TJTS5500 Doing Software Business in China (3–6 cr)
Description
Content
In this course a number of topics related to doing software business in China will be covered and these
include, among others:
• Chinese economy and business culture
• Software products and services
• Software market entry strategies
• Software marketing in China
• Software business opportunities in China
• Software business opportunities for Finnish firms
• Software business models
• Human resources management
• Financing, pricing, cost and profitability
• Software outsourcing
• Software piracy and IPR protection
• Software business innovation
Completion methods
The course will be conducted in a seminar-style format. While there will be some lectures much of the
class time will be devoted to discussing specific topics in small groups and among the class as a whole. In
addition, use will be made of case studies, in-class presentation – and, of course, individual study and
research.
Assessment details
• Class attendance and active participation…….....50%
• In-class group presentation……….......…….…...50%
• Grading scale: pass/fail
Class attendance:
Class time is a valuable, scarce resource. You are expected to arrive ready to begin class on time; to not
leave until class is over; and to attend at least 70% of classes. If for any special reason you are unable to
meet these requirements, please talk to the teacher about it.
In-class group presentation:
At the end of the course, each student group is required to make a short group presentation (max. 20
minutes) outlining some key findings from research on a featured topic related to the course. Please
prepare some PowerPoint slides for your presentation. The presentation will be graded for its
comprehensiveness, clarity and cogency and the weight is 50% of the final grade. Presentation
requirements will be given to students during the first lecture.
Learning outcomes
traditional manufacturing and service industries. China has the world’s fastest growing economy. Doing
software business in China poses a big challenge for many of us. The course aims to provide students
with an understanding of the contemporary software business environment in Mainland China and an
appreciation of some of the implications for firms seeking to undertake software business there. After
completion of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of software as a business and
an industry in China. Students will recognize success factors, market entry strategies, HRM, business
models and development trends of software business in China. Students will also understand the special
characteristics of software business in China.
Study materials
Please see the lecture slides for a detailed list of course materials.