Explore and Experience Business within the World’s Most Dynamic Economy
China is endless in its depth and complexity. In this two part series you will learn about doing business with China while exploring profound history, rich cultures, powerful politics, and economic growth that are woven together into one of the most vibrant and diverse business environments in our global economy.
Understanding Doing Business with China
The rapid growth of China and its integration with the global economy continues to be one of the most important business stories of our life time. The ramifications of the massive transformation from an agrarian to a modern, industrial based economy reverberate through China’s domestic, cultural, and political systems; and through businesses around the globe. Through experienced guests, readings and discussions you will learn about essential operating strategies, management issues, and ethical considerations to doing business with China.
Cultural Immersion
Extend your learning with a once in a life time opportunity to travel to Shanghai, Suzhou, Beijing, and Xian to experience business in China first-hand. Over 11 days you will personally network with executives from a variety of companies, meet with business policy makers, and engage in meaningful discussions about current business issues, as well as everyday life issues.
You will also experience the rich cultural histories of China as you walk the Great Wall, marvel at the Terracotta Soldiers, barter in the market, savor Peking duck and ride the subway. Additionally, you will compare and contrast rural and urban life through participation in a servant leadership project in rural China.
Key Learning Objectives
- Gain an understanding for the past, current and future importance of China within the global market
- Identify and appraise distinct global operating strategies and assess the implications of each
- Learn market stratification tactics and assess the relationship of market, product and global operation strategies
- Examine financial dimensions of operations
- Discuss supply chain management
- Understand components of export management to China
- Explore specific issues related to managing in Asia
- Compare and contrast challenges and strategies related to recruiting, developing and retaining employees at different levels of the organization
- Explore generational differences, while assessing methods to motivate employees
- Generate approaches to managing virtually
- Identify and discuss ethical issues related to managing in Asia
- Develop professional networks through contacts established through the course
- Learn and experience aspects of Chinese culture
- Appreciate the implications of history, politics, and culture to conducting business
- Gain experience with international travel to promote confidence, efficiency and effectiveness
Doing Business in China Partners
Domestic and International leaders from the following premier corporations and organizations will provide knowledge and insights from their experiences in Doing Business with China.
Brady Corporation
Demand Force
GE/GE Healthcare
Foton
Ladish Forging
Kimberly Clark
Kohler Company
Mercury Marine
Oshkosh Corporation
Williams Controls
US Export Center
(Others are pending)
Course Formats and Dates
Domestic Course (MG 8042a) Spring 2013
Monday nights – March 4 through May 20
This course provides the foundation to Doing Business in China. Top leaders from an array of organizations will share their knowledge and experience on operating strategies and management issues. Many of these leaders are pioneers in taking their corporations to China. Readings and discussions will integrate research, theory and application. Virtual sessions with leaders located in Asia and domestic corporate tours will be integrated into the course.
Deliverables for this course include article and book reviews and an interview summary. This course is required for the International Cultural Immersion course.
International Cultural Immersion Course (MG 8042b) Summer 2013
Travel Thursday, May 23 – Tuesday, June 4 - with follow up in late June
Learning will primarily occur through 12 days of travel to China. While in China, students will network with expatriates, government officials, and local business leaders during corporate tours and breakfast/lunch/dinner meetings held in Shanghai, Suzhou, Beijing and Xian. Cultural and historic understanding will occur through viewing Terracotta Warriors and walking the Great Wall, among others.
Students will also experience sights and sounds of China through shopping in local markets and taking public transportation. Comparison and contrast of rural and urban China will occur through a servant leadership project.
Deliverables for this course include reflection papers and an applied, scholarly learning contract.
Registration and Costs
- Details available here including cost and required forms to fill out and submit by Jan. 7, 2013
Coordinating MSOE Faculty
Dr. C. Kelly Ottman
Associate Professor, Rader School of Business
ottman@msoe.edu
(414) 303-9339 (cell)
Dr. Ottman has extensive travel experience and has taught in China.