As the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into franchise management and data analysis expands, Busan has launched a training program aimed at developing practical professionals equipped with AI skills.
The Korea Franchise Industry Association's Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam chapter held an opening ceremony for the fifth cohort of the Busan Franchise Supervisor training program on August 19, which will run until October 14. Classes will be held weekly on Wednesdays and will cover topics such as franchise law, basic supervising skills, market analysis, profitability assessment, and online and offline marketing.
The most significant change in this cohort is the expanded focus on AI training. Participants will actively use AI to analyze operational data from franchise stores and identify strategies to enhance sales and profits, as well as learn how to apply AI as a practical tool in marketing strategy development.
The core curriculum includes franchise supervising and law, AI-based franchise analysis and management, market analysis system utilization, practical skills for increasing sales and profits using AI, evaluations, and report presentations. The program combines lectures with hands-on practice, allowing students to analyze market conditions and store operations and develop specific improvement plans.
Participants expressed their expectations for the program. One student noted, "I believe it is essential to assess problems based on data rather than relying solely on experience when managing franchise stores. I want to learn how to apply AI in real work situations and test it in the field." Another student added, "I look forward to learning not only franchise-related theories but also practical content such as market analysis and store profitability, which are necessary for real work. I hope to acquire practical skills that I can use in the franchise industry through this training."
The program was developed in response to the structural conditions of local franchise headquarters.
The KFA Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam chapter explained, "Local franchise headquarters are generally smaller than those in the metropolitan area, often requiring one supervisor to handle multiple tasks. It has been challenging to find time and opportunities for separate training while managing these responsibilities."
The Busan Franchise Supervisor training program began as a pilot in the first half of 2024 and has been fully operational since 2025, supported by the Busan city budget aimed at revitalizing the franchise industry.
The chapter stated, "Being able to receive training locally reduces the time burden of traveling to the metropolitan area, and it contributes to forming a network where practitioners from Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam can share their field experiences and know-how."
Previously, representatives from local franchise brands such as Homac, Jeongjik Yubu, Bulmak Yeolsam, Among's Coffee, and Mijin Livestock participated in the program to enhance their practical capabilities.
The chapter reported that the satisfaction rate among companies participating in the training has averaged over 90%. They emphasized, "It is crucial to continuously demonstrate that employee skill enhancement through training leads to improved competitiveness for the headquarters. As these cases accumulate, it may encourage voluntary participation from companies."
There have also been instances where the training served as a bridge connecting job-seeking youth with local companies. The chapter noted, "There have been cases where job-seeking youth connected with local franchise headquarters through the training, leading to employment opportunities in the region. This highlights the significance of the program in not only enhancing practical skills but also connecting local talent with businesses."
The fifth cohort will also include employment support. After completion, top-performing students wishing to work at franchise headquarters will be offered interview opportunities. This cohort includes current supervisors and practitioners from franchise headquarters, as well as job-seeking youth and graduating college students.
During the opening ceremony, speakers addressed the changing landscape of franchise management and the importance of specialized personnel.
Yoon So-yoon, head of the Fair Trade Support Team at the Busan Small and Medium Business Support Center, stated, "The current rate of new franchise openings is declining while the closure rate is increasing, making the management conditions for franchise stores challenging. In such times, the role of supervisors, who can mediate between headquarters and franchisees, becomes increasingly important."
Kim Young-hwan, president of the KFA Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam chapter, remarked, "Supervisors play a crucial role in conveying the operational direction of the headquarters to franchise stores while also relaying various opinions from the stores back to the headquarters. I hope that participants actively apply what they learn in this training to bring about tangible changes in their work."
Hwang Gyu-ha, an advisor to the KFA Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam chapter, encouraged participants by saying, "To assess the operational status of franchise stores and identify the causes of problems, a broad knowledge base and judgment are necessary. I hope you will complete the training and grow into competitive supervisors in your respective roles."
Lee Joo-hwan, chair of the KFA Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam chapter's education committee, expressed, "As this program is officially supported by the city of Busan, I hope participants will take pride in their involvement. Given the high satisfaction rates among employees who have experienced the training, I hope more franchise companies will show interest in the future."
Jang Jae-nam, chief professor of the Busan Franchise Supervisor program, stated, "In Seoul, we are preparing for the 55th cohort, indicating that related training continues steadily. I hope that interest in the franchise industry in Busan will grow, leading to the establishment of ongoing training programs that produce specialized talent." He added, "Through this program, we aim to help supervisors adapt to the changing work environment by incorporating AI into the training and guide them to translate what they learn into actual results."
The chapter also emphasized the need for a shift in perception to expand participation in the training. They explained, "It is essential to view supervisor training not as a burden on work hours but as necessary education to enhance the operational level of franchise stores and strengthen brand competitiveness."
Meanwhile, the Busan Franchise Supervisor program is conducted twice a year, with the sixth cohort scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.