The AQA pre-release states… that students needs to be “aware of recent trends in key economic and demographic data for China such as national income, income per person, wage costs, exchange rates and population trends”
Therefore I have created an activity to identify and analyse the differences between China and the UK.
The pre-release is shown below and it shows that students need to look at the effect of China on businesses from outside of China, for this activity I have asked students to look at UK business.
Research Theme – Developments in emerging markets: China
Your research should focus on businesses from outside of China in relation to their selling to, buying from and producing in China, as well as their entering into ventures with other businesses in China or competing in their own domestic markets with Chinese businesses.
In your research on China you should consider:
- the extent to which China creates opportunities and threats for businesses
- the risks and rewards involved in trading with or operating in China
- the factors affecting the success or failure of businesses trading with or operating in China
- the relative advantages and disadvantages of the ways in which businesses might operate in the Chinese market (eg exporting, joint ventures, mergers or setting up production or sales outlets)
- the ethical and environmental issues involved in trading with or operating in China
- how business strategy might be affected by developments in China.
You are strongly recommended to:
- compare and contrast the experience of different businesses
- be aware of recent trends in key economic and demographic data for China such as national
- income, income per person, wage costs, exchange rates and population trends
- be aware of the relative significance of trading with or operating in China for different businesses.
You should make reference to your research in your responses to Section A in the examination.
I ask student to research and complete the economic comparison table (see link below) – checking that their data is correct, they then need to look at De Bono’s 6 thinking hats… a concept that can be used for many lessons.
In their groups this allows them to analyse the data and assess whether China is effecting UK businesses.
Once this has been completed I get students moving around the room to discuss answers with different groups.
This research needs to be kept real and with the use of the China map in the classroom students are able to see where population trends are, which are expanding cities, and where manufacturing takes place.
China vs UK economic comparison table
Donna Jestin
Teacher of Business at Notre Dame 6th Form college
