KING'S COLLEGE
INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS (IB241)
FALL 2007
Instructor:
Bindu Vyas, Ph.D.
Phone:
570-208-5900 Ext. 5787
E-mail:
binduvyas@kings.edu
(For all course related communication you are required to use
WebCT communication system)
Office Location:
Room 320 McGowan Hall
Office Hour:
11:00am -12:00 am MWF
12:15pm – 1:15 pm TuTh
Or by appointment
Required Textbook: Global Business Today, Fifth Edition by Charles W. L. Hill,
New York: Addison Wesley
www.mhhe.com/hillgbt5E
Reference Journals:
and Periodicals:
Academy of International Business: www.aib.msu.edu
Business Week
Economist
WebCT:
We will work with WebCT for this course. WebCT address is
www.kings.edu/webct. Ms. Ferkel-Prieble will be available to
assist you in case of technical problem. mfpriebe@kings.edu, Ph:
570-208-5814
Course Objectives:
The main objective is to develop a theoretical and conceptual understanding of issues
related to international business. Emphasis will be on
1. examining the causes, methods, obstacles and consequences of international trade and
investment and applying that knowledge to the challenges of doing business
internationally.
2. learning about micro and macro factors which makes the environment of international
and domestic businesses distinct. This helps students develop problem-solving skills for
their careers.
3. introducing students to the tools and methods required to function effectively within
international business environment.
4. evaluating and integrating theory with the real world experience.
Course Description:
This course will provide broad overview of the environment in which international
business takes place. The topics to be covered include but are not limited to analysis of
the political, legal and cultural environments in which international businesses operate,
understanding corporate strategy formulation in the face of government intervention,
understanding the world's financial and capital markets, and discussing international trade
and foreign direct investment theories. The course covers broad spectrum of topics to
equip students with fundamentals of international business.
The text is divided into five major subject areas: Introduction to the field of international
business and globalization, country differences, cross-border trade and investment, global
money system, competing in a global marketplace. Assignment and/or case analyses
dealing with each of the text topic is utilized, with emphasis on problem solving methods.
Class Procedures:
The content of the course will be conveyed through a mix of lectures and discussions.
Each approach in the mix is designed to develop and elaborate on the content of the
assigned readings. Class discussions, bulleting board will be used to encourage student
participation. Students are expected:
* to discuss knowledgeably the assigned readings
* to raise questions they may have about assigned readings
* to participate in the case discussions
You will be required to study the assigned text and supplementary materials and to
present your analysis and insights to other members of the class.
Students are expected to show a good grasp of the concepts and issues addressed in this
course and their relevance to managers of international businesses. To that end, in your
readings try to concentrate on issues, trends and relationships.
The Grading:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Class Participation (OCQ/DQ/KT)
Quizzes
3 Exams
Individual Assignment(s)
Group Assignment & Presentation
180
120
240
060
050
_________________
650
Grade will be determined according to following scale:
97-100 and above = A
93-96 = A89-92 = B+
85-88 = B
81-84 = B77-80 = C+
73-76 = C
69-72 = C65-68 = D
64 and below = F
Class participation is an important part of this course, as participating in class-room and
bulletin-board discussions will give you practice at the invaluable skill of expressing your
oral and written opinion in a clear and concise manner.
There will be 3 exams each worth 100 points. The exams will mainly consist of multiplechoice questions, although there may be definitions and essays. Occasionally other forms
of questions such as true or false, matching may be used. All exams will include
questions based on text, web material, discussions and presentations. Students are
expected to take all examinations during the time it is scheduled.
Final grade for the course will be based on completion of all course requirements on due
dates. Late submissions will receive one grade lower.
Assignments consist of through reading of the assigned chapters in the text, readings
(whether or not discussed in class), and assigned cases and questions. Formats for the
case analysis and other assignments are included in the syllabus. SEE STUDENT
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF TIMING FOR
ASSIGNMENTS.
Attendance at all classes is expected. Role will be taken regularly. Any students missing
more than three classes will have their grade reduced. Missing more than 6 classes will
result in failing grade.
Final grade for the course will be based on completion of all course requirements on due
dates. Students are expected to complete reading assignments and any other assigned
work when due. Late submissions will receive one grade lower.
Prerequisites:
All students require a computer account, and should be familiar with e-mail and the use
of a graphical web browser such as Netscape/Explorer.
