The School of Management, Jiangsu University, was proudly represented at the 3rd Yangtze River Delta Student Academic Symposium and Social Practice Program by two of its international PhD candidates, Mr. Augustine Kwadwo Anokye-Wusu and Ms. Sonia Najam Hussain. The program, hosted by the China Scholarship Council and organized by Zhejiang University from 24th to 27th May 2026, brought together students from different universities and countries for academic exchange, research sharing, cultural learning, and social practice.

The program among other things provided participants with an opportunity to engage in scholarly dialogue, explore the innovation and development landscape of the Yangtze River Delta region, and deepen their understanding of China’s regional development model.

At the symposium, Mr. Anokye-Wusu presented a research paper titled “Exploring Coaching Framing Within Organizations: AI vs. Managerial Influence on Employee Self-Efficacy.” The study examines how artificial intelligence and human managerial coaching can be strategically framed to enhance employee self-efficacy in organizations. It argues that AI coaching may be more effective when framed around broad strategic principles, while human managerial coaching may be more effective when delivered through concrete and practical guidance.

Following a competitive evaluation process, Mr. Anokye-Wusu’s paper and presentation were adjudged the third best at the symposium. This achievement reflects not only his individual scholarly effort but also the quality of academic training, research mentorship, and intellectual development provided by the School of Management, Jiangsu University.

The School of Management was also represented by Ms. Sonia Najam Hussain, whose poster titled “Driving Sustainable Modernization Through Human Resource Analytics and Big Data Capability in Manufacturing Firms” was mounted alongside other selected research works. Her participation further demonstrated the school’s commitment to nurturing research that addresses contemporary issues in management, technology, sustainability, and organizational transformation.

Beyond the academic sessions, participants engaged in social practice activities that exposed them to China’s historical, cultural, and technological development. These included a visit to the old heritage town of Jiande, where participants experienced China’s rich cultural history and ancient settlement patterns, as well as a visit to Zhejiang University’s Future Learning Center Project.

The Future Learning Center showcased a technology-driven vision for transforming university education through cutting-edge research, digital learning environments, and strategic innovation.

Reflecting on the experience, Mr. Anokye-Wusu noted that the program offered more than academic exposure. It provided a platform for intercultural exchange, international networking, and deeper appreciation of China’s development philosophy. He also emphasized that such opportunities allow international students to understand the systems, values, innovation capacity, and long-term planning that continue to shape China’s growth and modernization.

The participation and recognition of students from the School of Management, Jiangsu University at this international academic platform affirm the school’s growing contribution to high-quality research training, international collaboration, and globally relevant scholarship. Through sustained mentorship and exposure to competitive academic environments, the School of Management and Jiangsu University at large continues to prepare students to contribute meaningfully to knowledge creation, organizational development, and international academic engagement.

Mr. Augustine Kwadwo Anokye-Wusu and Ms. Sonia Najam Hussain expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the School of Management and the Overseas Education College of Jiangsu University for the opportunity and support extended to them. They noted that their participation in the program broadened their academic perspectives, strengthened their international networks, and deepened their appreciation of China’s educational, cultural, and developmental achievements. They also described the experience as a meaningful reminder of Jiangsu University’s continued commitment to providing students with platforms for global exposure, scholarly excellence, and intercultural learning.