Outline

Overview

This unit provides an overview of the economic foundations of China's global business expansion and examines the core facets of China's economic and business system, including China's market transition, the role of government, the rural and urban economy, labour markets, the financial system, the knowledge-based economy, international trade and investment and questions of sustainability. The unit is designed for students interested in gaining a basic understanding of modern China business as well as a wide range of challenges in doing business in/with China in today's global environment.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	International Business
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Zhan Wu, zhan.wu@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Yi Li, yi.li2@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	David Shao, xuefeng.shao@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Final Assignment - Report Written report	35%	Formal exam period Due date: 14 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 24 Nov 2025	3000-3500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Contribution	Participation Attendance and participation	10%	Ongoing	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Early feedback task (EFT) Multiple Choice Questions on Canvas #earlyfeedbacktask	5%	Week 03	10 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Case studies	Mid-semester assignment Case summary and analysis	20%	Week 07 Due date: 19 Sep 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 29 Sep 2025	2000-3000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Research assignment - presentation Oral presentation	15%	Week 13	15 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Research assignment - report Written report	15%	Week 13 Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59 Closing date: 17 Nov 2025	2500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Online Quiz in the Lecture: Students will complete a 10-question multiple-choice quiz on Canvas during Week 3 lecture time. This quiz will cover key concepts introduced in the first two weeks, including foundational topics on the Chinese economy, major economic policies, and business practices. The quiz provides early feedback on students' understanding, helping identify areas where further support may be beneficial to ensure students' success in the course.
Mid-semester assignment: Students will choose from the cases provided in Canvas and prepare a written case analysis. The length of the written case analysis excludes references, tables, and figures.
Participation: Lecture attendance and participation are required. Students should do their readings, analyse the assigned cases, and be prepared for class discussion.
Research assignment - presentation: Students will form teams of 4-6 members by week 4 at the latest. Each team will work together to present one company, which should demonstrate the practical relevance of the lectures (e.g., foreign multinational enterprises in China or Chinese firms' global expansion). The presentations will take place in weeks 12 and 13. There will be 15 minutes for presentation.
Research assignment - report: Using the same group, each team will also prepare a written report for the presented company. The length of the written report excludes references, tables, and figures.
Final assignment – report: The final assignment is a written report. Students will utilize materials provided in Canvas and prepare a written business analysis with learned knowledge from lectures, tutorials and readings. The length of the written analysis excludes references, tables, and figures.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties apply as specified in the Business School and University policies and procedures: https://business.sydney.edu.au/students/policy

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction and unit overview	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 02	History 1: From the Opium War to the Socialist era	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 03	History 2: Economic transition: strategy, process, and achievements	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 04	Framework 1: Legacies and business culture in China	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 05	Framework 2: Analysing China business environment	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	China and global business 1: Entering and partnering with China	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 07	China and global business 2: Localising and globalising in China	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 08	China and global business 3: Chinese domestic enterprises (SOEs and POEs)	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 09	China and global business 4: Chinese firms' global expansion	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 10	Special topics in China 1: Expanding from China to Australia	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 11	Special topics in China 2: Innovation, technology, and knowledge-based economy	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 12	Special topics in China 3: Practical knowledge about doing business in China	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Unit review: Challenges for foreign firms in contemporary China	Lecture and tutorial (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lecture recordings: All lectures are recorded and will be available on Canvas for student use. Please note the Business School does not own the system and cannot guarantee that the system will operate or that every class will be recorded.
Attendance: Students should ensure they attend and participate in all classes. Students should avoid disruptive behaviours (e.g., habitual late arrivals or early departure).

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Unit readings are available on the Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate and integrate international business knowledge, concepts, and principles in a range of business contexts
LO2. identify, analyse, and solve business challenges reaching conclusions using fundamental concepts, principles, and knowledge from international business
LO3. communicate effectively and professionally using a range of communication modes in business contexts
LO4. make a positive contribution to a team-based project.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The introduction of the Week 3 online quiz, explicitly referred to as the Early Feedback Task, serves as a crucial step in enhancing student learning and engagement in IBUS2020 Chinese Economy and Business. By providing early feedback through this assessment, we can actively monitor students’ understanding of key concepts and identify those who may be struggling. This proactive approach allows for timely intervention and tailored support, thereby improving student outcomes.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas.

Business School Policies

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

IBUS2020: Chinese Economy and Business

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links