BUSINESS IN THE INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT
Nila M. Wiese, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Office: McIntyre 111H
Phone: 253-879-3390
e-mail: nwiese@pugetsound.edu
Office Hours: Mon 12:00 - 2:00 & Tue 11:00-12:00
BUS 270A
Fall 2011
T/T 9:30 – 10:50pm
MC103
If these times do not work for you, I am
always available by appointment.
COURSE THEMES
Globalization is one of the most significant phenomena in the last three decades. The
continuous reduction of trade barriers; interconnectedness of countries, organizations and
individuals; and the formation of economic blocs in different regions of the world present
organizations with innumerable opportunities and challenges. As companies and non-profit
organizations continue to explore the promise of global markets, it has become essential for
students in business and related fields to have a basic understanding of the international
environment and its impact on organizational activities. The development of the course will be
guided by three themes: First, we will focus on the differences and similarities of doing
business in developed versus developing countries. This requires us to understand the context
of countries from multiple perspectives (i.e., geographic, historical, political, economic, and
socio-cultural). Second, we will approach issues from the perspective of a socially and
environmentally responsible organization; challenging established views of the roles
businesses play in the economic and social development of countries. Finally, we will study
the international context of business with the spirit and vision of a global entrepreneur;
seeking to identify business opportunities while assessing benefits and risks critically and
objectively.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completing this course students will be able to:
1. Understand the complex nature of the international business environment, by examining its
historical, economic, political, legal, and socio-cultural dimensions.
2. Develop an appreciation for current global trends and for differences in national and
international business contexts, and articulate the strategic implications of such trends and
differences for various types of organizations.
3. Interpret articles in the popular press dealing with the international business environment,
and apply strategic analysis’ concepts, models, and tools to the context observed.
4. Evaluate and assess opportunities and risks in the international business environment
critically and creatively.
5. Gain basic skills for conducting international business research.
6. Develop verbal, written, and cross-cultural communication skills.
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LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
This course is based on an interactive teaching approach and it is designed with your learning
needs in mind. Therefore, students’ thorough and diligent preparation and participation inside
and outside the classroom are critical. My role is to guide and support your learning; your role
is to prepare class material to fully engage and contribute to your learning and that of your
classmates. I encourage you to make full use of office hours. You can use office hours as a
time to: clarify ideas; get additional readings or materials; go over work in progress; or, discuss
careers in the field. You do not have to be having a problem to use office hours, and it is best
not to wait until you are having serious difficulties. I look forward to working together this
semester to make this course a productive, fun, and lasting learning experience for us all.
I.
CLASS FORMAT:
This course will include a combination of lectures, class discussions and exercises, and written
and oral assignments. I recommend that you come to class regularly and that you commit
yourself to keeping up with all readings and assignments. You should come to class already
having read the chapter(s) and any other reading materials assigned for that particular day. If
you have any problems with the readings or assignments please come see me as early as
possible.
The course will be managed through Moodle. I will post assigned readings, homework,
reminders of deadlines, project guidelines, updated class schedules, PowerPoint slides, etc.
Please note that the purpose of PowerPoint slides is to help you structure the material presented
in class. If you choose to print these slides in advance and bring them to class, they may also
decrease your writing load so that you can listen, think, and participate more actively. The
slides are not a substitute for attending class and reading them will not be sufficient for
performing well in the course. It is your responsibility to stay informed at all times of what
is/will be happening in the course, so be sure to check the Moodle page for the course on a
regular basis. Lack of knowledge will not be considered an acceptable excuse for missed
assignments or homework or for inadequate class preparation.
Please be aware that you will be responsible for two types of readings: (1) Background
readings, which you are expected to do in order to gain a general understanding or to build a
basic foundation of a topic prior to my lecture or discussion. I may or may not ask questions or
evaluate your preparation of these readings in class (although you will always be evaluated on
them in the exams); instead I will spend class time explaining key concepts or theories in depth;
expanding or building upon the basic content conveyed in the readings; or using examples,
cases, and exercises to show how you can apply what you learned in the readings. (2)
Discussion readings, which you are expected to do and be ready to discuss during class time.
