UNIVERSITY OF BELIZE
FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL SCIENCES (FMASS)
COURSE OUTLINE
SEMESTER II – 2006/2007
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Course Title:
Course No.:
Department:
Programs:
Prerequisite:
Lecturer:
E-mail:
Telephone:
Office Location:
Class Times/Location
Consultation:
Prescribed text:
References
International Business
MGMT 320
Management
B.Sc. Management, B.Sc. Accounting, B.Sc. Tourism
Management
MKTG 221, ECON 221 & MGMT101
Ms. Lisa Eiley MAM
ubeiley@yahoo.com
223-0256 Ext. 131
Dept. of Management, University Dr., Belize City
Section 1, MW 8:00-9:30 am
Section 2, TU 7:15-8:45 pm
See posted Signs
Daniels, John D. and Radebaugh, Lee H. International Business:
Environments and Operations; 9th edition, 2001. Prentice hall,
Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.
Students are encouraged to read the following and visit various
websites such as ones listed below:
International Journals- Use Pro Quest and Finearticles.com
Local Newspapers- Articles involving Belize and
international business environment.
Recommended Websites:
the
International Trade Association at http://www.ita.doc.gov
World Fact Book at http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook
World Bank at http://www.worldbank.org
International Monetary Fund at http://www.imf.org
Current country information at
http://www.yahoo.com/regional/countries
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat at
http://www.caricom.org
European Union at http://www.europa.eu.int
World Export-Import Bank of the United States at
http://www.exim.gov
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The International Business Arena
The increasing globalization of the market place affects all who are involved with business or who
must make business decisions. Even those who are not directly involved in international business are
affected in their domestic operations by international events and by the business activities of foreign
entities. Therefore, it is imperative to be knowledgeable about the international business systems.
This decade will pose many challenges and opportunities, particularly for newly industrialized
countries (NIC). Three primary causes of these challenges are: first, these countries have become
fierce competitors for the manufacture of high tech goods. Second, integration of the European
Community has now created the largest trade block. Third, the acute international debt crisis keeps
threatening the world financial structure and economic growth. This crisis has redirected the trade
pattern away from the poor countries to the richest, and likewise has concentrated capital flows among
the rich countries. However, in recent times we have been observing a shift back to LCD’s,
particularly in industries that are labor intensive. In the Caribbean region we are moving towards the
Caribbean Single Market & Economy (CSME), consequently understanding regional integration and
Belize is imperative for students of business.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Introduces the concept of international business as a system and the theories which underlie it;
institutions which are visual evidences of it; production, marketing, financial, legal and other subsystems which comprise the total system. It also examines national governmental and international
institutional controls and constraints, which impact the environment in which the system operates.
The successful search for new markets implies an appreciation of these issues and an understanding of
the forces at work in the international business environment. We will therefore discuss:
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Economics and politics of international trade
Mechanics of international financial transactions permitting the initiation and settlement of
trade
Accounting systems that allow countries to monitor and manage the transfer of resources and
capital
Trade Agreements and globalization
Caribbean Single Market & Economy (CSME)
NAFTA and World Trade Organization (WTO)
Main institutions and intermediaries which facilitates the flow of resources (MNC’s
supernational agencies and financial institutions, government agencies, private financial
institutions)
The legal mechanism and arbitration agencies permitting the settlement of international
conflicts
The global environment and its people, in terms of opportunities for new markets and outlets
for goods and services
Ethical issues confronting the international business community
PREREQUISITE(S)
Students must have successfully completed MGMT 101, MKTG 221, and ECON 221 with a grade of
“C+” or higher.
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COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
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Analyze the role and impact of international business on national economic development.
Explain how the economic, political/legal, and financial environments affect international
business operations.
Discuss how cultural and behavioral differences influence countries business practices, and
how these differences can be addressed using appropriate strategies.
Discuss international trade theory and how government and business decisions influence
international trade.
Assess the effects of current regional trade agreements and economic integration on developing
countries.
