Developing global mindsets via the China study program

The purpose of this chapter is to explore whether a 3-week China Study Program (CSP) run by Deakin Graduate School of Business (Australia) has helped students gain cultural intelligence for doing business cross-culturally. It is believed that the ongoing CSP would provide a distinct advantage for business students to develop relevant global management skills and equip students with knowledge and skills for work challenges in the greater Asia-Pacific region. However, it is unclear whether students indeed have developed global mindsets and cultural intelligence - two most important elements of skill sets for effective global managers. This chapter adopts a reflective approach, aiming at identifying triggers that could help facilitate positive behavioral changes and enable students to better prepare for future global assignments.

Challenges and opportunities for Australian businesses in GCC

This chapter reports the results of a survey of Australian businesses currently doing business in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The main purpose of the survey was to gain a better understanding of the challenges which Australian businesses face when engaged in international business activities such as exporting, importing and investing in GCC countries. The research assesses how the removal of internal and external trade barriers would likely benefit businesses. The findings suggest that the main benefits are likely to accrue to export businesses while the effects on import and investment are likely to be minimal. Export revenues are likely to increase by an estimated 20% under the scenario where there is a free trade agreement (FTA) between Australia and GCC.