Submitted By: Kristin Moran

I recently read an article in the China Daily that grabbed my interest because of its focus on China’s predicted sustainability (Rapid Growth to Sustain 20 years).

When asked, “What was the most repeated “buzz” word or topic by your professors this year?,” most of us would immediately respond, sustainability! Most, if not all, of our professors have discussed sustainability as it pertains to accounting, economics, lean operations, corporate governance, etc. I thought this article did a nice job of summarizing Michael Spence’s (a Stanford University Professor and 2001 Nobel Prize Winner) position on China’s long-term sustainability.

Submitted By: Eric Cole

I found this article earlier in the quarter on BBC News website that addressed a perceived disparity in the mathematical abilities of British students versus those of Chinese students. Math Test Article. The English test is given to first year university students while the Chinese test is the pre-entry test for university, similar to our SAT’s. The problem on the English test pales in comparison to that on the Chinese test, and the test questions on our SAT math are just as easy if not easier than the English ones. I see this as a clear sign of our rapidly eroding technological superiority over China, one that we are doomed to lose. If these test questions are indicative of the skill levels of our future scientists and engineers, then China is on the verge of an incredible breakthrough. Too much cannot be read into these questions alone without knowing the difficulty of the rest of the questions and how successful the students were at answering them. However, if we don’t address the complacency that exists as to our role as the only current superpower, China might soon surpass us .

Professor Carr Addendum: Good post. You all need to explore this issue closely over dinner with Lonnie Hodge of OMB when we see him in Guangzhou. Also see and read this very good and related LA Times article [registration is free], China, U.S. Teach Each Other Some Lessons About Education.  This article is also a must read.  I was struck by how we are now turning to the Chinese to learn about how we can more effectively teach US students math and science. 

Submitted By:  Katie Hofman

Here is a link for a commercial for V05 hair products that I found interesting.

Typically I find commercials boring and thank my DVR for the ability to skip them, but this one caught my attention.

As we near our trip to China, I found myself thinking about what this commercial is saying. Does it seem accurate based on what we have been learning, or is it playing into an “old-fashioned” view of growing up Chinese? What other messages are being conveyed beyond “buy V05?”

Professor Carr Addendum: Good post.  I dug this commerical.   Lots going on there — could be a great case study to analyze from a marketing/advertising standpoint.  As long as we are discussing hair and beauty, you must read this “My Last Day on the Job at a Chinese Barbershop” post by Ben’s blog. It is incredibly well done, insightful and moving. Kudos to this young man. Gutsy, humble and courageous. See my earlier post on him: Ben’s Blog.  I am not a terribly big fan of American chest thumping, but when I read something like this on Ben’s blog I see an example of America and American global citizen behavior, at its very best, and feel very proud and optimistic for our future.