Discussion questions may be posted for these readings to aid in your preparation. I will spend
class time addressing issues or concepts specifically addressed in these readings, or give you
quizzes or exercises that require you to incorporate information from these readings. You must
do all readings assigned in the course schedule, regardless of whether or not I assess your
preparation of the readings in class. The readings are for your benefit; my lectures and class
activities are designed to enhance, expand, or deepen your understanding of topics, theories,
and concepts addressed in the readings, not to re-read or rehash the readings.
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II.
REQUIRED READINGS:
Wild, J. J. & Wild, K.L. (2012), International Business: The Challenges of
Globalization, 6th ed., Pearson.
Pretowitz, C. (2005), Three Billion New Capitalists, New York: Basic Books.
Additional readings will be posted on Moodle.
III. HOW LEARNING WILL BE ASSESSED:
1. Written and Oral Assignments:
Each student will complete one individual assignment and a team project. Guidelines for all
assignments will be provided on Thursday Sept. 8. All instructions will be posted on Moodle.
2. Examinations
There will be three exams. All exams are integrative but not comprehensive (i.e., each exam
will focus on topics as specified in the schedule, but you are expected to incorporate previously
studied material when relevant). The exams will include a combination of short and long openended questions. I will provide study guides to help you prepare for the exams.
If, for a university approved reason, you cannot take an exam at the scheduled time, you must
give me written notice at least one week in advance so that we can make other arrangements. If
the situation does not allow for advance notification (medical or family emergency), contact me
as soon as possible after the missed exam. Make-up exams for non-university approved
reasons are at my discretion. Failure to take any exam at the scheduled time will result in a
score of zero for that exam.
3. Attendance and Class Participation
Participation is an important component of this class, and you are expected to take an active
and consistent role in class discussions. This means, you must come prepared for individual
and group activities by reading and analyzing the assigned material before class. One way to
make contributions is to prepare questions or comments about readings or assignments that you
want to have addressed during the class period. During class time, you may be asked to
contribute in various ways, including: reviewing concepts from the previous class session,
summarizing an assigned reading, answering discussion questions, and presenting a summary
of in-class group discussions. If you do not feel comfortable getting involved in open
discussions, see me privately to discuss strategies for increasing your involvement. Quizzes
may be given, without prior notice, to evaluate careful reading of assigned material. Quizzes
will be given during the first ten minutes of class. There will be no make-ups for missed
quizzes due to absence or tardiness.
In addition, students must be proactive in reading relevant publications and keeping abreast of
current events, especially those related to class topics. Knowledge of current events will
greatly improve the quality of your contributions. Recommended publications include: The
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Economist, Business Week, Fortune, Financial Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Finally, all
of you have had personal, work, or school experiences; I strongly encourage you to volunteer
comments whenever you see a connection between course material and your own experience.
We all have different knowledge, skills, experiences, and perspectives, and we can all learn
from one another!
Regular attendance and punctuality are expected from each student (see course policies below).
The professor will maintain an ongoing record of your attendance and punctuality. If you must
miss class, you can submit a 250-300 word written contribution discussing the readings
assigned for that day. A maximum of two written contributions will be accepted. These must
be submitted via e-mail prior to class time. Attendance during the team presentations is
expected; your absence will result in a significant reduction from your total participation grade.
In-Class Exercises: During the semester you will be assigned in-class activities involving
discussion, analysis, etc. For some of these activities you will work in small groups which will
range in size from 2-4. Written notes/answers will be required for all in-class exercises. Please
assign the role of recorder before you begin an exercise. This person will take written notes of
your discussion, will record all group members’ names, and will be responsible for submitting
the group’s written notes/answers at the end of class.
Homework: You will be required to complete a number of homework assignments. Detailed
instructions and due dates for these will be posted on Moodle or distributed in class.
Your final attendance and class participation grade will be composed of: quality and quantity of
your contributions to class discussions, in-class exercises, homework, quizzes on assigned
readings, attendance, punctuality, and classroom conduct.
IV. COURSE POLICIES:
1. Attendance and Punctuality. You are expected to arrive to class on time and to remain in
class until the end of the class session. Habitual tardiness is disruptive to the rest of the class;
multiple absences (more than three) will hinder your ability to keep up with the demanding
schedule of the course; both will result in a significant reduction in your participation grade.
Finally, please do not schedule trips or any other personal activities during scheduled exams or
oral presentations. I will not make special arrangements or give make-up opportunities for
anyone with non-emergency conflicts.
