Syllabus

Title
1533 Japan and the Four Asian Tigers - Business, Government and Society
Instructors
Yi Jia Low
Contact details
ylow@wu.ac.at; administrative support: ihaiszan@wu.ac.at
Type
PI
Weekly hours
2
Language of instruction
Englisch
Registration
02/08/12 to 02/22/12
Registration via LPIS
Notes to the course
Subject(s) Bachelor Programs
Specialization in Business Administration Course IV - International Business
Dates
Day Date Time Room
Tuesday 03/27/12 02:00 PM - 08:30 PM SR A619 (Lutz/Robins/Speckbacher)
Wednesday 05/16/12 02:00 PM - 08:30 PM SR A619 (Lutz/Robins/Speckbacher)
Saturday 05/19/12 02:00 PM - 05:30 PM SR A619 (Lutz/Robins/Speckbacher)
Tuesday 06/26/12 02:00 PM - 08:00 PM SR A619 (Lutz/Robins/Speckbacher)

On this page:

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Contents
The course is divided into two parts. The first part introduces student to some basic concepts in international business, strategy and industrial organization economics. The second part of the course focuses on the application of those concepts in understanding the development of Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
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Learning outcomes

The primary aim of this course is to help develop an awareness and understanding of the historical development that led to the economic growth of Japan and the four Asian tigers. In addition, the course will introduce students to basic ideas of corporate and business level strategies used by firms in these countries.

After attending this course, students will be able to:
- identify and specify the impact of international trade, foreign direct investment and international monetary systems on economic development
- understand the growth drivers in developing an economy
- understand the of role that governments play in economic development
- understand the role MNCs play in economic development
- understand the role domestic firms play in economic development
- relate current economic and business news to theoretical concepts taught in class
- develop strategies for entering into a foreign market

This course also fosters the following soft skills:

- develop analytical skills and form personal judgments and opinions regarding economic and political news
- develop team working skills
- develop basic skills in writing a business report
- develop presentation skills to sell a business idea
- develop critical thinking skills in judging the feasibility of business proposals
- develop ability to give feedback and to take criticism

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Teaching/learning method(s)
The course is conducted in a series of interactive lectures. There will be short exercises and group discussions every week and students are expected to prepare for class by reading the course materials before coming to class. Beginning from session two, there will be a short article presentations every week by different groups of students.
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Assessment
Distribution of Assessment: Class participation: 40% Article Presentation: 20% Group report/ business proposal and presentation: 40%
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Prerequisites for participation and waiting lists
Core International Business course
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Unit details
Unit Date Contents
1 Early and recent developments and growth of Japan, South Korea and Taiwan Political and institutional structure of countries; Political System, Industrial development, International trade and Foreign direct investment
2

Japanese and South Korean economic structure and big Business Groups, corporate governance and Government policies; Basic corporate level strategy- horizontal diversification and vertical integration; Toyota and Samsung Motors 
3

Taiwan and the semiconductor industry; Innovation and technology clusters; Technology and business strategies of Asian firms- outsourcing and technology licensing; Li & Fung; Final project proposal discussion
4

Future Challenges of Japan and NIEs; Group project presentation

Last edited: 2012-01-12



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