GBK344.140 Global Business
16 - Week Online Session
Spring Semester: January 19 to May 11, 2016
Instructor and Contact Information
Instructor: Visiting Assistant Professor D. Tevis Noelting, J.D., M.B.A.
College of Business Administration Phone: (254) 519-5437
Office Phone: 254-519-5437
Office Room Number: Founder’s Hall, room #323u
Office Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays 1430 - 1730 and by appointment
Email: dnoelting@tamuct.edu
It is recommend that you keep course-related communication inside Blackboard via course messages,
and use TAMUCT email only when Blackboard is not available.
Instructor-Students Correspondence: During the office hours listed above, I will be available for
drop-in face-to-face consultation in my office as well as via Blackboard Collaborate for virtual
consultation. Please contact me during office hours to ask questions about course activities, course
work, course concepts, and/or to review grade status in the course. If you wish to meet at a different
time by phone or web-conference, please email me with a time “window” you will be available and I
will respond with a confirmed time. I check my emails daily during weekdays and will respond to your
messages within 24-48 hours. Occasionally, a University meeting or Conference travel will preempt a
prompt response to your message. When this occurs, I will post a message via an Instructor
Announcement in Bb.
Method of Instruction
This course is a 100% online course via TAMUCT Blackboard Learn system
(https://tamuct.blackboard.com). An online course offers great flexibility but only students with
strong self-discipline can enjoy the benefit and succeed in passing the course. Students often find an
online course more time consuming than a traditional face-to-face course. Specific guidelines for
taking an online course using TAMUCT’s Blackboard classroom are available under the “Distance
Learning” tab on the left-hand panel. Tutorials for using Blackboard can be found under the “Student
Resources” tab. Note: Technology issues are not an excuse for missing a course requirement or
deadline – make sure your computer is configured correctly and address issues well in advance of
deadlines.
Course Management
Technology Issues & Troubleshooting
For technological or computer issues, students should contact Help Desk Central. 24 hours a day, 7
days a week:
Email: helpdesk@tamu.edu Phone: (254) 519-5466
Web Chat: http://hdc.tamu.edu
When calling for support please let your support technician know you are a TAMUCT student.
Professor Noelting should be consulted via the “Course Q and A” discussion forum or messages for
course issues (NOT technology issues--they should be directed to the Help Desk).
UNILERT
The Emergency Warning System for Texas A&M University – Central Texas (UNILERT) is an
emergency notification service that gives Texas A&M University-Central Texas the ability to
communicate health and safety emergency information quickly via email, text message, and social
media. All students are automatically enrolled in UNILERT through their myCT email account.
Students can connect at www.TAMUCT.edu/UNILERT to change where they receive alerts or to opt
out. By staying enrolled in UNILERT, university officials can quickly pass on safety-related
information, regardless of one’s location.
Course Description and Objectives
Course Description: Broad coverage of key concepts and issues in the 21st century global business
environment. Emphasis on the political, financial, cultural, regulatory effects on the operations of
businesses operating in a global environment.
Course Objectives: The objectives of this course are to increase the student's understanding of both
the complexity and the continuously evolving nature of Global Business. To accomplished these
objectives, course discussions and activities focus on global business issues such as the role of trade,
investment liberalization, economic integration, the multinational enterprise, and the influence of
cultural, social, religious, economic, political, geographic, philosophical, and environmental forces on
the competitiveness of an international business.
Student Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of the course the student will be able to:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Develop cross-cultural sensitivity to interact with individuals from different cultures in a
business setting.
Analyze the cultural, legal, political, and economic forces of international business
environment.
Understand specific trade and investment theories.
Understand the impact of government intervention and trade agreements on global business
decisions.
Explain the reasons and methods of entering international business through foreign markets
and through domestic import/export markets.
Select appropriate entry modes and business organization models to match strategic
international business marketing and/or production objectives.
Apply basic marketing, management, and human resource principles to doing business in
various countries.
Objectives Disclaimer: The above are simply the main focus areas, but they are by no means the only
areas where assignment or Exam questions may come from. All material in the Text, Lectures, and
articles posted on Blackboard are fair game. The in-class lectures are beneficial for both general
knowledge and also for HW and Exam success.
Course Materials
Required Reading and Textbook
Wild, J. J., & Wild, K.J. (2013). International business: The challenges of globalization (7th ed.). Upper
Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall (ISBN-10: 0133063003 • ISBN-13: 9780133063004)
Reference Guide for Professional Writing
American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of American
Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, D.C.: Author.
ISBN-13: 978-1-4338-0561-5
Articles
Good Internet access, MS Word, and Adobe Acrobat for pdf files.
NOTE: A student of this institution is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from a
university-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer,
including an online retailer.
Course Requirements
The assessments below will measure the Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) stated above that
correspond to the material covered in that assignment or exam. In some instances, a particular outcome
may be assessed by multiple methods, for example, homework and an exam question.
Student Profile and Course Agreement-Meet and Greet! Please see Appendix A at the end of the
syllabus for the details of completing this assignment. To earn the full credit of this assignment, you are
required to post your information on the discussion board under “Meet and Greet” by the midnight of
January 25 via the assignment link provided under the Learning Week 1 folder. This assignment
facilitates the mastery of Course Outcome # 1.
Weekly Discussion Board Assignments (DQs):
It is imperative for you to keep up with the course schedule in an online course by consistently and
actively participating in class discussions via the Discussion Board Assignments. Please see Appendix B
at the end of this syllabus for assignment details. You will select one of the provided discussion
questions in each designated learning week. Discussion question responses should be at between 100250 words. Post discussion question responses in the Discussion Questions forum in the threads
provided. To respond, highlight the appropriate thread, click on Reply, type your response, and send.
Please do not start a new thread for the weekly discussion questions in the Discussions Questions forum.
Discussions facilitate the mastery of all Course Outcomes.
I expect your discussion question responses to reflect critical thought. For each discussion question, cite
at least one reference supporting your answer. References may include the course’s current textbooks
and articles from the Texas A&M University – Central Texas online library. Please make sure to
proofread carefully. Grammar and spelling errors may affect other students’ understanding. References
and citations must also be formatted according to APA. Each correctly answered and substantive
