“China is very important to Wharton in many ways”----Interview with Wharton’s Deputy Dean Dr. Schmittlein--

“China is very important to Wharton in many ways”----Interview with Wharton’s Deputy Dean Dr. Schmittlein(2)

2007-05-23 13:46:30 [ Big Normal Small ] Xing Zong 　Comment

Xing Zong: Wharton knowledge launched its Chinese edition two years ago. Do you keep statistics? What messages would you like to convey to our Chinese readers?

Schmittlein: Wharton is very proud of its business knowledge portal for China, titled “China Knowledge@Wharton” (http://www.knowledgeatwharton.com.cn/) which publishes articles about business and related subjects relevant for the China region. Offered free in both Chinese and English, through its first two years of existence this service has attracted over 78,000 subscribers, who provide their email address and have full access to the site. But many more readers from the region access the current issue, which they can do anonymously. For instance, for the month of February this year China Knowledge@Wharton had over 1.4 million user visits and almost 4 million page views. Further, we have signed over 30 content licensing agreements with media in China, allowing them to republish our content so that many more readers may access the information and insights from this site.

The articles examine a wide range of issues, from strategies for dealing with labor shortages in China, to competition among media in China, to business models for online bloggers and the popularity of online social networking sites.

The rapid growth in popularity of China Knowledge@Wharton is clearly a result of the increased interest in business and management in China, and also a reflection of the quality of the articles. This latter is due in part to the expertise and dedication of the China Knowledge@Wharton staff in Shanghai, and to the support from the full Knowledge@Wharton staff, whose executive director and editor in chief is Mukul Pandya. The editorial network draws on professors at Chinese Universities, industry experts, experienced freelance writers, and of course Wharton faculty. Building the Wharton School’s knowledge of the China business environment, and also helping thoughtful people in China become more familiar with the insights and management knowledge available at Wharton has been a key strategic priority of the school for several years. We hope your readers will visit the site and investigate some business or management issues that may interest them personally, and also tell us what they think of China Knowledge@Wharton. This is a very dynamic publication and we are always interested in ways we might improve the site.

Xing Zong: It is no secret that China’ economy has made tremendous strides in recent year and it has become the factory floor for multinational corporations. As a result, the executive education market is burgeoning. Last year, Wharton and Chinese Minsheng bank have established a new partnership. Prof. Schmittlein, in your opinion, what can Chinese managers learn from these programs?

Schmittlein: When Wharton partners with a company to offer an executive development program we commit ourselves to a deep understanding of the needs of that corporation. This includes both the learning outcomes crucial to the company’s continued development, and also the immediate impact that this learning is expected to have on very specific corporate activity, such as product innovation, market entry, customer loyalty, management of financial risk, etc. With over 250 faculty, Wharton is uniquely able to meet the varied needs of large dynamic companies for very custom programs. Indeed, Wharton’s faculty produce more new management knowledge than any other business school. Accordingly, companies that want a broad range of excellence, access to the largest set of new concepts and methods in management, and a commitment to achieving real improvement in corporate outcomes from these learning programs, tend to choose Wharton as their partner in executive development.

This process certainly has characterized our relationship with China Minsheng Banking Corporation. Our program for this leader in China’s financial sector includes competitive strategy, leadership, financial innovation and international accounting standards.

Xing Zong: Wharton has already launched a few ambitious projects in China. What is next? Could you please tell us Wharton’s future plan in China for the next decade?

Schmittlein: China is very important to Wharton in many ways. We will continue to focus on China in our research activity and in all our educational programs, including degree and non-degree executive education. We also will continue to develop our outreach to thoughtful business leaders and managers in China, through books, internet-based information and collaboration, and conferences, CEO roundtable discussions, and the like. Our leading faculty will continue to spend more time in China, and we expect to expand our physical footprint in China as these opportunities continue to grow.

Xing Zong: Anything else you would like to add?

Schmittlein: I appreciate the chance to share a few thoughts with your readers in China.com. Wharton already has a strong presence and alumni base in China, and I encourage your readers to reach out to Wharton as a source of ideas, insights, and educational programs relevant to the needs of managers and businesses in China.

Xing Zong: Prof. Schmittlein, thank you very much for your time!

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