2. Academic Dishonesty. You are expected to behave ethically and honestly throughout the
development of this course. Due to the nature of this course, collaborative work is encouraged.
However, misrepresenting another person’s work as your own, taking credit for someone else’s
words or ideas, and soliciting or accepting help on a test or assignment when you are expected
to work independently qualify as academic dishonesty. Any case of academic dishonesty will
be taken seriously and pursued in accordance with University policies and procedures.
3. Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: Reasonable accommodations are
available for students who have a documented disability from the Disability Services
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Coordinator (Ivey West, Howarth 105, iwest@pugetsound.edu). Please notify the professor
during the first week of class of any accommodations needed for the course.
4. Re-grading Policy: Any complaints concerning grading should be called to the immediate
attention of the professor in the form of a re-grade request. The student should indicate the
reason they believe the item should be re-graded. If you believe your score on a graded
assignment, quiz, exam, etc. contains an error, you must submit a written analysis containing
your rationale for the error. This analysis needs to be supported by as much documentation
from the readings and other sources as possible to have the highest probability of success;
simply sending a note asking the professor to “re-check #xx is insufficient. The re-grade
request must be given to the professor, in writing, no later than five working days after the
graded item is returned to the student. The score on the re-grade will be final.
5. Other Class Conduct: This course is highly interactive and participatory, therefore, I
expect each student to contribute to creating an open, harmonious, respectful, and productive
learning environment. Some useful guidelines to accomplish this include:
a. Contribute to class discussions in a positive and constructive manner, and make your
contributions relevant to the issue at hand.
b. Address the professor and your classmates in a respectful manner. If a classmate is talking,
please wait until he/she is done rather than interrupting them.
c. Turn off and put away your MP3s, cell phones, and PDAs during class time.
d. Using your laptop computer in class is a privilege not a right, and it is up to the professor’s
discretion to allow you to do so. If you plan to use a laptop in class be sure to use it only
for the needs of this class. If I notice a student using his/her computer to look up non-class
related sites, read/write assignments for other classes, check e-mail, or any other irrelevant
activity, I will ban that student from using a laptop for the remainder of the semester.
e. Avoid walking in and out of the classroom unless it is absolutely necessary.
f. Please do not sleep in class—it is disrespectful to others and a waste of everyone’s time. If
you are too tired to attend class, don’t come to class.
6. Classroom Emergency Response Guidance
Please review university emergency preparedness and response procedures posted at
www.pugetsound.edu/emergency/. There is a link on the university home page. Familiarize
yourself with hall exit doors and the designated gathering area for your class and laboratory
buildings.
If building evacuation becomes necessary (e.g. earthquake), meet your instructor at the
designated gathering area so she/he can account for your presence. Then wait for further
instructions. Do not return to the building or classroom until advised by a university
emergency response representative.
If confronted by an act of violence, be prepared to make quick decisions to protect your
safety. Flee the area by running away from the source of danger if you can safely do so. If this
is not possible, shelter in place by securing classroom or lab doors and windows, closing blinds,
and turning off room lights. Stay low, away from doors and windows, and as close to the
interior hallway walls as possible. Wait for further instructions.
V.
GRADE DISTRIBUTION:
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You will be evaluated on the basis of written and oral work, examinations, and class
participation as outlined above. Remember that I do not “give” grades; rather, you earn your
grade. Distribution of points is detailed below:
Written and Oral Assignments
Individual Assignment
Team Project
35%
10%
25%
Attendance and Class Participation
20%
Exams
45%
 Exam 1
 Exam 2
 Exam 3
TOTAL
15 %
15 %
15 %
________
100%
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TENTATIVE SCHEDULE*
WK
1
2
3
4
5
ON
WE WILL DISCUSS…
BEFORE CLASS, PLEASE
READ: **
Aug 30
Introduction
Sept. 1
1. Globalization & International
Business
1.1 An overview of globalization
W& W—Ch. 1
Video: Commanding Heights
Sept. 6
1.2 International Strategy &
Organization
W&W—Ch. 11
Sept. 8
1.3 Analyzing International Business
Opportunities
W&W—Ch. 12
Moodle: SE—Ch. 11
Discussion of Individual and Team
Assignments
Sep. 13
2. The Environment of
International Business-Part 1
2.1 Differences in Political Economy
W&W—Ch. 4
TBNC—Ch. 1, 2
Moodle: Rethinking the third world;
