International Business

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

At the dawn of the 21st century, nations are more economically integrated than at any other point in human history. This presents business leaders with unprecedented opportunities & challenges. On one hand it gives businesses access to larger markets, henceforth giving them the opportunity to increase profitability and on the other hand, the era of globalization has also increased the potential competitors as firms now not only compete with local firms but also have to compete against international competitors. Henceforth such competitive business environment requires managers who are capable of strategizing in an international context. Therefore the main aim of this course is to provide knowledge about business and management issues in the global perspective. Furthermore this course also provides students with the opportunity to explore business knowledge of different culture, legal policies, and impact of globalization which will in turn help them in formulating strategies in order to compete in this heterogeneous International Market.

PREREQUISITE (IF ANY):

N/A

COURSE POLICY:

It is the student’s responsibility to gather information about the assignments and covered topics during the lectures missed. Regular class attendance is mandatory. Points will be taken off for missing classes. Without 70% of attendance, sitting for final exam is NOT allowed. According to IUB system students must enter the classroom within the first 20 minutes to get the attendance submitted.
The date and syllabus of quiz, midterm and final exam is already given here, however, announcements will be given ahead of time. There is NO provision for make-up quizzes.
The reading materials for each class will be given prior to that class so that student may have a cursory look into the materials.
Class participation is vital for better understanding of sociological issues. Students are invited to raise questions.
Students should take tutorials with the instructor during the office hours. Prior appointment is required.
Students must maintain the IUB code of conduct and ethical guidelines offered by the School of Business.
Students must refrain from any type of cheating and/or plagiarism in a course. Any student acting otherwise will receive an “F” grade in the course. School of Business, IUB, maintains a zero tolerance policy regarding violation of academic integrity.

Students are not allowed to keep bags, handouts, books, mobile phones, smart watches or any other smart electronic devices with them during any exam. Students are advised to keep everything in the front of the class room before the exam starts. Please note that, just carrying any smart electronic devises (even if the devise is turned off or put it in silent mode) during the exam will be considered as “cheating”. Moreover, during the exam, anything written on hand palms (or anywhere else) and carrying paper materials (whatever is written) will be considered as “cheating”. Any sorts of “cheating” will result in an “F” grade with no exception. During the exam, students are only allowed to carry pen, pencil, eraser, sharpener, ruler, highlighter and calculator in a clear plastic bag.

ASSESSMENT AND MARKS DISTRIBUTION:

Type of Evaluation	Nos.	Weight
*Class Attendance and Participation*	100%	5
Quiz (Best two will be counted)	3	20
Project and Presentation	01	20
Midterm Exam	01	20
Final Exam	01	35
Total		100%

[Class attendance is mandatory; failure to do so may deduct the final marks]

GRADE CONVERSION SCHEME:

The following chart will be followed for grading. This has customized form the guideline provided by the school of Business.

A	A-	B+	B	B-	C+	C	C-	D+	D	F
90-100	85-89	80-84	75-79	70-74	65-69	60-64	55-59	50-54	45-49	0-44

* Numbers are inclusive

REQUIRED TEXT:

The course will be based mostly on the following books [some other books and journals may be referred time to time]:

John D. Daniels, Lee H. Radebaugh and Daniel P. Sullivan: International Business: Environments and Operations (13th Edition), Pearson Prentice Hall, 2011.

MORE READINGS:

Hill CWL (2009), International Business: Competing in the Global Marketplace, 8th Edition, London: McGraw-Hill and Irwin.

Link to virtual learning system: http://103.254.86.4/sb/ (School of Business – Faculty name- Login as a guest- password is 1234).

CLASS AND EXAM SCHEDULE, TOPIC AND READINGS:

