COURSE SYLLABUS
INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
MGT 301-01 ONLINE FALL 2014
DATES
Session 1
08/18-08/24
COURSE TOPICS
 Globalization
Session 2
08/25-08/31
Session 3
09/02-09/07
Session 4
09/08-09/14
Session 5
09/15-09/21
Session 6
09/22-09/28
Session 7
09/29-10/05
Midterm exam
 Cross-cultural business
 Political and legal
environment
 Economic systems and
development
 International trade
 Business-government
trade relations
 Foreign direct
investment
Note: If you do not take
the exam during the
assigned time period,
your score will be 0.
 Regional economic
integration
Session 8
10/06-10/10
FALL BREAK

Session 9
10/15-10/19

Session 10
10/20-10/26
International financial
markets
International monetary
systems
 International strategy
Session 11
and organization
10/27-11/02
 International marketing
Session 12
research
11/03-11/09
 Entry modes
Session 13
11/10-11/16
 International marketing
Session 14
11/17-11/23
THANKSGIVING BREAK
Note: If you do not take
Final exam
the exam during the
assigned time period,
your score will be 0.
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READING
 Ch 1 (in textbook)
 Unit 1 (in Blackboard
“Learning Area”)
 Ch 2
 Unit 2
 Ch 3
 Unit 3, 4
 Ch 4
 Unit 4
 Ch 5
 Unit 5
 Ch 6
 Unit 5
 CH 7
 Unit 6
 CH 1-7
DEADLINES
 Quiz 1: Due 08/24 11:59 PM
 CH 8
 Unit 7
 Quiz 8: Due 10/10 06:00 PM1




 Quiz 9: Due 10/19 11:59 PM
Ch 9
Unit 8
Ch 10
Unit 8
 Ch 11
 Unit 9, 10
 Ch 12




Ch 13
Unit 11
Ch 14
Unit 12
 CH 8-14
Fall break begins at 6:00 PM.
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 Quiz 2: Due 08/31 11:59 PM
 Quiz 3: Due 09/07 11:59 PM
 Quiz 4: Due 09/14 11:59 PM
 Quiz 5: Due 09/21 11:59 PM
 Quiz 6: Due 09/28 11:59 PM
 Quiz 7: Due 10/05 11:59 PM
 Available online
From 10/06 10:00 AM
To
10/08 10:00 AM
 Quiz 10: Due 10/26 11:59
PM
 Quiz 11: Due 11/02 11:59
PM
 Quiz 12: Due 11/09 11:59
PM
 Quiz 13: Due 11/16 11:59
PM
 Quiz 14: Due 11/23 11:59
PM
 Available online
From 12/03 10:00 AM
To
12/05 10:00 AM
I CONTACT INFORMATION
Professor:
E-mail:
Dr. Sarala
rmsarala@uncg.edu
Please address the professor “Dr. Sarala” in all communication.
II COURSE MATERIAL
International Business (The Challenges of Globalization), 7th edition, by Wild and Wild,
ISBN 10: 0-13-306300-3

All exam and quiz questions are
from the 7th edition. If a student decides to use a different edition (earlier edition or
international edition), s/he is taking the risk that an exam/quiz question is not covered.

