Texas Woman’s University
School of Management
Course Syllabus
______________________________________________________________________
BUS 5503.50: Summer (Maymester), 2016
Course Title: International Business & Economics Study Tour: Italy
Course Dates: May 6 – June 6, 2016
Italy Tour Dates: May 16-26, 2016
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Lead Professor: Dr. Michael Raisinghani
Email Address: mraisinghani@twu.edu
Office Phone: (940) 898-2930
Office Location: CFO 405
Office Hours: Tue/Thu 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Virtual hours as needed.
Co-Professor: Dr. Jeffrey Radighieri
Email Address: jradighieri@twu.edu
Office Phone: (940) 898-2245
Office Location: CFO 401
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Directed international business and economic study tour; examination of major trends in a selected foreign country’s (i.e., Italy’s)
economic, cultural, and business structures.
Credit: 3 hours.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLO’s)
As a result of this course students will:
A. Develop an understanding of the business and management culture in Italy.
B. Examine the current economic issues and trends in Italy.
C. Evaluate the impact of regional economic integration (European Union) on the Italian economy.
D. Compare and contrast Italian culture with that of the U.S., using Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions.
TEXTBOOKS (All 3 texts are Free Online Resources)
(1) Doing Business 2015: Going Beyond Efficiency
http://www.doingbusiness.org/reports/global-reports/doing-business-2015
(2) Doing Business in Italy: 2014 Country Commercial Guide for U.S. Companies
Online Reports:
http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/italy/
(3) Three Case Studies on Italy: http://www.doingbusiness.org/reports/case-studies/economy/italy
Doing Business case studies highlight the specific experience of an economy or region in improving important aspects of business
regulation. They offer an insight into regulatory issues faced by policy makers, challenges they had to overcome, and the impact of
their initiative.
Entrepreneurship around the World—Before, During, and After the Crisis
Italy: Modernizing Italy’s bankruptcy law
Italy: Repaying creditors without imprisoning debtors
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Reading Assignments
Read the textbooks/online resources assigned readings in accordance with the class schedule at the end of the syllabus.
2. Research Paper
Prepare a research paper, by pairing up with one of your peers, regarding the business environment in Italy (~12 pages without the
front (i.e., Abstract & Introduction) and end (i.e., Conclusion & References) sections). The report should include the following topics:

A string of scandals in the recent past have rocked Italian politics and Matteo Renzi’s government. The latest involves the
allegedly fraudulent bankruptcy of a chain of nursing homes. Legal reforms may help chip away at the mountain of nonperforming loans and Italy’s bad debts.

On August 27, 2015, the coastal district of Rome, with a population of around 230,000, became the biggest administrative unit in
Italy to be put under direct government control because of mobster subversion.

Europe’s migrant crisis and relocation quotas and its impact on Italy.

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi visited the United States in April 2015, where he discussed several pressing foreign policy
issues with U.S. President Barack Obama. What does Italy hope to gain from its relationship with the Unites States?.

What are the business implications of these recent developments in Italy? What impacts do these scandals have on the
credibility and reputation of Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi’s reforming government.

What are the biggest challenges facing Italy today?

How does management and organizational culture differ in Italy compared to the
U.S.?

What impact does the European Union have on Italy?

Does Italy need growth more than balanced budgets?

What can Italy do to boost domestic demand? Hint: The U.S. President Obama is convinced that EU countries need not only
expansive monetary policy (e.g., the European Central Bank started its own quantitative easing program in 2015), but also more
fiscal leeway to boost domestic demands.