Academic dishonesty will be dealt with according to the regulations prescribed by the
King’s College as per student hand book
The syllabus is subject to change at any time the instructor deems it necessary
Tentative Class Outline:
Week
Date
Topic
1.
* Course Introduction and Overview
Reference: Syllabus, Group Formation, CP/SE Form.
Chapter 1: Globalization
Assignment: Opening Case Questions (OCQ), Discussion
Questions (DQ), Key Terms (KT), Chapter Quiz
2
* Chapter 2: Country Differences in Political Economy
Assignment: Opening Case Questions (OCQ), Discussion
Questions (DQ), Key Terms (KT), Chapter Quiz
Written Assignment 1 due
3
* Chapter 3: Differences in Culture
Assignment: Opening Case Questions (OCQ), Discussion
Questions (DQ), Key Terms (KT), Chapter Quiz
4
* Chapter 4: Ethics in International Business
Assignment: Opening Case Questions (OCQ), Discussion
Questions (DQ), Key Terms (KT), Chapter Quiz
Written Assignment 2 due
5
Conclude Chapter 4
Assignment: Opening Case Questions (OCQ), Discussion
Questions (DQ), Key Terms (KT), Chapter Quiz
Exam 1 Review
Exam 1 Chapters 1-4
6
* Chapter 5: International Trade Theory
Assignment: Opening Case Questions (OCQ), Discussion
Questions (DQ), Key Terms (KT), Chapter Quiz
7
* Chapter 6: The Political Economy of International
Assignment: Opening Case Questions (OCQ), Discussion
Questions (DQ), Key Terms (KT), Chapter Quiz
Written Assignment 3 due
8
* Chapter 7 Foreign Direct Investment
Assignment: Opening Case Questions (OCQ), Discussion
Questions (DQ), Key Terms (KT), Chapter Quiz
MID-TERM GRADES DUE (Out of 260)
Exam 1 (80), Ch1-6 OCQ, DQ, KT (90), Written
Assignment 1-3 (30), Ch Quizzes (60)
9
* Chapter 8 Regional Economic Integration
Assignment: Opening Case Questions (OCQ), Discussion
Questions (DQ), Key Terms (KT), Chapter Quiz
Written Assignment 4 due
10
Conclude Chapter 8
Exam 2 Review
Exam 2 (Chapter 5-8)
11
* Chapter 9 The Foreign Exchange Market
Assignment: Opening Case Questions (OCQ), Discussion
Questions (DQ), Key Terms (KT), Chapter Quiz
12
* Chapter 10 International Monetary System
Assignment: Opening Case Questions (OCQ), Discussion
Questions (DQ), Key Terms (KT), Chapter Quiz
Written Assignment 5 due
13
*Chapter 11 Global Strategy of International Business
Assignment: Opening Case Questions (OCQ), Discussion
Questions (DQ), Key Terms (KT), Chapter Quiz
14
*Chapter 12 Entering Foreign Markets
Assignment: Opening Case Questions (OCQ), Discussion
Questions (DQ), Key Terms (KT), Chapter Quiz
15
Exam 3 Review (Chapters 9-12)
Country Report Presentations
Written Assignment 6 (Country Report) due
Conclusion
Exam 3 During Final Exam Period, As Scheduled
International Business 241
Supplement to Syllabus
Competencies:
CRITICAL THINKING
An objective of this course is to build upon the critical thinking skills acquired in
CORE 100: The student will be challenged to integrate International Business
theory/concepts with other disciplines relating them to IB literature. It is the goal of this
course to challenge students to understand issues global business in the broader
organizational and social context from which they arise, and from where they must be
worked out. This will be accomplished through an assessment requiring preparation of
written assignments; and the preparation of Country Report..
Assessment criteria for these assignments will be:
(1) The student correctly identifies key issues related to the assignment.
(2) The student recognizes the assumptions/premises of issues discussed
and is able to develop and evaluate alternative perspectives.
(3) The student applies relevant IB concepts.
(4) The student identifies a variety of evaluation criteria for country
competitiveness
(5) The student effectively and logically defends her/his conclusions using
results of the appropriate research in the analysis of the issues
examined.
