COURSE TITLE: HOW TO DO BUSINESS WITH

Bachelor course ECTS credits: 6

Lecturers: . Hongjun Zhao, Ph. D., Full Professor at Shanghai University of International Business & Economics, China . Matevž Rašković, Ph. D., Assistant Professor at Faculty of Economics, University of , . Mitja Saje, Ph. D., Full Professor at Faculty of Arts, , , Slovenia . Mitja Kovač, Ph. D., Assistant Professor at Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia Contact: [email protected]

Aims of the course: The aim of this introductory-type course is to present to the students the specifics, opportunities and challenges of doing business in and with China, within an international business context. The course provides an introduction to the key specifics of doing business in and with China, and particularly focuses on the business and socio-cultural aspects of doing business. However, it also provides a basic overview of Chinese economic and legal environments, historical background and process of economic reforms since 1978. After finishing this course, the students will have a basic understanding of the specifics of doing business in and with China, the cultural specifics of doing business with China and gain a better understanding of China as a potential market. They will be better able to identify key opportunities, challenges, required skills and resources for successfully doing business in the Chinese market and/or with Chinese counterparts.

Course syllabus: 1. Course introduction, introduction to China as the world no. 2 economy 2. Introduction to China as a business environment & key characteristics of the Chinese economy 3. Short history of Chinese economic reforms since 1978 & economic development of post-liberal era 4. The role of FDIs in China 5. Basics of the Chinese legal system 6. Contracts & foreign investment laws in China 7. Marketing in China: understanding the Chinese market and consumer behavior 8. Chinese culture, cross-cultural communication, business etiquette 9. Negotiating with the Chinese 10. The future of the Chinese economy 11. Guest speaker from the industry

Bibliography: There is no official textbook for the course. Students will be provided with a reading pack of about 8-10 selected articles covering different course topics, as well as additional materials by individual lecturers.

However, there is some suggested supplementary literature: . Chung, M. (2011). Doing Business Successfully in China. Chandos Asian Studies. . Wu, J. (2005). Understanding and Interpreting Chinese Economic Reform. Thomson/South-Western. . Naughton, B. (2007). The Chinese Economy: Transitions and growth. MIT Press. . Fang, T. (1999). Chinese Business Negotiating Style, Sage Publications.

Teaching methods: The course will consist of a series of interactive lectures with an emphasis on active class participations and class discussion. There will also be several guest lecturers covering specific topics (e.g. culture, negotiations, legal system etc.). Students are expected to read the required materials in advance and come prepared to class to actively discuss a given topic. Lectures will include videos, analysis of short cases and other types of interactive media. Students will also have to hand in short individual assignments (usually 1-2 pages).Students will also be organized in cross-cultural groups to do team projects. Team projects will cover different course topics (e.g. analysis of the Chinese market and looking for business opportunities, proposals of entry strategies for specific companies, marketing plans etc.). About 1-2 hours of individual work (readings) will be expected before each class.

Prerequisites: While no specific knowledge is required per se for this course, a basic background in either international business and/or marketing is a big help.

Examination methods:  Written, open book exam: 30 % of final grade  Individual assignments: 10 % of the final grade  Team projects with presentation: 50 % of the final grade  Active class participation: 10% of the final grade

Attendance is mandatory and will be checked. Students need to achieve at least half of the possible points on the exam to get a passing grade and successfully complete the course.

The course is supported by the Confucius Institute Ljubljana.