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Description
The economies of East Asia are presenting challenges and opportunities for Western firms. Japan's rise to economic superpower status in the 1980's was followed by the "Dragons" becoming newly industrialized economies in the region, namely, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan, in the 1990's. While the Asian financial crisis of 1997 hit many of them severely, they not only recovered quickly, but accelerated their dynamic growth. It is in this regional context that China emerged as a global economic player in the late 1990's.

In what areas of business are the companies of Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China most competitive? Why are they successful globally? In what ways are their organizations and strategies similar to and different from their American and Western rivals? What kinds of competitive advantages do American and European companies have against them? This interdisciplinary course covering diverse issues, topics, and academic disciplines will be taught by subject experts under a careful coordination to help students explore broad factors that drive companies of Japan and East Asia to global success, and to examine underlying social, economic and political dynamics.

Objective
Aiming at introducing undergraduate students of non-business majors in their second year and above to: (1) the overall social, economic, and political dynamisms of East Asia that are critical to the success of businesses and the sustained economic growth of the region; (2) the similarities and differences of corporate organization, institutions and strategies; and (3) comparative perspectives that are necessary for them to review businesses, economies and societies.

Requirements
No pre-requisites necessary.

Method
Lecture, classroom discussion, group project (case analysis), and visits to corporations and organizations.