International Business

MANAGEMENT 3050

Fall 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 4 scheduled midterm exams, each worth 100 points. Each exam will be objective (T-F, M-C), and will be given after each four chapters are covered.

The midterm exams will be non-cumulative. The FINAL exam, however, will be comprehensive, and will be worth 200 points. It may be objective or subjective in nature, so be prepared to think as well as write.

1V. Term Papers:

Each student will write a term paper on a topic of his/her choice within the area of International Business. These are to be original essays based on a contemporary and controversial business issue (e.g. NAFTA or other regional trade agreements, the WTO, derivatives, American MNC investment abroad in countries without child labor or environmental protection, etc.). Choose a topic which you are interested in and which will motivate you to spend a considerable amount of time in research and writing. The papers should present BOTH sides of the issue, analyze the costs and benefits of each alternative solution, and the conclusion must have your personal opinion as to what the best solution is, and why.

This is basically a research paper, but must contain your own opinions based on your readings and experiences. Make the paper at least 10 pages long, typed, plus bibliography and title page. The report is worth 200 points toward your final grade.

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

Term Paper= 200 points

Midterms 1-4= 400 points

Final Exam= 200 points

Participation= 50 points

Total points possible= 950 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:

Aug. 25 Introduction

27 Chapter 1- Globalization

29

Sep. 1 Labor Day Recess

3 Chapter 2- Cross-Cultural Business

5 Guest speaker

Sep. 8 Chapter 3- Politics and Law in Business

10

12 Chapter 4- Economic Systems and Development

Sep. 15 Review/ Catch up

17 Exam #1

19 Chapter 5- International Trade

Sep 22

24 Brief #1 Due/Discuss

26 Chapter 6- Business-Government Trade Relations

Sep 29

1 Chapter 7- Foreign Direct Investment

3

Oct. 6 Chapter 8- Regional Economic Integration

8 No class- Mt. Plains Management Conference

10 No class- Mt. Plains Management Conference

Oct 13 Exam #2

15 Chapter 9- International Financial Markets

17 No class- work on Term Papers

Oct. 20 Harvest Holiday

22 Chapter 10- International Monetary System

24 Chapter 11- International Strategy and Operation

Oct. 27 Guest Speaker

29

31 Chapter 12- Analyzing International Opportunities

Nov. 3 Brief #2 Due/Discuss

5

7 Exam #3

Nov. 10 Chapter 13- Selecting and Managing Entry Modes

12

14 Chapter 14- Developing and Marketing Products

Nov. 17

19 Chapter 15- Managing International Operations

21

Nov. 24 Chapter 16- Hiring and Managing Employees

26-28 Thanksgiving Holiday

Dec. 1

3 Exam #4

5 Term Papers Due/Discuss

Dec. 8 Study Day
9-12 Final Exams

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.