Development in Emerging Economies: The Case of China from edX

The level of China's economic growth over the past 40 years cannot be described as anything less than astounding. With an economy less than 10% the size of the United States in 1978, it has since grown to become the world's second largest economy (as measured by nominal GDP). Despite China's importance to the global economy and to international business, many learners do not have the opportunity to study the country and its markets unless they enroll in specialized university coursework. Peking University's Guanghua School of Management created this course to make the topic of China's development more accessible through a collaboration with the World Bank's Open Learning Campus.

Guanghua's professors will unpack China's development over five weeks, first giving an overview of China's economic growth as context before addressing private equity, real estate financing, banking, the stock market, wealth management, and other topics associated with China's financial markets. The final two weeks will focus on providing an overview of the business environment in China, including fintech, consumer characteristics, internet companies and the digital economy, and entrepreneurship and innovation. By the end of the course, learners should have a firm grasp of successes China has seen during its development as well as challenges it must still overcome.

The information provided in this course will be useful for learners involved in international business, economics, or finance; learners interested in Asia; and learners from the government sector looking for new ideas to apply in their own countries.

What you'll learn

Economics and Finance

China's economic growth trajectory since the beginning of its reform and opening up period
The evolution of China's financial industry, including the role finance has played in economic growth, the importance of the banking sector, and the development of China's stock market
Sources and types of financing across the Chinese market, the private equity market, and real estate financing

Doing Business in China

Context on the business landscape in China, including characteristics of Chinese enterprises, the entrepreneurial environment, and current state of innovation
Trends in digitalization and the adoption of Fintech
The emergence of e-commerce and the structure of China's internet companies
Factors influencing the behavior of Chinese consumers
Management and leadership in a Chinese context

What's inside

Learning objectives

The evolution of china's financial industry, including the role finance has played in economic growth, the importance of the banking sector, and the development of china's stock market
Sources and types of financing across the chinese market, the private equity market, and real estate financing
Trends in digitalization and the adoption of fintech

The emergence of e-commerce and the structure of china's internet companies
Factors influencing the behavior of chinese consumers
Management and leadership in a chinese context

The evolution of china's financial industry, including the role finance has played in economic growth, the importance of the banking sector, and the development of china's stock market
Sources and types of financing across the chinese market, the private equity market, and real estate financing
Trends in digitalization and the adoption of fintech
The emergence of e-commerce and the structure of china's internet companies
Factors influencing the behavior of chinese consumers
Management and leadership in a chinese context

Syllabus

China’s Economy

Session 1.1 Introduction to the Chinese Economy

Session 1.2 China’s Monetary Policy

Session 1.3 China’s Government Finance

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers topics that are relevant for individuals who want to do business in China

Taught by a faculty from the Guanghua School of Management, which is highly respected in the business and finance fields

Examines factors that influence the behavior of Chinese consumers, which is highly relevant for businesses operating in China or targeting Chinese consumers

Provides an overview of the Chinese business environment, which can be beneficial for learners who want to understand the context in which Chinese businesses operate

Develops an understanding of the evolution of China's financial industry and its role in economic growth, which is essential for anyone interested in China's financial markets

Learners should note that this course requires a basic understanding of economics and finance

Reviews summary

Comprehensive china economy and business

According to students, this course offers a comprehensive exploration of China's economic and business landscape. Learners gain a deep understanding of China's financial industry, including banking, private equity, and fintech, as well as the unique aspects of its digital economy and consumer behavior. The lectures are delivered by distinguished professors from Peking University, providing authoritative insights. While providing a solid foundation for professionals, some may find the breadth of topics covered in a short duration a demanding pace, requiring focused effort to fully absorb the material.

Offers detailed, specific insights into the Chinese market.

"I particularly liked the detailed focus on China, unlike more general emerging market courses I've taken before."

"The course perfectly aligned with my goal of understanding the unique nuances of China's digital economy and consumer behavior."

"It's great for those who need a deep dive into the specific challenges and successes of doing business in China."

Highly valuable for careers in international business or finance.

