New Course
IBUS-350 Global Emerging Markets
(Formerly Offered as IBUS-496)
Kogod School of Business
Note: Proposals are not necessary for a selected topics or nonrecurring topics course or project
which is not a regular part of the curriculum of a department or school and is offered to a group
of students on a nonrecurring or experimental basis. In essence, a selected topics course enables
the faculty to offer the course on a first-time basis, or for experimentation with the curriculum. It
is distinguished from an independent study project in that it is available to a group of students
under the same conditions by which a they may register for a regular course. A course may be
offered as a nonrecurring selected topics course at most two times.
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Academic Unit:
Teaching Unit:
Course Title:
Course Number :
Credit Hours:
Proposed effective date:
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Prerequisites: Completion of 60 credit hours.
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Course description for University Catalog:
KSB
International Business
Global Emerging Markets
IBUS-350
3.0
Fall 2013
In this course students compare different country contexts in an effort to better
understand why some countries are more competitive than others; gain an
understanding of how the policies of governments and multilateral organizations
can affect the level of economic development and attractiveness of the business
environment in a country; and begin to recognize the challenges and opportunities
that businesses face in emerging markets and how these challenges can be overcome.
The class also examines the growing number of multinationals coming from
emerging markets and how and where they are competing with firms from the
United States, Western Europe, and Japan.
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Grade type: (underline one)
For students taking the class for the IB specialization, the grade must be A/F only.
Others who want to take the course as an elective can do so A/F or Pass/Fail.
o A/F only
o Pass/Fail only
o A/F and Pass/Fail
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Expected frequency of offering: (underline one)
o Every Fall
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o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
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Underline all that apply:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
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Every Spring
Every Summer
Alternate Falls
Alternate Springs
Alternate Summers
Every term
Irregularly
Other
NONE
General Education course
Online course
Hybrid course
Rotating topics course
Individually supervised course such as Internship, Independent Study, Research
Course, Thesis, Dissertation
Research methods course
AU Abroad Program course
Other study abroad course (offered directly by Academic Unit, not through AU
Abroad)
Please explain the main purpose of the new course, including whether it will be a
requirement for an existing or proposed program or an elective, and how the new course
relates to the existing courses in the program and department. Note: if a required course
for an existing program, submit a corresponding Minor Change to Program proposal.
The rationale for making “Global Emerging Markets” a permanent elective course
is in response to student demand, feedback from the Undergraduate Programs
Office, and an effort to build on the International Business Department’s focus on
emerging markets. There are few electives at the undergraduate level and no course
that focuses solely on business in emerging markets. This case is also unique in that
it is taught from a case-based perspective; this discussion- and case-based design is
not common for undergraduate courses. Based on feedback from students, there is
substantial demand from the School of International Service. Kogod students are
also very interested in taking this course; International Business is the third largest
specialization for undergraduate students and over half of 53 business minors from
SIS do so in international business.
The course will also be a required course for those undergraduate business majors
specializing in International Business. Other students may take the course as an
elective.
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Will the course require that students pay a special fee associated with the course? If so,
please provide a justification for this additional cost to students.
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No, there will be no special fee
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Has the course previously been offered under a rotating topics course or an experimental
course number? If so:
o
o
o
o
o
Semesters/year offered:
Fall 2009, Spring 2011, and Spring 2013
Course number:
IBUS-496
Instructor:
Jennifer Oetzel
Enrollment:
10, 21, and 14 students respectively
What observations and conclusions were derived from the previous offering(s)
that now lead to proposing this course as a permanent part of the curriculum?
First, there was strong student and Undergraduate Program support for this
course. The Office of Undergraduate Programs worked hard to encourage the
development of this elective offering and were strongly supportive of this elective
on global emerging markets.
Second, based on the two previous offerings we have learned a great deal about
the optimal scheduling of the course. The first time the course was offered we
learned that scheduling issues prevented many undergraduate students from
taking the course in the fall. Students are generally still taking numerous core
courses in the fall and wait until the spring to take their electives. The successful
offering of the course in spring 2011 confirmed that this is a much better time
slot.
