University launches social survey program

The digital transformation of international trade enterprises affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will be the subject of a social survey program launched over the weekend by the Shanghai University of International Business and Economics.

The program for students to carry out social surveys on enterprises is the second of its kind organized by the university, the Statistical Society for Foreign Economic Relations and Trade of China under the Ministry of Commerce and trade intelligence and analytical tools provider Globalwits. 

It is expected to help students and teachers become aware of real situations and cultivate students’ courage in innovation, ability in solving problems and awareness of serving the country, the people and society.

Last year, the theme was how optimized business environments had promoted upgrading of international trade enterprises. More than 50 teachers and over 200 students formed 46 teams and visited 416 enterprises in 11 free trade zones and 40 cities around the country. They produced 43 reports and won the second prize in a social practice competition for Shanghai college students.

This year, with the influence of the pandemic, the program accepted applications from more than 200 students and selected 183 to form 22 survey teams with 40 teachers.

According to Liu Yonghui, director of the expert committee of the program,  the participants will talk to 200 people in charge of enterprises. Their research findings will help the development of university education and provide preferences for both enterprises and policymakers. 

Xu Jiali, an applied statistics major who participated in last year’s survey, added: "The survey program can help me master and apply the knowledge I have learnt and also improve my capability in teamwork. I’m looking forward to this year’s survey."