• Benesse Report 2008
  • Top message
  • Helping People to “Live Well”
  • Management Frameworks
  • Human Resources and Working Environments
  • Approach to Corporate Citizenship
  • Comments From People Associated With Benesse
  • Editing Policy
  • Principal Businesses
  • Fiscal 2007 Main Activities and Topics
  • List of Items Subject to GRI Guidelines

Benesse's Businesses and Main Activities

Fiscal 2007 Main Activities and Topics
*includes certain activities in fiscal 2008
Management Activities
Launched a New Senior Management Structure
  • Adopted a new senior management structure, headed by three representative directors
  • In addition to the three representative directors, Yukako Uchinaga was appointed a Director and Vice Chairman as well as CEO of Berlitz International, Inc.
Benesse Group Code of Conduct Revised
  • The scope of the Code was extended to overseas Group companies.
Strengthened Compliance
  • Established the Product Safety Inspection Center, strengthening the quality assurance system.
Continued to Promote Personal Information Protection
  • Maintained Privacy Mark certification
Revised Environmental Policy
  • Shifted focus to include environmental activities as an integral part of business and expanded scope to activities that have a real impact on society and communities.
Human Resources and Recruitment
Improved and Promoted Childcare Leave System
  • Expanded financial support for employees on childcare leave (Paid leave for first month, half of base salary for second and third months).
  • Obtained Kurumin mark certification for companies that provide support for parents.
Reduction of Working Hours
  • To provide a framework allowing employees to complete work during normal working hours, each department implemented a work reform project.
Implementation of Internship System
  • With the objective of creating proposals for new businesses, implemented an internship system linked directly with university research centers and took other steps.
Began Work on New Personnel System
  • Started work on developing a new personnel system designed to promote both individual and corporate growth and help each and every employee “live well.”
Business Activities
Diversification and Personalization of Products and Services
  • Utilized various media
    Launched Shinkenzemi Junior High School Course + i as well as educational software for the Nintendo DS® platform.
  • Advanced into new domains
    Launched Worldwide Kids English, opened Route H cram schools, and Shopping Mall, a comprehensive mail-order website.
  • Created new value propositions through collaboration
    Tamahiyo Happiness Project, Pampers business alliance with P&G, etc.
  • Increased study options, expanded opportunities for learning in physical locations
    Brought Tokyo Individualized Educational Institute, Inc. into the Benesse Group, and entered equity-based business alliance with entrance exam prep school Tetsuryokukai.
  • Took the Red Pen Teacher service for junior high school students online, increasing speed of marking and service personalization.
Research and Report Activities
Research and Reports
  • Widely announced the results of various research and surveys.
     
    Benesse Educational Research and Development Center (BERD)
    - 3rd Research Report on Child-Rearing and Lifestyle (targeted at parents with elementary and junior high school children)
    - 4th Research Report on Academic Performance and Teaching
    - 2007 Research Report: Math Skills of Elementary School Students
     
    Benesse Institute for the Child Sciences, Parenting, and Aging
    - First Basic Survey of Pregnancy and Child Care Issues
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