Teaching evaluations for the course were:
Spring 2011: Instructor (6.61/7), Course (6.59/7)
Fall 2009: Instructor (5.75/7), Course (5.89/7)
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Please indicate other units that offer courses or programs related to the proposed course
and provide documentation of consultations with those units.
To our knowledge this is no other comparable course offered at American
University. In addition, we did not find any indication that George Washington
University or Georgetown University (the two most likely alternatives for
undergraduates interested in this topic) offered a comparable elective course for
undergraduates.
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Estimated enrollment per semester: 25 students
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Does your teaching unit’s classroom space allotment support the addition of this course?
Yes
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Are present university facilities (library, technology) adequate for the proposed course?
Yes
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Will the proposed course be taught by full-time or part-time faculty?
Full-time faculty
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Will offering the new course involve any substantial changes to the scheduling of
existing courses?
No
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What are the learning outcomes including the competencies that students are expected to
demonstrate for the course and how are those outcomes assessed?
The objective of this course is to develop an understanding of global emerging
markets and how they differ from developed country markets. In this first half of
the course we will focus on the country-level factors that distinguish emerging
markets from others. Specifically, we will identify factors that influence national
competitiveness, examine why some countries are more competitive than others, and
study how institutions affect the business environment. The second half of the
course will focus on strategic decision-making at the firm- and industry-levels of
analysis. Special emphasis will be placed on comparing: 1) how corporate
governance structures differ across countries and 2) the relative competitive
advantage of multinational firms from emerging markets with those from developed
countries (and the strategic implications for both types of firms).
Grades in the course will be based on the following factors:
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Class Participation:
Individual Project:
Exam #1:
Exam #2:
30%
25%
25%
20%
The participation also includes grades for 4 homework assignments. The process for
grading is discussed in great detail in the attached syllabus.
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Please attach a draft syllabus.
Attached below.
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American University
Global Emerging Markets, IBUS 496-001
Spring 2013
Class time:
Class location:
Tuesdays and Fridays, 1:10 to 2:25pm
KSB T61
Instructor:
Office:
Dr. Jennifer Oetzel, Associate Professor of International Business
Room 213 in Kogod School of Business
Office:
Office Hours:
E-mail:
Phone:
Room 213 in Kogod School of Business
Tuesdays: 2:45 to 5:00pm, Fridays: 2:30 to 3:30pm, and by appointment
oetzelj@american.edu
(202) 885-1905 (office)
Required Materials:
 Cases and articles from www.study.net ($41.50)
 Readings available on Blackboard including: Mystery of Capital
by Hernando de Soto (Chapters 1-3)
 Class handouts
Course Objective
The objective of this course is to develop an understanding of global emerging markets
and how they differ from developed country markets. In this first half of the course we will focus
on the country-level factors that distinguish emerging markets from others. Specifically, we will
identify factors that influence national competitiveness, examine why some countries are more
competitive than others, and study how institutions affect the business environment. The second
half of the course will focus on strategic decision-making at the firm- and industry-levels of
analysis. Special emphasis will be placed on comparing: 1) how corporate governance structures
differ across countries and 2) the relative competitive advantage of multinational firms from
emerging markets with those from developed countries (and the strategic implications for both
types of firms).
Course Format and Requirements
To better understand the challenges of business in emerging economies we will study
important concepts and tools for conducting business and learn to apply these concepts to realworld cases. The class format will include discussions and analysis based on assigned readings
and cases. Grades in the course will be based on the following factors:
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Class Participation:
Individual Project:
Exam #1:
Exam #2:
30%
25%
25%
20%
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Class Participation
Your class participation is critical for making this a rich learning environment.
Participation includes a variety of factors such as:
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Attendance*: Everyone is expected to be on time and attend all classes.
Preparing any assigned discussion questions for the day.
Reading the assigned material: The reading for this course is significant. All
students are expected to read all the material for each day.
