Intent on being much more than the world’s factory, China wants to get into health care, technology, and financial services. The opportunities look great for companies that align their projects with Beijing’s goals.

Sure, some of Mattel’s troubles stemmed from the company’s own faulty designs. But quality problems among Chinese suppliers are widespread and threaten U.S. brands. Here’s how to protect your company.

Think its days as a dominant global player are over? Think again. The country is full of opportunities and has trillions to invest overseas.

Working toward their M.B.A.s, students at Northwestern get a chance to serve on nonprofit boards. The program gives them a boost toward corporate leadership and helps the nonprofits find fresh solutions to strategic problems.

They may be latecomers to the game, but these groups have over $550 billion at their disposal—more than enough to tip the scale in tight proxy votes. Boards need to pay close attention to what they ask for.