Executive MBA programme
Develop your capabilities to manage strategic and operational realities.
17 April 2014
During the past week, the Executive MBA graduating class of 2015 participated in an intensive course on doing business in China. The course, held in Shanghai and Hangzhou, is an integrated part of the Executive MBA programme. The participants combined visits to Chinese and multinational companies with studies in Chinese Business and Supply Chain Management at two of China’s top universities, Zhejiang University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
The training course in China is divided into two modules, four days in Shanghai and four days in Hangzhou. Hangzhou has a population of nine million and is the capital of the Zhejiang province, which is characterized by entrepreneurship. The Zhejiang province has a higher growth rate than China in general, and many successful companies are based here.
Thanks to the School’s network of partner universities and companies in China, the participants were given the opportunity to visit companies like Geely, Sunwin Bus, Transfar and Shanghai Harbour. To provide a better understanding of the Chinese economy and business culture, the School also organised roundtable seminars and networking meetings with executives working in China for companies like SKF, Volvo Cars, Brose and Business Sweden.
– During this week I learned about the modern business model of China and I understood the importance of seeing China as a market instead of a factory of the world, says Suzana Dereban, one of the Executive MBA participants. The company visits in particular helped me understand the Chinese management practice and the Chinese wisdom in translating the language of science into the language of business. I also observed the problem that the Chinese face in terms of pollution. This made me reflect on what responsibility western countries have while doing business with China. In short, this trip was an eye-opener about China in all aspects.
The modules in China include themes such as Chinese Culture, Business and Management, A Chinese Approach to Innovation, CSR Management and Sourcing in China, Establishing of Start-ups in China and Supply Chain Management. Both Zhejiang University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University are ranked as some of China’s top universities.