DATE: June 10, 2008
CONTACT:
Contact information listed below
WRITER:
Teresa C. Hopkins, (864) 656-1222
hopkin1@clemson.edu
Clemson University experts for Summer Olympics coverage
Clemson University experts can help you as you plan your coverage of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. If you don't see the kind of expert you need here contact News Services at (864) 656-2061 and we'll try to help.
China experts
Xiaobo Hu is an associate professor of political science and director of the Clemson University Center for China Studies. He is familiar with the various provinces of China and researches the political and economic climate of that country. He also leads a speaker series that addresses U.S.-China relations. Contact Hu at (864) 656-1452 or xhu@clemson.edu or News Services’ Teresa Hopkins, (864) 656-1222.
The Olympics are a showcase event and China clearly recognizes that, says Raymond Sauer, chairman of the John E. Walker Department of Economics at Clemson. “Economic research has shown that it does not make much sense to host the Olympics simply on the basis of costs and revenues,” he adds. “But China is an emerging giant with a troubled recent history, stemming from decades of communism and state control. The eyes of the world will simultaneously turn towards China in July.” Contact Sauer at (864) 656-3969 or News Services’ Teresa Hopkins at (864) 656-1222.
When China opens its doors to the world for the Olympic Games, the once very closed nation also opens the doors of its society to the critical eye of the world. Edwin Moise, author of the book “Modern China,” fears that if the criticism comes, the Chinese won't take it very well. Moise, who teaches classes on modern China, has traveled throughout the Asian nation. Contact Moise at (864) 656-5369, eemoise@clemson.edu, or Ross Norton (864) 656-4810 or 207-1157 in News Services for assistance.
Trade with China
Aleda Roth, Burlington Industries Distinguished Professor in Supply Chain Management, says the supply chain of any given product is a lengthy one that presents opportunities for lapses. Such lapses were seen in the many recalls of toys, pet food, tires and other goods from China. For details contact Roth at (864) 656-1880 or News Services’ Teresa Hopkins, (864) 656-1222.
Olympic marketing
Athletes can become mobile billboards for the companies that sponsor them. For information on the impact of endorsements on the athlete and the company, contact Clemson marketing professor Tom Baker at tbaker2@clemson.edu or News Services’ Teresa Hopkins, (864) 656-1222.
Marketing professor Scott Jones has some interesting insight about the Olympic Games in China. One such observation is that the “Free Tibet” signs that protesters carry are made in China. Contact Jones at (864) 656-5292 or sajones@clemson.edu or News Services’ Teresa Hopkins, (864) 656-1222.
Olympics on TV
Communications studies associate professor Andy Billings examined Olympics television coverage for his book, “Olympic Media: Inside the Biggest Show on Television,” published this year. With an interest especially in the role of gender, race and nationality, Billings investigated why decisions are made, which teams get covered and the role of the American viewer in the process. Billings interviewed such broadcasters as Dick Ebersol, Bob Costas and Jim Lampley for the book. Billings can be reached via e-mail at acbilng@clemson.edu. Contact Ross Norton, (864) 656-4810 or 207-1157 for assistance.
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