discussion question is worth 10 points. See Schedule below for due dates.
Participation
Participation is only counted in the Participation forum (Participation Discussion Thread). This is a
required part of your grade. Participation consists of messages you post above and beyond graded
assignments (i.e. discussion question answers are not considered participation). Participation consists of
new ideas, perspectives, on-point follow-up questions, etc. Participation must relate to the weekly
learning topics (see the instructor notes for the week). Responses to other students’ answers to a
discussion question will count towards the class participation requirement. However, the discussions
regarding the DQs must be “brought” to the Participation Discussion Thread. Participation is not
restating the definitions of concepts from the text. However, participation may include the restatement,
if the student also discusses an application of the concept. Participation facilitates the mastery of
assignments and thus, all course outcomes.
You will find it is much easier to keep up with an online class when you are logging in and participating
regularly. Please note that both quantity and quality are important considerations when participating. A
post like "I agree" does not constitute participation because it does not add anything of substance to the
discussion. Note too that all of your participation posts must be supported from academically sound
sources accompanied by an in-text citation crediting a source (paraphrasing, quoting, or summarizing the
source), and a list of references at the end of your post. Reference lists and in-text citations must be
formatted according to APA. The length of a participatory post should be between 100 – 250 words. See
Schedule below for due dates.
Examinations: There are three multiple-choice, true/false, fill-in the-blank examinations during the
semester. All examinations are non-cumulative—each exam will include only materials covered in prior
sections of the course. Exams facilitate the assessment of one’s mastery of all Course Outcomes.
Exams will be closed book and closed notes. See Schedule below for due dates.
Cultural Interview (100 points)
You will conduct a cultural interview with a person who has different nationality from yours. Then you
will write a reflection essay based on the interview. The essay should be 3-5 page, double-spaced, 12font, and APA formatted. This assignment facilitates the mastery of Course Outcomes # 1, 2, and 7.
Your essay should include:
1
2
3
4
A brief introduction of how you met the interviewee and the interviewee’s demographic
information, such as age, education, family, or occupation.
A detailed description of the major differences between your own country and his/her
country. The differences can be in diet, attire, etiquette, government, education system,
family structure, etc.
A discussion of cultural dimensions using any of the listed theoretical frameworks
presented in Chapter 2, such as Hofestede’s cultural dimensions.
A recommendation for handling cultural differences between your own culture and the
interviewee’s culture.
By the midnight of Feb 29, you will post your cultural interview in your assignment folder
Assignment details concerning the cultural interview assignment can be found in Appendix C at
the end of this syllabus, and in the Blackboard classroom under the “Cultural Interview” folder and
“Learning Week 2” folder.
Country Project Research & Written Proposal (100 points)
Each group will select one country from emerging markets to research. Assignment details concerning
the country project research assignment can be found in Appendix D at the end of this syllabus,
and in the Blackboard classroom. For that country, your group will survey the socio-cultural,
economic (specifically including the trade and monetary environment), political & legal, and technical
environments. Using the information from this survey, each group is expected to outline the challenges
and opportunities of conducting business in the country, and then provide guidelines for a successful
international business product launch in the country based on the group’s survey and research about the
country as well as international business principles (your guidelines should not be such that they could
apply to any country – the guidelines must be tailored to and for the country that the group chose to
research).
The written proposal should include the following major topics (also reference the outline attached in
the appendix):
1
2
3
4
An introduction summarizing the country details important to your proposal - history,
climate, etc.
An analysis of the socio-cultural (esp. cultural determinants, cultural dimensions, business
etiquette), economic (esp. trade and monetary), political–legal, and technical environments
A discussion of the challenges and opportunities of doing business in the country (your
discussion should integrate information from your country research as well as from other
parts of your written proposal).
A (new) product proposal outlining how the product will be introduced to the country, and
explaining how your proposal will be profitable, sustainable and beneficial to the country.
Your research must include at least 10 references (2 peer-reviewed journals, 2 academically-sound
journals or magazines, 3 well-reputed Internet articles, and 3-4 books (web-download in lieu of a book is
not acceptable) and all references must be used [and cited] in the body of your written paper, using
APA citation style. Using times new roman size 12-font, your group proposal must be 12 typed, doublespaced pages (not including the cover page, TOC, and reference list page, and also excluding any
appendices of attached data/material for the key figures, charts, etc. used in your paper. Your proposal,
in-text citations, and list of references should conform to the American Psychological Association
(APA) citation style rules. This assignment facilitates the mastery of all Course Outcomes.
By the midnight of May 13, all of the groups will post the group’s written proposal in the assignment
folder.
Assignment details concerning the Country Project Written Assignment can be found in Appendix
E at the end of this syllabus, and in the Blackboard classroom.
Country Project Group Presentation (100points)
Each group will present a brief summary of its findings, including all group members in the
presentation. Group presentations should be 15 minutes in length and should cover key points. It is not
necessary to present everything in your proposals: you should focus on a sub-sample of the most
interesting and relevant points of each section of the proposal and include major challenges and
opportunities as well as recommendations for successful international business product launches in the
country.
Creativity is encouraged in all presentations. You may wish to consider using role plays, mock business
meetings, interview formats, or other devices to maintain interest. At the minimum level, a set of slides
with voice over the slides should be put together as a group. This assignment facilitates the mastery of
Course Outcomes # 1 and 7.
By the midnight of May 8, all of the groups will post the group’s presentation material on the
Discussion Board in Week 15.
Country project presentation details are presented in Appendix F.
Group Work
I will assign you into a group in the third week, based on the composition of the class members. The
goal is for you to work with people from diverse background and you will work together towards the
final country project. The country project is designed for group members to share and challenge each
other when analyzing the research on a given country. Note that I will not re-assign individuals to a
different group after the initial assignment has been made. It is the group’s responsibility to work
together and it is a great way to develop diversity awareness, as well as cultivate the ability to
communicate and collaborate with people from different backgrounds. Below are four mechanisms to
facilitate your group learning experience.
