In October 2026, students from IMD@NEU Intake 5 participated in supporting a delegation of Executive MBA (EMBA) participants from Boise State University, USA, as part of a series of international projects in Vietnam. Through research activities, engagement with local businesses, and partner coordination, IMD@NEU students had the opportunity to apply their management knowledge to real-world business contexts while developing their communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in a multicultural environment. Among the projects undertaken, Know Scrubs and Human Good were two notable examples that highlighted the students’ involvement and hands-on learning experiences.
Prof. Dr. To Trung Thanh, Vice President of the National Economics University (NEU), and ISME leadership welcome the Boise State University EMBA delegation alongside IMD@NEU students and ISME students.
The collaboration between IMD@NEU students and the Boise State University EMBA delegation provided opportunities to explore business challenges in real-world settings and gain international perspectives on Vietnam’s manufacturing and business environment.
Across the projects, IMD@NEU students supported activities involving market research, supplier identification and evaluation, business engagement, and coordination between project teams. These responsibilities required effective information gathering and analysis, professional communication, and the ability to adapt to the specific requirements of each project.
An overview of the project review session
Among the projects, Know Scrubs and Human Good offered particularly valuable insights into how manufacturing capabilities, product quality, production costs, and supply chain considerations shape real-world business decisions.
Ms. Do Thi Nhu Quynh, an IMD@NEU Intake 5 student majoring in Business Management, at the project review session
As part of the Know Scrubs project, Do Thi Nhu Quynh, an IMD@NEU Intake 5 student majoring in Business Management, supported the project team in exploring Vietnam’s manufacturing capabilities and opportunities for product development in the textile and apparel sector. The research covered fabric materials, product customization, manufacturing processes, production lead times, costs, and quality control requirements. The project also examined considerations related to exporting apparel from Vietnam to the United States, including logistics, labeling regulations, and compliance requirements.
The Boise State University EMBA delegation and IMD@NEU students working together at Wiser Max Vietnam Garment Company
A key activity was a visit to Wiser Max Vietnam Garment Company. Observing manufacturing operations and learning about raw materials, production capabilities, product specifications, and shipping arrangements gave the team practical insights into potential collaboration between Vietnamese manufacturers and international customers
During the project, Quynh also provided interpretation support, took notes, and documented project activities. These responsibilities helped her strengthen her communication, information management, and coordination skills in an international working environment.
Ms. Do Thi Nhu Quynh with the Know Scrubs project team
Reflecting on her experience, Ms. Quynh shared:
“The SCRUBS project gave us an opportunity to combine academic knowledge with practical experience and develop our international communication, work management, and problem-solving skills. The experience helped demonstrate that supplier identification involves more than compiling a list of manufacturers. It requires a systematic evaluation of production capacity, product quality, and a supplier’s ability to meet specific customer requirements.”
Vu My Linh, an IMD@NEU Intake 5 student, discussing the Human Good project with the project team during the review session
In the Human Good project, Vu My Linh, an IMD@NEU Intake 5 student, accompanied the delegation during meetings with potential suppliers. The project aimed to identify two to three vendors capable of producing premium medical uniforms that meet high quality standards at competitive prices.
The evaluation focused on business operations, manufacturing capacity, material sourcing, order requirements, delivery lead times, and relevant commercial terms. Through these meetings, Linh gained first-hand exposure to how businesses discuss product requirements and potential partnerships. She also learned the importance of asking proactive questions, offering relevant suggestions, and preparing thoroughly before engaging with prospective partners.
The Boise State University EMBA project team working with a manufacturing partner in Vietnam
In addition to accompanying the delegation during business meetings, Linh provided interpretation support and documented project activities through photography and video. These experiences helped her develop intercultural communication, situational problem-solving, and media skills in a professional setting.
Looking back on her experience, Linh reflected: “I learned that building credibility with partners requires careful preparation from the very beginning, from our image to how we introduce ourselves and the project.”
Prof. Dr. Timothy Dunne, representing the Boise State University EMBA delegation, delivering remarks at the project review session in Vietnam
Through KNOW SCRUBS, Human Good, and other collaborative activities, IMD@NEU Intake 5 students gained exposure to the practical demands of international business. Coordinating between teams in the United States and Vietnam required proactive information sharing, clear task allocation, confirmation of key details, and flexibility in responding to changes throughout project implementation.
Working directly with the Boise State University EMBA delegation also allowed students to engage with different professional perspectives and working styles. These interactions provided valuable opportunities to strengthen their English communication skills, develop a collaborative mindset, and become more open to cultural differences in an international business environment.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. David Hunt, Head of Marketing at Boise State University, expressing appreciation for the enduring collaboration between the two universities, alongside Dr. Le Thi Huong Lan, Lecturer at ISME, NEU
For IMD@NEU students, the value of these experiences extended beyond completing support tasks. Through direct participation and observation, they gained a deeper understanding of how business decisions are shaped by customer needs, market information, and the actual capabilities of businesses.
Through international collaboration and engagement with real-world business challenges, IMD@NEU continues to provide students with opportunities to connect academic knowledge with professional experience, broaden their perspectives, and develop the competencies needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected global business environment.
