Certificate Course
Improving Sales Via Industry
Analysis In China
Develop practical skills to use industry insights to strengthen sales strategies, identify opportunities and improve commercial performance.
Certificate Course
8 weeks
approx. 8-10 hours/ week
100% online
Open Enrollment
EUR 899
Course Overview
Over eight weeks, you will develop the knowledge and practical skills required to conduct an in-depth analysis of an industry in China and produce a comprehensive industry report that can be presented to senior management and used as a basis for strategic planning and decision-making.
You will learn how to assess China’s dynamic industry environment, identify current and emerging industry developments, and apply established tools, analytical techniques and best practices to conduct effective industry analysis. Particular attention is given to the interrelationship between competitive forces and how these influence industry competitiveness, attractiveness and business profitability.
The course takes a practical, hands-on approach. At the beginning of the course, you will select a Chinese market and industry that is relevant to your professional interests or business activities. Using a structured analysis template, you will document your existing knowledge and understanding of the selected industry. This initial assessment becomes the foundation for your analysis and is progressively developed throughout the course.
Your analysis will evolve as you research and evaluate the industry on a weekly basis, incorporating new insights, data and findings. By the end of the course, you will have completed a comprehensive industry analysis and developed an informed assessment of the industry’s attractiveness, competitive environment and future prospects.
The knowledge, analytical skills and practical experience gained during the course can be directly applied in your professional environment, supporting market assessment, sales development, strategic planning and business decision-making in China.
Course Structure
Unit 1: Introduction
The first unit provides an orientation to the course and the online learning environment. The unit does not carry credits. You are encouraged to go through the materials at their own pace to get accustomed to the online medium.
Unit 2: Essential Skills for Industry Research
Learn how to conduct structured desk research using the Competitive Forces model. You will assess industry factors and identify potential short-, medium- and long-term opportunities and threats.
Unit 3: International Organizations
Explore research, forecasts and recommendations from leading international organizations. You will identify, assess and analyze information relevant to your selected Chinese industry.
Unit 4: Sino-Foreign Business Advocacy Organizations
Examine the role and perspectives of international Chambers of Commerce and business organizations in China. You will use their research and insights to deepen your understanding of the selected industry.
Unit 5: PRC Organizations
Explore Chinese government and other official PRC sources to understand current and planned developments in China’s markets, industries and regions.
Unit 6: Think Tanks
Analyze research and perspectives from Chinese and international think tanks. You will assess relevant information and incorporate key findings into your industry analysis.
Unit 7: Additional Data Sources
Explore additional sources including management consultancies, business journals, business schools and open-access research databases to complement your industry research.
Unit 8: First Assessment of Industry Attractiveness
Bring together the information collected throughout the course to identify key trends, opportunities, threats and differences across Chinese regions and markets. You will develop an initial assessment of industry attractiveness.
Unit 9: Capstone Assignment
Complete a professional Industry Analysis Report that consolidates your research and findings. The report should provide senior management with actionable insights to support strategic planning and market development in China.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is designed for professionals who need to understand an industry in China, assess its attractiveness and identify opportunities:
- Sales and Business Development Managers seeking to identify new opportunities in China
- Market Entry and Strategy Professionals assessing industries, markets and competitive dynamics
- China Country Managers and Senior Executives involved in strategic planning and business development
- Business Development and Sales Directors looking to strengthen their China market strategies
- Market Intelligence and Research Professionals responsible for industry and competitor analysis
- Consultants and Advisors conducting China market and industry research
Practical Tools Included
This course includes the following tools that can be directly applied in real-work work environments:
- Industry Analysis Framework: Structured framework for conducting comprehensive industry research.
- Competitive Forces Analysis Template: Assess the key forces shaping industry competitiveness and profitability.
- Industry Research Template: Systematically collect, organize and evaluate information from multiple sources.
- Opportunity & Threat Assessment Matrix: Classify developments as short-, medium- or long-term opportunities or threats.
- China Market & Regional Analysis Framework: Compare industries, regions and locations across China.
- Industry Attractiveness Assessment: Evaluate the attractiveness and potential of the selected industry and market.
- Strategic Planning Framework:Translate research findings into actionable strategic insights for China market development.
Earn Your Credential
Upon successful completion of the masterclass and the required assessments, you will earn a digital certificate of completion from the Institute of China Studies.
Your certificate provides a formal record of your completion of the program and can be retained as part of your professional learning portfolio.
Official Recognition
Issued by the Institute for China Studies.
Digital Format
Easy to download, share and add to your profile.

Your Course Professor
Dr. Richard van Ostende, DBA
Richard van Ostende is founder of the Institute for China Studies. He combines extensive professional experience and practical expertise in corporate finance, foreign investment and business strategy.
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