Group Contract/Country Selection: You are encouraged to share your expectations of the group
work in the beginning of the semester. A sample outline of a formalized, written group contract is
provided in the Appendix G. Your group is welcome to design a group contract that can ensure each
group member’s commitment and contribution to the group work. The group contract and country
selection are due by midnight Feb 14. The group is required to submit the written contract as well as
the documentation of the group interaction. It can be a picture of face-to-face group meeting, a chat
record or recording of a Blackboard Collaborate meeting, or other means. Assignment details for the
group’s country selection are attached in the assignment link on the Blackboard.
Country Research I-IV assignments: Four country research assignments are scheduled in the second
half of the course. Each country assignment addresses a major section of the country project. A common
procedure of these country assignments is for group members to divide up the questions and each group
member can do independent research and information entry. Then all group members can pitch in to edit
the researched info. In the group contract, you are advised to specify the question each individual is
going to take on and an individual who is in charge of the final submission of the final group work.
These research assignments are the foundation for the Country Project Written Proposal and thus
facilitate the mastery of all Course Outcomes.
Even though the country assignment grades will be based on overall group performance, individual
members who do not participate in any information entry and/or editing will receive a zero grade
on the assignment.
See Schedule below for due dates.
Peer Evaluations: By the time the group is ready to submit the final country proposal, all group
members need to fill out the evaluation for the rest of the group members before I can post the final
country project grade. The evaluation is based on a 4-point scale. Individuals need to have an average
rating of above 2.5 to be able to receive the full group grade. When an individual has an average rating
of below 2.5 and above 1.5 from other group members, the individual will receive 60% of the group
grade. If an individual receives an average rating below 1.5, the individual will receive zero on the
country project.
Firing Policy: Students desiring guidance on working with group members are welcome to ask me for
advice. If group members are unable to work together, they have the right to fire themselves or another
group member(s) from their group. In this case, the fired individual(s) must complete a different country
proposal project individually, with the same specifications described above. Fired individual(s) should
email me about being fired so that I can provide them with a different country to research individually. I
recommend that you consider the firing option as the last resort, since an individual country project
usually scores lower than a group’s work.
Late Assignments will be reduced by 20% per day, unless prior coordination is conducted with the
instructor. Late assignments will not be accepted after the third day (weekend days are included).
Written Assignments: All essay assignments will adhere to the American Psychological Association
(APA) Publication Manual requirements. Students will submit the cultural interview essay and the
country proposal project written report to the Turnitin plagiarism checking service through the link
provided in the Blackboard Classroom.
o Submit your assignments under the correct assignment in Blackboard and then log off the web
site.
o Return to the web site after 10-45 minutes (time varies based on the size of the paper and
program usage).
o Check your Similarity Index, both color (should be green) and number.
o The ideal index is between >1% and 0% (Correct and resubmit as needed – see paragraph 4.55).
o Essays and research projects with 5% or less will be accepted for grading, all others will be
returned for revision and will be counted late (see late assignments statement).
o Consider your assignment turned in (once submitted to TURNITIN) when the due date/time has
passed. I will download from TURNITIN.
o Any assignment with 20% or more similarity will earn the grade of zero (0). Plagiarism will
not be tolerated in this course.
o Recycling assignments from previous courses is not allowed.
NOTE: If you submit your paper to TURNITIN multiple times, the processing delays for the second
and subsequent submissions will be between 24-48 hours, for each submission. Plan accordingly; I
will download the assignments from TURNITIN on time.
Grading Information
Grading Criteria and Conversion to Letter Grade:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Student Profile and Course Agreement
Group contract/Country Selection
Discussion Board Assignments (5 @ 20)
Participation Discussion Board (10 @ 10)
Cultural Interview
Exams (3@100 points)
Country Research Assignments (4 @ 35)
Country Project (Written/Presentation)
Grade Base is
20 Points
40 Points
100 Points
100 Points
100 Points
300 Points
140 Points
200 Points
1000 Points
Final grades will be calculated using a traditional scale (90% A = Excellent, 80% B = Good,
70% C = Acceptable, 60% D = Needs improvement, 59% and below F = Unacceptable).
TAMU-CT Policies
Drop Policy
If you discover that you need to drop this course, you must go to the Records Office and ask for the
necessary paperwork. Professors cannot drop students; this is always the responsibility of the student.
The record’s office will give a deadline for which the form must be returned completely signed. Once
you return the signed form to the records office and wait 24 hours, you must go into WarriorWeb and
confirm that you are no longer enrolled. If WarriorWeb reflects that you are still enrolled, FOLLOWUP with the records office immediately. You are to attend class until the procedure is complete to
avoid penalty for absence. Should you miss the deadline to fail to follow this procedure, you will
receive an “F” in the course.
Academic Honesty (Texas A&M University-Central Texas Catalog)
Texas A&M University - Central Texas expects all students to maintain high standards of honor in
personal and scholarly conduct. Any deviation from this expectation may result in a minimum of a
failing grade for the assignment and potentially a failing grade for the course. All academic dishonesty
concerns will be reported to the university's Office of Student Conduct. Academic dishonesty includes,
but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism and improper
citation of sources, using another student's work, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials. When
in doubt on collaboration, citation, or any issue, please contact me before taking a course of action.
More information can be found at:
http://www.tamuct.edu/departments/studentconduct/academicintegrity.php
Any violation of academic integrity, such as copying the existing work and submitting as your
own work, will result in a zero grade on the assignment and be reported to the university's Office
of Student Conduct.
Library Services
Library distance education services aims to make available quality assistance to A&M-Central Texas
students seeking information sources remotely by providing digital reference, online information
literacy tutorials, and digital research materials. Much of the TAMUCT collection is available instantly
from home. This includes over half of the library's book collection, as well as approximately 25,000
electronic journals and 200 online databases. Library Distance Education Services are outlined and
accessed at: http://www.tamuct.edu/departments/library/deservices.php
Information literacy focuses on research skills which prepare individuals to live and work in an
information-centered society. Librarians will work with students in the development of critical
reasoning, ethical use of information, and the appropriate use of secondary research techniques. Help
may include, but is not limited to: the exploration of information resources such as library collections,
