110-212 Strategies for Business and Bureaucracy

Formerly available as 110-046. Students who have completed 110-046 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

This course will introduce students to key notions of Chinese strategic thought: notions that influence how the Chinese people have developed strategies in business, bureaucracy, war, diplomacy and everyday living from imperial times to the present. In particular, the subject will deal with the ethical conflict between civil virtues and the military tradition of deceit and the use of force. The canonical literature, including the Sunzi Art of War, will be investigated both in its ancient context and in its modern-day interpretation. Strategies of everyday living such as the use of guanxi (the art of building relations), notions of face, gift-giving and courtesies will also be discussed, together with Chinese business strategies in the modern era. Students will acquire an understanding of core Chinese strategic notions and an ability to interpret case studies drawn from business and diplomacy.

• acquire written communication skills through essay writing and seminar discussion;

• show attention to detail through essay preparation and writing;

• acquire time management and planning skills through managing and organising workloads for recommended reading, essay and assignment completion;

• acquire public speaking skills through tutorial and seminar discussion and class presentations.

An analytical exercise of 1000 words 20% (due mid-semester), a classpaper presented in class 30% (due in the relevant week and submitted as a paper of 1250 words one week later), a case study of 1750 words presented orally 10% (due in week 12) and then submitted in writing 40% (during the examination period).

Materials supplied by the Institute.