BUS 4540: International Business in China: Study Abroad^{^[1]}

Summer 2002

--Syllabus--

Objectives

The focus of this course is on developing expertise on business and culture in Asia in general and PR China (including Hong Kong) in particular. Specifically, it will be of interest for us to see for ourselves the miracle that has taken place since 1979; economic growth rates that averaged nearly 8% a year, which means that economic output has quadrupled in just two decades. The two decades of growing prosperity have been the swiftest, most extensive rise out of poverty any nation has ever sustained. A sampling of the questions we will seek to explore include:

· How China engineered the two-decade economic miracle without over reliance on exports as compared to other Asian nations.

· How China will sustain the growth given the challenges it will be undertaking through membership in WTO.

· The economic and political environment for international joint ventures (IJV's) and foreign invested firms (FIF's).

· Rural/Urban differences in the economic miracle.

· Whether China’s closer integration with the world economic order will increase the pressure on government to become more open.

· Prospects for continued growth at rates comparable to the past two decades.

· China’s capability to create the necessary jobs (estimated at a minimum of 18 million per year) to sustain the economic growth.

· The vitality of free market private enterprise as compared to state-owned enterprise (SOE).

· The extent to which SOE’s are a drag on sustained growth and how the SOE’s will be reformed.

· Progress in bank reform.

· Extent of unemployment, now and in the future.

· The extent to which China and Hong Kong are one country with separate systems.

· What drives the Chinese people: their culture, outlook, and work habits.

The opportunity presented by the China Study Abroad is to gain an understanding of the context of the Confucian-oriented social and cultural system that defines China and much of East Asia. As will be seen, China is not just another country, it is a whole different world. An understanding of this world allows one to better appreciate the challenges associated with international business in general, and business in East Asia in particular.

The Global Imperative

As we embark on the 21^st century, there are many national and international issues that are up for grabs. However, one of the clearest 21^st century imperatives is the further globalization of the world economy along with the integration of the U.S. economy into the global structure. As we will see in this course, globalization is not a fad—it is an irreversible trend. Of course, as we see from meetings of world leaders and representatives of the World Bank/IMF, even if irreversible progress in globalization will include bumps in the road.

Further, the gravitational center of this globalization has shifted from America and Europe to East Asia. It is likely that China will emerge as the leading economy of this part of the world, although progress to this goal, already underway, will not be in a straight line.

Furniture Industry Study

This year's trip offers a special opportunity for 2002 Holland Fellows representing both Appalachian State University and Fudan University to work together on a joint project examining transitions in the household furniture industry in China and the United States. The students from the two universities, Appalachian State and Fudan, will assist each other in gathering information from the respective countries and will work together to prepare the final report. The final report will then be presented as a part of the Summer 2002 trip to Fudan University.

Text

Qin, Charles and Rudelson, Justin Ben-Adam; Lonely Planet Mandarin Phrasebook. (Lonely Planet, 2000).

Course Components

The course is the study abroad (3 hours) segment of the China Study Abroad and follows the required spring orientation (3 hours). Requirements for both the orientation and the study abroad will emphasize preparation and participation. General obligations for the China Study Abroad are to actively participate in such a manner that reflects positively on each individual and on Appalachian State University. Specific evaluation criteria are presented below.

Group Discussions

The China Study Abroad will have abundant opportunity to contribute to and lead discussions. These discussions will be as part of interaction with students and faculty at Fudan University. Students are expected to assume responsibility for the success of these discussion activities.

Company Visits

An important part of the China Study Abroad will be visits to companies in Beijing, Shanghai, Dongguan, and Hong Kong. Class members will be responsible for preparation for each visit as well as for discussion and questions in conjunction with each visit. Finally, a company visit report will be due the morning following each visit.

Furniture Industry Study

A highlight of the experience will be the opportunity for the Holland Fellows from both Appalachian State and Fudan Universities to participate in a study of the furniture industry in both countries. The goal of this project is to develop alternate business models for U.S. and Chinese household furniture manufacturers. However, in approaching this goal it is necessary to study the current state of this industry on a global basis. Also the issues and challenges facing household furniture manufactures in the U.S. and China have many similarities to the challenges other industries have faced. Therefore to fully appreciate the issues facing the household furniture industry, it is necessary to consider industries such as textiles, electronics, and footwear industries, among others.

Results of this research will be presented as part of a joint Appalachian State University-Fudan University Conference on Furniture Industry Transitions in Shanghai, China. Appalachian State University students will be expected to play a leadership role in this study and in working with the students from Fudan University to make this aspect of the exchange program a positive experience for all involved.

Group (Peer) Evaluation

As you will note from the syllabus, important aspects of the study abroad will be in the form of discussions, a research project, and company visits. Although all of these group efforts are significant, the research project and the discussions with the students and faculty are especially critical and will require extra effort and leadership on the part of the Appalachian State University students.

In order to encourage effective participation and to ensure equity of contribution, group efforts will be evaluated using a peer evaluation form. Evaluations will be at the end of the study abroad.

The purpose of this form will be to assess your evaluation of each group member's participation and performance within the group. Your ratings will be anonymous—your identity will not be revealed to those you are evaluating. Further, the feedback you receive should give you valuable insight as to how you are perceived by others with whom you are working.

The final grade will be adjusted as a result of peer group and peer evaluation.

Evaluation

Knowledge of the material covered in the course is of central importance. However, as in the business world, the ability to communicate knowledge orally and in writing is also important. With this in mind, grades will be as follows:

Evaluation Components	%
· Furniture Industry Conference Research	45
· Participation in Group Discussions	20
· Participation in Company Visits	20
· Conduct and Behavior	15
· Group and Peer Evaluation (see note above)
Total	100

Trip Leaders

^{^[1]}A course offered in conjunction with the 2002 China Study Abroad.

BUS 4540: International Business in China: Study Abroad[1]

Objectives

The Global Imperative

Furniture Industry Study

Text

Course Components

Group Discussions

Company Visits

Furniture Industry Study

Group (Peer) Evaluation

Evaluation

Trip Leaders

Travel Itinerary

BUS 4540: International Business in China: Study Abroad^{^[1]}