Access codes or other extra materials from the publisher are NOT needed.
III COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is an introduction2 to the environmental factors which cause businesses to
become international. In addition, we analyze the nature of global business and
multinational organizations.
Note: This is an online section3 of the course.
IV COURSE OBJECTIVES
Define international business and discuss how it differs from domestic business.
Define and discuss key terms and concepts related to international business.
Acquire a basic understanding of the structure of the global economy and the perspectives of
various actors in the global economy.
Make well-reasoned suggestions about how to address many of the challenges and opportunities
within an international business setting.
2
Please note that MGT 301 is an introductory level course in International Business. This means that we will cover
several different topics and perspectives at an introductory level, with a focus on terminology and main intellectual
debates. More advanced courses in International Business, International Marketing, International Entrepreneurship,
and International Economics will cover some of the same topics in more detail, with different emphasis, and with a
more applied approach. It is recommended, but not required, that you take this course before taking more advanced
courses.
3
Please keep in mind that the learning styles of some students are better suited for traditional in-class environment.
If you prefer an in-class setting, please consider taking an in-class section of this course instead. However, if you
value ability to work according to your own schedule, the flexibility of this online section is likely to be appealing to
you.
2
Knowledgeably discuss some of the key public policy, ethical and environmental issues that are
typically connected to international business.
Discuss the challenges that third world countries have in participating in world trade, and the
different perspectives that exist with regard to intellectual property rights and the third world.
V EVALUATION ITEMS
1. Weekly quizzes
2. Exams
a. Midterm exam
b. Final exam
10%
45%
45%
To calculate the final grade, the weighted average formula is used:
0.1 x weekly quizzes grade (in %) + 0.45 x midterm exam grade + 0.45 x final exam grade =
final course grade
The evaluation items are described in the following.
1 Weekly quizzes: 10%
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of the weekly quizzes is to encourage you to study the material consistently
throughout the course. The quizzes will also help you to check your own learning. Furthermore,
the quizzes provide examples of the types of questions that you will encounter in the exams and
familiarize you with taking tests on Blackboard. This assures that you will be prepared for the
course exams.
1.2 Content
Each weekly quiz covers the respective chapter in the textbook. For instance, during session 1,
quiz 1 will cover CH1 in the textbook. During session 2, quiz 2 will cover CH 2 in the textbook.
Each quiz has 10 questions. Each question carries 1 point. The questions are either true-false
questions or multiple choice questions. You can take as long as you need to complete the quiz
as long as you submit it prior to the quiz deadline.
Backtracking is allowed. Quiz tip: “Backtracking allowed” means that you do not have to
complete the quiz questions in order, and that you may change the answer to a question that has
already been submitted (as long as you have not submitted the entire quiz). The “Question
Completion Status” bar above the quiz questions allows you to quickly move from one question
to another: In the “Question Completion Status” bar, simply click the number of the question
that you want to complete next in order to move to that question. I recommend that you
experiment with the “Question Completion Status” bar when completing your quizzes so that
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you will be familiar with this Blackboard feature when taking your exam. Many students have
commented that they have found the “Question Completion Status” bar very helpful when
completing quizzes/exams.
1.3 Availability
You will find the quizzes on Blackboard under “Quizzes”. Each weekly quiz is available until
Sunday 11:59 PM4 of the corresponding week. The only exception is Quiz 8 that is due on
Friday 10/10 at 06:00 PM. The reason for Quiz 8 deadline is that Fall Break begins on Friday
10/10 at 06:00 PM.
You can take each quiz only ONE time. There will be no additional test taking opportunities. If
you miss a quiz, your score for that particular quiz will be 0. If you know that you cannot take
a quiz during a particular week, study ahead and take it in advance.
IMPORTANT: Quizzes are activity exercises similar to class attendance. The purpose is to have
you reflect on what you have learned during the week and test your knowledge: this is very
beneficial for your learning. The weekly quizzes also assure that you are not falling too much
behind in learning the course material. Therefore, no late work is accepted and will be graded
0. As a college student, you are expected to treat your studies as a priority and to organize your
schedule accordingly.
The only exception is a serious illness for which you are required to provide official
documentation within two weeks from the end of the deadline in question. If you fail to provide
this documentation, your score will be 0 for any quiz that is not completed prior to the deadline.
Any student asking for a deadline extension for any other reason than for a documented
serious illness will be referred to this policy in the syllabus.
1.4 Technical problems
Technical problems are not acceptable reasons for missing a quiz. If you experience a
technical problem, report it to me immediately (rmsarala@uncg.edu) with accompanying
evidence (e.g. a screenshot showing that Blackboard is down). Please do not leave taking the
quiz to the last minute so that you can solve any technical problems prior to the deadline. Any
technical problems reported AFTER the deadline will not be considered.
If you lose your internet connection or Blackboard goes down in the middle of the quiz, get back
to the quiz when the connection resumes. You will be able to continue the test from where you
left off.
NOTE: AS A STUDENT TAKING AN ONLINE COURSE, IT IS YOUR
RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE ACCESS TO A RELIABLE
COMPUTER AND A RELIABLE INTERNET CONNECTION DURING THE ENTIRE
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It is recommended that you take the quiz well before the Sunday midnight deadline. The purpose of this deadline is
to provide a recurring weekly deadline that is easy to remember. It is not the purpose of the deadline to force you to
work on Sunday nights.
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DURATION OF THE COURSE. INABILITY TO ACCESS A COMPUTER OR
INTERNET AT ANY TIME DURING THE COURSE IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE
EXCUSE FOR NOT COMPLETING AN EVALUATION ITEM. THE UNCG HAS
SEVERAL COMPUTER LABS AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS AND PUBLIC
LIBRARIES ALSO OFFER INTERNET ACCESS FREE OF CHARGE.
ANY TECHNICAL PROBLEMS REPORTED AFTER THE EXPIRATION OF THE
DEADLINE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED AND ARE NOT VALID EXCUSES FOR
NOT COMPLETING AN EVALUATION ITEM.
1.5 Quiz Submission
For your quiz grade to register, you need to SUBMIT the quiz answers prior to the deadline. That
is, you need to select SUBMIT. Any partially completed quizzes that were not submitted will be
graded as zero.
1.6 Correct quiz answers
If you completed the quiz, correct quiz answers will be available for review on Blackboard on
Monday or Tuesday following the quiz deadline. Further instructions on how to review the
correct answers will be provided on Blackboard.
2 Midterm Exam: 45%, Final exam: 45%
2.1. Purpose
The purpose of the course exams is to objectively evaluate the outcome of your learning. The
exams are designed to test your knowledge of the course textbook material.
2.2 Content
The midterm exam will cover Chapters 1-7. The final exam will cover Chapters 8-14. All
questions will be from the textbook. Contents from the learning units are not asked in exams.
The exams are not cumulative.
2.3 Testing procedures
Even though you are taking your exams online, they are still "real" tests. The following are the
testing procedures I expect you to follow while taking the exam:

