Course description:

Study the dynamics involved in international business management. Key issues such as political, legal and labor environments, strategic planning and organizational design will be explored. A global perspective will be presented with an emphasis on the opportunities and concerns of managing international operations.

Course objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1) Identify major trends in international business.

2) Understand the role of management in dealing with the changing international business environment.

3) Recognize the influence and importance of understanding different cultures in international transactions.

4) Describe major types of international strategies and the firm and industry factors that affect them.

5) Describe the strengths and weaknesses of various foreign market entry options.

Textbook: International Management. McFarlin and Sweeney. South-Western College Publishing, 1998.

Supplementary resources:. Readings from the Wall Street Journal.

1. To experience business communications within a company structure.
2. To work cooperatively and productively within the group environment.
3. To gain exposure to department/class members with different and, perhaps, opposing perspectives.

This course will consist of application of material, interconnection with students from other classes, group work, communication and collaborative working. Application of material means that there will be minimal class lecturing.

You are expected to have read the textbook before coming to class. You will be quizzed on the chapter readings on a regular basis. You will not be allowed to make-up any missed quizzes; however, the two lowest quiz grades will be dropped when calculating your final grade. The material in the chapter will also be discussed with the instructor and other class members and applied during each class through assigned department problems.

Group interaction will be the norm in the business simulation classes, just as in many real-life situations. This class relies on the concept of a community of learners where communication is open and informal, not only within your individual department, but also with the entire organization. Finally, collaborative learning means that at times you will have to "teach" other class members.

There will be assignments completed in class throughout the quarter. These assignments are designed to apply the course concepts to real life situations. Your participation in the completion of these assignments is essential if you are to receive full credit for them. All assignments must be accompanied by an assignment submission form (obtained from CEO).

Attendance is essential. In-class assignments require your presence. If you are not present for an in-class assignment or a quiz you will not be able to get credit for it.

Group Solution Reports/Cases 40%

Business Plan Presentation 20%

Peer Evaluations/Participation 20%

Quizzes 20%

90 – 100 = A

80 – 89 = B

70 – 79 = C

60 – 69 = D

below 60 = F

These reports involve group completion of the assigned problems. The following formats may be requested:

1. Oral Report – Group discussion with the instructor.
2. Written Report – Must be typed. Contributions from each member, as well as the group’s conclusion must be presented.
3. Business Report – A formal report. Typed and double spaced.
4. Communications Record – Written list of other departments and people consulted.
5. Special – A specific result like a performance appraisal or price list.

The business simulation class, in a coordinated and unified effort, will present their company’s strategies and plans to members of the lass, as well as to outside observers at the end of the quarter. Each class will contribute according to their area of study/expertise. The management will give direction and guidance as the appropriate input from each class. Inputs to the business plan will be the result of group problem analysis complete throughout the quarter.

Each student’s individual contribution to the group and class objectives will be evaluated by the instructor. Teamwork skills, as well as individual growth, will also be monitored.

Twice during the quarter, each member of your specific class will evaluate our participation and performance. Each member’s score will be equally weighted and combined to give you a total peer evaluation.

In order to receive a passing grade, ALL work must be completed.

1 International Management: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

2 Perceptions, Interpretations, and Attitudes Across Cultures

3 Library Tour/Motivating Employees in an International Context

4 Communication, Conflict, and Negotiation Across Cultures

5 Selection and Development of International Employees

6 Performance Appraisal and Compensation Across Cultures

7 Managing Groups Across Cultures

8 International Human Resource Strategy

9 Creating Strategy for the International Environment

Implementing International Strategy

10 The Management of Production, Services, and Technology Across Borders

11 Business Plan Presentation