Spring 2015
Online
3/23 – 5/31/2015
Students must participate three times per week
Diana Heeb Bivona
By appointment only
dheebbivona@ben.edu
217.622.6951
PRE-ASSIGNMENT: Students are required to: (1) print and read the syllabus in
detail, and (2) prepare and post a 100-word introduction about your work life,
education, and outside interests or activities. Also, if you have had an
opportunity to travel or live outside of the U.S., share your experiences. Posting
must be completed by Sunday, March 22, 11:59 pm.
INTB 300 – OL: International Business
I.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to introduce students to the importance and role of international
business. Predominant themes will be culture and business opportunities. Topics include
international trade, balance of payments, multinational corporations and the functional
areas of international business.
II.
TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS
 Hill, C.W.L. (2011). International Business: Competing in the Global Marketplace.
(9th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. ISBN # 978-0-07-802924-0
 Selected articles from various business publications as assigned on D2L.
 PowerPoint slides for each chapter available on D2L.
III.
MISSION STATEMENT
Benedictine University is dedicated to the education of undergraduate and graduate
students from diverse ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds. As an academic
community committed to liberal arts and professional education distinguished and guided
by our Roman Catholic tradition and Benedictine heritage, we prepare our students for a
lifetime as active, informed and responsible citizens and leaders in the world community.
IV.
GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
A. Goals—(Program- or Major-specific Goals)
1. Evaluate the role of economics and business in the social environment of our culture;
2. Articulate how the functional areas of business interrelate within organizations;
3. Improve skills in communication, analytical thinking and appreciating the human
element in organizations; and
4. Develop specific skills applicable to the various aspects of the functional areas of
business
B. Course Objectives—Students will:
 Be introduced to the important role of international business in today’s world
economy.
Page 1 of 8
V.

Be able to discuss the importance of culture in different countries and the impact
on international trade, focusing on the dynamics between countries and
companies attempting to conduct business activities.

Learn about some of the countries and businesses most prominent in today’s
international marketplace.

Discuss key terms, concepts, and theories of international business success.

