LAS257 Chinese Business and Management

Autumn semester 2025/26

20 Credits

Module Organiser: Dr Zhong Zhang (zhong.zhang@sheffield.ac.uk)

Overview

The objective of this module is to provide students an understanding of China's economic reform and open door policies, and the new free market orientation. While module content is academic rather than practical, this unit is designed to acquaint students with Chinese business environment and practice, and to inform them of issues and problems encountered by international businesses operating in China or doing business with the Chinese. Emphasis is on the Chinese business culture, the state-owned enterprise reform, development of the private sector and management issues of Chinese family firms, foreign direct investment and operating foreign businesses in China, human resource management, Chinese consumer behaviour, and the financial markets. An understanding of these topics is highly relevant to companies targeting the China market and essential background for graduates seeking a career in Far Eastern Business. Students are thus encouraged to develop business-related skills.

Topics Covered

• China’s Economic Transition: How far across the River?  

• China’s Business Environment: Formal Institutions for Business. 

• China’s Business Environment (informal institutions): Chinese Business Culture 

• Business organizations and Governance 

• SOE Reform and Governance

• Private Sector Development and Management issues of Private firms 

• Foreign Trade 

• Inward FDI and Market Access by Foreign Business 

• Consumer Culture and Marketing in China 

• Financial Market Reform and Development 

Skills Development

In addition to knowledge acquisition, you are expected to develop the following skills:

•  Independent learning and knowledge 

• Critical ability, communication skills and teamwork 

• Economic Literacy and Practical Skills 

Study Hours

The University recommends that you spend 200 hours working on a 20-credit module. This will include:

• Lectures 22 hours

• Seminars 10 hours

• Independent study 168 hours

Assessment

• Essay 100%