Discuss how environmental differences support or complicate marketing, export and import
strategies.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY
Instructional Methodology will include a combination of lectures, class discussions, presentations and
case studies. The lecturer will augment specific topics in the assigned text. Supplementary materials
will be passed out by the lecturer as deemed necessary. Students are encouraged to share relevant
articles etc. The class will be divided into teams for the purpose of group discussions and term
projects. Your participation in class discussions and group is imperative. Students are expected to do
all reading assignments before class. Whether or not you are in class you are responsible for all
assignments. All assignments are to be handed up in hard copy. No exceptions will be made.
Reading all the local newspapers and listening to local news is a requirement of this class. Be alert for
all matters involving international business and globalization. This class involves more than just
reading and showing up for lectures; much of the learning will emanate class discussions so do not just
show up for class, read, show up and participate.
Evaluation:
Tests (3)
Case Analysis (2)
Participation/Quizzes
Final Exam
Total
30%
20%
10%
40%
100%
Tests:
There will be three tests weighted 10% each. Tests may include a combination of multiple choice,
essays and cases analyses.
Case Analysis
The class will be given two cases throughout the semester for individual written submission. Each
case must thoroughly answer the questions following the case in a typed, hard copy format.
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Class Participation
The student is expected to prepare assigned chapters/handouts before each class. S/he is also expected
to keep up to date on current business news, as the international business environment is a dynamic
one. The quality of the student’s input to class discussions will determine how much of the remaining
balance s/he will receive. Participation, defined broadly, includes attendance both in class and group
meetings. High levels of participation would include active participation in class discussions
(especially when that involves drawing others into the discussion) and might also include bringing
information from outside sources (work/life experience, journal/magazine/newspaper articles, books,
etc.) that enrich the learning experience of the class. NOTE: If students fail to participate or show lack
of reading and participation, the lecturer will implement a “pop quiz” policy and quiz grades will be
measured at 80% of the participation grade and the remaining 20% will be based on exceeding
expectations.
Marks for classroom contribution will be allocated in the following manner:
Exceeds Expectations
9-10 Students in this category provide leadership in and out of the classroom and work toward
enhancing the interpersonal dynamics of the class. Rather than dominating the setting, they act
as facilitators, bringing others into the discussion.
Meets Expectations
7-8 For showing an active interest in class activities and participating in classroom discussions; for
regularly making insightful comments which help others to understand the course material; for
being a positive group member, etc.
Does not Meet Expectations
0-6 For attending class on a regular basis and only occasionally contributing to the classroom
experience. 0 For failing on all of the previously identified ways of contributing.
Final Exam:
The final examination will be cumulative and worth 30% of your final grade.
CLASSROOM POLICIES
Late Submissions
Late assignments submitted within one day past the due date, without prior approval from the lecturer,
will be penalized by one letter grade.
Deferred test policy
If a student misses a test s/he must submit a letter (on a proper letterhead) justifying her/his request for
a deferred test (attach supporting documents where possible), and deliver it either in person or via a
representative later than the next class meeting. The same applies to requests for deferred tests
submitted prior to the scheduled test date. In such cases the lecturer will arrange a deferred test or
other appropriate means of evaluation. If a student misses a test without any excuse or permission,
s/he will automatically receive a grade of ‘0’ for that test.
Note: In cases where the lecturer does not accept a student’s justification for a deferred test, the
student can appeal this decision to the academic dean.
Academic Dishonesty
There is zero-tolerance for any form of academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty includes
“borrowing” business plans from past or present students, and the Internet, borrowing exam papers,
plagiarism, sharing individual assignments, and copying other people’s work. Be familiar with
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university regulations governing academic dishonesty. At the very least, anyone/any group found
guilty of any academic crime will receive a grade of zero.
Quoting Sources and Documentation
In the world of academia, it is mandatory for anyone who uses material that is not his/her own to quote
his or her sources. Students must ensure that the source of any idea/material that is not their own is
properly acknowledged in the reference/bibliography section of their work. Improper referencing will
be penalized.
UB’s POLICIES
The following policies apply to all students. Please read and follow carefully. See Student Handbook
for further reference.
Dress Code for Presentations/Guest Lectures/Internships
Students are expected to dress professionally for presentations, guest lectures, and for internships.
Professional dress for males includes, but not limited to, slacks, shoes, or dress appropriate for the
presentation. Professional dress for females includes, but not limited to, slacks/skirts, sleeved top,
shoes, or dress appropriate for presentation.