What are the implications for theory/research and practice/management?
May I suggest that you have a good understanding of the following information with respect to Italy when writing your research paper:
Major exports, major imports
Currency used and value against the dollar
Chief trading competitors
Top 3 industries
The paper should show evidence of research (at least 10 research sources). Be sure to cite sources of information within the text of the
paper and include a list of references at the end. The paper should comply with APA format, and should be submitted using the
Blackboard assignment tab.
3. Journal
Students need to bring a journal book (any kind) on the trip for recording a daily log of activities and thoughts. The journal should
include descriptions of activities, impressions of people and places (or other cultural observations), and thoughts about your
experiences (especially pertaining to implications for doing business in that country).
The journal will be submitted in hand-written form and is due on the last day of the trip, prior to departing Italy. Journal grading is based
on making your best effort to record your thoughts and observations of each day.
Journals will be kept confidential and will be returned to the students after grading.
Grading Rubric for Journal Assignment
EXEMPLARY
4
COMPETENT
3
MARGINAL
2
Context/Purpose
Considers the audience,
purpose, and the circumstances
surrounding the writing
assignment(s).
Shows superior
understanding of context,
audience, and purpose that is
extremely appropriate for the
assignment(s).
Shows good understanding of
context, audience, and purpose
that is mostly appropriate for
the assignment(s).
Shows fair understanding of
context, audience, and purpose
that is somewhat appropriate
for the assignment(s).
Shows insufficient or poor
understanding of context,
audience, or purpose of the
assignment(s).
Content/Ideas/Support
Articulates and supports a main
idea(s) that is consistent with
context and purpose.
Highly original main idea(s) is
clearly articulated and
strongly supported by
predominantly current and
relevant evidence that may be
researched based. Main idea(s)
is exceedingly consistent with
context and purpose.
Mostly original main idea(s) is
generally well articulated and
sufficiently supported by
mainly current and relevant
evidence that may be
researched based. Main idea(s)
is generally consistent with
context and purpose.
Main idea(s) is vague, and/or
inadequately supported,
and/or inconsistent with
context and purpose.
Main idea(s) is hardly or not
evident and/or lacks support
and/or scarcely relates to
context and purpose.
Organization
Uses logical sequencing
including introduction,
transitions between
paragraphs, and summary/
conclusion to develop main
idea(s) and content.
Uses highly logical
sequencing including
introduction, transitions between
paragraphs, and summary/
conclusion to fully develop
main idea(s) and content.
Uses mostly logical
sequencing including
introduction, transitions between
paragraphs, and summary/
conclusion to generally
develop main idea(s) and
content.
Uses partially logical
sequencing. Makes
inadequate use of introduction,
and/or transitions between
paragraphs, and/or summary/
conclusion. Main idea(s) and
content are incompletely
developed.
Uses little or no logical
sequencing. Lacks introduction,
and/or transitions between
paragraphs and/or summary/
conclusion. Main idea(s) and
content remain undeveloped.
Sources
Incorporates use of and
identifies sources and/or
research, according to APA
and/or instructor guidelines.
Demonstrates superior
judgment in selection,
incorporation, and identification
of entirely appropriate
quality and quantity of
sources and/or research that
fully meet or exceed
established guidelines.
Demonstrates good judgment
in selection, incorporation, and
identification of mainly
appropriate quality and
quantity of sources and/or
research that mostly meet or
exceed established guidelines.
Demonstrates limited
judgment in selection and/or
incorporation and/or
identification of sources and/or
research. Quality and/or
quantity and/or appropriateness
partially meet established
guidelines.
Demonstrates little or no
judgment in selection and/or
incorporation and/or
identification of sources and/or
research. Quality and/or
quantity and/or appropriateness
do not meet established
guidelines.
CRITERIA
UNSATISFACTORY
0-1
SCORE
Grading Rubric for Journal Assignment
EXEMPLARY
4
CRITERIA
Word Usage/
Grammar/Spelling/
Punctuation
Uses wording, grammar,
spelling and punctuation
accurately and correctly.
COMPETENT
3
Demonstrates virtually errorfree grammar, spelling and
punctuation.
Demonstrates very few errors
in grammar, spelling and
punctuation.
MARGINAL
2
UNSATISFACTORY
0-1
SCORE
Demonstrates numerous
Demonstrates unacceptable
errors in grammar, spelling and amount and/or type of errors
punctuation.
in grammar, spelling and
punctuation.
TOTAL SCORE
4. Information Hunt
You will participate in an information hunt with your assigned team. The instructions will be given to your team at the departure airport
