Knowledge of Asian culture, economy and markets is essential in today's business world. This minor introduces the major economies in Asia (East-Asia, South-East Asia and the Indian subcontinent) with a look at history, economic and political developments and future outlook of the region and in addition delves deeper into the various practical aspects of doing business in the emerging Asian markets through analysis and discussion of business cases and theory.

The minor consists of three submodules:  

Asia:  Politics, Economic & Society (PES, 6 credits ) is aimed at placing the current reality of Asian economic dynamism in a broader perspective of history, government policy, international relations and current and future economic, geopolitical and environmental challenges and providing deeper insight in the major economies of the region such China, Japan, South Korea, India and Vietnam, with a look at these countries’  history, economy , (business) culture and business opportunities. 

Asia: Business, Communication and Management (BCM, 6 credits) focuses on the practicalities of doing business in Asian emerging markets.  Through the use of articles and analysis of real life business cases we will look at challenges and opportunities for exporting, investing, and doing business in the region from perspectives of marketing, strategic management, branding, market entry, knowledge and innovation, supply chain management, intellectual property protection and corporate social responsibility. 

Essay (3 credits)  will ask the students to independently research, analyse a business or economic topic, business case or alternatively develop a business plan, taking into account all practice and theory of the other submodules.

After the completion of the course, students would be able to  

• Assess the strategic relevance for internationally operating companies of historical developments, key patterns and trends of globalization, international relations and economic development in the Asian Region. 
• Analyse and interpret specific opportunities and challenges in Asian markets and learn various business strategies helpful in handling these challenges and opportunities, 
• Recognize the cultural differences in behaviour and values when doing business in the main Asian economies. 

There are no formal entry requirements. However please note: 

• The course requires a high level of English proficiency. All lectures, reading materials, assessments are communication are in English. Students should be comfortable with reading academic level articles, books and reports in English as well writing exams and papers in English. 
• The course is aimed at students with some business/economics/ management background, but it set up in such a way that students from non-business fields should be able to follow it with some extra effort to familiarize themselves with some basic (international) business concepts. 

BCM 
“Doing Business in Asia” – Suder , Tsai and Varma 
Sage Publishing, ISBN 978-1-5264-9450-4 
 
PES 
Book of choice out of recommended booklist for Book Review (to be published after start of course 
 
Other readings, articles, cases etc. will be provided 

10-12 lecture/workshop hours per week for 7 weeks.

• Submodule PES 

• Written Exam (60%) 
• Assignment (Book Review) (40%) 

• Submodule BCM 

• Group Portfolio Pass/Fail 
• Written Exam (100%) 

• Submodule Essay 

• Written Assignment (Essay) 

All tests/ assignments/ reports within the minor need to be passed with a minimum of 5.5, there is no grade compensation within the minor. 
Testing usually takes place during the 8th week of the block (April), while the resit is offered at the end of the semester (June/July) 

Any special details, such as attention to internationalisation, practical learning or research.