Look at the functional areas within multi-national organizations, with a focus on
financial issues.
TEACHING METHODS/DELIVERY SYSTEM
This class will be comprised of online teaching and learning methods. Each week various topics
will be discussed (see course outline for details). Online class discussions will be informal. The
instructor will moderate and steer the discussions to make sure that the important points are
covered when necessary. Other teaching methods include cultural brief, a country risk analysis
(country to be assigned by instructor), case write-ups, a midterm, and final exam.
VI.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Attendance Policy
This course is highly accelerated, and students will need to take a great deal of responsibility for
their own learning outcomes. Students are required to log-in regularly to check for updates, post,
and read peer discussion threads. Any absence must be due to extraordinary circumstances and
will require documentation for it to be considered excused. Documentation must be provided
immediately in order to determine what, if any, accommodations are reasonable or possible.
This course is highly accelerated, and students will need to take a great deal of responsibility for
their own learning outcomes. Attendance is required in each class meeting for the full period of
time. Any absence must be due to extraordinary circumstances and will require documentation
for it to be considered excused. Documentation must be provided immediately in order to
determine what, if any, accommodations are reasonable or possible. Class attendance will
directly impact your final grade, and each undocumented absence will be considered unexcused
and will result in a 20% reduction in the final grade for the course.
Due to the accelerated nature of the course, should you experience a medical condition which
prevents you from attending any class(es), appropriate medical documentation must be provided
immediately so it may be determined what, if any, accommodations are reasonable or possible.
Participation
Participation in this course represents a significant part of your grade. The instructor calculates
discussion participation on both the QUALITY AND QUANTITY of the posts that are topic driven
and meaningful to the development of the course discussion. Posting requirements are
explained in greater detail under the Topical Course Outline (Section VIII).
Reading Assignments
Reading assignments may be found under the Topical Course Outline (Section VIII). All students
are expected to be actively reading the material assigned for the week so as to complete the
required coursework and exams, as well as, to participate knowledgably in the discussions.
Written Assignments
Written assignments are indicated in the Topical Course Outline (Section VIII).
Page 2 of 8
Extra Credit
No extra credit assignments will be provided based on individual requests. This policy is in place
to be fair to all students.
Other
The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus and any course requirements
as needed. Any changes will be posted on D2L in the “News” section.
Benedictine University at Springfield Student Academic Honesty Policy
The search for truth and the dissemination of knowledge are the central missions of a university.
Benedictine University at Springfield pursues these missions in an environment guided by our
Roman Catholic tradition and our Benedictine heritage. Integrity and honesty are therefore
expected of all University students. Actions such as cheating, plagiarism, collusion, fabrication,
forgery, falsification, destruction, multiple submission, solicitation, and misrepresentation are
violations of these expectations and constitute unacceptable behavior in the University
community.
Student’s Responsibility
Though there is no formal honor code at Benedictine University at Springfield, students are
expected to exhibit academic honesty at all times. Violations against academic honesty are
always serious and may result in sanctions that could have profound long-term effects. The final
responsibility for understanding the Academic Honesty Policy of the institution, as well as the
specific policies for individual courses normally found in syllabi, rests with students. If any doubt
exists about what constitutes academic dishonesty, students have the responsibility to talk to the
faculty member. Students should expect the members of their class to be academically honest.
If students believe one or more members of the class have been deceitful to gain academic
advantage in the class, students should feel comfortable to approach the faculty member of the
course without prejudice.
Violations of the Academic Honesty Policy will be reported to the Office of the Dean of Academic
Affairs. Along with a verbal warning, the following are consequences a student may face for
academic dishonesty:
 a failing grade or “zero” for the assignment;
 dismissal from and a failing grade for the course; or
 dismissal from the Institution.
VII.
MEANS OF EVALUATION
See the Course Outline, Section VIII, for details on each assignment below.
A – 90% - 100%
B – 80% - 89.9%
C – 70% - 79.9%
D – 60% - 69.9%
F below 60%
Discussion Participation (10 points per posting)
Case Write Ups (35 points each)
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Cultural Brief
Country Risk Analysis
Total
280
70
100
100
150
300
1000
If a student believes that an error has been made in reporting a grade, an appeal must be
made in writing to the instructor and must be initiated within 60 calendar days after the
end of the term for which the grade in question was reported. The appeal should contain
Page 3 of 8
specific information about why it is believed the grade reported is inaccurate. See the
Student Handbook for additional details.
Add/Drop Dates
Please refer to the current Academic Calendar for add/drop dates.
Incomplete Request
To qualify for an “I” grade, a minimum of 75% of the course work must be completed with a “C”
or better, and a student must submit a completed “Request for an Incomplete” form to the
Registrar’s Office. The form must be completed by both student and instructor, but it is the
student’s responsibility (not the instructor’s) to initiate this process and obtain the necessary
signatures.
Student Withdrawal Procedure
It is the student’s responsibility to officially withdraw from a course by completing the appropriate
form, with appropriate signatures, and returning the completed form to the Advising Office. Please
refer to the Student Handbook for important financial information related to withdrawals.
VIII.
Week
TOPICAL COURSE OUTLINE
Topics & Chapters Covered
Class Activities and
Work Due
Week 1
3/23 – 3/29
Read Chapter 1 (Globalization)
Review Chapter PowerPoint
Discussion Thread #1:
Week 2
3/30 – 4/5
Read Chapters 2 - 3
Review Chapter PowerPoints
Discussion Thread #2
Week 3
4/6 – 4/12
Topics Include:
Political Economy
Economic Development
Read Chapters 4 – 5
Review Chapter PowerPoints
DUE: Cultural Brief
Week 4
4/13 – 4/19
Topics Include:
Differences in Culture
Ethics in International Business
Read Chapters 6 - 7
Review Chapter PowerPoints
Topics Include:
International Trade Theory
Political Economy of International Trade
DUE: Walmart’s
Foreign Expansion
Week 5
4/20 – 4/26
Read Chapter 8
Review Chapter PowerPoint
Topics Include:
Foreign Direct Investment
Week 6
Discussion Thread #3
Discussion Thread #4
Discussion Thread #5
Assessment: Midterm
Exam on Chapters 1 –
8 available from
Monday, 4/20 through
Sunday, 4/26, 11:59 pm
Read Chapters 9 - 10
Page 4 of 8
4/27 – 5/3
Review Chapter PowerPoints
Discussion Thread #6
Topics Include:
Regional Economic Integration
Foreign Exchange Market
Week 7
5/4 – 5/10
Read Chapters 11 – 12
Review Chapter PowerPoints
Topics Include:
International Monetary System
Global Capital Market
Discussion Thread #7
DUE: The Ecuadorean
Rose Industry
Week 8
5/11 – 5/17
Read Chapter 13 – 14
Review Chapter PowerPoints
Week 9
5/18 – 5/24
Topics Include:
Strategy of International Business
Organization of International Business
Read Chapters 15 – 16
Review Chapter PowerPoints
Discussion Thread #9
Topics Include:
Entry Strategy and Strategic Alliances
Exporting, Importing and Countertrade
DUE: Country Risk
Analysis due to
Professor by 5/24 at
11:59 pm
Week 10
5/25 – 5/31
FINAL EXAM WEEK
Discussion Thread #8
Assessment: Final
Exam available
beginning Monday,
5/25 until Sunday, 5/31
at 11:59 pm
A. Discussion Participation (10 points per posting)
Participation in the discussion forums is critical for maximizing student-learning experiences in
any online course. Part of the assessment criteria for the course includes evaluating the
QUALITY AND QUANTITY of your participation in the discussion forum. As the instructor, I will
facilitate student discussions but I will not address every single post. In most cases, I might share
a related idea, intervene when the discussion goes off-track, or tie student comments together to
help deepen student learning. Consequently, I will not directly answer questions in the discussion
area unless they are addressed to me. I will check the discussions daily during the week, and
occasionally on the weekends.
Participation is calculated based on both the QUALITY AND QUANTITY of the posts that are
topic driven and meaningful to the development of the class discussion. To earn full
participation points you must post at least THREE SUBSTANTIVE MESSAGES on THREE
DIFFERENT DAYS of the course week. The course week is defined as starting Monday and
ending Sunday at 11:59 pm.
Your postings will be graded with the following guidelines in mind:
Page 5 of 8