and will constitute a challenging experience involving critical information of importance to this trip concerning Italian business, issues,
and culture. Submit your team’s completed information form to the lead professor before departing Italy. Please pay attention to the
form, comprehensiveness, and completeness of the information you are required to obtain.
5. Group Project
There will be a group project submitted to represent the Italy trip. Houston and D/FW can prepare theirs separately or jointly. The
project is to be a group submission and creative. During/following the trip, groups will need to capture the experience in any one of
three forms: (1) traditional scrapbook, (2) video “scrapbook” or (3) digital scrapbook (Powerpoint presentation or Webpage). You can
use the form that most appeals to your group. It is best to plan with your group during the trip so you can coordinate picture taking and
recording of events/names/facts.
Course assignments are due per the following schedule:
ASSIGNMENT
Research Paper
Journal
Information Hunt
DUE DATE
May 15
May 26
May 26
Quizzes and Final Exam
Group Project
May 16-May 26 (dates tbd)
June 5
All writing assignments are to follow APA format, including an APA title page, abstract, and List of References. All work must be doublespaced, and in 12 point font.
Please allow 7-10 days for all grading of all assignments.
GRADING
Each student will be evaluated on his/her performance on the assignments/activities listed below. There are additional documents on
the course website that clarify the criteria for grading. The grade will be based on a multi-dimensional evaluation of the students’
classification and performance. The areas of evaluation are as follows:
Assignment
Point Value
% of Grade
Research Paper
Journal
Information Hunt
Group Project
Exams & Quizzes on the
Assigned Readings
TOTAL
20
20
20
20
20
20%
20%
20%
20%
20%
100
100%
The following grading scale will be used:
POINT VALUE
90-100 points
80-89.99
70-79.99
60-69.99
Below 60
GRADE
A
B
C
D
F
COURSE POLICIES
Academic Integrity:
Honesty in completing assignments is essential to the mission of the university and to the development of the personal integrity of the
student. In submitting graded assignments, students affirm that they have neither given nor received unauthorized assistance, and that
they have abided by all other provisions of the Code of Conduct in the TWU Student Handbook. Cheating, plagiarism, or other kinds of
academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in appropriate sanctions that may include failing an assignment, failing the
class, or being suspended or expelled. Suspected cases in this course may be reported to Student Life. The specific disciplinary
process for academic dishonesty is found in the TWU Student Handbook. The TWU library link, “Avoiding Plagiarism,” will aid students
in completing their assignments with integrity.
Students with Disabilities
If you anticipate the need for reasonable accommodations to meet the requirements of this course, you must register with the office of
Disability Support Services (CFO 106, 940-898-3835, dss@twu.edu ) in order to obtain the required official notification of your
accommodation needs. Please plan to meet with me by appointment or during office hours to discuss approved accommodations and
how my course requirements and activities may impact your ability to fully participate.
APA Format
The official form and style format for the School of Management is APA. All written assignments must use appropriate APA format for
citations, references, and other aspects of form and style.
Syllabus Subject to Change
The data provided in this document is for information and planning only. The syllabus and the assignment dates are subject to change
based on the material covered and unexpected circumstances that require changing the schedule.
Class Attendance Policy
Attendance is mandatory at the pre-trip class meeting, and at all tour events.
TWU Attendance Policy
Consistent and attentive attendance is vital to academic success, and is expected of all students. Grades are determined by academic
performance, and instructors may give students written notice that attendance related to specific classroom activities is required and will
constitute a specific percentage of students' grades.
Instructors are strongly encouraged to keep a record of student attendance. They should note absences due to documented student
illness, serious illness or death in the student's immediate family, pregnancy or related conditions, official school activity, staterecognized religious holiday, active military service that is of a reasonable brief duration, or other verified absences deemed appropriate
by the instructor. Students must consult with instructors regarding the completion of make-up work.
Absences do not exempt students from academic requirements. Excessive absences, even if documented, may result in a student