the identification of appropriate materials, and the execution of effective search strategies. Library
Resources are outlined and accessed at: http://www.tamuct.edu/departments/library/index.php
The University Writing Center
The University Writing Center at Texas A&M University-Central Texas is a free workspace open to all
TAMUCT students. The UWC is located in 416 Warrior Hall. The center is open 11am-6pm MondayThursday during the spring semester. Students may work independently in the UWC by checking out a
laptop that runs Microsoft Office suite and connects to WIFI, or by consulting our resources on
writing, including all of the relevant style guides. Students may also arrange a one-on-one session with
a trained and experienced writing tutor. Tutorials can be arranged by visiting the UWC. Tutors are
prepared to help writers of all levels and abilities at any stage of the writing process. Sessions typically
last between 20-30 minutes. While tutors will not write, edit, or grade papers, they will help students
develop more effective invention and revision strategies.
Disability Support & Access Services
The Office of Disability Support and Access is responsible for ensuring that students with a disability
enjoy equal access to the University’s programs, services and activities. We are committed to
promoting the full participation of all students with a disability in every aspect of University life. This
is achieved through advocacy, growing universal access, and collaboration among students, faculty,
and staff. We believe that every student should have an equal chance to succeed and has the right to an
education that is barrier-free. Services and Resources We Provide include: Accommodations
Counseling and Coordination, Auxiliary Aids and Equipment, Accessibility Training and Information,
Assistive Technology, Universal Design Training and Information, Community Resources Information
and Referral, Disability Rights and Responsibilities Counseling, Faculty Support Some aspects of this
course or the way the course is taught may present barriers to learning due to a disability. If you feel
this is the case, please contact Disability Support and Access at (254) 501- 5831 in Warrior Hall, Ste.
212. For more information, please visit their website at: www.tamuct.edu/disabilitysupport. Any
information you provide is private and confidential and will be treated as such.
Tutoring
Tutoring is available to all TAMUCT students, both on-campus and online. Subjects tutored include
Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, and Writing. Tutors are available at the Tutoring Center
in Warrior Hall, Room 111. Visit www.ct.tamus.edu/AcademicSupport and click "Tutoring Support"
for tutor schedules and contact info. If you have questions, need to schedule a tutoring session, or if
you're interested in becoming a tutor, contact Academic Support Programs at 254-501-5830 or by
emailing tutoring@ct.tamus.edu.
Chat live with a tutor 24/7 for almost any subject on your computer! Tutor.com is an online tutoring
platform that enables TAMU-CT students to log-in and receive FREE online tutoring and writing
support. This tool provides tutoring in Mathematics, Writing, Career Writing, Chemistry, Physics,
Biology, Spanish, Calculus, and Statistics. To access Tutor.com, log into your Blackboard account and
click "Online Tutoring."
Tentative Course Schedule
The following course schedule is provided to assist you in keeping up to date in your studies and in
completion of your assignments. Note that changes to this schedule and to assignments could occur
during the semester. I will let you know as far in advance as possible about any changes.
Date
Activity
Tentative Course Schedule
Subject
1.
Jan 19-Jan 25
INTRO
Chapter 1
Course Syllabus
Globalization
2.
3.
Jan 26-Feb 1
Feb 2-Feb 8
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
4.
Feb 9-Feb 15
Chapter 4
Cross-cultural Business
Politics, Law, & Business
Ethics
Economics & Emerging
Markets
5.
Feb 16-Feb 22
EXAM # 1
Chapter 1-4
6.
Feb 23-Feb 29
Chapter 16
Hiring and Managing
Employees
7.
March 1-March 7
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
International Trade
Business-government Relations
8.
March 8-March 13
Chapter 9
International Financial Market
Assignments Due
DQ1; Participation 1; Student
Profile and Course Agreement
due on Jan 25 by Midnight
DQ2; Participation 2
DQ3; Participation 3
DQ4; Participation 4; Group
contract and country selection
due on Feb 15 by Midnight
Exam 1 due Thursday Feb 18 by
Midnight
DQ5; Participation 5;
Cultural Interview due on Feb
29 by Midnight
Participation 6; Country
Research I on Trade
Environment due on March 7
by Midnight
Participation 7; Country
Research II on Monetary
Environment due on March
13 by Midnight
None
SPRING BREAK
Catch-up
March 14-March20
If you are behind, work on those
activities
9.
March 21-March 28
EXAM # 2
Chapter 5,6,9, 16
10.
March 29-April 4
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
11.
April 5-April 11
Chapter 13
International Strategy and
Organization
Analyzing International
Opportunities
Selecting and Managing Entry
Modes
12.
April 12-April 18
Chapter 14
Developing and Marketing
Products
Participation 10; Country
Research IV on Entry Strategy
due on April 18 by Midnight
13.
April 19-April 25
EXAM # 3
Chapter 11-14
14.
15.
April 26-May 2
May 3-May 9
Country Project Rehearsal
Country Project Presentation
Exam 3 due Thursday April 25 by
Midnight
None
Presentation Posted by Sunday
May 8 Midnight
16.
May 10-May 13
Country Project Written Proposal
Exam 2 due Thursday March 24 by
Midnight
Participation 8; Country
Research III on International
Opportunity due on April 4 by
Midnight
Participation 9
Written Report Due May 13
Midnight
Appendix A Student Profile and Course Agreement
Introduce yourself to the class by sharing the following information on the Discussion Board
“Meet and Greet!” in our Blackboard Classroom.
1. General Information
a. Hometown, year of undergraduate program and major
2. Work experience
a. Past work experience that is relevant to what you are doing now
b. Current employer, position, and length of employment
3. International experience
a. Study abroad, travel, foreign station, etc.
4. Goals for taking this course
a. What are your expectations about taking this course?
b. How is this course related to your academic goal and career goal?
5. Anything else you would like to share with the class?
Read the following statement carefully and type your name as your “signature”/date your
agreement. Append the following statement in the end of your posting.
“I have read the Syllabus and understand the course expectations, assignments and associated
deadlines for GBK344-110. I understand it is a 100% online class, and that I must be selfdisciplined to be successful. I will try my best to be part of the positive learning community in
this virtual classroom by adhering to the netiquette and showing support towards my student
colleagues. I understand that there is extensive group work in this course. I will put in my best
effort to contribute to the group assignments and complete the assignments on time. I will also
hold myself to a high standard of ethics in all assignments and examination in this course.
Finally, I have the computer set-up at my disposal to undertake a 100% online class on the
TAMUCT Blackboard system.”
Name
Date
Appendix B: Discussion Board Questions Rubric
Criteria
Unsatisfactory
Progressing
Satisfactory
Discussion
word
count
0%
60 %
100 %
Discussion is less than
100 words.
Discussion is between 100150 words.
Discussion is between
150-300 words.
0%
60 %
100 %
Post is missing significant
portions of assignment.
Post adequate with only
superficial thought, or
small part missing; limited
application of concepts.
Post addresses all aspects
of assignment with
concepts fully developed
and applied.
0%
60 %
100 %
Writing is extremely
confusing with multiple
grammatical issues.
Writing is clear but
multiple grammatical
issues.
Writing is clear, with no
grammatical errors.
0%
60 %
100 %
No factual informational
cited; citations do not
adhere to the required
APA citation style.
