Course Outlines for the Summer Term 2014
Details
Course Code: (Please leave this to the SIS office.)
Course title: International Business 国际商务
Introduction
Both markets and production continue a process of globalization. This course examines the nature of the
international business environment in terms of culture, law, and ethics. From a financial perspective both
markets and monetary institutes play a major role in international business. The institutions of the international
trading environment are reviewed, together with an overview of international business strategies. This can
include market selection, entry strategies, and managing people across borders.
Outcomes
By the end of the course students should be able to:

1. Identify the drivers of globalization

2. Evaluate the international business environment

3. Explain the role of the international trade institutions

4. Select and combine market entry methods

5. Relate market expansion strategies to international trade theories

6. Discuss the managerial challenges that accompany international business
Content
Learning Objectives
1. Identify the drivers of globalization
2. Evaluate the international business environment
3. Explain the role of the international trade institutions
4. Select and combine market entry methods
5. Relate market expansion strategies to international trade theories
6. Discuss the managerial challenges that accompany international business
Learning Methods
1
Most sessions are comprised of a power point lecture, class discussion and individual or group work exercises.
In addition, videos, case studies, learning quizzes, and applied assignments are integrated to strike a balance
between theory and application. Class preparation is important. Mostly this will consist of pre-session readings.
Class attendance and participation is essential.
Course Schedules
Session Schedules and Course Programme
Session
Session 1.
1. Describe the process of globalization and how it International Business, Charles
Content
Globalization
2.
3.
4.
5.
Session 2.
1.
Culture
2.
3.
4.
5.
Session 3.
Political, Legal
and Ethical
Factors
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Session 4.
1.
Economic
Systems
2.
3.
4.
5.
Readings and Assignments
affects markets and production.
Identify the two forces causing globalization to
increase.
Summarize the evidence for each main argument
in the globalization debate.
Identify the types of companies that participate in
international business.
Describe the global business environment and
identify its four main elements.
Hill, 2010, Kindle Books
Describe culture and explain the significance of
both national culture and subcultures.
Identify the components of culture and describe
their impact on international business.
Describe cultural change and explain how
companies and culture affect each another.
Explain how the physical environment and
technology influence culture.
Describe the two main frameworks used to
classify cultures and explain their practical use.
Describe each main type of political system.
Identify the origins of political risk and how
managers can reduce its effects.
Describe each main type of legal system and the
important global legal issues.
Explain ethics and social responsibility and key
issues facing international companies.
Explain how international relations affect
international business activities.
Describe what is meant by a centrally planned
economy and explain why its use is declining.
Identify the main characteristics of a mixed
economy and explain the emphasis on
privatization.
Explain how a market economy functions and
identify its distinguishing features.
Describe the different ways to measure a nation’s
level of development.
Discuss the process of economic transition and
identify the obstacles for business.
International Business, Charles
Hill, 2010, Kindle Books
Chapter 1
Chapter 3
International Business, Charles
Hill, 2010, Kindle Books
Chapter: 4
International Business, Charles
Hill, 2010, Kindle Books
Chapter 2
Session 5
Group work activities on the previous 4 sessions
Review your course notes
Reviewing and
applying the 4
previous sessions
Session 6
1. Describe the relation between international trade
2
International
Trade Theories
Session 7.
Governmental
Intervention
Session 8.
Foreign Direct
Investment
volume and world output and identify overall
trade patterns.
2. Describe mercantilism and explain its impact on
world powers and their colonies.
3. Explain the theories of absolute advantage and
comparative advantage.
4. Explain the factor proportions and international
product life cycle theories.
5. Explain the new trade and national competitive
advantage theories.
1. Describe the political, economic, and cultural
motives behind governmental intervention in
trade.
2. List and explain the methods governments use to
promote international trade.
3. List and explain the methods governments use to
restrict international trade.
4. Discuss the importance of the World Trade
Organization in promoting free trade.
1. Describe worldwide patterns of foreign direct
investment and reasons for these patterns.
2. Describe each of the theories that attempt to
explain why foreign direct investment occurs.
3. Discuss the important management issues in the
foreign direct investment decision.
4. Explain why governments intervene in the free
flow of foreign direct investment.
5. Discuss the policy instruments that governments
use to promote and restrict foreign direct
investment.
Session 9
1. Define regional economic integration and identify
Regional
Economic
Integration
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
its five levels.
Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of regional
economic integration.
Describe regional integration in Europe and its
pattern of enlargement.
Discuss regional integration in the Americas and
analyze its future prospects.
Characterize regional integration in Asia and how
it differs from integration elsewhere.
Describe integration in the Middle East and Africa
and explain the slow progress.
International Business, Charles
Hill, 2010, Kindle Books
Chapter 5
International Business, Charles
Hill, 2010, Kindle Books
Chapter 6
International Business, Charles
Hill, 2010, Kindle Books
Chapter 7
International Business, Charles
Hill, 2010, Kindle Books
Chapter 8
Session 10.
Group work activities on the previous 4 sessions
Review your course notes
Reviewing and
applying the 4
previous sessions
Assessment
A short case study will be given to students concerning how a small French business can
enter a foreign market. There are three questions to answer.
3