The CKGSB Case Center

Founded in 2003, CKGSB Case Center is committed to the research and production of business case studies. Our case studies showcase the competitive advantages of a wide range of businesses in China, and our portfolio has become one of the school’s vital knowledge assets.

With 400 published cases, we are proud that each one is based on a deep understanding of the China market and executed according to rigourous research standards. Every case development project is headed up by a CKGSB professor. The Case Center itself is directed by CKGSB Professor Li Wei, an acclaimed macroeconomics researcher.

Our research spans various areas of the Chinese market: strategy, management, globalization, economics, marketing, operations, finance and accounting. All sizes of company are featured, as are a wealth of industries. Together, they represent remarkable achievement or signs of becoming rising stars in their own fields.

CKGSB’s cases serve as teaching material for the classroom and business insights for a wider audience. Caixin, Caijing, Financial Times and HBR are just some of the media that have published our work. The Case Center has also published several books, most recently on how Chinese companies have harnessed the internet to transform and upgrade their business models and on dynamics and innovation in Chinese finance.

For more information, please contact us at casecenter@ckgsb.edu.cn.

See Our Latest Case Center Newsletter

Strategic Moves by China’s Internet Giants: Baidu, Alibaba and Tencent, and a Comparison with the United States (CN)

A comparison between the Chinese and US internet sectors with a focus on the business structures, investment portfolios and M&As undertaken by Baidu, Alibaba and Tencent.

A Comparison of Chinese and US Bond Markets (CN)

Exploring the roots of similarities and differences between Chinese and American government bond systems

Adream Foundation - Applying Business Logic to Philanthropy (CN/EN)

How does Shanghai Adream Foundation improve efficiency of public service provision by commercial means?

Uber: A Leader in the Sharing Economy (CN)

How Uber disrupted the traditional taxi market by “sharing”

Qihoo 360: The road back to China (CN/EN)

Exploring the root cause of Qihoo 360’s return to China’s capital market, and risk factors faced in the process of privatization

General Electric: Wins and Losses from Integrating Production and Finance (CN)

Exploring the pros and cons of GE’s “production and finance” integration model

Ucommune: Shared Office Space in China (CN/EN)

How has the shared office space model made famous by WeWork established itself in China?

Haier: User-Driven Internet Transformation (CN/EN)

Exploring how Haier, as a traditional home appliance manufacturer, uses the internet and big data for powerful precision market

Ant Micro Loan: The Social Value of Inclusive Finance (CN/EN)

Exploring how Ant Micro Loans have created a credit model based on online transactions

Going Global: Pitfalls and Successes for Chinese Overseas Mergers and Acquisitions (CN)

Assessing the historical context of cross-border mergers and acquisitions by Chinese companies, and reasons they succeed or fail

Encircled by a “red sea” of Chinese state tourism, how can Atour hotels break out and make a difference?

China Hotel Association data shows that the growth rate in terms of hotel room numbers in the limited-service chain hotels nationwide reached its peak in 2005 at 200%. Since then growth has slowed, falling below 30% in 2013, and below 15% by 2016 and 2017. While these statistics do not give justice to supply in the hospitality industry as a whole, they do reflect a shift from rapid expansion to steady development.

China in Transition - 10 Case Studies of Chinese Companies Breaking the Mold (English)
China in Transition is a compilation of 10 case studies on how Chinese companies are breaking the mold. From traditional companies—like Huawei and Midea—that have transitioned through mergers and acquisitions, to other enterprises—such as Haier and HLA—that have evolved by embracing internet technologies and new business models, this book explores how private Chinese companies have changed to sustain growth and even serve as a roadmap for companies elsewhere looking to adapt to the interconnected new economy. With its pulse on the Chinese economy, this book also looks at startups, like Ucommune, Tujia and Alibaba’s Hema Fresh, which are adapting and localizing ideas for China, while innovating beyond the original concept to create a better model for the new business ecosystem. Addressing financing of businesses, the book examines how Qihoo 360 leveraged American and Chinese capital markets, while Alibaba’s Ant Financial leveraged the Internet, to redefine funding and open up new opportunities for businesses. Finally, it highlights how a non-profit institution, Adream Foundation, rethinks charity and education by integrating business management models in its social work.
From Disruption to Innovation (Chinese edition)
This book describes 11 classic cases of transformation among Chinese internet companies: new corporate strategies and innovative business models for a rapidly changing era. Selected case studies include those on giants such as Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu, and JD.com, rookies such as Xiaomi, and traditional companies that have incorporated the internet in their business practice. We endeavor to inform readers of what business really entails the “internet plus” era. Businesses that want to survive have to overthrough existing models and rules. They have to adapt in order to ride the waves of change, and break the rules so as to stand out from the crowd and progress.
Reading the Financial Weather Vane (Chinese edition)
This book is made up of two parts: capital markets and financial innovation. Ten case studies illustrate innovations and breakthroughs in the complex world of Chinese finance. In the capital markets section, we discuss three classic cases: New Oriental after the Muddy Waters Investigation, Alibaba’s IPO, and Qihoo 360: Going Private, showing readers how Chinese companies have engaged with overseas capital amidst market fluctuations over the past decade. A macroeconomic perspective is taken on cases such as Yu’ebao and the impact of China's interest rate marketization, and a comparison of Chinese and US bond markets. In the second section, we showcase financial innovations by Chinese internet firms, and how Chinese fintech companies have learned to make use of mature financial market instruments. Studies include Ant Financial, JD Crowdfunding, online equity crowdfunding and China's first real estate investment trusts (REITS).
Company transformations in practice (Chinese edition)
This book focuses on transformations undertaken by a range of companies: from manufacturing giants Huawei, Midea and Haier, to benchmark firms in the cultural sector such as Chinese animation company, Alpha Group, to retail representatives Hema Fresh and Suning. Success or failure, just starting out on a transition, seeing its results, or reaping its rewards, their experiences and lessons are invaluable. Some are committed to technology R&D and investment, creating value through technology industrialization, such as iFLYTEK, with its voice recognition software, and a 3D printing industry chain representative. Some companies have transformed and upgraded from traditional to technology-driven operations. Haier, Midea, Suning and others have made advances in digitalization, maximizing the usage of data. Others have put mass customization into effect such as Qingdao Kutesmart. Yet others have used new technology, new ecosystems, new market formats and new organizational structures, such as Hema Fresh in new retail, and Huawei phones in mobile telecommunications. Tackling challenges from all directions, these companies are doing their best to win on complicated business battlefields.

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