Introduction to Business in China

Key information

Start date
End date
Year of study
Year 1
Duration
Term 1
Module code
151030051
FHEQ Level
4
Credits
15
Department
School of Finance and Management

Module overview

With the rise of China in the world economy, China has been one of the most popular foreign direct investment destinations. While it is true that China represents a huge potential market for foreign companies, they increasingly face a variety of challenges for doing business in China. The reason for these challenges faced by foreign companies in China is largely attributed to the lack of understanding of China specific business environment and business practices, and this indicates that conventional management approaches from advanced Western countries may not work in the Chinese context.

This module introduces students to some of the key concepts and principles in contemporary Chinese managerial system and business practices. Students will study the evolution of China’s trade and foreign direct investment policies and their importance for management in China; the major motivations of Chinese multinational enterprises’ overseas investment; Chinese way of human resource management (HRM), gender diversity and leadership/management strategies; Chinese market entry strategies; Chinese consumer behaviour and implication for marketing strategies adopted by foreign investors; the influence of traditional and contemporary culture in the Chinese communication style. Students will also study the outlook for China in global economy.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

Upon completion of this module students will be able to:

  • Understand the evolution of China’s trade and foreign direct investment policies and evaluate their implications for management in China
  • Understand the motivations of outbound foreign direct investment by Chinese enterprises
  • Understand the influence of traditional and contemporary culture in Chinese communications and explain how it influences the Chinese communication style
  • Understand human resource management (HRM) practices and gender diversity in the Chinese business context
  • Identify alternative ways of entering Chinese market entry as a foreign business
  • Understand contemporary Chinese consumer behaviour and evaluate its implications for formulating and implementing a successful marketing strategy in China

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules