How To Pass International Business Course

Transcription

1 Undergraduate Course Syllabus COURSE: BUSN 4650 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS Location: Leiden Term: Spring semester 2014 Days: Tuesday Time: 18:00 20:30 The Instructor: Name: Ms. Charlene Lambert Please or call me to make an appointment. I am also always available Availability before or after class, or during the break. Mobile Phone: lambertmarketing@gmail.com; clambert39@webster.edu; About the instructor Charlene Lambert s interest in foreign languages was instrumental in developing her desire for an international career. She has a BA in Modern Languages from St. Mary's College, Notre Dame, Indiana, a Masters in Planning from the University of Ottawa, Canada, and a Certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo, Canada. She has worked for the past 20 years in international marketing and economic development for organizations in both Canada and the Netherlands. As past Area Director for the West Holland Foreign Investment Agency, she was responsible for promoting inward business investment from Europe and Asia to The Hague Region, and for assisting international companies with their European expansion. She is currently Advisor to the Taiwan Globalization Network, an organization that promotes co-incubation and innovation between Taiwan and Europe, and works also as a private consultant in international business, marketing and economic development. As a Board Member and Vice President of the Women s Business Initiative International (WBII), an incubator and network for startup companies, she actively supports international entrepreneurship. Guest Speaker/Field Trip Guest speaker(s) and a field trip are planned. More information to follow.

2 THE COURSE Course Definition (source: Webster University Undergraduate Catalogue) A survey of international business operations, including organization structure, finance, taxation, marketing, cultural differences, global trade, capital markets and economic growth, the impact of regional trading blocs, corporate global competitiveness, and global strategies. Prerequisite MNGT 2100 Course Content The students are placed in the shoes of a corporate executive who is exploring the issues that companies face, and decisions that need to be taken, when expanding their business abroad. The meetings consist of a brief lecture and overview of the subjects, presentations on related topics, discussions of current news relating to international business, and management consultant studies. Oral presentations are assigned on a rotating basis, and students are encouraged to share their experience with the group. Films, business games, internet exercises and practical cases are used throughout the course. International business contacts are invited to class to share their experience and discuss concrete projects that they are dealing with. Learning Outcomes Outcome 1. Students recognize and analyze the meaning and implications of globalization. 2. Students can differentiate and choose between the different approaches to facilitating international trade. Expectation Students can discuss the data supporting the notion of increasing economic interdependence. This includes greater economic integration through trade agreements and regionalization, immigration flows, and the flow of financial capital. Further students can describe the economic paradigm surrounding international trade. Students can describe the differing entry modes (e.g. joint venture, turn-key, franchising, etc.) Given a particular environment, operational goals, and resources available, the student can identify the most appropriate method. 3. Students identify critical dimensions on how cultural differences impact international business activities. 4. Students are able to describe and analyze the importance of differences in environment affect international business activities 5. Students are able to incorporate into their analysis and can adapt their interpretation of a situation to the increased complexity of functioning with multiple currencies. Students can describe the mechanisms needed to facilitate the international transaction (e.g. role of freight forwarders, letters of credit, etc.). Students can discuss importance of culture in successful international business ventures. This includes both formal (e.g. Hofstede s model, the dimensions of culture, etc.) and informal (e.g. bow versus kiss) distinctions. Students can describe how business environment varies from country to country. This includes differences in laws, religion, level of economic development, etc. Student can identify, properly describe, and make allowances for these differences. Students can describe exchange rate movements, exchange rate risk and how to incorporate it into business decisions, and how to hedge against this risk. General Skills - where applicable all Webster courses will address: Writing skills. Presentation skills. Team working skills.

3 Cross-cultural skills. Research skills. Creative problem-solving skills. Materials (Textbook) - Fulltime students on flat fee will get their textbook for free at the start of the course; part-time students must source the textbook themselves or place on order with the Webster Librarian at least two weeks before term begins. International Management, Culture, Strategy and Behavior, Fred Luthans, Jonathan P. Doh, 8th Edition, McGraw Hill, International Edition ISBN: Required Material Additional case studies and other reading material will be distributed in class. Letter Grades: GRADING Instructor s guidelines for percentage equivalent of the letter grade: A (4.0), A- (3.67) A (96-100), A- (91-95) Superior work. B+ (3.33), B (3.0), B- (2.67) B+ (86-90), B (81-85), B- (76-80) Good work. Letter grades mean that in the opinion of the instructor the work was: C+ (2.33), C (2.0), C- (1.67) C+ (71-75), C (66-70), C- (61-65) Satisfactory work. D+ (1.33), D (1.0) D+ (56-60), D (51-55) Passing, but less than satisfactory. F (0.0) F (0-50) Unsatisfactory. No credit is granted. Other Designations: I Incomplete work ZF An Incomplete which was not completed within one year of the end of the course. IP Course in progress. W The student withdrew from the course NR Not reported for the course. A temporary designation given by the registrar indicating that the final grade has not been submitted by the instructor. When the final grade is filed in the office of the Registrar, that Z grade will replace the Z. ASSESSMENT: the Instructor will evaluate students work as follows: Description: Percentage: Date due: Active Class Participation 20% Chapter Presentations 20% Research Proposal 20% February 11, 2014 Homework 10% Group paper and presentation 30% May 6, 2014 Assessment Study Load: In addition to homework for the sessions, students are expected to spend approximately 56 hours in total (or 7 hours per week) on preparing for exams, writing and researching papers, or other assessed work. Students and Instructors will be asked to evaluate the course in a form to be handed out during week 16 of the term.

4 Assessment Tool (++ = key tool; + = secondary tool,) Active Participation 20% Chapter Presentations 20% Research Proposal 20% Homework 10% Group paper and presentation 30% Learning Specifics Learning Outcome Learning Outcome Learning Outcome Learning Outcome Learning Outcome General Skills Presentation skills Writing skills Team work skills Cross-cultural skills Research skills Creative problem-solving skills Activities Case studies, project groups, videos, group activities, internet searches, simulation game, business plan, excursion, student presentations, final paper.

5 ACADEMIC POLICIES University policies are provided in the current course catalog and course schedules. They are also available on the university website. This course is governed by the University s published policies. Please use the following link to see a complete overview of Webster Leiden s Policies and Procedures: policies Academic Honesty: The University is committed to high standards of academic honesty. Students will be held responsible for violations of these standards. Please refer to the university s academic honesty policies for a definition of academic dishonesty and potential disciplinary actions associated with it. Drop / Withdraw: Please be aware that, should you choose to drop or withdraw from a course; the date on which you notify the University of your decision will determine the amount of tuition refund you receive. Please refer to the university policies on drops and withdrawals (published elsewhere) to find out what the deadlines are for dropping a course with a full refund and for withdrawing from a course with a partial refund. Special Services: If you have registered as a student with a documented disability and are entitled to classroom or testing accommodations, please inform the Instructor at the beginning of the course of the accommodations you will require in this class so that these can be provided. Disturbances: Since every student is entitled to full participation in class without interruption, disruption of class by inconsiderate behavior is not acceptable. Students are expected to treat the instructor and other students with dignity and respect, especially in cases where a diversity of opinion arises. Students who engage in disruptive behavior are subject to disciplinary action, including removal from the course. Student Papers Retained: Student assignments and/or projects will be retained by the University for the purpose of academic assessment. Contact Hours: It is essential that all classes meet for the full instructional time as scheduled and that is: 43 contact hours for undergraduate semester classes (includes 8 hours project work); 32 contact hours for undergraduate term classes; 36 contact hours for graduate level classes. A class cannot be shortened in length. If a class session is cancelled for any reason, it must be rescheduled. Study Load per course: 8-week classes - students are expected to spend approximately 17 hours per week (21 hours including class time). 16-week classes students are expected to spend approximately 7,5 hours per week (10 hours including class time). Attendance, Participation, Assignments: Students are required to attend all classes and participate actively. Grading will partly reflect this. Class participation accounts for roughly 20% of the total grade. All classes include assignments (such as presentations or papers). Students must report to the instructor all assistance they received and all sources they used in carrying out their assignments. Otherwise they will fail the course and may also face other penalties. Auditors: are expected to attend all classes and actively participate in all aspects of the course, including mid-term and final exams, and will be provided with a Certificate of Achievement. First Class: The first session of a course is very important and cannot be missed. Therefore, in accordance with student guidelines on attendance, the instructor can request that students missing the first class without valid reason, and without having obtained permission beforehand, be dropped from the course. For this course, the instructor has requested that this rule is not enforced. Partial Absence: At the discretion of the Instructor, grading can be reduced for students who regularly arrive late for class and/or leave class early. Pass/Fail Option (for undergraduate students only): In limited situations it is possible to take elective courses on a pass/fail basis rather than being graded with an A, B, C, D, or F grade. Students who wish to be graded on a Pass/Fail basis, and whose instructor agrees to this, must submit their request in writing ( is fine) to their advisor by the end of the second week of class. Exam Office Policy (for undergraduate students): The University applies strict deadline regulations. Deadlines are set by the instructor and are listed (date and time) in the course syllabus. All written assignments weighted 20% or more must be submitted not to the instructor but to examoffice@webster.nl. Assignments received after the deadline will be subject to a penalty: if received after the deadline but within 24 hours, the University recommends instructors to downgrade the assignment by one letter grade. The Exam Office does not accept assignments in undergraduate programs that are submitted more than 24 hours after the deadline, and consequently these will receive a failing grade. Faculty may, under documented circumstances and with the consent of the academic director, accept late work to be graded. If students cannot meet the deadline for valid reasons (beyond the student s control, such as illness or other extenuating circumstances), the student must submit a Request for Extended Deadline form which can be downloaded from the student section on the website. Based on the reason and evidence given, the instructor is alerted and decides, in consultation with both the advisor and Head of Department, on a new deadline. Normally extensions are approved for a maximum of two weeks. Exams: Students must seek permission from the Academic Director in order to take either mid-term or final exams on a date other than that set by the Instructor. Incomplete Work Incompletes (grades of "I") will only be allowed if agreed with the instructor and officially documented with an Agreement to Complete form (available from your advisor). If no such agreement has been documented, incomplete grades will automatically revert to F two weeks after the end of term. Instructors are actively encouraged not to accept students' work after the end of term. If a student's work has been delayed by causes beyond his/her control, an agreement to complete will normally be for a period of two weeks. Further extensions require the approval of the academic director; graduate-level integrated studies (coded 6000) will be exempt from this rule. It is the student's responsibility to complete the course within the specified time. Plagiarism is using another person s words or ideas without telling the reader. This applies not only to books and articles, but also to sources from the internet, or copying work from your fellow students. Those who are discovered cheating or plagiarizing will normally receive a failing grade for the entire course and may even be subject to dismissal. Please don t fall into this trap. Use in-text citations and include a bibliography in all your papers. (For more information, use the link to Policies and Procedures above). Please respect your sources, your audience and yourself. Note: WIKIPEDIA is NOT a source for academic referencing and can only be used in conjunction with other source referencing.

6 WEEKLY SCHEDULE Homework, subjects to be dealt with in the lesson, assignments, presentations, and examinations Total study load for a semester course is 10 hours a week, with approx. 7,5 hours a week for self-study. Term courses (8 weeks) require 21 hours a week, with approx. 17 for self-study. Public holidays in Spring 2014: Good Friday Friday 18 April 2014 Easter Monday Monday 21 April 2014 Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2014 Time: 6:00 8:30 p.m. Lesson 1 Introductions; overview of syllabus and course requirements; discussion of research topics and assignments. What is international business, and what are the world developments taking place that affect it? Chapter 1. Answer questions on p. 30 and 31. discussion p. 32 -India, and p. 33- Here Comes the Competition. Date: 2 Tuesday, January 21, 2014 Time: 6:00 8:30 p.m. Lesson How do the political, legal and technological environments influence international business? Chapter 2. Answer questions on p. 57. discussion p. 59, A Chinese Venture. Date: Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Time: 6:00 8:30 p.m. Lesson 3 Ethics and Social Responsibility: What are the issues of concern that MNCs need to consider when doing business abroad? Chapter 3. Answer questions on p. 80. discussion p. 82, Saudi Arabia. Date: 4 Tuesday, February 4, 2014 Time: 6:00 8:30 p.m. Lesson The meaning of culture as it applies to international business. How should MNCs manage across cultures. Chapter 4. Answer questions on p discussion p. 136 South Africa. Chapter 5. Answer questions on p. 163 discussion p. 164 Mexico Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2014 Time: 6:00 8:30 p.m. Lesson 5 What is organizational culture, how does it impact national cultures, and why is it important to international business? Chapter 6. Answer questions on p discussion p. 190 Japan. Research proposals are required to be ed directly to: examoffice@webster.nl by February 11, 17:00 hours. Please hand in a hard copy to the instructor at this time. Date: Week of February 17-21, 2014 Time: TBA Project Week Activities per major, organized by your Department Head. Details to follow from the Head of your Department

7 Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2014 Time: 6:00 8:30 p.m. Lesson 6 Cross cultural communication and negotiation: What are the major barriers to effective international communication and how can you deal with these communication problems? Chapter 7. Answer questions on p discussion p. 231 Foreign or Domestic? Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2014 Time: 6:00 8:30 p.m. Lesson 7 Strategy and international business: Integration vs. national responsiveness, and developing and implementing the strategic plan. Chapter 8. Answer questions on p discussion p. 300 Poland. Date: Week of March 10-14, 2014 Spring break (no classes) Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2014 Time: 6:00 8:30 p.m. Lesson 8 How do MNCs use entry strategies and organizational structures in handling international operations? Chapter 9. Answer questions on p discussion p Australia Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2014 Time: 6:00 8:30 p.m. Lesson 9 What are the political risks that MNCs face when entering a new market, and how can government relations and alliances with foreign partners influence their success? Chapter 10. Answer questions on p discussion p. 358 Brazil. Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2014 Time: 6:00 8:30 p.m. Lesson 10 Decision-making and control: Factors affecting decision making and control in international operations Chapter 11. Answer questions on p discussion p. 386 Denmark. Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2014 Time: 6:00 8:30 p.m. Lesson 11 Motivation across cultures: How an understanding of employee satisfaction can be useful in human resource management throughout the world. Chapter 12. Answer questions on p discussion p Singapore Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2014 Time: 6:00 8:30 p.m. Lesson 12 Leadership across cultures, and effective leadership practices Chapter 13. Answer questions on p discussion p. 490 Germany. Date: Week of April 21-25, 2014 Time: TBA Project Week Activities per major, organized by your Department Head. Details to follow from the Head of your Department

8 Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2014 Time: 6:00 8:30 p.m. Lesson 13 Human resource selection and development, or International Human Capital Management Chapter 14. Answer questions on p discussion p. 536 Russia Final presentations. Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2014 Time: 6:00 8:30 p.m. Lesson 14 The future of international business. Final presentations. Final papers are required to be ed directly to: by May 6, 2014, by 17:00 hours. Please hand in a hard copy of your final group paper to your professor at the last class on Tuesday, May 6, at the latest. Additional Information on the course: The schedule may be adjusted to meet the needs of the students The syllabus may be revised at the discretion of the instructor CONNECTIONS: A Webster.edu account is set up for each student and all Webster correspondence to students will be sent to students Webster.edu addresses.