"I found the information immediately useful for my work in international business, especially regarding market entry strategies."

"This course provided me with new ideas applicable to economic development and policy in my own country context."

"As someone in finance, the modules on banking, private equity, and wealth management were profoundly insightful for my practice."

Lectured by leading professors with strong academic backgrounds.

"The professors from Peking University are truly experts in their fields; their authority on the subject shines through."

"I appreciated learning from academics with extensive research and practical experience in Chinese finance and business."

"The insights provided by faculty like Dr. Li Jin, with his international background, were particularly valuable."

Provides a broad yet deep understanding of China's economy.

"I gained a thorough understanding of China's economic growth trajectory and financial industry evolution, from macro to micro."

"This course covers everything from monetary policy to e-commerce and consumer behavior in China's unique market."

"I now have a firm grasp of both the successes and significant challenges China faces in its ongoing development."

Extensive topics covered quickly, requiring dedicated study.

"There's a lot of ground to cover in five weeks; I had to dedicate significant time to keep up with the material."

"The depth of information means it's not a casual listen; I had to engage deeply to fully absorb the concepts."

"I felt the course was packed with valuable information, making it quite intense but ultimately very rewarding."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Development in Emerging Economies: The Case of China with these activities:

Review basic concepts in microeconomics

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Refreshes foundational knowledge in microeconomics, providing a stronger basis for understanding the course's more advanced concepts.

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Review lecture notes or textbooks on basic microeconomic concepts
Solve practice problems or take quizzes to test your understanding

Follow along with Tsinghua University's 'Introduction to Chinese Economy' Course

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Provides a comprehensive foundation in China's economic system and history, complementing the course's focus on finance.

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Enroll in the course on edX
Watch the lecture videos
Complete the assignments

Solve practice problems on Chinese company valuation

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Reinforces the concepts of financial analysis and valuation as applied to Chinese companies, enhancing practical skills.

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Find practice problems on Chinese company valuation
Solve the problems using the appropriate methods
Check your answers and identify areas for improvement

Five other activities

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Participate in a study group to discuss case studies on Chinese business

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Provides opportunities for collaborative learning, sharing of perspectives, and critical analysis of real-world business scenarios in China.

Browse courses on Case Studies

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Form a study group with classmates
Select a case study on Chinese business
Prepare for the discussion by reading the case and researching the topic
Participate actively in the discussion, sharing your insights and listening to others' perspectives

Compile a list of resources on Chinese economic and financial data

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Provides a valuable reference for future research and analysis related to China's economy and financial markets.

Browse courses on Economic Data

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Search for credible sources of Chinese economic and financial data
Organize the data into a structured and accessible format
Create a document or spreadsheet to compile the resources

Write a summary of a research paper on China's financial development

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Enhances understanding of the empirical research methods and findings in China's financial sector, complementing the course's theoretical framework.

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Select a research paper on China's financial development
Read and understand the paper
Write a summary of the paper's main findings and implications

Volunteer at a local Chinese business or organization

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Provides practical experience and insights into the Chinese business environment, complementing the course's theoretical discussions.

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Identify local Chinese businesses or organizations where you can volunteer
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities
Complete the necessary training and background checks
Volunteer regularly and actively participate in the organization's activities

Contribute to open-source projects related to Chinese finance or business

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Enhances technical skills and provides practical experience in applying the concepts learned in the course, while contributing to the open-source community.

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Identify open-source projects related to Chinese finance or business
Review the project's documentation and codebase
Identify areas where you can contribute
Submit your contributions and collaborate with other developers

Career center

Learners who complete Development in Emerging Economies: The Case of China will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They use their knowledge of economics to advise businesses, governments, and other organizations on economic policy. This course may be useful for you as an economist because it will help you build a foundation in economics and finance. You will also learn about the Chinese economy, which is one of the largest and most important in the world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Banking Analyst

Banking analysts provide research and analysis on companies and industries to help banks make investment decisions. They also work with clients to develop financial plans and manage their investments. This course may be useful for you as a banking analyst because it will help you build a foundation in economics and finance. You will also learn about the Chinese financial industry, which is one of the largest and most important in the world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Banking Analyst

Certified Financial Planner

Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) help individuals and families plan for their financial future. They provide advice on investments, retirement planning, estate planning, and other financial matters. This course may be useful for you as a CFP because it will help you build a foundation in economics and finance. You will also learn about the Chinese financial industry, which is one of the largest and most important in the world.

