MOOC: Introduction to Business in Asia

Introduction to Business in Asia (3 credits)

Level: Introductory

Language: English

Time: January 7, 2025 -> on-going.

Organiser: Center for East Asian Studies, University of Turku / University Network for Asian Studies

Contact person: University lecturer Dr Outi Luova

Objectives: This course provides you with basic information about business in this macro-region. You will learn to identify and understand key issues related to the Asian business environment.

Content: Asia is rapidly emerging as a critical hub for global business, driven by its economic growth, technological innovation, and vast consumer markets. Understanding the region’s diverse and dynamic landscapes is essential for navigating the complexities of business. This course is designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools to engage effectively with Asia’s opportunities and challenges.

The course covers three major regions in Asia —East, South, and Southeast Asia. It begins with an overview of Asia’s defining characteristics. The following five modules introduce the business environments of six key Asian countries, offering insights into the economic and socio-political contexts that shape business activities. Each module also examines critical trends influencing the business environment. By the end of the course, you will have a nuanced understanding of Asia’s growing significance and its implications for global business.

The course consists of six modules. Modules 2–6 focus on specific countries as well as key regional issues..

1. Introduction to the Region

2. Japan, South Korea; Impact of Aging Society

3. Vietnam; ASEAN, and Supply Chains

4. Indonesia; Sustainable Business

5. China; Climate Change and Green Transition

6. India; Regional Disparities

The course materials are produced in coopeation with Asia Briefing. Asia Briefing is the editorial subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates,
a multi-disciplinary professional services firm for international businesses looking to enter and expand their operations in Asia.

Taken as: This is an asynchronous online course. Participants take the course independently in the DigiCampus-learning environment during the course period.

The course material consists of recorded talks and various online materials. Different online assignments such as quizzes and exams support students’ learning process.

Grading: Pass/fail

Enrollment :

This is a free online course available for anyone to enroll.

The course is arranged in the DigiCampus learning platform. Sign up using manual registration, your Google password or your HAKA-credentials (students from Finnish universities or polytechnics) on this page.

Students who hold a valid study right at a member university of the Asia Network, and self-paying students of the Asia Network, can also register to this course through the Asia Network application process. They will get study credits once they have passed the course. Information about the application period and the application process is available here.

Certificate and study credits:

Everyone who enrolls in the course and passes the course may download an automatically created course certificate for free in the DigiCampus learning platform.

If you want to get study credits from this course, check in advance with your university if it gives credits against the MOOC-certificate.

More information about how to take MOOC-courses is available here.

Student voices:

“I’m focusing on international business in my studies and taking up Chinese in my foreign language studies. This will definitely be an asset for my future work.”

“Thank you for a valuable course – it gave me much insight into economic and geopolitical changes in Asia!”

“I liked that I learned a lot not only about different Asian business environments but also about international business as a whole. Independent study style was great because it made it possible for me to complete the tasks according to my own schedules.”

Photo: Lauri Paltemaa, Asianet Material Bank