Lessons from the developing world
Sep. 15
2.1 Political Economy - Cont.
W&W—Ch. 3, pp. 76-89
Moodle: SE—Ch. 1
Sep. 20
2.2 The Legal Environment
W&W—Ch. 3, pp. 90-96
Moodle: SE–Ch. 10
Sep. 22
No Class
Research Project—Work in Teams
Sep. 27
2.2 Legal Environment-Cont.
HW DUE: Regulatory Environment
2.3 The Socio-Cultural Environment
W&W—Ch. 2
Moodle: A slow burning fuse; Emerging
Asia’s middle class
2.3 Socio-Cultural - Cont.
Moodle: Are you a global manager?
HW DUE: Critical Incident Analysis
Sep. 29
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WK
6
7
8
9
10
11
WE WILL DISCUSS…
ON
BEFORE CLASS, PLEASE
READ: **
Oct. 4
2.4 The Competitive Environment
TBNC: Ch. 6, 7
Moodle: Organizational Participants in
International Business
Oct. 6
2.5 Ethics and Corporate Social
Responsibility
W&W—Ch. 3, pp. 97-102
Oct. 11
Exam 1
Units 1 & 2
Oct. 13
3. The Environment of
International Business–Part 2
3.1 The Global Investment Climate
W&W—Ch. 7, pp.186-192
TBNC—Ch. 4, 11
Moodle: Outsourcing’s third wave
Oct. 18
Fall Break
Oct. 20
3.1 Investment – Cont.
W&W—Ch. 7, pp. 193-203
Moodle: HSEW—Ch. 5
HW DUE: FDI Confidence Index
Oct. 25
3.2 International Trade
W&W—Ch. 5, 6
TBNC—Ch. 5, 8
Oct. 27
3.2 Int’l Trade – Cont.
3.3 Regional Economic Integration
W&W—Ch. 8
HW DUE: Regional Integration
Nov. 1
3.4 The International Financial System W&W—Ch. 9 (pp. 243-253) &
Ch. 10 (pp. 264-268)
TBNC—Ch. 9
Nov. 3
Exam 2
Unit 3
Nov. 8
4. Operating in the Global
Marketplace
4.1 Entry Strategies
W&W—Ch. 13
Nov. 10
4.2 Global Production Networks
W&W—Ch. 15
TBNC—Ch. 3
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ON
WE WILL DISCUSS…
BEFORE CLASS, PLEASE
12
Nov. 15
4.2 Global Product. Networks – Cont.
Moodle: SE—Ch. 3, 8
Individual Assignment DUE
Nov. 17
4.3 Marketing
W&W—Ch. 14
Moodle: SE—Ch. 2, 5; Grassroots
approach to emerging markets; What’s
new with the Chinese consumer
Nov. 22
4.4 Managing People
TBNC—Ch. 10
Moodle: HSEW—Ch. 6; SE—Ch. 7
Nov. 24
Thanksgiving Holiday
No Class
Nov. 29
4.4 Managing People – Cont.
Course Summary, Evaluations
W&W—Ch. 16
Moodle: Gen Y in the workforce
Dec. 1
Team Presentations
Team Projects–Written Reports Due
15
Dec. 6
Team Presentations
16
Dec. 13
Final Exam
(Tuesday 8:00- 10:00am)
13
14
READ: **
Unit 4
*NOTE: The Professor reserves the right to adjust the Syllabus and Schedule as needed to
enhance students’ learning. Any changes (including, but not limited to, schedule changes,
adding/deleting topics, changing assignments, redistributing grading, accommodating speakers
and/or field trips) will be announced in class and posted on Moodle. The syllabus and schedule
posted on Moodle supersede any hard copies distributed the first day of class. It is your
responsibility to be aware of these changes whether or not you attend class on a regular basis.
** Abbreviations used:
Moodle: Readings posted on Moodle are organized in folders and labeled by date and topic exactly as
they appear in the schedule above. Additional readings may be posted throughout the
semester.
HSEW: Selected chapters from How Soccer Explains the World; posted on Moodle.
TBNC: Prestowitz, C. (2005), Three Billion New Capitalists.
SE: Selected chapters from The Sushi Economy; posted on Moodle.
W&W: Wild, J.J. & Wild K.L., (2012), International Business: The Challenges of Globalization.
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