International Business

MANAGEMENT 3050

Summer Semester, 2008

Instructor: Dr. Alan Hamlin

Office: BU 316

Phone: 586-5417

e-mail: hamlin@suu.edu

Text: International Business, 4e, Wild, Prentice-Hall Publishing Company, 2008.

1. Course Overview and Objective:

This course focuses on the nature and environment of international commerce, the benefits and risks associated with transnational trade, and recent trends and forces affecting domestic and foreign corporations. The unique nature of international trade will be analyzed, including the impact of social and cultural differences, currency exchange dynamics, political and labor (human resource) issues, marketing dynamics, and related topics. In this course, the student will explore the essential relationships and factors which bind businesses and countries

together. We will examine how business decisions are made for both domestic and foreign operations, and how the recent global trade agreements will affect American multinational companies (MNCs). In addition to the text, students will be expected to become familiar with current topics and trends by reading newspapers, business magazines and visiting internet sites so that class discussions will be timely and relevant.

Course Objectives:

            -Effectively use information technology in preparation of written work and preparation

for exams

-Obtain a basic knowledge of major functions of business, especially with respect to

MNC operations overseas

-Write with clarity and proper form

-Understand the ethical roles of business among different cultures and geographical areas

-Learn how to make effective business decisions using qualitative and quantitative tools

-Understand the current and future aspects of electronic commerce

-Understand the principles and dynamic nature of international markets

-Understand the differing roles of the government-business relationship in various parts

of the world

-Learn how to effectively manage business resources (especially in MNCs) to achieve

organizational goals.

When you have successfully completed this course, you will be able to:

-Understand the essential attributes of international business

-Discuss intelligently the factors influencing world trade, and why it affects you

-Compare and contrast the advantages/disadvantages of being an MNC

-Understand the proper role of governments in international trade

-Know the importance of free trade, and why trade barriers exist

-Know what can be done to promote global competitiveness

-Gain a greater appreciation of other cultures and markets

11. Course Requirements:

A) Regular attendance at class meetings

B) Participation in class discussion

C) Satisfactory completion of all assignments and exams on time

111. Examinations:

There will be 3 scheduled midterm exams, plus a final examination, each worth 100 points. Each exam will be objective (T-F, M-C), and will be given after each four chapters are covered. Please bring a Scantron form for each test.

V. Briefs:

In addition to the term papers, each student will, two times during the semester, prepare a written “brief” to explain a current issue, examine alternative solutions, and consider what to do, how to implement it, who will be affected, and who should pay for it. These essays should be about 3 typed pages long. Be prepared to discuss your problem, and solution, with the class.

V1. Grading:

Briefs (2 x 50) 100 points

Midterms 1-3= 300 points

Final Exam= 100 points

Participation= 50 points

Total points possible= 550 points

V11. Teaching Style:

The instructor uses a Socratic method which involves students in a discussion format. This requires students to read the material BEFORE class, and come to class prepared to contribute. This provides the class an opportunity to hear from many students from different backgrounds and who have different attitudes about business practices, ethics, and other issues relevant to how international business operates.

V111. Calendar:

May 28 Introduction, Chapter 1- Globalization

30 Chapter 2- Cross-Cultural Business

June 2 Guest speakers

4 Chapter 3- Politics and Law in Business

6 Chapter 4- Economic Systems and Development

Review, Exam #1

June 9 Chapter 5- International Trade

Brief #1 Due/Discuss

11 Chapter 6- Business-Government Trade Relations

Chapter 7- Foreign Direct Investment

13 Chapter 8- Regional Economic Integration

June 16 Review, Exam #2

Chapter 9- International Financial Markets

18 Chapter 10- International Monetary System

20 Chapter 11- International Strategy and Operation

Brief #2 Due/Discuss

June 23 Chapter 12- Analyzing International Opportunities

Review, Exam #3

25 Chapter 13- Selecting and Managing Entry Modes

Chapter 14- Developing and Marketing Products

27 Chapter 15- Managing International Operations

June 30 Chapter 16- Hiring and Managing Employees

Final Exam

Other:

Course Evaluations: As of this semester (Fall, 2005) students will evaluate their face-to-face courses online, using a program called WebCT. The previously used Scantron system, with the paper-and-pencil survey, will NO LONGER be used. During the last week of instruction, all students will have access to WebCT for the purpose of evaluating each of their courses. To access the system, students will (1) on the Internet, go to SUU’s Homepage (suu.edu); (2) click Current Students; (3) click WebCT; (4) log in with Username and Password exactly as done in the campus computer labs-- If students don ’t know their Username or Password, they can click on the choices on this screen that will provide them; (5) once logged in, students will see a list of courses, with Course Evaluation in each title—they will then click on the course they wish to evaluate.

ADA Statement: If you have a disability which may impair your ability to successfully complete this course, please let Student Support Services (SSS) know during the first week of class. Students with medical, psychological, learning or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations or auxiliary aids will need to contact SSD in Room 206F, Smith Center or phone 865-8022. SSD determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of these services.

Academic Integrity: Scholastic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent. You are expected to have read and understood the current issue of the Student Handbook regarding student responsibilities and rights, and the intellectual property policy. As of January 1, 2004, all of my classes will be using Turnitin.com to screen written work for possible plagerism and other violations of University policy. To create an account for this class at Turnitin.com: 1) go to www.turnitin.com/static/training_support/tii_student_quickstart.html, and 2) enroll yourself using the Class ID and Class Enrollment Password (given in class). All briefs, thought papers, term papers and book reports must be electronically submitted to Turnitin or it will not be accepted by the instructor for credit in the class.

Attendance Policy: Regular attendance is required at all class meetings. Up to fifty points will be awarded for this factor.

Late Assignments and/or Makeup Work: Attend and participate in classes. In-class activities, discussion and case analysis are important for learning this material. Please be on time for class.

Latecomers are distracting, annoying and RUDE.

Pop Quizzes: Due to the ever-changing material covered in this class, the instructor reserves the right to give pop quizzes and/or extra assignments at any time.

Student Fees: All School of Business undergraduate classes have an $11 student fee, and all graduate classes have a $22 fee. These funds go toward funding mediated classes, computer labs, purchased cases, field trips and other student-related costs.