failing the course. An incomplete may be granted if the student has a passing grade, but only if the instructor determines that it is
feasible for the student to successfully complete remaining assignments after the semester. Pursuant to university policy, such
determinations are within the discretion of the instructor.
Internet and Email
All students are expected to have access to the Internet and have TWU email addresses. Note that you can contact other students in
the class through Blackboard email. BE SURE that you regularly check your TWU email address or have it forwarded to your regular
email address.
Posting of Final Grades
Each faculty member has the right to post or not post final course grades for each class. Final course grades provided to a student by
a faculty member may not be relied upon as official. Students may access their official final grades online. According to FERPA,
faculty may not provide final grade information to students via telephone, email, posting or any other source which might compromise
student confidentiality.
Late Assignments
Late assignments may be accepted, at the prerogative of the instructor, if there is a valid reason for the late submission. The student
will be penalized 5% of the grade per day during the first week after the due date of the assignment. Assignments will not be accepted
more than one week late.
Student Responsibility
You are expected to read and thoughtfully study all assigned materials and complete all assignments. Ask questions to clarify any
parts of the material that you do not understand. You are expected to participate in all aspects of the study tour, and to turn in
assignments on the dates scheduled.
Your business degree program is an opportunity to learn skills in critical thinking, gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information,
and problem solving. You also should be able to communicate effectively in writing and in presentations. This requires work and a
great deal of personal effort. I am always willing to help, but I cannot go through the process of struggling to learn for you. If you need
assistance, please contact me. You can do well in this course if you will work diligently, apply your mind, keep up with your
assignments, and communicate with me if you need assistance.
LEARNING FACILITATOR’S BIO
Dr. Mahesh S. Raisinghani, is a Professor in the Executive MBA program at the TWU School of Management. Dr. Raisinghani was
awarded the 2015 Distinction in Distance Education award, the 2008 Excellence in Research & Scholarship award and the 2007 G. Ann
Uhlir Endowed Fellowship in Higher Education Administration. He has edited eight books; published over hundred manuscripts in peer
reviewed journals, conferences, and book series; and has consulted for a variety of public and private organizations nationally and
internationally.
He has taught graduate courses at the European University in Switzerland, Turku School of Economics in Finland and Purdue
University's German International School of Management and Administration in Germany. He has served as an External Examiner for
theses and dissertations in Australia, South Africa, and USA. He has over 20 years of consulting experience in Fortune 500
Companies in the IT, banking, and service sectors, and provides management and technical consulting and training to all levels of
professionals in both established businesses and new business ventures.
Dr. Raisinghani serves as the Editor in Chief of the International Journal of Web-based Learning and Teaching Technologies; on the
board of Global IT Management Association; and as an advisory board member of the World Affairs Council. He is included in the
millennium edition of Who's Who in the World, Who's Who among Professionals, Who's Who among America's Teachers and Who's
Who in Information Technology.
Class Schedule: BUS 5503: Summer, 2016
Week
Topics
Assignments
Week 1: 5/6-5/13
Introduction to
Business
Management and
Culture in Italy
Read text #1.
Italy Study Tour
Read text # 2.
Week 2: 5/165/26
Attend Mandatory Class Meeting and
Pre-trip Orientation (TWU, Denton, TX,
May 9, 2016).
Research Paper due by May 15.
Week 3: 5/165/26
Italy Study Tour
Read 3 case studies (text #3).
Quizzes & Final Exam on Readings will
be conducted during the travel dates of
5/16-5/26
Submit Journal and Information Hunt
Form before departing Italy.
Week 4: 5/30
Week 5: 6/6
Trip Debrief
Critical Thinking, Reflection and
Synthesis (Pulling it Together).
Reflection and
Group Project due June 5.
Application
*The 45 contact hours of instruction excluding travel days that are required will be met as follows:
 Pre-Trip meeting: 2.5 hours
 Daily contact hours during the 8 Study Tour Day: 5 hours (this would include the visit and discussion with the top/middle
management team representative of the respective business/government/academic/religious organization, our face-to-face
meetings/briefings after breakfast/ lunch, during/after our meeting with the respective organization; and group meeting in the
evening for reflection and synthesis.
 Post-Trip meeting: 2.5 hours