2025/2026
Business and Entrepreneurship in East Asia
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
6
Contact hours:
48
Course Syllabus
Abstract
This course is designed to introduce the fundamentals of business culture, entrepreneurship, investing, management, and running a business in Asian region, focusing on China, Japan, , Republic of Korea, and Southeast Asia. The most important part of this course concentrates on the modern trends and nature of business and entrepreneurship in China. A main focus is on contemporary business trends in China, alongside comparative analyses of South and Southeast Asian markets. The course explores political, legal, economic, and cultural factors influencing business operations, decision-making, risk management, market entry, taxation, mergers & acquisitions, human resource strategies, and supply chain management. Students will also examine national identity, cross-cultural business challenges, negotiation styles, regulatory compliance, and economic policies. Case studies and real-world examples will provide insights into regional business diversity, common pitfalls, and strategies for success. The course aims to equip students with practical knowledge for navigating business opportunities in Asia and understanding the region’s evolving role in the global economy.
Learning Objectives
- To equip students with theoretical and methodological instruments for conducting theoretical and applied research in the field of Entrepreneurship and Business roles and traditions in East Asia, to advance critical and independent thinking.
- To become familiar with many of the major industries and companies in India, China, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan and Indonesia.
- To understanding of the business environment in India, China, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan and Indonesia.
- To recognize how management and cross cultural differences affect and impact on the ways of doing business in India, China, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan and Indonesia.
- To gain a working level of competence for engaging in international business activities in India, China, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan and Indonesia and with business people from these countries.
- To develop in students a systematic understanding of the specifics of doing business in key Asian countries, including cultural, economic, legal and managerial aspects.
- To develop practical skills in analyzing markets and developing strategies for entering them.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Assesses the role of outsiders in regional processes in Asia and Africa.
- Explains the reasons for and forms of interregional cooperation in Asia and Africa.
- Know political, economic, financial, and cultural context of entering the Asian markets and the unique opportunities and challenges of working in their business environments.
- Understand business context and business management in Asia (a) environment and market, trend analysis; (b) competition; (c) local business cultures and management; (d) nature of entrepreneurship; (e) marketing and branding, gender, corporate social responsibility.
- Is able to examine main trends, advantages and disadvantages of establishing different types of enterprises in China, to compare various opportunities SA and SEA to set up or to relocate business in this region.
- Use business culture customs in China, SEA and SA, and other countries for successful negotiations.
- Understand the nature of business and management in Asian countries and main approaches for establishing business relations.
Course Contents
- Part 1. Introduction
- Part 2. Northeast Asian Giants
- Part 3. Southeast Asia and Regional Integration
- Part 4. Core Business Functions in the Asian Context
- Part 5. Cross-Cutting Themes & Final Project
Assessment Elements
- EssayThe essay (2000 – 3000 words, including references) is a critical review of the existing literature on a specific topic or several topics covered during the course. Specific requirements for the essay: - It should clearly state a research question relevant to theoretical, conceptual and/or empirical debates within the course and related academic literature; - It should present coherent analysis with a clear argument embedded in relevant theoretical discussions and supported by empirical evidence; - It should include at least 7 items in the list of academic references.
- TestStudent will need to write 2 paper based test according to the information from the lectures (one after the 5th lecture and one after the 12th lecture). Paper based test with combination of question types (e.g., 30 minutes).
- PresentationA 15-minute group presentation followed by a 5-7 minutes Q&A session.
- In-class participationStudents will be given a short case study (one page) during class that they have not seen before. The case will describe a specific challenge a Western company faced when operating in an Asian market (e.g., a marketing blunder in Thailand, a failed Joint Venture in Japan, HR issues in South Korea). Students will have 20 minutes to read and prepare. Then they need to present a 5-minute critical analysis of the situation.
Interim Assessment
- 2025/2026 3rd module0.25 * Essay + 0.25 * In-class participation + 0.25 * Presentation + 0.25 * Test
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Fayolle, A., & Edward Elgar Publishing. (2014). Handbook of Research on Entrepreneurship : What We Know and What We Need to Know. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=781582
- Hong Hai. (2020). The Rule of Culture : Corporate and State Governance in China and East Asia. Routledge.
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- 9781317601364 - Drucker, Peter F. - Innovation and Entrepreneurship - 2015 - Routledge - https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=846822 - nlebk - 846822