School of Business

Doing Business in China: Newest faculty member brings the Chinese experience to the business school

Tailan Chi

The biggest influence in today's global marketplace is China. Preparing students for their likely dealings with China is the role of Business School's newest faculty member, associate professor Tailan Chi.

"The business environment of China has become an important topic in the global economy," said William L. Fuerst, dean of business. "We recognized that and wanted to be responsive in preparing our students for what they'll be facing. Tailan Chi brings that experience to the classroom."

"I have only been in Kansas for a few months, but I have heard of various companies with direct or portfolio investments in China," Chi said. It is quite likely, he explained, that today's business students will put to use an education in Chinese business as more and more companies have direct involvement in China, "or their competitors do."

Students can "learn some idea of whom they are dealing with and what strategies might work better in various conditions in China," Chi said of his undergraduate courses, "Introduction to International Business "and "Doing Business in China." And graduate students will gain firsthand knowledge when Chi and Catherine Shenoy, assistant professor of finance, take a group to China next summer. "Students will get a direct experience with the business environment there," Chi said. "They will meet executives from Chinese companies, U.S. executives doing business there, officials at the Commerce Department, and officials from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. They'll have a chance to interact with these people, ask questions, and experience directly the Chinese culture."

The class is open not only to graduate students in Business but also to students from the East Asian Studies program. Preparations for the 10-day trip will include orientation and lectures on Chinese culture, politics, the economic system, and how the legal system relates to investments. "Once they are there, they have some background which they can apply to the analysis of the issues," Chi said. Read More

MBA Speaker Series offers leading thinkers in business

Michael Rogers

An MIT economist, a national business journalist and a Harvard business professor will visit KU this fall as part of the MBA Speaker Series.

The presentations, which are free and open to the public, are broadcast to the Lawrence and Edwards campuses through the use of videoconferencing technology, said Doug Houston, professor and director of MBA programs. "In that way we can offer a lineup of speakers that feature cutting edge content from today's thought leaders."

On Friday, Oct. 24, Lester Thurow, professor of economics and management at MIT's Sloan School of Business, will present "Fortune Favors the Bold: What We Must Do to Build a New and Lasting Global Prosperity." The speech will be from 8 to 9 a.m. at the KU Edwards Campus, 12600 Quivira Rd in Overland Park.

On Wednesday, Nov. 12, Michael Rogers, editor and general manager of Newsweek.com, will present "Reaching the Next Generation: How Technology Will Radically Change Marketing" from 6 to 7 p.m. at 424 Summerfield on the Lawrence campus.

The final presentation of the series will be Tuesday, Dec. 9, when Nitin Nohria, professor of business administration, Harvard Business School, speaks on "What Really Works: The 4 + 2 Formula for Sustained Business Success." Her presentation will be from 8 to 9 a.m. on the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park.

For more information visit the School of Business website.