fines and interest
• Poor credit ratings
• "Tax liens," or legal claims against one's property
• "Tax levies," or the seizure of properties to settle tax debts

You do not need to be a student or accounting professional to help. Simply email Autumn Zheng at [email protected] to ask about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

Enrollment is up as students seek degrees that are accessible, affordable and lucrative. Discover how a business degree from checks all three boxes at go.umflint.edu/value-article.

Savvy students finding incredible value at UM-Flint's School of Management Students are receiving impressive value for the cost of college at the University of Michigan-Flint School of Management.

Please join us in wishing a happy retirement to Anna Reed, academic advisor and counselor. Her focus of late has been supporting undergraduate students, specifically those pursuing degrees in international business and entrepreneurship and innovation management, among other credentials. But no more, because today was her last day. 🥳

Anna is looking forward to visiting family, gardening and reading this summer. In the future, she hopes to also pursue her hobbies: crocheting, singing and volunteering.

A lack of drinking water can kill within hours or days, especially during a disaster. It's up to relief agencies to make good decisions — fast. Do you trust them?

Fortunately, 's Azadeh Sadeghi and others have developed a valuable new tool: a robust optimization model. This model's purpose is to help leaders evaluate how delivery routes will perform after disruptions, like flooded roads. The result? More reliable, consistent and equitable delivery of life-saving resources.

Read more in our latest edition of "Thought leaders and best:" go.umflint.edu/thought-leaders-sadeghi.