Little factual informational
cited; Citations
infrequently adhere to the
required APA citation
style.
All factual informational
cited; Citations completely
adhere to the required
APA citation style.
Weight
25.00%
Posting
content
Weight
40.00%
Clarity
and
Mechanics
Weight
15.00%
Citations
Weight
15.00%
Appendix C: Cultural Interview Assignment & Grade Rubric (100 points)
A cultural interview is conducted with a person who has different nationality from yours. The main
purpose of the interview is to discover and evaluate cultural similarity and differences. The reflection
summary should cover all major points listed below.
Identify your own cultural background as the basis of cultural comparison. Provide a brief introduction
of how you meet the interviewee and the interviewee’s demographic information, such as age,
education, family, or occupation.
1. Describe BOTH similarities and differences between your own culture and his/her culture. The
similarities and differences can be in diet, attire, etiquette, government, education system, family
structure, etc.
2. Reference chapter 2 and describe the cultural dimensions using Hofstede’s cultural framework.
Reflect on your interview experience and suggest how the interviewee’s culture is relatively
lower or higher on Hofstede’s cultural dimensions compared to your own culture. The
interpretation of each dimension should incorporate supporting evidence based on what you learn
from the interviewee’s culture.
3. Recommendations for handling cultural differences between your own culture and the
interviewee’s culture.
The interview summary is for you to reflect on your dialogue with the interviewee. The documentation
of the dialogue is not required and is not graded. The interview summary should be 3-5 page, doublespaced, 12-font and professionally formatted. Based on my experience, students who turn in the
summary shorter than two pages do not cover all major points listed above and will receive a less
satisfying grade. In other words, you will need to at least two full page of write-up to address all major
points.
Additional Notes:
1. Listed below is a suggested step-by-step approach to conduce a cultural interview
A. Reflect on your own background and past experience to identify your own cultural
identity. Some of you may have a different cultural heritage from American culture, and
some of you were born and raised in a foreign country. Which culture influences your
values and beliefs the most?
B. Ask your interviewees to identify his or her national culture. Then you have the reference
of comparison between your own culture and your interviewee’s culture.
C. Do your homework about the national cultural differences before you actually conduct
the interview.
a. Search cultural interview questions that are most interesting to you. Some sample
interview questions are attached in the Appendix A and you can find more
cultural interview questions on the web.
b. Look up the national cultural comparison on Hofstede’ website at http://geerthofstede.com/countries.html
c. Formulate your questions to verify the cultural comparison based on your
research.
D. Conduct the interview and then reflect on the major points listed in the outline of the
interview summary.
2. The reflection of the Hofstede’s cultural framework should be based on the interview experience.
The mere summary of the cultural comparison based on the Hofstede’s website will result in a
lower grade for this section.
Q&As
1. Who should I interview?
You may choose any person who has different nationality from yours. The Hofstede’s cultural
framework will be the most meaningful when you compare two national cultures. You may have
known the person from the past and can go back to him/her for an in-depth interview. You can
also find your interviewee through the international student association on campus or an ESL
program at the community college. As the last resort, you may choose a person who has the same
nationality as yours and have a different ethnic background. The person with a different
nationality is going to give you a more interesting comparison of cultural differences since
nations usually uphold the culture dearly so you will be more likely to observe more cultural
differences when your interviewee has a different nationality from yours.
2. Do I need to record the dialogue of the interview?
It is not required to submit the transcript of your interview. The purpose of the assignment is for
you to reflect on your interview experience and observations. You may need to go back to the
interviewee to clarify things when you are working on the interview reflection summary. It is
important for you to leave yourself ample time to compose the summary so you can have a
second chance for a follow-up interview.
3. Do you have a sample report?
I do not currently provide any past students’ work as sample reports as I value these interview
reports as valuable intellectual creation. If you grant me your permission to use your reports as a
sample for future classes, I will greatly appreciate it. Meanwhile, I will be happy to take a look at
your report and give you some general feedback if you can give me enough time (preferably one
week prior) to go through your report by the submission deadline.
Sample Interview Questions
What should I know of your culture’s recent history, governance and language?
What do you understand as the major values and beliefs of your culture?
What cultural customs might surprise me?
If I were to fall in love with someone from your culture, what would you advise me in terms of
dating, courtship and marriage practices?
5. What do different cultural practices look like? For example, understanding of work and leisure?
1.
2.
3.
4.
6. How do you define success?
7. How important is education in your family?
8. Is punctuality important to you? Why or why not?
9. What is the most important meal of the day?
10. What are considered the indigenous foods in your culture?
11. Do you have any eating habits/rituals that are specific to your culture?
12. How is physical contact viewed in your culture?
13. What is considered most disrespectful in your culture?
14. What is considered most respectful in your culture?
15. What would you say is, from your perspective, the most commonly held misconception about people
of your culture?
16. What is the best thing about living in the USA?
17. What is the worst thing about living in the USA?
Cultural Interview Assignment Grading Rubric
Criteria
Content (15%)
 Introduction of
the cultural
backgrounds of
both interviewer
and interviewee.
Content (25%)
 Differences and
similarity
Content (25%)
 Hofstede’s
cultural
dimensions
1 – Unsatisfactory
(0%)
There is no discussion
of your cultural
background and your
interviewee’s cultural
background.
Did not discuss
differences and
similarity between
two cultures.
Applies one or less
dimension of
Hofstede’ cultural
framework and
correctly interpret the
cultural differences.
2 - Needs
Improvement
(40%)
3 – Proficient
(80%)
4 – Exemplary
(100%)
Some
discussion
of your
interviewee’
s cultural
background.
There is no
discussion of
your own
cultural
background.
Some discussion
of your own
cultural
background and
your interviewee’s
cultural
background.
Clearly identifies
your own cultural
background and
your
interviewee’s
cultural
background.
Only discuss
differences
between two
cultures.
Discuss both
difference and
similarity
between two
cultures.
Applies two or
three
dimensions of
Hofstede’
cultural
framework and
correctly
interpret the
cultural
differences.
Discuss two or
more aspects of
differences and
similarities
between two
cultures.
Applies four
Applies four or
more dimensions
dimensions of
Hofstede’ cultural of Hofstede’
cultural
framework and
correctly interpret framework and
insightfully
the cultural
interpret the
differences.
cultural
differences based
on the interview
experience.
Content (15%)
 Recommendation
for handling
cultural
differences
Structure (10%)
 Organization
 Flow of thought
 Transitions
 Format
Did not provide
any advice in
handling cultural
differences.
Provides a
general
advice to
handle
cultural
differences.





