The University of Texas at Dallas Summer, 2006

Dr. Dachang Cong dccong@utdallas.edu

Class meeting time: 9 AM – 1 PM Sat. 972-883-2297

MAIS 5313/021
Doing Business in Greater China

Course Description

Greater China (Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong) has become a global economic power.
For many multinational corporations, Greater China is one of the largest and most competitive
markets. This course starts with a thorough study of culture, economy, politics, history, and
society. Then, the course uses a Harvard Business Review book to examine strategies and tactics
of doing business in China. Finally, the class focuses on the huge customer base of the region.
Topics also include China-U.S. relations, democracy, environment, human rights, the impacts of
the digital revolution, and the region’s current participation in the global economy. The course
highlights the experiences of multinational corporations.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1. Gain a “big picture” of the cultures, economies, political systems, and social realities
of China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
2. Identify challenges for multinationals in the region.
3. Offer critical and constructive comment on the strategies and tactics of doing business
in the region.

Required Readings

McGregor, James.
One Billion Customers.
Yan, Rick, and Kenneth Liberberthal, eds.
Harvard Business Review on doing Business in China.

Methods of Measuring Learning Outcomes

Each student is required to write a 20-page-long term paper about one critical aspect of doing
business in Greater China. He or she is also required to complete an exam (two essay questions).

1) Term paper 50% of final grade

2) Exam 50% of final grade
MAIS 5313 Page 2

Topics and Reading Assignments

I Orientation May 20
Introduction to Greater China
U.S. - China Relations
Chinese in America

II Business Unusual in the Global Economy May 27

Decoding Chinese Culture, Economy, and society (1)

Becker, Jasper. The Chinese, First one third (on reserve).

III Benchmarking China June 3

Taiwan
Decoding Chinese Culture, Economy, and society (2)

Becker, Jasper. The Chinese, Second one third.

IV Entrepreneurs in China June 10

Hong Kong
Decoding Chinese Culture, Economy, and society (3)

Becker, Jasper. The Chinese, Third one third.

*prospectus for term paper due*

V Reading China’s Future June 17

Strategies and Tactics of doing business in China (1)

Yan and Liberberthal.

Harvard Business Review on doing Business in China, First one third.

VI Understanding the Three Systems June 24

Strategies and Tactics of doing business in China (2)

Yan and Liberberthal.

Harvard Business Review on doing Business in China, Second one third.

VII Integrating the Three Systems July 1

Decoding Chinese Realities (2)
Strategies and Tactics of doing business in China (3)

Yan and Liberberthal.

 Harvard Business Review on doing Business in China, Third one third.

MAIS 5313 Page 3

VIII Economic Growth and Democracy July 8

Understanding the Chinese as Customers (1)

McGregor. One Billion Customers, First one third.

IX Economic Regions July 15

Understanding the Bamboo Network
Understanding the Chinese as Customers (2)

McGregor. One Billion Customers, Second one third.

X Towards a New Global Economy July 22

Greater China in the Digital Revolution
China and the World Community
Understanding the Chinese as Customers (3)

McGregor. One Billion Customers, Third one third.

XI Term paper and Take-Home Exam Due July 26