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.