Submit one initial post early in the session (i.e., prior to Wednesday 11:59 pm), and
two subsequent responses to the posts of other learners at timely intervals
throughout the duration of the week, i.e., two different days (ending Sunday at
11:59 pm). The goal is to have a dynamic discussion around the topic that lasts
throughout the entire session.
Posts and responses should be thorough and thoughtful. Just posting an "I agree" or
"Good ideas" will not be considered adequate. Support statements with examples,
experiences, or references. Be brief — keep each post and response to one or two short
paragraphs. Keep in mind that fellow learners will be reading and responding to you, too.
Posts should be within a range of 100-150 words. If a post does not meet the
minimum word count of 100, I will NOT count it toward your grade.
Make certain that all posts and responses address the question, problem, or situation as
presented for discussion. This does not mean you should not extend the topic, but do not
stray from the topic.
Discussions occur when there is dialogue; therefore, you need to build upon the posts
and responses of other learners to create discussion threads. Make sure to revisit the
discussion forum and respond (if necessary) to what other learners have posted to
your initial responses.
When relevant, add to the discussion by including prior knowledge, work experiences,
references, web sites, resources, etc. (giving credit when appropriate).
Contributions to the discussions (posts and responses) should be complete and free of
grammatical or structural errors.
Discussion postings cannot be made up. If you fail to post by the deadlines set, you will
receive a zero for each missed posting.
B. Midterm and Final Exam (100 points each)
You will be expected to complete two non-cumulative exams based on the assigned textbook
readings. The tests will be timed and the format may include true/false, multiple choice, short
answer, or some combination of these types of questions.
In the interest of time, the use of the book is encouraged, but the student should be prepared to
look up only those questions they do not feel they know. Please note that students have
flexibility in scheduling when to take the exams during that week, therefore late exams will
not be accepted and will receive a grade of zero.
D2L problems, computer failures, and ID/password issues ARE NOT valid excuses for missed
exams. The Resource Center (217-718-5007) has staff available to assist students even on the
weekends. Passwords may be reset on the Ben.edu website. So, do not wait until the last
minute to try to login. Give yourself plenty of time to troubleshoot the problem prior to deadlines.
C. Cases Write Ups (2 @ 35 points each)
The instructor has assigned two cases from the textbook. Students are to read and answer the
questions at the end of the case using an essay format. The length of the case write-up is
limited to a maximum of five double-spaced pages (12-pt. Times font). Students are to submit
case write-ups using the Dropbox function on D2L. Ten points will be deducted for each day that
the case write up is late.


