Mingda Institute

• Greetings from the Director
• Program Objectives
• Program Overview
• Training Methods and Content
• Training Environment
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    • Long-Term: Beijing 2002
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• Contact Information

Mingda Institute for Leadership Training

Executive Training Programs For Tomorrow's Leadership

Greetings from the Director

It is my pleasure to introduce to you the Mingda Institute for Leadership Training at the University of Minnesota China Center. As part of the programming at the China Center, the Mingda Institute is designed to host advanced executive training course for mid-career professionals from China. In 2001, it was certified by the State Administration of Foreign Expert Affairs of China to conduct Chinese overseas training programs. It offers executive courses not only in various academic fields, but also in U.S. culture, values, etiquette, protocol, corporate and government culture, and management. The training programs at the Mingda Institute build cultural and business bridges between Minnesota and China and foster increased exchange between organizations and individuals in economic, governmental, academic, and civic sectors. To ensure the success of our programs, we work closely with faculty members in the various colleges and departments of the University of Minnesota and with professional experts in Minnesota companies and government agencies at the state, city, and county levels. We look forward to working with you on your training needs.

Dr. Yongwei Zhang
Director, China Center
Director, Mingda Institute for Leadership Training

Program Objectives

In order to promote academic, economic, and cultural exchange and to strengthen the many partnerships between the State of Minnesota and China, the China Center at the University of Minnesota is committed to further building the University's long-standing exchange relationships with China. By utilizing the University's extensive network with prominent businesses and government agencies in Minnesota, the China Center has designed a series of programs and short courses to offer advanced training for selected Chinese executives. The programs provide training in areas such as management, strategic planning, applied economics, public policy, law, and agricultural extension. It offers junior- and senior-level executives from business and public sectors in China the most up-to-date information and research advances. Training program participants not only learn policy development, the latest management trends, and their practical application but also study the impact of these new concepts on the "new economy" and the rapid globalization of economies and markets.

Program Overview

Training programs can be customized to suit the needs of the participants and the institutions they represent. Past programs have included course-work in the areas of government affairs and public administration, business administration, agricultural and rural development, science and technology policy management and development, educational policy development and higher education administration, environmental science, conservation policy and sustainable economic development, law, public health administration, social development, human resources, leadership development, and others. In addition, training groups also visit local government agencies, businesses, and other relevant organizations. These visits have helped past participants to establish collaborative relationships with various institutions and open new channels for trade and future exchange in their professions.

Training Methods and Content

Different approaches are employed throughout the training, such as traditional classroom lectures by leading faculty, lectures by government and business experts, case studies, and field research. A typical training program will include the following components:

1. Intensive English as a Second Language training (for long-term programs);
2. Professional courses;
3. Professional visits;
4. Final project or paper;
5. U.S. customs and culture orientation;
6. Local tours on the weekends and holidays; and
7. American family home stay, English language partners, and community events.

Training programs are designed to help trainees understand American society, acquire knowledge, broaden horizons, make friends, and promote cooperation.

Contact Information

For more program information about the Executive Training Programs, please feel free to contact the China Center.

Mr. Yuedong Zhou,
Coordinator for Training Programs
Phone: 612-624-2372
Fax: 612-625-0045
E-mail: zhoux051@umn.edu

Dr. Yongwei Zhang ,
Director, China Center
Phone: 612-624-1002
Fax: 612-625-0045
E-mail: zhang837@umn.edu