University of York link up with Zehjing University, China 2008

For Global Entrepreneurship Week 2008, the University of York partnered with Zehjing University in China to run a video conference facilitating interaction between the students. The programme used business case studies and exercises to explore a range of topics around enterprise skills and how these can vary with cultural context.

Students were given two case studies – one based on a UK boat business, and the other on a merger between two Chinese companies. Divided into teams, they had to analyse the case studies and then share and discuss their chosen strategy and approach. The cultural differences between the students became apparent - Chinese students going for the more risky options, whilst the York students were more risk averse!

Oliver Lee, a student from York University commented: “On reflection of the course, the thing I learnt most is how different cultures, customs and values impact on businesses and strategic business decisions.”

Du, a student from Zhejiang University said: “I found that the English students’ presentations were simpler than ours. We tended to spend more time as a group looking for the ‘correct answer!”

The course was so successful, that it will be run again next year. Two York University students have even developed business plans focusing on the Chinese market as a result of what they learnt at the event.

Best of all, some of the students who participated in the event now have the opportunity to go and work in China over the summer!

Find out more about this collaboration at their joint website: www.nyjcee.com