Mgt 456
International Business
Spring 2005
Instructor:
Office:
Telephone:
Email:
Office Hours:
Text:
Mary McNally
College of Business 200
657-1650
mmcnally@msubillings.edu
TuTh 1:45-3pm; Wed 5-6pm; and by appointment
Hill, Global Business Today. 3rd edition. McGraw-Hill (2004)
 additional required readings/cases on electronic library reserve
 FINS participant manual (one per team)
 Financial Times (packaged with required text)
Course Description:
The international dimensions of contemporary business, and the broader components of
globalization, are increasingly important influences on our lives (and livelihoods).
Globalization represents an incredible challenge and opportunity for business,
governments, and individuals. It is important we understand factors shaping the
international context - the evolving institutions and practices that are governing global
commerce, and the controversies that are evident – now and in the near future. I am
excited about this course, and believe you will find it a valuable and, yes, challenging
experience.
This is a senior level seminar and is NOT designed to be a lecture course. We will be
using a well-recognized text as a theoretical basis, but course materials also include
additional readings on key topics and a Foreign Investment Negotiation Simulation
(FINS). Student involvement in class discussions, issue analyses, and activities is
essential. It is expected that you will have read and prepared material PRIOR to coming
to class. In order to ‘encourage’ this, unannounced quizzes are guaranteed. See
guidelines for success (attached).
The attached outline includes a weekly schedule of readings and assignments. It is
tentative and subject to change, depending on how the class proceeds. Any changes will
be announced in class.
I welcome student questions/comments, and encourage you to take advantage of my
office hours (or set up an appointment) should you so desire.
Course Objectives:
1. Develop understanding of theories, institutions, and processes influencing
international business practices
2. Increase appreciation of cultural diversity
3. Demonstrate understanding of the complex local factors influencing business
opportunities in another country
4. enhance communication skills and knowledge of international issues through
participation in Foreign Investment Negotiations Simulation (FINS).
Performance Objectives and Assessment:
In its pursuit of AACSB accreditation, the College of Business is engaged in a continuous
improvement process. As our mission statement states, “The academic programs of the
college develop student competencies in oral communication, effective writing, critical
thinking, quantitative reasoning, and effective utilization of information and technology
for business decisions.” In light of our mission and the above course objectives, the
following core competencies and performance objectives will be emphasized, on a scale
of 1 (low emphasis) to 5 (high emphasis).
a. critical thinking (5). According to one source, a critical thinker:
 raises vital questions and problems, formulating them clearly
and precisely
 gathers and assesses relevant information, using abstract ideas
to interpret it effectively
 comes to well-reasoned conclusions and solutions, testing them
against relevant criteria and standards
 thinks openmindedly within alternative systems of thought,
recognizing and assessing, as need be, their assumptions,
implications and practical consequences; a d
 communicates effectively with others in figuring out solutions
to complex problems (Paul & Elder, Foundation for Critical
Thinking, 2001)
- assessment: Students will be required to develop and
present (orally and in writing) thoughtful analyses of
issues in international business and globalization.
Students will also be required to respond to material
and discussions initiated by others. The material
covered in the course encompasses a variety of
viewpoints and theories, and students will need to
demonstrate familiarity with this material through inclass interactions, exams, written and oral analyses, and
a negotiation exercise. Individual contributions to class
discussion are expected and valued.
b. Oral communication (4): effectively organizing, articulating, and presenting your
rationale, logic, thoughts, and conclusions are essential aspects of good oral
communication. Along with content, organization and delivery are important
components.
- assessment: Students are expected to come to class
prepared to discuss the assigned readings. Small groups
will be assigned to analyze and present an issue in
depth to the class. In addition, as a member of a team
each student will participate in an international foreign
investment negotiation exercise. Peer reviews will be
an important part of each individual’s assessment.
c. Effective writing (5): A good paper and/or written analysis includes insightful and
logical content; effective organization; and good mechanics (e.g. grammar, word
usage).
- assessment: students groups are required to submit
several written analyses, including a country risk
assessment, negotiation strategy, and final negotiation
results as part of FINS. Evaluation will be based on
content organization, and mechanics (see attached
criteria). In addition, exams will include an essay
component, graded on an individual basis.
Grading:
1. In order to ‘encourage’ reading of assigned material prior to class, unannounced
quizzes are guaranteed.
2. Each individual will be assigned to a group/team, and each group will be responsible
for leading class discussion (and submitting a written analysis) on an assigned issue.
3. Each team will also be assigned a ‘role’ as part of the negotiation exercise (FINS).
These teams will develop and submit a country risk analysis; negotiation strategy; and
analysis of final negotiation outcomes.
4. There will be additional (short) individual assignments and in class activities.
5. There will be two exams, consisting of multiple guess and essay questions. There
will be no comprehensive final exam.
Breakdown of grading
Issue presentation/class discussion
FINS
Class participation (inc. quizzes)
2 exams (each worth 25%)
% of final grade
10
30
10
50
Grades will be computed using the percentages specified above. Letter grades will be
assigned as follows:
90 and above
A
80 and above
B
70 and above
C
60 and above
D
below 60 ………………………your life in the new millenium is ruined…
Additional Information:
1. The attached outline is tentative and subject to change. Any changes will be
announced in class.
2. You will notice on the outline that there are additional REQUIRED reading materials
(and cases) on electronic reserve. In order to access these materials, you need to:
a. go to the MSU Billings homepage
b. click on library
c. click on library catalogue (in yellow bar)
d. click on reserve desk (gray bar)
e. type in my name (mcnally) and click on instructor
3.
4.
5.
6.
f. click on my name again – a list of the courses I have reserve material for will
come up
g. click on this class (mgt 456) and then choose the reading (eventually you need to
click on the url)
Academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated.
You are responsible for all enrollment matters.
I do not require that you subscribe to the Wall Street Journal, but I do STRONGLY
SUGGEST that you start reading it regularly – yes, along with the Financial Times!
You can subscribe as a student and get it delivered at a reasonable rate. You can also
can access the Wall Street Journal on line:
 Go to www.wsj.com OR www.msubillings.edu/Library/articles.htm
 Username: msublibrary
 Password: msubillings
Students with disabilities, whether physical, learning, or psychological, who believe
that they may need accommodations in this class, are encouraged to contact Disability
Support Services as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are
implemented in a timely fashion. Please meet with [DSS] staff to verify your
eligibility for any classroom accommodations and for academic assistance related to
your disability. Disability Support Services is located in the Academic Support
Center.