Actively and constructively engaging in class discussions and group activities
Class participation will be graded after each class period on a “0” to “4” scale as follows:
4
3
2
1
0
excellent participation; enthusiastically participated in class discussions, clearly
read assigned material, arrived on time, etc.
above average participation, generally participates
average to below average participation, rarely participates
attended but did not participate
absent
*Missing more than three classes may result in an “F” for participation.
Homework (4 assignments)
As part of your participation grade you are required to prepare discussion questions based
on the readings for four classes throughout the semester. More information will be given in
class.
Individual Project and Presentation (25%)
For the individual project, you will be asked to pick a topic related to emerging markets.
You may analyze (much more deeply) one of the issues we discuss in class, undertake a country
analysis, prepare a business plan/idea for a particular emerging market, among other options.
You will have wide latitude in choosing your topic but topics must be approved in advance. We
will discuss potential topics in more detail during class. Your paper should be 6-8 pages doublespaced. You will also make a brief (approximately 10 minute) presentation to the class
summarizing your project. An advanced draft of the paper is due on March 26th and the final
paper is due on April 26th. Presentations will be held during the last three class periods.
Exams #1 and #2
The exams will focus on the readings and consist of short essay questions. The mid-term
exam will be held during class time on February 22nd. The final exam will be held during the
final exam period on May 3rd.
General Expectations
 In terms of your performance in this class, my expectations are very high and I anticipate
only outstanding work from each of you.
 Without exception, all assignments should be typewritten.
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Late assignments will not be accepted.
All students are expected to be respectful and courteous to other class members. This
includes turning off cell phones and pagers before class.
Violations of the honor code will result in disciplinary action.
KSB Academic Integrity Statement
Academic integrity is paramount in higher education and essential to effective teaching
and learning. As a professional school, the Kogod School of Business is committed to preparing
our students and graduates to value the notion of integrity. In fact, no issue at American
University is more serious or addressed with greater severity than a breach of academic integrity.
Standards of academic conduct are governed by the University’s Academic Integrity
Code. By enrolling in the School and registering for this course, you acknowledge your
familiarity with the Code and pledge to abide by it. All suspected violations of the Code will be
immediately referred to the Office of the Dean. Disciplinary action, including failure for the
course, suspension, or dismissal, may result.
Additional information about the Code (i.e. acceptable forms of collaboration, definitions
of plagiarism, use of sources including the Internet, and the adjudication process) can be found in
a number of places including the University’s Academic Regulations, Student Handbook, and
website at <http://www.american.edu/academics/integrity>. If you have any questions about
academic integrity or standards of conduct in this course, please discuss them with your
instructor.
Academic Support Services
If you experience difficulty in this course for any reason, please don’t hesitate to consult
with me. In addition to the resources of the department, a wide range of services is available to
support you in your efforts to meet the course requirements.
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Academic Support Center (x3360, MGC 243) offers study skills workshops, individual
instruction, tutor referrals, and services for students with learning disabilities. Writing
support is available in the ASC Writing Lab or in the Writing Center, Battelle 228.
Counseling Center (x3500, MGC 214) offers counseling and consultations regarding
personal concerns, self-help information, and connections to off-campus mental health
resources.
Disability Support Services (x3315, MGC 206) offers technical and practical support
and assistance with accommodations for students with physical, medical, or
psychological disabilities.
If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please notify me in a timely manner
with a letter from the Academic Support Center or Disability Support Services so that we can
make arrangements to address your needs.
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CLASS SCHEDULE
Week
Date
Topics and Readings
Week 1
Tuesday,
January 15th
* Welcome! *
Friday,
January 18th
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Course Introduction:
 Course Overview
 What are emerging markets?
 How do emerging markets differ from developed
markets?
What does it mean to be a ‘developed’ country?
Tuesday,
January 22nd
Reading: Local Memoirs of a Global Manager (BlackBoard)
Economic Policy and Development: Clusters and Economic
Development
Friday,
January 25th
Reading: Clusters and the New Economics of Competition
(BlackBoard)
Economic Policy and Development (what is the role of
democracy?): Case Study of Singapore
Tuesday,
January 29th
Reading: Singapore, Inc.