There is no
apparent
organization
to the paper.
Difficult to
follow –
Frequent
rereading needed
No or poor
transitions
No format



Grammar/mechanics
(5%)
 Sentence
structure
 Punctuation/mec
hanics


Uses simple,
choppy
sentences
Many
punctuation
and/or
mechanical
errors


Provides some
specific advice to
handle cultural
differences based
on the interview
experience.
There is
some
level of
organiza
tion
though
digressio
ns,
ambiguit
ies,
irrelevan
ces are
too
many
Difficult
to follow –
Some
Rereading
needed
Ineffective
transitions
Rambling
format

Uses
compound
sentences
Several
punctua
tion
and/or
mechan
ical
errors





Provides practical
substantive
advice based on
the interview
experience.
Paper has
a clear
organizat
ional
structure
with
some
digressio
ns,
ambiguiti
es or
irrelevan
ces
Easily
followed
Basic
transitions
Structured
format

Uses
complex
sentences
Few
punct
uatio
n or
mech
anical
errors





Paper is
logically
organized
Easily
followed
Effective,
smooth, and
logical
transitions
Professional
format
Manipulates
complex
sentences
for
effect/impac
t
No
punctuation
or
mechanical
errors
Citations (5%)
 Proper
Attribution to
avoid Plagiarism
 Correct Form


No factual
informational
cited
Citations do
not adhere to
the required
APA citation
style


Little
factual
informati
onal
cited
Citations
infrequen
tly
adhere to
the
required
APA
citations
style


Some
factual
information
al cited
Citations
mostly
adhere to
the
required
APA
citation
style


All factual
information
al cited
Citations
completely
adhere to
the required
APA
citation
style
Appendix D Country Research Assignments
Country Research Assignment I Trade environment analysis




For the country your group is researching, how important is trade (e.g what's the trade as a percentage of
GDP for the country)?
What products and services does the country export and import?
With whom does the country trade? Is it dependent on any particular nation for trade, or does another
nation depend on it? Does the country only trade with high-income countries or with low- and middleincome countries, as well?
Is there a concerted effort by the government to promote exports to stimulate the economy? Are
there any trading policies favorable for US business investors?
Country Research Assignment II Monetary environment analysis
For the country your group is researching,
 Does it have a city that is an important financial center? What volume of bonds is traded on the
country’s bond market? How has the stock market(s) performed over the past year?
 What is the current exchange rate between its currency and the U.S. dollars as of the beginning of
this month? Use the country's currency as the base currency to report a direct quote of the
country's currency.
 What is the percentage of change in exchange rates compared to last month and last year? Reference the
Appendix in Chapter 9 (p.248) for the calculation of the percent change in exchange rates. Your task is
to determine the percentage of change in the country's currency over one month and one year period - in
relation to the U.S. dollar. Show the calculation in your assignment submission.
 Is there any restriction on the exchange of the country’s currency?
Country Research Assignment III International opportunity
Outline your group's analysis of the opportunities and challenges raised by investing in the country.
 What major challenges exist for US business investors doing business in the country, given
risks in the 1) socio-cultural, 2) economic/monetary, 3) political/legal environment, and 4)
technical environment?
 What are the major opportunities for US businesses investing in the country?
2. Propose a product (good or service) for launch in the country, being sure to thoroughly explain with
supported arguments:
 How the product proposal takes advantage of the opportunity presented in the country. Use
the market-potential indicators to estimate the market demand for your product
 Who are the current major competitors in the country? What competitive advantages do you have
vis-a-vis these major players in the country?
 Why the product can be successfully launched in the country given the opportunities and
challenges raised in your analysis of the country’s various environments?
1.
Country Research Assignment IV Entry Strategy
 Considering the 1) production and 2) marketing requirements for a successful launch of the
product in the country, what are your major advantages and disadvantage as a US business
investor?
 Identify an ideal entry mode and explain how this entry mode can best leverage your advantage and
disadvantages as a US business investor.
 Reference Chapter 14, what aspects of host country culture do you expect to influence your promotion
strategy? How will you tailor your promotion strategy accordingly?
Reference page 362 regarding the five types of communication strategy (i.e. production/communication
extension, product extension/communication adaptation, product adaptation/communication extension,
product/communications adaptation, product invention). Which strategy will you use in the host market and why?
Appendix E COUNTRY WRITTEN PROJECT: SAMPLE OUTLINE & Grade Rubric
I.
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Include a list of any appendixes also.
II.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Short and concise. A broad overview of the country and the
proposed product for entry. Not over 2 pages. Cover the principal points of the report, (prepare
your summary after your plan has been written)
III.
COUNTRY ANALYSIS:
A. Socio-cultural environmental analysis (cultural determinants, cultural dimensions, cultural
norms)
B. Economic environment (economic system, main products and services, economic risk)
C. Monetary environment (currency system, currency risk)
D. Trade environment (major exports/imports, main trading partners, regional economic
integration, tariff and trade barriers, government incentives for conducting business there)
E. Political environment (political system, structure, political parties, political risk)
F. Legal environment (legal system, legal issues in international business, legal risk)
G. Technical environment (number of yearly patents granted, percentage of population with
phone, TV, and other modern means of electronic communication, existence of aerospace
and aeronautical industry, geographical scope of domestic modern means of transportation).
VI.
PROPOSAL FOR PRODUCT LAUNCH/ENTRY:
A. Outline of challenges and opportunities of doing business in the country (i.e. analysis and
integration of information from country research and other parts of the paper).
B. Propose a new product to launch in the country. Be specific concerning why what you
see in this country as an opportunity for the selected product.
C. Entry strategy:
1. Selecting entry mode.
2. Channels of distribution.
3. Promotion methods.
4. Etc.
VII.
CONCLUSION
Country Project Written Report Grading Rubric on next page
Country Project Written Report Grading Rubric
Criteria
Content (35%)
 Information presented
for socio-cultural,
political/legal,
economic/monetary/tra
de and technological
environments in the
host country
1–
Unsatisfactory
(0%)