Sessions	Topic	Learning Outcomes	Readings
Session -1	Introduction	Introduction to International Business, Explanation of Course Outline	Course Outline
Session -2	Globalization and International Business	The concept on globalization and international business and explain how they affect each other Grasp why companies engage in international business and why its growth has accelerated	Daniel & Sullivan, Chapter1 Handout available on virtual learning system
Session -3	Globalization and International Business	Discuss globalization’s future and the major criticisms of it Illustrate the different ways a company can accomplish its global objectives Recognize the need to apply social science disciplines to understand how international and domestic business differ	Daniel & Sullivan, Chapter1 Handout available on virtual learning system
Session -4	The Cultural Environments Facing Business	Understand methods for learning about cultural environments Grasp the major causes of cultural difference and change Discuss behavioral factors influencing countries’ business practices	Daniel & Sullivan, Chapter 2 Handout available on virtual learning system
Session -5	The Cultural Environments Facing Business	Recognize the complexities of cross-cultural information differences, especially communications Analyze guidelines for cultural adjustment Grasp the diverse ways that national cultures may evolve Distribution and explanation of Term Case	Daniel & Sullivan, Chapter 2 Handout available on virtual learning system Case Handout and Questions
Session -6	The Political & Legal Environments Facing Business Quiz 1	Discuss the philosophy and practices of the political environment Profile trends in contemporary political systems Describe current trends in political ideologies and their implications to MNE’s choices Explain political risk management Compare the relative benefits and drawbacks of proactive versus passive political risk management	Daniel & Sullivan, Chapter 3 Handout available on virtual learning system
Session-7	The Political & Legal Environments Facing Business	Discuss the principles and practices of the legal system Profile trends in contemporary legal systems Identify and describe key legal issues facing international companies	Daniel & Sullivan, Chapter 3 Handout available on virtual learning system
Session -8	The Economic Environment	Communicate the importance of economic analysis Discuss the idea of economic freedom Profile the characteristics of the types of economic systems	Daniel & Sullivan, Chapter 4 Handout available on virtual learning system
Session -9	The Economic Environment	Introduce the notion of state capitalism Profile leading indicators of economic development, performance, and potential	Daniel & Sullivan, Chapter 4 Handout available on virtual learning system
Session -10	Cross-National Cooperation And Agreements	Discuss the three major approaches to economic integration Identify the major characteristics and challenges of the World Trade Organization Discuss the pros and cons of global (the WTO), bilateral, and regional integration Identify how the different approaches to economic integration can be a free trade agreement, a customs union, or a common market	Daniel & Sullivan, Chapter 8 Handout available on virtual learning system
Session -11	Cross-National Cooperation And Agreements Quiz 2	Describe the static and dynamic impact of trade agreements on trade and investment flows Compare and contrast different regional trading groups Describe other forms of global cooperation such as the United Nations and OPEC	Daniel & Sullivan, Chapter 8 Handout available on virtual learning system
Session -12	International Trade & Factor Mobility Theory	Understand how different approaches to international trade theories help policy makers achieve economic objectives Comprehend the historical and current rationale for interventionist trade theories Explain how free trade improves global efficiency Distinguish factors affecting national trade patterns	Daniel & Sullivan, Chapter 6 Handout available on virtual learning system
Session -13	International Trade & Factor Mobility Theory	Recognize why a country’s export capabilities are dynamic Detect why production factors, especially labor and capital, move internationally Describe the relationship between foreign trade and international factor mobility Grasp scenarios of possible changes in trade patterns	Daniel & Sullivan, Chapter 6 Handout available on virtual learning system
Session -14	Midterm Exam	CHAPTERS 1-4 & 8	Daniel & Sullivan, Chapter 1-4&8
Session -15	Governmental Influence on Trade	Explain why governments try to enhance and restrict trade Show the effects of pressure groups on trade policies Compare the potential and actual effects of government intervention on the free flow of trade Illustrate the major means by which trade is restricted and regulated	Daniel & Sullivan, Chapter 7 Handout available on virtual learning system
Session -16	Governmental Influence on Trade	Demonstrate the business uncertainties and opportunities created by governmental trade policies Discern how businesses may respond to import competition Fathom how the growing complexity of products and trade regulations may affect the future	Daniel & Sullivan, Chapter 7 Handout available on virtual learning system
Session -17	Country Evaluation & Selection	Grasp company strategies for sequencing the penetration of countries See how scanning techniques can help managers both limit geographic alternatives and consider otherwise overlooked areas Discern the major opportunity and risk variables to consider in deciding whether and where to expand abroad Know the methods and problems of collecting and comparing international information Distribution and explanation of Term Case	Daniel & Sullivan, Chapter12 Handout available on virtual learning system Case Handout and Questions
Session -18	Country Evaluation & Selection	Understand some simplifying tools for helping decide where to operate Consider how companies allocate emphasis among the countries where they operate Comprehend why location decisions do not necessarily compare different countries’ possibilities Fathom the conditions that may cause prime business locations to change in the future	Daniel & Sullivan, Chapter12 Handout available on virtual learning system
Session -19	Export And Import Strategies Quiz 3	Explain the idea of exporting and profile its elements Explain the idea of importing and profile its elements Evaluate the relative benefits and drawbacks of the export and import of e-waste Describe the problems and pitfalls that challenge international traders	Daniel & Sullivan, Chapter13 Handout available on virtual learning system
Session -20	Export And Import Strategies	Define the idea of an export plan Discuss the practice of countertrade Describe the resources and assistance for international traders Identify and discuss the platforms that support expanding international trade	Daniel & Sullivan, Chapter13 Handout available on virtual learning system
Session -21	Entry Strategy and Strategic Alliances	Explain the three basic decisions that firms contemplating foreign expansion must make: which markets to enter, when to enter those markets, and on what scale. Outline the advantages and disadvantages of the different modes that firms use to enter foreign markets.	Hill, Chapter14 Handout available on virtual learning system
Session -22	Entry Strategy and Strategic Alliances	Identify the factors that influence a firm’s choice of entry mode. Evaluate the pros and cons of acquisitions versus green-field ventures as an entry strategy. Evaluate the pros and cons of entering into strategic alliances.	Hill, Chapter14 Handout available on virtual learning system
Session -23	Project Presentation	Case Presentation	Project Presentation
Session -24	Project Presentation	Case Presentation	Project Presentation
Session -25	Project Presentation	Case Presentation	Project Presentation
Session -26	Final Exam	Chapter 6,7,12,13 and 14	Daniel & Sullivan, Chapter 6,7,12,13 and Hill, Chapter 14