GSB 563 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STUDY TOUR (4 UNITS)
"China is the world's largest start-up and turnaround."
- James McGregor, author of "One Billion Customers"
"There are two India's in this country, one India is straining
at the leash eager to spring forth and live up to all the adjectives
the world has been recently showering upon us; the other India is the
leash "
- Amitabh Bachchan, Bollywood celebrity and Entrepreneur
Streets of Hong Kong
Royal Palace in India
Drying Fish in Punjab India
Course and Study Tour Description
This study tour is organized and led by the Cal Poly Orfalea College of Business and offered through the Cal Poly Continuing Education Office. Participants travel to the People's Republic of China and/or India, to study the economies and some of the business practices of these two countries. The two and a-half week course ( tour) includes mandatory pre-departure and on-the-road meetings, readings, case studies and discussions. Participants study American, Asian and/or Indian business practices while visiting large cities. The tour is conducted in English and no prior international business or travel experience is required.
Students pursuing the MBA - Accelerated Option (Track One) or the accelerated Masters in Business and Technology program must participate in this course (study tour) to successfully complete all degree requirements on schedule. This course (study tour) is specifically designed for those two accelerated programs and is a required course. Students following Track Two, the EMP or other Dual Degree program, or the non-accelerated Masters in Business and Technology (MS in BT) are also eligible to include this course (study tour) in their program of study as an elective course; however, their enrollment in the course and trip is contingent and on an "if/as space is available" basis.
Program Activities
Alley in Shang Hai
This study tour is intended to be a life-changing business and personal experience for participants. From the first cup of Oolong tea in the morning to the last bite of Peking Duck or Indian curry at night, participants will witness economic development and business practices in China and/or India first hand. Planned program activities include:
- Meeting with business and government officials
- Touring factories, multinational firms, port facilities and small family firms
- Interviewing managers and government officials
- Practicing negotiation skills
- Meeting with local students
- Experiencing local customs and business practices
- Exploring potential business opportunities
- Attending cultural events
Course Learning Outcomes
The Great Wall of China
By participating in this study tour participants will be able to better understand:
- The global environment that organizations operate in.
- Markets, consumers, and the global value and supply chain.
- The role of governmental policies and their influence on business because of their more significant roles in Asian economies.
- The various ways that Western and Asian companies operate in China and/or India.
- Differences between Asian and Western management styles and philosophies.
- Asian business practices.
- How China and/or India can be a part of their career and business portfolios.
- Some of the key differences between Asian and Western social and business cultures.
Sample Itinerary
(for illustrative purposes only; and for a trip focusing only on China):
- Day 1: Depart from Los Angeles for Shenzhen, China
- Day 2: Arrive Shenzhen; local orientation and welcome reception
- Day 3-5: Tour traditional shoe, textile and electronics factories, multinational firms and government offices
- Day 6: Depart to Shanghai
- Day 7-12: Tour additional factories, multinational firms, the Port of Shanghai and government offices; also visit traditional Chinese villages, and small family firms/businesses along the Grand Canal in Suzhou, Hangzhou, Zhouzhuang and Yiwu
- Day 13: Depart to Beijing
- Day 14-16: Visit the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Beijing hutongs, government ministries; meet with local MBA students to discuss visit and experiences
- Day 17: Debriefing session; depart Beijing
Who Will Lead The Tour
Professor Chris Carr. Professor Carr is the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs and Faculty Development and a Professor of Business Law at the Cal Poly Orfalea College of Business. He directs the Cal Poly MBA, MS in Industrial Technology, MS in Taxation and MBA/MS Engineering Management programs. He has traveled extensively and his research focuses on the rule of law and legal system comparison. He graduated cum laude from the Santa Clara University School of Law and also holds an MA in political science from UCLA with an emphasis in international relations.
Tentative Duration, Dates and Costs
Car Exposition at the Nissan Factory
This two-and-a-half week tour is tentatively scheduled for mid-June through early July.
The cost for the June 2010 study tour (to India) is currently estimated at $5,000 and includes a round trip coach ticket, travel insurance, hotel accommodations, all scheduled meals, all scheduled transportation, tuition for the course, and cultural event admissions. Travel visa, incidentals, books, and domestic transportation to and from U.S. departure city ( TBD: Los Angeles or San Francisco) are not included in this price.
Also, throughout this page we have reference to MS IT program. Should be using the MS BT or Master of Science in Business and Technology instead.
This study tour, scheduled outside the regular academic quarter, is offered through Cal Poly Continuing Education and is subject to a different fee schedule and registration method. Note that because this is a special session courses, it is unlikely that Cal Poly Financial Aid will cover the cost of the course and trip. Interested students should contact Cal Poly Financial Aid office for a final determination.
The offering of this study tour (course) is contingent on sufficient enrollment. Space in the course and on the trip is also available to OCOB graduate students who are NOT Track One MBA or accelerated Masters in Industrial and Technical Studies students as an elective course and on a "if/as space is available" basis.