You will find the exams in Blackboard under “Exams” only during the assigned test
times. It is recommended that you use Mozilla Firefox as your browser when taking the
test.

An exam is available for 48 hours as indicated in the course schedule on page 1 of the
syllabus. You can take each exam only ONE time.
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
You may use your book and notes; however, you are to take the test by yourself, with no
group efforts or help from other people.

This test has 100 objective questions (true/false and multiple choice). The maximum
score is 100.

You have 120 minutes to complete the exam. A timer will appear, but the test does not
automatically stop at 120 minutes. You have to click Submit to end the test and stop the
timer. You will lose 1 point for each full minute that you go over the time limit.
The time is strictly limited in order test your knowledge of the material; not your ability
to search for information during the exam. Important: Extended time is only granted
for students with documented disabilities. In my in-class sections (closed book),
students complete multiple choice exam questions at a rate of 100 questions per hour.
While it is slightly slower to take the exam on the computer, your inability to complete
100 questions in 2 hours reflects a severe lack of knowledge of the course material.

Remember not to click the Back button in your browser window.

Backtracking is allowed. This means that you do not have to complete the test questions
in order and that you may change the answer to a question that has already been
submitted (as long as you have not submitted the entire test). Exam tip: “Backtracking
allowed” means that you do not have to complete the test questions in order and that you
may change the answer to a question that has already been submitted (as long as you
have not submitted the entire test). The “Question Completion Status” bar above the
exam questions allows you to quickly move from one question to another: In the
“Question Completion Status” bar, simply click the number of the question that you
want to complete next in order to move to that question. The “Question Completion
Status” bar also shows you which questions you have already completed. Some students
prefer to complete the “easy” questions first and return to the more difficult questions
later.

Questions will be presented one by one and in a random order, similar to the quizzes.
2.4 Technical problems

If you lose your internet connection or Blackboard goes down, get back to the exam
when the connection resumes. Blackboard will let you continue the exam from where
you left off. If you experience any problems, contact Dr. Sarala immediately and provide
evidence of the problem (for instance, a screenshot of a message indicating that
Blackboard is down).