EFFECTIVE WRITING
Another objective of this course is to build upon writing skills acquired in CORE
110: Effective Writing; The student will be able to apply the principles of effective
writing to the preparation of various assignments. This will be accomplished through the
preparation of the Written Assignments and Country Report.
Assessment criteria for these assignments will be:
(1) The student correctly and clearly defines the issues under
investigation.
(2) The student uses technical vocabulary accurately.
(3) The student correctly quotes and references relevant source material.
(4) The student coherently combines ideas and relevant evidence from
sources to arrive at defensible conclusions/opinions regarding the
topic under investigation.
(5) The student will provide written reports in a prescribed format that is
both attractively formatted and effectively written.
(6) Team projects will provide a personal assessment/critique of the topic
as to its viability, relevance, effectiveness, etc.
COMPUTER LITERACY AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Another objective of this course is to build upon the computer skills acquired in
BUS. 121 Introductory Computer Applications. The student will become proficient in
the operation of various software packages. This will be accomplished through the
preparation of assignment(s) using word processing software, the Internet, and Power
point presentation software.
Assessment criteria for the word processing and Power point assignments will be:
(1) The student will prepare a paper and presentation which contain no
word-processing errors (such as misspellings, wrong spacing, etc.)
LIBRARY AND INFORMATION LITERACY
Another objective of this course is to build upon the research skills acquired in
CORE 100: Critical Thinking and CORE 110: Effective Writing. The student will be able
to identify, locate, and use appropriate information relating to issues in global business.
This will be accomplished through the preparation of the Country Report.
Assessment criteria for these assignments will be:
(1) The student designs a comprehensive search strategy.
(2) The student synthesizes data from a variety of sources.
(3) The student displays data in an appropriate format to support
assessment
(4) The student evaluates the information located in terms of its
appropriateness, currency, depth, and authority of its source.
(5) The student validates information, when necessary, through other
sources.
(6) The student synthesizes the collected information, draws valid
conclusions and documents the evidence presented to support each
position taken in any written assignment.
EFFECTIVE ORAL COMMUNICATION
Another objective of this course is to build upon the oral communication skills
acquired in CORE 115: The student will be able to deliver an effective and convincing
presentation. This will be accomplished through the oral presentation of the leadership
case study analyses, and research projects.
Assessment criteria for these assignments will be:
(1) The student clearly defines the topic/problem, uses technical
vocabulary correctly, and specifies the relationship with other teammember discussion.
(2) The student’s presentation exhibits unity and the logical flow of ideas
or evidence that allows the audience to understand/follow the main
points; reinforces important points through reiteration and summary.
(3) The student’s presentation will provide a personal assessment/critique
of the topic as to its usefulness, problems, viability, effectiveness, etc.
(4) The student communicates a thorough knowledge of the leadership
topic or issue under consideration.
(5) The student demonstrates oral presentation skills, i.e., poise, eye
contact, pace, etc.
(6) The student answers the audience questions clearly and directly.
QUANTITATIVE REASONING
Another objective of this course is to build upon the quantitative reasoning skills
acquired in MATH 121: and Calculus; ECON 221: Quantitative Methods I. The student
will be able to utilize numerical data to evaluate currency values and country
competitiveness.
Assessment criteria for these assignments will be:
(1) The student selects the appropriate ratio or formulas to evaluate a
country’s economic condition
(2) The student explains and defends the selections and evaluations.
Written Assignment Evaluation Guide
The submissions will be graded on the content, research, communication and writing as
follows. Each submission must have Name of the student, IB241 Assignment # X on the
left corner. The writing has to be 10-12 point font, single spacing and limited to one page
(excluding references, tables, appendix).
You are required to identify key concepts, answer all the questions and sub-questions.
Need to research in the library and refer to other sources to come up with the answers.
Also need to include references at the end of the write-up. Following criteria will be used
for the evaluation of the assignments.
Content: (3.5)
-
The write up identifies key issues.
-
The write up answers the questions completely
-
When using other source reference is made.
-
The writing does not repeat the information already provided.
-
The write up emphasizes international issues.
-
The addresses the questions and provides clear analysis.
Research (1.5)
-
Used additional resources for analysis
Communication and writing (3)
-
Reasoning is completely explained
-
Relevant assumptions are clearly identified
-
Writing is clear
-
Writing is concise
The write up has been properly proof-read, formatted (2)
Grade: (10)