BUV MBA Students Dive Into Real-World Sustainable Business Practices

What does it take to lead in a sustainable business? For BUV MBA students, the answer lies beyond textbooks but in real experiences, real challenges, and real solutions. 

In today’s fast-changing world, business leadership is no longer just about spreadsheets and short-term profits. It’s about resilience, responsibility, and readiness for what’s next. That’s why experiential learning, like a recent visit to Canifa, is a regular part of the MBA experience at BUV, giving students a real-world lens on strategy, operations, and sustainable business practices.

As part of the “Risk Management for Sustainable Business” module, the visit allowed MBA students to explore how business risks are identified and mitigated, how sustainability strategies are applied in practice, and how responsible leadership is cultivated in the real world. 

A Problem-Based Learning Experience  

The fashion industry is one of the most dynamic and highly competitive sectors. For Vietnamese fashion businesses, the challenge lies not only in competing with the rising influence of well-established international brands, but also in managing tight finances, operational risks, and maintaining consistent product quality. 

On top of these business pressures, fashion companies are also grappling with mounting environmental and social challenges. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, textiles contribute around 7% of global landfill waste, and less than 1% of used clothing is recycled into new garments. Meanwhile, McKinsey estimates that the fashion industry generates around 1.2 billion tons of CO₂ annually, highlighting the urgent need for circular and sustainable innovation in fashion.   

These pressing issues were central to the discussion during the BUV MBA students’ visit to Canifa. MBA students had the opportunity to explore how Canifa is tackling these pressing challenges through the use of sustainable materials and design, strict quality control processes, and investment in cleaner technologies.  

BUV MBA students observed the production process and quality control system, gaining valuable insights into business operations.

This field trip exemplifies BUV’s practical learning philosophy, where students apply classroom knowledge to real business contexts. By engaging directly with professionals and critically examining real-world strategies, students gain first-hand insight into how risk management and sustainability go hand in hand in building long-term business resilience. 

“The MBA programme’s blend of theory and practice is highly effective, especially its problem-based learning approach,” shared Mrs. Hong Anh, a MBA student. “Discussing and analysing real-world case studies like Canifa’s helped me better understand how to apply theoretical concepts in practice. This problem-solving mindset also sharpened my analytical thinking, decision-making, and the ability to navigate complex business situations.” 

Developing Future-Ready Leaders for a Sustainable Economy 

From climate change and economic volatility to geopolitical tensions and supply chain instability, today’s business environment is increasingly defined by disruption. According to McKinsey, up to 50% of executives expect more frequent and severe disruptions over the next five years.  

Rapid technological advances are adding further complexity, making long-term planning more difficult than ever. PwC’s 2024 Global Risk Survey reports that over 90% of risk leaders struggle to keep pace with emerging risks, and only 40% feel confident in their current strategies. Alarmingly, PwC’s 2023 Global CEO Survey reveals that nearly 40% of CEOs believe their companies will no longer be economically viable in ten years without significant transformation. 

In this high-stakes environment, organisations are looking beyond traditional management skills. They need leaders who not only understand financial performance but can also navigate uncertainty, anticipate change, and lead with purpose. These future-ready leaders must be agile and strategic, with the ability to guide sustainable transformation and ensure that their organisations don’t just survive, but thrive, in an unpredictable world. 

BUV’s MBA Programme is designed to meet this need. Rooted in real-world issues, the programme combines strategic leadership training with practical, problem-based learning that prepares students to thrive in the global economy and adapt to the evolving landscape of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.  

Beyond academic coursework, initiatives like the recent field visit to Canifa offer aspiring leaders the chance to explore sustainability and risk management in action.

  Reflecting on this immersive experience, during which she and her cohort engaged directly with business leaders navigating real-world pressures, Mrs. Hong Anh shared: “The field trip gave me a deeper understanding of risk management in a volatile industry like fashion. I believe that combining diverse learning approaches empowers MBA students to develop a well-rounded and deeper understanding of the real-world business environment, equipping us more effectively to navigate future challenges.” 

BUV’s MBA classes and field trips connect students with experts and peers, offering insights into real-world business challenges.

Accredited by the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), the BUV’s MBA programme is delivered by 100% internationally qualified faculty. The programme also serves as a vibrant platform for professional growth and networking, fostering collaboration, an entrepreneurial mindset, and access to new career opportunities. Together, these elements cultivate a new generation of agile, resilient leaders, ready to navigate uncertainty and drive sustainable change in an unpredictable world. 

For more information about the programme, please visit: https://www.buv.edu.vn/master-of-business-administration/