Management in Emerging Markets

The Rochester-Bern China seminar with class 14 (2008/09) took place at the Maryland Center in Shanghai from April 20 to 24, 2009.

The week was designed to give the participants an intensive exposure to the China factor in today's business world. The seminar provided insights into one of the world's most dynamic economic environments and taught the students to apply that perspective not only to their overall studies, but to their business practice as well.

The seminar examined various aspects of doing business in Asia through a combination of classroom work, on-site interviews and discussions with local managers and other authorities. During the week, five specific aspects were discussed in detail:

 

Monday: Introduction and the general context of China

  • Shanghai residency and global strategies: A context and capabilities approach - Prof. Patrick Moreton, Washington University: Olin Business School
  • China and the international community of nations - Tom Orlik, freelance correspondent for the South China Morning Post, the Economist, and the Far Eastern Economic Review
  • Cultural, political and economic background - David Gosset, Head of Academica Sinica, on faculty at CEIBS

Tuesday: Getting started in China - simple entry strategies

  • Sourcing challenges and opportunities - Sam Crispin, Managing Director of Crispin Property Consultants
  • An overview of the Chinese work force - Angela Eagan, formerly Managing Director of Hudson China
  • Site visit: Swiss China Center

Wednesday: Building an organization in China

  • Manufacturing sourcing challenges and opportunities: Dr. Hu Ruguo, Head of Equipment/Systems & Engineering, Nestle R&D Center Shanghai
  • Legal aspects of the business environment - Amy Sommers, Squire Sanders Dempsey

Thursday: Advanced China strategies including marketing and operations

  • Financial sevices in China - Daniel Senger, Executive Director China Equities, UBS Securities Co. Ltd.
  • Selling to the Chinese consumer - Gabrielle Chou, Asia-Pacific Divsion Leader, Acxiom
  • Site visit: Shanghai VW - Volkswagen

Friday: Innovation and high technology in China

  • China as a service outsourcing platform - Gilles Langourieux, CEO Virtuos Games
  • Managing innovation in China - Prof. Max Zedtwitz, Peking University
  • Concluding session - Prof. Patrick Moreton, Washington University: Olin Business School
  • Farewell cocktail reception