July 2015
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong Community College
Subject Description Form
Subject Code
CCN2126
Subject Title
Introduction to International Business
Level
2
Credit Value
3
Medium of
Instruction
English
Pre-requisite /
Co-requisite/
Exclusion
Nil
Objectives
This subject aims to provide students with an overview of international
business concepts and to develop students’ ability to analyse the impact
of globalisation on international business, trade and investment. This
subject helps students develop a global outlook and an understanding of
cultural diversity. It provides a foundation for studying related higher
level subjects in international business studies. Leading-edge theories of
international business and current issues in globalisation are covered in
this subject to strengthen students’ knowledge of international business
practices.
Intended Learning
Outcomes
Upon completion of the subject, students will be able to:
(a) analyse the current trends of trade and investment in the global
environment.
(b) evaluate the effect of political, socio-economic environments, and
cultural differences on international business.
(c) recognise the increasing integration of the world economy.
(d) develop the ability to assess the influence of globalisation on
business strategies and operations.
(e) apply relevant knowledge to enhance their understanding of other
subjects related to international business.
Subject Synopsis/
Indicative Syllabus
Laying Foundations
The need for international business; The international business
imperative; Global link today.
Global Trade and Investment
Instruments of international trade and investment policy; Evolution of
the world trading framework; The theory of international investment;
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July 2015
Theoretical foundations surrounding national competitive advantage.
Globalisation Drivers
The elements of culture; Cultural analysis; Similarities and differences
between cultures; Politics and law; Political and legal environment.
Economic Integration
Levels of economic integration; Arguments surrounding economic
integration; Regional economic groupings and agreements in different
regions.
Effects of Globalisation on International Business Strategies
Strategic planning, implementation, and control; Recognising the need
for international research; Global entry and expansion; Motivations to
go abroad.
International Business and Its Influence on Operations
Investigate strategic management issues of global marketing and
international HRM; Standardisation versus adaptation; Organisation
structures of international business; Selection criteria for overseas
assignments; Compensation.
Teaching/Learning
Methodology
Lectures will focus on the introduction and explanation of basic
international business concepts, with specific reference to current
globalisation issues wherever appropriate. Tutorials will provide
students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the
concepts taught in lectures and to apply the theories to the analysis of
real-life international business issues. Activities in the tutorials will
normally include group discussions and presentations of case studies,
questions and problems sets.
Assessment
Methods in
Alignment with
Intended Learning
Outcomes
A variety of assessment tools will be used to develop and assess
students’ achievement of the subject intended learning outcomes.
Specific assessment
methods/tasks
%
weighting
Intended subject learning
outcomes to be assessed
a
b
c
d
e
Continuous Assessment*
50
 Test
15



 Individual Assignment
10





 Group Project
20





 Tutorial Exercises &
Activities
5





Final Examination
50





Total
100
*Continuous assessment items and/or weighting may be adjusted by the subject
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July 2015
team subject to the approval of the College Programme Committee.
To pass this subject, students are required to obtain Grade D or above in
both the Continuous Assessment and Final Examination.
Student Study
Effort Expected
Class contact
Hours
 Lecture
26
 Tutorial
13
Other student study effort
Reading List and
References
 Self-study
52
 Continuous Assessment
39
Total student study effort
130
Recommended Textbook
Cavusgil, S. T., Ronkainen, Knight, G., & Riesenberger, J. R. (2014).
International Business: The New Realities. (3rd ed.), Prentice Hall.
References
Ball, D., Geringer, M., Minor, M. S., & McNett, J. M. (2010).
International business: The challenge of global competition. (13th ed.),
McGraw-Hill.
Griffin, R. W., & Purstay, M. (2013). International business. (7th ed.),
Prentice Hall.
Hill, C. W. L. (2013). International business. (9th ed.), McGraw-Hill.
Peng, M. (2014). Global Business. (3rd ed.), Cengage Learning.
Wild, J. J., & Wild, K. L. (2014). International business. (7th ed.),
Prentice Hall.
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