University of San Diego
School of Business Administration
BUSN 361
Introduction to International Business (3)
Dr. Kokila Doshi
Office: OH 110
Phone: (619) 260-4843
E-mail: kdoshi@sandiego.edu
Office Hours:
T-TH 9-30-10-30 AM
WED
3-00-6-00 PM
Course Description
An introduction to the international dimension of doing business. The purpose of this
course is to make the student aware of the role played by culture, geography,
government, and economics in shaping the environment in which businesses operate
internationally. Topics include forward currency markets, foreign direct investment,
negotiation, international distribution, etc.
Course Objectives
The course will provide an overview of the various aspects of doing business in a global
economy.
The overview of international business will allow students to:

Develop a global mindset

Develop an understanding and importance of cultural, political and economic
environment affecting the businesses that operate globally.

Gain an appreciation for cultural differences in various countries and their
implications for negotiations and successful business strategies.

Develop an analytical insight for policy analysis

Apply the concepts learned in the class to a practical situation involving entry
strategies and marketing in a global economy

Bring a global perspective to future business classes and assignments
Course Material
Textbook:
International Business: Competing in the Global Marketplace, Charles Hill,
Irwin/McGraw Hill, 8th Edition,.
Handouts:
To supplement the textbook, case studies and articles on current events
will be distributed periodically in the class.
Videos:
Videos for various countries will be shown.
Course Format
Lectures will be used to expand upon text material. Other methods will include case
studies, group discussions and debates. Based on availability, guest speakers will be
invited.
Class participation is highly encouraged. Discussions will include current events. For
effective participation and meaningful contribution, assigned material must be read
before class.
Course Evaluation
Your final grade will be based on the following:
Midterm Exam
Assignments
Case Analysis
Class Participation
Final Exam
25%
25%
15%
10%
25%
Your class participation will be judged on the basis of attendance, participation in inclass discussions and case-analysis.
Exams
Exams will consist of short questions and mini cases. Exams must be taken when they
are scheduled. Ten points will be deducted from your score on the make-up exam.
Permission to take final exam at other than the scheduled time is almost never granted.
Assignments
Three short research assignments will be given during the semester covering topics
from self-study, current events or as supplement exercises.
Case Analysis
This is a group assignment. Each group will be assigned a specific case study. Your
group will present the case in a creative way answering the questions provided to you in
advance. Detailed instruction will be provided during the semester.
Course Conduct
Regular attendance is expected. Excessive absences will affect your class participation
grade.
Ethical behavior is expected of all students. Acts of academic dishonesty are taken
seriously and dealt with harshly. Please refer to the Graduate Bulletin Handbook for
more information. Any student who copies or paraphrases another person’s material on
any exam or assignment or provides unauthorized assistance will receive an ‘F’ for the
course.
Course Outline
Date
Jan 25, 27
Feb 1, 3
Assignment
Globalization of Markets
Globalization of Production, Globalization at GE
Drivers of Globalization
Globalization Debate – unemployment and human costs
Differences in legal, economic and political environment
Differences in Culture – Self-study
Hofstede’s Model, Disney in France, Islamic Banking
Cross-cultural communications and negotiations
Attractiveness of a country
Feb 8, 10
Chapter
1
2
3
Ethics in international business
Pfizer in Nigeria
Walmart in China
4
International Trade Theory - Overview
Product Life-Cycle Theory
Porter’s Diamond
5
Case: Google in China
Feb 15, 17
Free Trade vs. Protection – Self-study
GATT, World Trade Organization – Self-study
Instruments of Trade Policy
6
Mid-Term Exam
Feb 22, 24
Profiting from global expansion
Cost reductions and local responsiveness
Strategic Choices, Business and social responsibility
Case: Walmart’s Foreign Expansion
12
Mar 1, 3
Entry Strategies
Timing, Scale, Modes of entry, GE’s joint venture
Group discussion with specific products
14
Case: Toyota: The Rise of Global Corporation
Mar 8, 10
Exporting Strategy
Pros and Cons of Counter trade
Growth of Counter trade
15
Case: Boeing vs. Airbus
Mar 22, 24
Global Production – Country factors, technology factors, product
factors.
Centralizing or decentralizing? Make or Buy?
Role of foreign factories, outsourcing – pros and cons
16
Mar 29, 31
Global Marketing
Product, Place, Promotion, Pricing
Role of Cultural Factors
Dove: Unilever’s global brand
17
Overview &
Self-study
Case: Starbuck’s Corporation
Apr 5, 7
Foreign Direct Investment –
Growth and Direction
FDI in China
Benefits and costs of FDI to home and host countries (role play)
7
Case: Ikea-Lessons Learned
Apr 19
Foreign Exchange Markets – Volkswagen’s Hedging Policy
Exchange Rate Determination
Fixed vs. Flexible Exchange Rates
Currency Crisis & Role of IMF – Self-study
Financial Crisis – Argentina, Greece
Apr 26, 28
Currency management, current events
May 3, 5
Regional Trading Groups
EU, NAFTA, ASEAN, Others
Martin’s textile – A response to changing wages
Course Overview & Summary
Course Review
Apr 12, 14
May 10
May 13 - 19
Final Exam
This is a tentative outline. Changes may be made as deemed necessary.
10, 11
9
Overview &
Self-study