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Financial Analyst

Financial analysts provide research and analysis on companies and industries to help investors make investment decisions. They also work with companies to develop financial plans and manage their investments. This course may be useful for you as a financial analyst because it will help you build a foundation in economics and finance. You will also learn about the Chinese financial industry, which is one of the largest and most important in the world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Financial Manager

Financial managers oversee the financial operations of organizations. They are responsible for budgeting, financial planning, and investment decisions. This course may be useful for you as a financial manager because it will help you build a foundation in economics and finance. You will also learn about the Chinese financial industry, which is one of the largest and most important in the world.

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Investment Banker

Investment bankers help companies raise capital by issuing stocks and bonds. They also advise companies on mergers and acquisitions. This course may be useful for you as an investment banker because it will help you build a foundation in economics and finance. You will also learn about the Chinese financial industry, which is one of the largest and most important in the world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

Portfolio Manager

Portfolio managers manage investment portfolios for individuals and institutions. They make investment decisions based on their knowledge of economics, finance, and the markets. This course may be useful for you as a portfolio manager because it will help you build a foundation in economics and finance. You will also learn about the Chinese financial industry, which is one of the largest and most important in the world.

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Real Estate Analyst

Real estate analysts provide research and analysis on real estate markets and properties. They help investors make investment decisions and advise developers on development projects. This course may be useful for you as a real estate analyst because it will help you build a foundation in economics and finance. You will also learn about the Chinese real estate market, which is one of the largest and most important in the world.

See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Analyst

Risk Manager

Risk managers identify and manage risks that could affect an organization's financial performance. They develop and implement risk management strategies to mitigate these risks. This course may be useful for you as a risk manager because it will help you build a foundation in economics and finance. You will also learn about the Chinese financial industry, which is one of the largest and most important in the world.

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Securities Trader

Securities traders buy and sell stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments for clients. They use their knowledge of the markets to make profitable trades. This course may be useful for you as a securities trader because it will help you build a foundation in economics and finance. You will also learn about the Chinese financial industry, which is one of the largest and most important in the world.

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Venture Capitalist

Venture capitalists invest in early-stage companies with high growth potential. They provide funding and support to help these companies grow and succeed. This course may be useful for you as a venture capitalist because it will help you build a foundation in economics and finance. You will also learn about the Chinese venture capital market, which is one of the largest and most important in the world.

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Wealth Manager

Wealth managers provide investment advice and financial planning services to high-net-worth individuals and families. They help their clients manage their wealth and achieve their financial goals. This course may be useful for you as a wealth manager because it will help you build a foundation in economics and finance. You will also learn about the Chinese wealth management market, which is one of the largest and most important in the world.

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Chief Financial Officer

Chief financial officers (CFOs) are responsible for the financial management of an organization. They oversee the organization's financial planning, budgeting, and investment activities. This course may be useful for you as a CFO because it will help you build a foundation in economics and finance. You will also learn about the Chinese financial industry, which is one of the largest and most important in the world.

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Chief Executive Officer

Chief executive officers (CEOs) are responsible for the overall leadership and management of an organization. They set the strategic direction of the organization and make decisions that affect all aspects of its operations. This course may be useful for you as a CEO because it will help you build a foundation in economics and finance. You will also learn about the Chinese business environment, which is one of the most dynamic and challenging in the world.

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Actuary

Actuaries are responsible for assessing risk and uncertainty. They use their knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and finance to develop and implement solutions to manage risk. This course may be useful for you as an actuary because it will help you build a foundation in economics and finance. You will also learn about the Chinese financial industry, which is one of the largest and most important in the world.

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