Case Write Up #1 (Week 4) – Walmart’s Foreign Expansion (pages 167-168)
Questions 1-5
Case Write Up #2 (Week 7) – The Ecuadorean Rose Industry (p. 317-318)
Questions 1-4
Page 6 of 8
Points will be deducted if:
 you “borrow” the words of or directly quote the text. Put it in your own words! (-10 points)
 your paper is more than five pages (-5 points)
 you number the questions/answers in your paper (-5 points)
 your write-up has grammar, spelling, and/or sentence structure errors(-1 point per error)
D. Cultural Brief (160 points)
Format: 3-4 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font, 1 inch margins
The Cultural Brief assignment is based on the following scenario: Your boss plans to take her first
business trip to the country assigned to you. She will be there for two weeks to make contact with
government officials and potential clients. You are asked to provide her with a concise briefing
regarding the local culture and business habits she may encounter. You should highlight the
most relevant information to help her deal with business people of another culture, including the
dos and don'ts. It should focus on conducting business in that country and not general cultural
tidbits. For example, business meeting and communication etiquette and NOT what type of food
to order in a restaurant or where the best vacation spots are.
This briefing must be compiled based on at least two reputable sources of reference (websites
like Wikipedia and About.com do not fulfill this requirement). One excellent source to use is the
Centre for Intercultural Learning’s website. Follow the “Cultural Insights” link located under Tools
and Resources on the right hand side of the homepage.
Be extra careful to avoid plagiarism. Internet downloads or other quotations must be indicated
with quotation marks and the proper citations given, but should not account for more than 5% of
your total paper.
Your assignment will be graded for:
• Relevant, useful, accurate and up-to-date information applicable to business
• Good logic, reasoning and recommendations provided
• Professional writing quality
A twenty-five point deduction will be given for each day that the paper is late.
E.
Country Risk Analysis Paper (300 points)
Students will prepare a 2000 – 2500 word (excluding title page and reference page) country risk
analysis on a country assigned by the instructor. Country assignments will be given by the end of
Week 1.
A country-risk analysis is an assessment that defines the level of political and economic risk
associated with doing business in another country. The basic information included in this type of
analysis includes, but is not limited to:








Socio cultural overview (demographics, urban/rural, etc.)
Economic and political climate for foreign business
Current state of economic development
Current state of infrastructure (transportation, communication, etc.)
Regulation of businesses (easy to start up a foreign business, limitations)
Managerial and labor climate (labor force make up, unemployment)
Protection afforded for private property (as it relates to a business)
Economic growth, Inflation, interest rates
Approximately 1/4 of the paper should consist of a well-formed introduction and conclusion. The
introduction should end with a well-written thesis statement for maximum credit. The body of the
Page 7 of 8
paper will include the type of information outlined above. The conclusion should be a reiteration
of the introduction and body of the paper in a summarized form with additional impact since the
student has now provided details to support the original thesis. No new facts or information
should be provided in the conclusion. The conclusion must not begin with “In conclusion.”
The paper must be written in APA format. The use of “I” is not acceptable. No abstract is
required. Please do not use contractions or acronyms (before they are written out fully the first
time). Also, do not ask the reader rhetorical questions; rewrite the thoughts as statements
instead.
The paper should incorporate a minimum of five reputable sources. Required reputable sources
to include:
 1 textbook (the Hill text meets this requirement)
 2 popular business magazine or newspaper article (less than 3 years old)
 2 government or globally-ran organizational websites (statistics bureaus, IMF, World
Bank, etc.)
Finally, your paper should include no more than five percent of directly quoted material. In
short, this paper should reflect your own thoughts and analysis, not someone else’s.
A fifty-point deduction will be given for each day that the paper is late. No papers will be
accepted after Saturday, May 30 at 11:59 pm.
IX.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
Benedictine University at Springfield provides individuals with disabilities reasonable
accommodations to participate in educational programs, activities, and services.
Students with disabilities requiring accommodations to participate in campus-sponsored
programs, activities, and services, or to meet course requirements, should contact the
Resource Center as early as possible: springaccess@ben.edu or (217) 717-9253
X.
ASSESSMENT
Goals, objectives, and learning outcomes that will be assessed in the class are stated in
this syllabus. Instructor will use background knowledge probes, one-minute papers,
reflective essays and/or other Classroom Assessment Techniques as deemed necessary
in order to provide continuous improvement of instruction.
JR 12/15/14
Page 8 of 8