Content (25%)
 Outline of challenges
and opportunities for
investing in the country


Limited
evidence of
critical,
careful
selection of
information
researched
for some
aspects of
the country.
Central
idea and
clarity of
purpose
are absent
or
incomplet
ely
expressed
and
maintaine
d
Only discuss
opportunities
or
challenges
There is no
discussion
in relation
to your
team’s
home
country
specific
concerns
2 - Needs
Improvement
(40%)




Some
evidence of
critical,
careful
selection of
information
researched
for some
aspects of
the country.
The central
idea is
expressed
though it
may be
vague or too
broad; Some
sense of
purpose in
some
sections of
country
information
presented.
Some
discussion of
the
challenges
and
opportunities
based on one
or two
previous
sections of
country
information
There is no
discussion in
relation to
your team’s
home
country
specific
concerns
3 – Proficient
(80%)




Some
evidence of
critical,
careful
selection of
information
researched for
all aspects of
the country.
Central
idea and
clarity of
purpose
are
generally
evident
throughout
all sections
of country
informatio
n
presented.
Some
discussion of
the
challenges
and
opportunities
given the
previous
sections of
country
information
Identify
some
challenges
and
opportunities
based on
your team’s
home
country
perspective.
4 – Exemplary
(100%)




Abundance of
evidence of critical,
careful selection of
information
presented for all
aspects of the
country, including
socio-cultural,
political/legal,
economic/monetary/
trade, and
technological
environments in the
host country.
Central idea is well
developed and clarity
of purpose is
exhibited throughout
all sections of country
information
presented.
Sufficient discussion of
the challenges and
opportunities given the
previous sections of
country information
Clearly identify the
challenges and
opportunities based on
your team’s home
country perspective.
Content (20%)
 Product/Service
proposal



Structure (10%)
 Organization
 Flow of thought
 Transitions
 Format




The
product/ser
vice
introduced
does not
flow
logically
from the
opportunitie
s identified
in the
country.
There is no
consideratio
n of the
challenges
of doing
business in
the host
country.
There is no
discussion
of the
benefit of
the
product/ser
vices for
the local
community
in the host
country.
There is
no
apparent
organizat
ion to the
paper.
Difficult to
follow –
Frequent
rereading
needed
No or poor
transitions
No format







The
product/se
rvice
introduced
meets the
demands
of the host
market.
There is
no
considerat
ion of the
challenges
of doing
business
in the host
country.
There is
no
discussion
of the
benefit of
the
product/se
rvices for
the local
communit
y in the
host
country.
There is
some level
of
organizati
on though
digression
s,
ambiguitie
s,
irrelevanc
es are too
many
Difficult to
follow –
Some
Rereading
needed
Ineffective
transitions
Rambling
format







The
product/servic
e introduced
meets the
demands of
the host
market.
Show
consideration
of some
aspects of the
challenges of
doing business
in the host
country and
formulate
entry strategy
accordingly.
There is some
discussion of
the benefit of
the
product/servic
es for the local
community in
the host
country.
Paper
has a
clear
organiza
tional
structure
with
some
digressi
ons,
ambiguit
ies or
irrelevan
ces
Easily
followed
Basic
transitions
Structure
format







The product/service
introduced meets the
demands of the host
market.
Demonstrate sufficient
consideration of the
challenges of doing
business in the host
country and formulate
an effective strategy,
such as
entry/marketing/manag
ement strategy, to
mitigate the threats
There is substantial
discussion of the
benefit of the
product/services for the
local community in the
host country.
Paper is logically
organized
Easily followed
Effective, smooth, and
logical transitions
Professional format
Grammar/mechanics (5%)
 Sentence structure
 Punctuation/mechanics


Citations (5%)
 Proper Attribution to
avoid Plagiarism
 Correct Form


Uses
simple,
choppy
sentences
Many
punctuation
and/or
mechanical
errors
No
factual
informa
tional
cited
Citations
do not
adhere to
the
required
APA
citation
style




Uses
compound
sentences
Several
punctuati
on and/or
mechanic
al errors
Little
factual
informatio
nal cited
Citations
infrequentl
y adhere to
the
required
APA
citations
style




Uses
complex
sentences
Few
punctuation
or
mechanical
errors
Some
factual
informatio
nal cited
Citations
mostly
adhere to
the
required
APA
citation
style