Attendance
If students are to obtain maximum benefits from taking a course, regular attendance is essential. The
responsibility of meeting all class assignments including tests and research papers lies with the
students. In order to get the full value of any course taken, students must attend no less than eighty
percent (80%) of the classes scheduled for the course. Students who attend less than eighty percent of
the contact hours for a course without making alternate arrangements, miss important learning
experiences and reduce the value of the course. This diluted experience cannot be seen as equivalent
to the full impact of the course when a student attends regularly, therefore, any student with more than
20% unexcused absences in a course may receive a grade that reflects less than optimal mastery of the
full course content.
Tardiness
Tardiness is a distraction to your classmates and to your lecturer. If you must be late, please enter the
room as quietly as possible and take a seat near the door. You may pick up any papers that were
handed out or returned at the end of the session.
Electronic Devices
All electronic devices should be turned off during class sessions. The exceptions are cell phones or
pagers in “silent or vibration mode”. When receiving phone calls, students are asked to do so outside
the classroom and to keep these disturbances to a minimum. No recording of lectures should be done
without the permission of the lecture.
Classroom Conduct
Students are asked not to eat nor smoke in classrooms.
Students should refrain from talking/reading or doing other things unrelated to class during class
sessions.
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Language
Since English is the official language of Belize, you are expected to speak and write Standard English
in the classroom. Lecturers will subtract points that have constant grammar and punctuation errors.
Late Assignment
Assignments are due on specified dates at specified places according to specified criteria. Acceptance
of late assignments is at the discretion of the lecturer; however, it will be subject to penalties.
Test-taking Policy
Students are expected to take all tests. If a student misses a test due to unforeseen circumstances such
as illness, personal emergencies or death of an immediate family member, she or he must inform the
lecturer either in person or via a representative (if the student is ill or unavailable) no later than the
next meeting of the class. In such cases, the lecturer will arrange a deferred test or other appropriate
means of evaluation…If a student misses a test without any excuse or permission, she or he will
automatically receive a grade of 0 for the test. In the event that a lecturer does not accept a
student’s justification for a deferred test, the student can appeal this decision with his or her academic
dean.
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COURSE TOPICS
*This schedule is subject to change. If changes are necessary, students will be informed.
WEEK
TOPIC
CHAPTER (S)
Background for International Business
 Introduction
 Modes of International Business
Background for International Business (Contd)
 External Influences on International Business
Comparative Environmental Frameworks
 Cultural Environment facing Business
1
Comparative Environmental Frameworks
 Cultural Environment facing Business
2
4
Feb 5 - 9
Comparative Environmental Frameworks
 Political and Legal Environments
3
5
Feb 12-16
Comparative Environmental Frameworks
 Economic Environment
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Feb 19-23
Test #1 (Chapters 1-4) Tentative
1
Jan 15-19
2
Jan 22-26
3
Jan 29- Feb 2
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Feb 26-Mar 2
8
Mar 5-9
1
2
4
5
Theories and Institutions: Trade
 International Trade Theory
Theories and Institutions: Trade
 Government Influence on Trade
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Theories and Institutions: Trade
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Economic Integration and Cooperative
Agreements
7
March 5th-Baron Bliss Holiday (No class)
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Mar 12-16
Managing Business Functions Internationally
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Foreign Direct Investment
10
Mar 19-23
Managing Business Functions Internationally
11
Mar 26-30
Test #2 (Chapters 5-8, 11) Tentative
Apr 2-9
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Governmental attitudes toward FDI
11
12
Int’l Business negotiations and diplomacy
Easter Break- April 2-9th!!!!
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12
Apr 10-13
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Foreign Exchange Market
9
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Determination of Exchange Rates
10
13
Apr 16-20
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Marketing
16
14
Apr 23-27
15
Apr 30-May 4
16
May 7-9
Case Analysis #1 Due!!
 Marketing
Test 3 (Chapters 9-10, 12, 16) Tentative
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April
Export and Import Strategies
30th
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17
– Labor Day (no class)
Case Analysis #2 Due!!
Review for Final
Exam
May 9th-Last Day of Class
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May 11-17
Final Exams Week!!
(Date and Time will be announced)
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