Office of Global Programs

Go Global with Smith!

Doing Business in China: China in 2013 and Beyond - Challenges and Opportunities

One-credit spring term BUSI788C & Two-credit summer 1 term BUSI798C

Cities	Likely to be: Beijing, Shanghai, Hongzhou
Faculty	Dr. Zhi-Long Chen, Professor of Operations Management & Department Chair
Dates Abroad	Depart US on Friday, May 17, 2013 to arrive in Beijing no later than May 18. Depart from Shanghai on Tuesday, May 28th. First scheduled activity and the first paid hotel night in Beijing is the evening of Saturday, May 18th. The last scheduled activity and the last paid hotel night in Shanghai is the evening of Monday, May 27th.
Anticipated Costs	Program Fee is $3,000. There is an additional $250 and approx. $20 for mandatory insurance, both of which go directly to the Education Abroad Office to maintain the Emergency Coverage plan.
Pre-departure Meetings	Sunday, March 24, 2013 to be held in College Park campus, Room 1511 Van Munching Hall.
Register	Register for the spring term BUSI788C BA01 class on Testudo at the same time as your other spring courses.

Please Note: Education Abroad’s new withdrawal and refund policy is now in effect. More info

The Smith School is committed to growing global citizens, and both the Smith School and the University of Maryland are committed to engagement with China. The Smith School launched an Executive Leadership program in Beijing, in association with UIBE, in March 2012.

China is now central to the world economy and dynamics, and the Smith School would like to offer as many opportunities as possible to begin to understand the huge and complicated country. The Smith School features an EMBA program in Beijing, exchange programs with several Chinese universities, and semester programs in Shanghai with internship options for undergraduates.

This course will focus on China's growth and major challenges and opportunities as it undergoes a change in leadership, and changes in demographics and wealth distribution. We will examine China's urbanization and energy sourcing to serve its huge cities and manufacturing areas, and the impact China’s strategies on such issues have on the rest of the world. Nobel economics laureate Joseph E. Stiglitz has cited urbanization in China, along with technology developments in the U.S., as the two most important issues that will shape the world’s development during the 21st century (Bloomberg News Jan 17th, 2012).

China’s urban population (see the picture below) surpassed that of rural areas recently for the first time in the country’s history after three decades of economic development encouraged farmers to seek better living standards in towns and cities. The move to cities has already benefited companies such as excavators makers Caterpillar Inc. and Komatsu Ltd., iron ore miners BHP Billiton Ltd. and Rio Tinto Plc., construction materials provider W&R Grace, and elevator manufacturer Otis. Changing consumer tastes and growing wealth have also fueled demand for products sold by numerous American companies such as Apple Inc., General Motors Co., P&G, Starbucks, and Yum! Brands Inc.

As the middle class grows, the country has struggled to meet its energy needs; the rush around the world to meet those needs has generated wealth for many. China’s use of coal has been regarded as an area of concern; at the same time they are believed to lead the world in solar energy production and utilization.

As the nation’s population changes demographics, China faces the challenge of providing jobs, welfare and other social services to its citizens. This class will look to help students understand how these changes in China affect all of us.

From Economist, Jan 18, 2012

An excellent analysis of China

Story about why China matters to us all

Report about the growing wealth gap

Note:

This class has been confirmed and students may go ahead and purchase airfare. (See above for exact dates). Students are advised by UMD Education Abroad to purchase refundable airline tickets in case of unforeseen circumstances.

THE COURSE PROGRAM FEE includes lodging in a shared hotel room, local transportation to company visits and required cultural activities, any tickets or fees for required business/cultural activities, some group meals, and professor and partner fees.

Not included: International airfare, personal expenses, most meals and trip insurance (if desired). Students are responsible for obtaining and paying for their own visa and/or entry fee where applicable. There is an additional $250 study abroad fee which goes directly to the campus office to maintain the emergency plan.

In-country flights are expected to be about $200. We will advise as to dates, times and recommended airline.

UM’s Education Abroad withdrawal and refund policy drop and refund schedule apply for the one-credit BUSI788 and BUSI798 courses. There is an additional $500 penalty if you drop the course after the semester start, January 23, 2013.

A visa is required for US citizens, and costs around $130. Students of other nationalities should check the consular office for visa information and requirements. Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your return date, and you should have 2 blank visa pages available.

The time abroad IS the class and any instances of: being late and therefore delaying the group, noise in hotel hallways, damage to hotel rooms, hung-over behavior, sleeping during meetings or public displays of affection will be frowned upon as it would for any business traveler on meetings or conferences abroad. You are expected to incorporate professionalism while abroad, and professionalism is part of your total grade. It is our intent to develop world citizens and savvy business travelers, and the courses abroad should be undertaken as serious academic endeavors.