Strategic Business Development in China
E-Learning | Diploma Program
The Diploma in Strategic Business Development in China equips professionals with the analytical frameworks, market intelligence tools, and due diligence capabilities required to design and implement effective business development strategies in the Chinese market. The program addresses the complexity of operating in a policy-driven and highly competitive environment, where regulatory conditions, market structures, and institutional factors play a decisive role in commercial outcomes.
The diploma program integrates market analysis, industry competitiveness assessment, and customer due diligence into a coherent strategic decision-making framework tailored to China’s specific context. Participants learn to evaluate opportunities not only in terms of market potential, but also in terms of competitive positioning, regulatory alignment, and commercial risk. By combining analytical rigor with practical application, the program prepares professionals to make informed, risk-aware strategic decisions and to develop sustainable business development models in China.
Who should join?
This program is designed for business development professionals, managers, consultants, and executives who are responsible for evaluating, entering, or expanding commercial activities in the Chinese market and require a structured, risk-aware approach to strategic decision-making.
100% Online delivery
The program is designed to be completed fully online enabling students to continue working during the program.
Literature
The program covers all literature essential to acquiring the fundamental knowledge for performing strategic business development in China.
Duration
The standard duration of the course is 16 weeks based on an average time commitment of 4-5 hours per week.
The Strategic Business Development in China Diploma Program includes the following four modules:
Module 1 Market Analysis techniques in China provides participants with systematic tools and methodologies for conducting market analysis in China. It focuses on data availability, market sizing, segmentation, demand analysis, and the interpretation of official and commercial data sources within China’s unique information environment.
Module 2 Assessing Industry Competitiveness in China examines industry-level competitiveness in China, focusing on market structure, competitive dynamics, barriers to entry, and the role of state-owned and private enterprises. Participants learn to adapt classical industry analysis frameworks to China’s regulatory and policy-influenced environment.
Module 3 Customer Due Diligence focuses on commercial and operational due diligence of China-based customers and partners. It equips participants with tools to assess financial health, ownership structures, governance, compliance risks, and commercial credibility, supporting informed business development and risk management decisions.
Module 4 Capstone requires students to produce both a written business development plan and a professional PPT presentation, integrating market analysis, industry analysis, and customer due diligence.
Module 1 Market Analysis techniques in China
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
- Apply structured market analysis frameworks to China-specific contexts
- Assess the reliability and limitations of market data in China
- Conduct market sizing and demand assessments using multiple data sources
- Translate market analysis outcomes into actionable business development decisions
Module 2 Assessing Industry Competitiveness in China
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
- Evaluate industry competitiveness within China’s institutional context
- Analyze competitive dynamics involving domestic and foreign players
- Identify structural barriers and strategic entry constraints
- Assess the sustainability of competitive advantages in China-based industries
Module 3 Customer Due Diligence
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
- Conduct structured customer and partner due diligence in China
- Interpret financial and corporate information from China-based entities
- Identify red flags related to governance, compliance, and commercial risk
- Integrate due diligence outcomes into strategic business development decisions
Module 4 Capstone
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
- Analyze China-specific market conditions, including regulatory, economic, and competitive factors, to identify viable business development opportunities.
- Evaluate industry structures and competitive dynamics in China to assess strategic positioning and entry or expansion options.
- Conduct customer due diligence by assessing customer needs, decision-making processes, and risk factors relevant to the Chinese market.
- Synthesize market analysis, industry analysis, and customer insights into a coherent written business development plan with clear strategic recommendations.
- Develop and deliver a professional, executive-level PPT presentation that effectively communicates strategic rationale, analytical findings, and recommended actions.
- Justify strategic business development decisions using data, structured frameworks, and China-specific contextual knowledge.
No specific prior education or knowledge about sales or business development in China is required to be admitted to this program.
Prior completion one or multiple of the following Institute of China Studies’ Certificate Courses results in a pass for the respective module; course Performing Market & Industry Analysis in China, and course Due Diligence Essentials for Doing Business with China Based Enterprises.
Assessment
Assessment is carried out through a series of written assignments to be completed at the end of each module.
Certificate of Completion
A Certificate of Completion is issued upon the successful completion of the course.
Alumni Association
Students who have successfully completed the program will automatically join ICS’s alumni association and have the opportunity to participate in the China Entrepreneur’s Circle, which forms an important platform for maintaining and gaining new business contacts. Upon completion, you become ambassadors of the program by sharing insights and experiences to new students via public speaking at our networking events, factfinding missions to China, seminars, and webinars.
Tuition fee
Tuition fee for the entire program is EUR 1.495 to be paid in a single installment in advance.
The tuition fee includes all necessary literature and study materials, guidance and support during your studies, free extension of the study duration (if required), and 1:1 contact with your course professor.
Credit
Having completed one of multiple of Institute of China Studies’ Certificate courses included in the program as a standalone course prior to the start of the program might result in credit of the tuition fee. Please contact us for more information.
Start date
Open enrollment applies to this course. You can start this course at a timing of your own convenience.
How we deliver value
Program Completion Benefits
Certificate
Upon successful completion of the course, you will earn a digital certificate of completion from the Institute of China Studies.
Note: After successful completion of the online program, your verified digital certificate will be emailed to you in the name you used when registering for the program. All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of the Institute of China Studies.
Contact us
Would you like more information about the program and the admission requirements? Then request a free study consultation. Of course, free of charge and without obligation. This way you will learn more about the content of the course, the teaching materials, and the online learning environment.
Enroll today
Enroll today and develop essential skills and insights for developing new business on a strategic level in China, which can be directly applied in your professional work environment.