Economic Policy and Development: The resource curse
Friday,
February 1st
Reading: Botswana: A diamond in the rough
Economic Policy and Development: Comparing the
Economic Policies of Russia and China
Tuesday,
February 5th
Reading: Brazil: Leading the BRICs?
Economic Policy and Development: Comparing the
Economic Policies of Russia and China
Friday,
February 8th
Reading: Russia: The End of a Time of Troubles?
Economic Policy and Development: Comparing the
Economic Policies of Russia and China
Tuesday,
February 12th
Reading: China: Building Capitalism with Socialist
Characteristics.
Institutions and Emerging Markets: Introduction to
Institutional Theory
Reading: 1) Strategies that Fit Emerging Markets
(BlackBoard), and 2) Defining property rights: The case of
knowledge-based resources (Blackboard)
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CLASS SCHEDULE, CONTIN…
Week
Week 6
Date
Topics and Readings
Friday,
February 15th
Institutions and Emerging Markets: Entrepreneurship, Risk
Taking and Capital Markets
Tuesday,
February 19th
Reading: Chapters 1-3, Mystery of Capital (BlackBoard)
Institutions and Emerging Markets: Entrepreneurship, Risk
Taking and Capital Markets
Reading: Chapters 1-3, Mystery of Capital (BlackBoard)
Friday,
February 22nd
Week 7
Tuesday,
February 26th
Friday,
March 1st
Week 8
Week 9
Week
10
Tuesday,
March 5th
Friday,
March 8th
Tuesday,
March 12th
Friday,
March 15th
Tuesday,
March 19th
Friday,
March 22nd
Week
11
Tuesday,
March 26th
*Mid-term exam*
Differences in Corporate Governance Across Countries
Reading: Models of corporate governance: Who’s the Fairest
of them All?
Differences in Corporate Governance Across Countries
Reading: 1) Getting to Know the Neighbors: Grupos in
Mexico (Blackboard), and 2) Grupo Bimbo
Managing Economic, Political, and Social Risk
Reading: Managing Risk in an Unstable World (BlackBoard)
No class – working on readings and paper
Spring Break!
Managing Economic, Political, and Social Risk
Reading: Corporate Responsibility & Community
Engagement at the Tintaya Copper Mine (A)
Managing Economic, Political, and Social Risk
Reading: Corporate Responsibility & Community
Engagement at the Tintaya Copper Mine (A)
Identifying and Evaluating Market Opportunities
Reading: The Battle for China’s Good-Enough Market
(BlackBoard)
*Drafts of individual projects due
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CLASS SCHEDULE, CONTIN…
Week
Date
Friday,
March 29th
Week
12
Week
13
Tuesday,
April 2nd
Friday,
April 5th
Tuesday,
April 9th
Friday,
April 12th
Week
14
Week
15
Tuesday,
April 16th
Friday,
April 19th
Tuesday,
April 23rd
Friday,
April 26th
Topics and Readings
Identifying and Evaluating Market Opportunities
Reading: Dream Deferred: The Story of a High-tech
Entrepreneur in a Low-tech World (BlackBoard)
Market Entry Strategy: From Emerging Markets to
Developed Countries
Reading: Emerging Giants: Building World Class Companies
in Developing Countries
We will discuss SABI, Haier, Embraer, Cemex, and other
MNCs from emerging markets
Peace Economics Conference, all invited to attend
Topic: Class Choice
Readings: Dubai: Debt, Development and Crisis
Making the Site Selection Decision
Reading: Intel: Strategic Decisions in Locating a New
Assembly and Test Plant (A)
Serving the World’s Poor and Social Entrepreneurship
Readings: 1) Servings the World’s Poor Profitably
(BlackBoard), and 2) E+Co: A tipping point for clean energy
entrepreneurship
Presentations
Presentations
Presentations and Course Wrap-up
*Final papers due
Final Exam 11:45am to 2:15pm
Friday, May 3rd
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