If you are taking your test after 5 PM, please be aware that I may not be able to reply to
your e-mail and solve any problems that you might have until the next morning.
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NOTE: AS A STUDENT TAKING AN ONLINE COURSE, IT IS YOUR
RESPONSIBILITY TO BE AVAILABLE DURING THE EXAM TIMES
REGARDLESS OF YOUR OTHER COMMITMENTS AND TO HAVE ACCESS
TO A RELIABLE COMPUTER AND INTERNET CONNECTION DURING THE
ENTIRE COURSE, INCLUDING THE EXAM TIMES. INABILITY TO ACCESS
INTERNET DURING THE COURSE IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE EXCUSE FOR
MISSING AN EXAM OR ANY OTHER EVALUATION ITEM. THE UNCG
COMPUTER LABS AND PUBLIC LIBARARIES PROVIDE COMPUTER AND
INTERNET ACCEESS FREE OF CHARGE. ANY TECHNICAL PROBLEMS
REPORTED AFTER THE EXPIRATION OF THE EXAM PERIOD WILL NOT
BE CONSIDERED AND ARE NOT VALID EXCUSES FOR NOT COMPLETING
AN EXAM.
2.5 Rules for not taking an exam during the assigned testing times IMPORTANT
To accommodate for multiple commitments of students, the exams are available for an extended
period of time (48 hours). The exam dates and times are given in the beginning of the course to
allow plenty of time for planning. Therefore, it is your responsibility to be available during the
scheduled exam times and to take the exams promptly.
Do not leave taking the exam to the last minute to avoid any last minute technical
problems.
An exam cannot be taken before or after the scheduled exam time. There are no make-up exams.
If for any reason, you do not take the test, your score will be 0. The only exception is a serious
illness for which you are required to provide official documentation within two weeks from the
exam deadline. If you fail to provide this documentation, your score will be 0.
These rules will be strictly enforced in order to be fair towards those students who do make the
effort to take the tests at the assigned testing times regardless of their personal and professional
circumstances and time constraints. It is important that all students have the same amount of time
to prepare for the exams. There will be no exceptions to this rule. Any student seeking an
exception will be referred to this policy in the syllabus.
Note: It is not unusual that a few students fail this online course because they, for instance,
“forget” to take the exam, are “travelling without an internet connection”, or are otherwise too
busy. Make sure that you are not one of these students because missing one exam is likely to
result in failing the course.
VI SCORING SYSTEM FOR THE FINAL GRADE
A+ = 98-100
B+ = 88-89.999
C+ = 78-79.999
A = 94-97.999
B = 84-87.999
C = 74-77.999
A- = 90-93.999
B- = 80-83.999
C- = 70-73.999
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D+ = 68-69.999
D = 64-67.999
F = 59.999 and below
D- = 60-63.999
Your final grade will be calculated as the weighted average of the course components using the
weights given in section V EVALUATION ITEMS.
Please note that grades are NOT rounded up. The above system is used in all circumstances.
Also, to be fair towards ALL students, grades are strictly based on your objective performance in
the course elements. Grades are NOT adjusted upwards on a ‘need’ basis, for instance, because a
student needs ‘at least a C’ to graduate.
I use the same standards to evaluate every student. Therefore, there will be no exceptions to
the scoring system. Any student seeking an exception will be referred to this policy in the
syllabus.
VII AVAILABILITY OF THE PROFESSOR
Please address the professor as Dr. Sarala in all communication.
If you have a question about the course, please email the professor (rmsarala@uncg.edu). In the
subject of the e-mail write “MGT 301-01” AND the topic of your e-mail. For instance, if you
have a question about the syllabus, use the following subject: “MGT 301-01 syllabus”. This will
result in a faster response to your e-mail.
During weekdays, I will make every attempt to answer to your email within 48 hours. However,
I do not check my email after 5 PM, during weekends or school holidays.
I will post weekly announcements on Blackboard (usually on Monday) and as needed. Therefore,
it is vital that you check Blackboard regularly.
VIII OTHER INFORMATION
Academic Integrity Policy
The students are expected to complete all requirements of this course in conformity with
UNCG’s Academic Integrity Policy. Any detected violations of any aspect of the Policy will be
fully pursued in accordance with the provisions therein.
Students with Disabilities
If you have a documented disability for which you need special arrangements, please contact the
UNCG Office of Accessibility Resources and Services (http://ods.uncg.edu). Any requests for
a documented disability for which you need special arrangements must come from this
office.
Extra Credit
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No extra credit assignments will be provided based on individual requests. This policy is in place
to be fair towards all students.
DR. SARALA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THIS DOCUMENT
AS NEEDED. ALL CHANGES WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON BLACKBOARD.
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