Manipulates complex
sentences for
effect/impact
No punctuation or
mechanical errors
All factual
informational cited
Citations completely
adhere to the required
APA citation style
Appendix F Country Proposal Presentation - Grading Rubric
Element
Unsatisfactory
(0%)
The content lacks a clear
point of view and logical
sequence of information.
Includes little persuasive
information and only one
or two facts about the
topic.
Information is
incomplete, out of date
and/or incorrect.
Sequencing of ideas is
unclear.
Partially Proficient
(60%)
The content is vague
in conveying a point
of view and does not
create a strong sense
of purpose.
Includes some
persuasive
information with few
facts.
Some of the
information may not
seem to fit.
Sources used appear
unreliable.
Proficient
(80%)
The content is written
with a logical
progression of ideas and
supporting information.
Includes persuasive
information from reliable
sources.
Exemplary
(100%)
The content is
written clearly
and concisely
with a logical
progression of
ideas and
supporting
information.
The project
includes
motivating
questions and
advanced
organizers.
The project gives
the audience a
clear sense of the
main idea.
Organization
(20%)
The sequencing is unclear
and does not appear
interesting or relevant to
the audience.
The introduction
shows some structure
but does not create a
strong sense of what
is to follow. May be
overly detailed or
incomplete and is
somewhat appealing
to the audience.
Student presents
information in logical
sequence which audience
can follow.
Student presents
information in
logical,
interesting
sequence which
audience can
follow.
Text
(10%)
The text is extremely
difficult to read with long
blocks of text and small
point size of fonts,
inappropriate contrasting
colors, poor use of
headings, subheadings,
indentations, or bold
formatting.
Overall readability is
difficult with lengthy
paragraphs, too many
different fonts, dark
or busy background,
overuse of bold or
lack of appropriate
indentations of text.
Sometimes the fonts are
easy-to-read, but in a
few places the use of
fonts, italics, bold, long
paragraphs, color or busy
background detracts and
does not enhance
readability.
The fonts are
easy-to-read and
point size varies
appropriately for
headings and text.
Use of italics,
bold, and
indentations
enhances
readability.
Text is
appropriate in
length for the
target audience
and to the point.
The background
and colors
enhance the
readability of
text.
Writing
Mechanics
(10%)
Errors in spelling,
capitalization,
punctuation, usage and
grammar repeatedly
distract the reader and
major editing and revision
Spelling, punctuation,
and grammar errors
distract or impair
readability.
(3 or more errors)
The text is clearly
written with little or no
editing required for
grammar, punctuation,
and spelling.
The text is written
with no errors in
grammar,
capitalization,
punctuation, and
spelling.
Content
(50%)
is required. (5+ errors)
Citations
(5%)
No way to check validity
of information.
Some information,
photos and graphics
are not documented
and some sources do
not include proper
citation format.
Most sources of
information use proper
citation format, and
sources are documented
to make it possible to
check on the accuracy of
information.
Sources of
information are
properly cited and
the audience can
determine the
credibility and
authority of the
information
presented. All
sources of
information are
clearly identified
and credited
using appropriate
citation format.
Graphics,
Sound and/or
Animation
(5%)
The graphics, sounds,
and/or animations are
unrelated to the content.
Graphics do not enhance
understanding of the
content, or are distracting
decorations that create a
busy feeling and detract
from the content.
Some of the graphics,
sounds, and/or
animations seem
unrelated to the
topic/theme and do
not enhance the
overall concepts.
Images are too
large/small in size.
Images are poorly
cropped or the
color/resolution is
fuzzy.
The graphics, sound/and
or animation visually
depict material and assist
the audience in
understanding the flow
of information or
content.
Images are proper size,
resolution.
The graphics,
sound and/or
animation assist
in presenting an
overall theme and
enhance
understanding of
concept, ideas
and relationships.
Original images
are created using
proper size and
resolution, and all
images enhance
the content.
There is a
consistent visual
theme.
Appendix G Group contract
GROUP CONTRACT
Group name:_____________________________________________
In this class, the group work is to facilitate the country project in which you will work as a group to study an
emerging economy and propose a product or service to enter the market. The group contract is designed to formalize
group members’ expectations towards group work. First, your group will select a group name that is best representative
of your group spirit. Second, all group members will supply their detailed contact information. The phone number and
emails are the mandatory information. Then your group can decide if you want to use other forms of social media for
communication, such as Facebook or Twitter. Third, the group can communicate on how to meet the deadline for all the
group tasks. The due dates listed are the firm deadlines listed on the syllabus. Within the group, you will discuss an
earlier date for individual to complete the assigned tasks. So your group will have some time to review the work and edit
the work if it’s necessary. This helps group members avoid procrastination. Forth, your group will discuss a list of
expected behavior from group members. The group contract’s intention is to promote academic integrity among all group
members. This is similar to the career world which we are training our students for that requires contracts to be
followed.
If group members do not follow the contract, group members have the right to warn that group member of their need to
contribute. If not, with the instructor’s permission the group member can no longer participate in the group and can result
in a failure.
When the contract is typed up by a group member, all members electronically sign it, keep a copy and email the
instructor a copy. I will periodically check in with the group and see how the contract is fulfilled. The group contract and
country selection are due on Feb. 15. See the assignment link on the Blackboard for the detailed instruction on country
selection.
Behavior and Expectations
(The listed behaviors are for illustration. Your group needs to list detailed expectations)
As a group member, I
agree with the following listed expectations to ensure smooth group coordination and
generate excellent group work.
-Everyone needs to participate and communicate.
-Help your other group members if they are struggling with something.
-Group members have the right by consensus to approach a group member who is not participating and ask them to
leave the group at his/her loss.
I assume the responsibility for doing my task in the project and fulfilling the responsibilities assigned to my role in
the group.
Electronic Signatures and Date____________________________________________________________________
Group member information
Group member
full name
Preferred
name
Phone Email Study schedule
(designated time to
study for this class)
Work Table
Preferred time
for group
coordination
Preferred media for
communication
Tasks
Due Date
Individual
completion date
Role
Country research I on Trade Environment
March 7
final editing
Country research II on Monetary Environment
March 13
final editing
Country research III on International Opportunity
April 4
final editing
Country research IV on Entry Strategy
April 18
final editing
Group presentation
May 8
Written Report
May 13
final
submission
final
submission
Group members
(Note that the roles listed in the table are only for illustration and your group should discuss how you will proceed with the group
work and who are responsible for each role)