BUS 2110G International Business Management: Fbilling@vub - Ac.be
BUS 2110G International Business Management: Fbilling@vub - Ac.be
BUS 2110G International Business Management: Fbilling@vub - Ac.be
BUS 2110G
International Business Management
CONTENT OVERVIEW
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Course Prerequisites
BUS101G
Course Description
This course provides insights on tools and practices that help to identify and interpret
international business opportunities. Students will analyze international management-
and investment strategies. This course provides insights on tools and practices that
help to identify and interpret international business opportunities.
This course draws upon international business theory and practice for understanding
the international business context. It aims to provide students with practical tools and
theoretical knowledge related to international trade and the exploration of practical
issues faced by business managers in international business situations.
Students will study international business at the nation-state level and at the level of
the company.
At the company level, this course provides insight into factors that influence
internationalization, entry strategies into foreign markets such as exporting, licensing,
joint-ventures and tools to manage and evaluate risks and changes of international
operations. This course has an interdisciplinary approach by providing insights on
how the international political environment affects business decisions such as
internationalizing or global production. International affairs and communication
students are very welcome to join this course
Learners will acquire knowledge and understanding of business and its functional
fields (management and organization, human resources, accounting, finance,
operations, and marketing). The learner will develop knowledge and understanding
of the listed areas through textbook readings, journal and article readings, and in-
depth class discussions. The learner’s judgment will be tested through critically
evaluate existing research, questioning the status quo, and provide alternative
solution possibilities; and, recognize the international dimension of business. The idea
of communication will be evaluated through analysis of current issues in Business
Ethics, Entrepreneurship, Operations, Marketing, Management, Leadership, etc.
Finally, the learner will develop independent work ethics, work with the
understanding of a team approach (take responsibility and show leadership skills),
be inquisitive, understand diversity, and become a well-rounded critical citizen.
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Learning Objective Outcomes: What should you learn-
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LINK BETWEEN MAJOR OBJECTIVES, COURSE OBJECTIVES, TEACHING METHODS,
ASSIGNMENTS AND FEEDBACK
Summary: Introduction to Global Business
Number of assignments used in this course: 6
Number of Feedback occasions in this course (either written or oral): 6
Number and Types of Teaching Methods: 4
Major Learning Course Learning Methods used to Methods (and Type, Timing and
Objectives objectives addressing Teach Course numbers/types of Numbers of
the Major Objectives Objectives assignments) Feedback given to
(choose the most used to test these Student
important ones that your learning
course actually objectives
addresses)
The bachelor has an Students will have an Ex-cathedra (teach Journal Article Written feedback on
understanding of the understanding of public theory and discuss Critique the exams Written
interrelatedness of the policy processes from a with experts). feedback on the
different functional corporate perspective, Readings / news. Online Discussion Journal Article
fields of business and thereby shedding light on Guest lectures from Posts Critique. Further, add
understands the both corporate strategies experts in the field Exams feedback on the
impact of this on towards political, (Theory guided discussion post via
decision-making. regulatory. practice embedded written context.
experiential learning).
Discussion on readings
and news
Demonstration of critical
The bachelor has an thinking skills through the A review session and Journal Article See above
open and academic evaluation of peer materials are Critique
attitude reviewed articles and provided for growth
characterized by proving a criterion of the and understand of
accuracy, critical research. the process of
academic critique.
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Major Learning Course Learning Methods used to Methods (and Type, Timing and
Objectives objectives addressing Teach Course numbers/types of Numbers of
the Major Objectives Objectives assignments) Feedback given to
(choose the most used to test these Student
important ones that your learning
course actually objectives
addresses)
reflection and
academic curiosity.
The bachelor
recognizes the
importance of life-
long learning.
Main Course Materials (please note that you can find the readings for each week
and session in the Course Schedule section below):
The course material consists of PowerPoint presentations, lecture notes and readings
from the textbook. PowerPoint presentations will be made available after the
respective classes have taken place. A week-by-week overview of the course
readings can be found in the section below.
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Course material marked as ‘suggested readings’ and ‘additional sources’ is helpful
for research and to gain an increased understanding but is not mandatory. This
material can be found online or will be made available upon individual request.
Textbook:
Active Learning and Intensive ‘Reading around the Subject’: Additional Sources,
Recommended Journals and Websites:
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Further Journals Relevant for this Course:
Websites of Interest:
• Economist www.economistacademic.com
• Wall Street Journal www.wallstreet.com
• Business Week - http://www.resourcecenter.businessweek.com
• Bloomberg- www.bloomberg.com
• New York Times - http://www.nytimes.com/pages/business/index.html
• Wall Street Journal – www.wsjstudent.com
• CNN- www.cnn.com
• Financial Times www.ft.com
This course counts for 6 ECTS, which translates into 150 – 180 hours for the entire
semester for this course. This means that you are expected to spend roughly 10 hours
per week on this course. This includes 3 hours of lectures or seminars per week and 7
hours ‘out of class’ time spent on preparatory readings, studying time for exams as
well as time spent on preparing your assignments. Please see below the estimated
breakdown of your work-load for this course.
Mid-term examination_______________________________________________35%
Discussion Post______________________________________________________10% (2*5%)
Journal Article Critique______________________________________________20% (2*10%)
Final examination___________________________________________________35%
Total_______________________________________________________________100%
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Grading Scale of Vesalius College
Vesalius College grading policy follows the American system of letter grades, which
correspond to a point scale from 0 – 100. All assignments (including exams) must be
graded on the scale of 0-100. To comply with the Flemish Educational norms, professors
should on request also provide the conversion of the grade on the Flemish scale of 0-
20. The conversion table below outlines the grade equivalents.
This 3-4-page summary is designed to help you become more familiarized with
reading and extracting information from empirical articles. From a scholarly journal,
choose an empirical publication from the past 5-years (2012-2017); articles from
earlier years will not be accepted. Please attach a copy or link to the article on the
day of submission. The paper should be a critical analysis of the article not a mere
summary. All articles should come from the above listed journals (only).
The layout of the review should be as follows:
▪ Author (s) and Title
▪ Purpose and theoretical background of the study
▪ Hypothesis
▪ Methodology (participants, study design, measures, procedures)
▪ Results
▪ States and unstated limitations
▪ Implication to the field
▪ Overall evaluation/assessment/critique
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In terms of lay-out, the paper should be double spaced standard margins and Times
New Roman 12-font. References should be done in the APA standard. The news
article must be cited on the first page and must be included in a separate section
(fourth page or more depending on the length of the article). If these criteria are not
met, you will receive a grade reduction.
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Discussion Posts
Post to the Forum in Blackbaud about Danone and Tommy Hilfiger.
Post a meaningful 250-word discussion answering the question: What was the
company’s strategic process that led to the international dominance? Further,
respond to two other post from your classmate in a meaningful response of 50-75
words by the Sunday of the week the assignment is due (2 days). These will be
graded based on the following rubrics:
Content APA
▪ Exceeds Target 1.5 points ▪ Exceeds Target 0.5 points
▪ Meets Target 1.25 points ▪ Meets Target 0.35 points
▪ Making Progress toward Target 1 point ▪ Making Progress toward Target 0.25 points
▪ Not Acceptable 0.5 points ▪ Not Acceptable 0.15 points
▪ No Data 0 points ▪ No Data 0 points
Collaboration Timeliness
▪ Exceeds Target 1.5 points ▪ Exceeds Target 0.5 points
▪ Meets Target 1.25 points ▪ Meets Target 0.35 points
▪ Making Progress toward Target 1 point ▪ Making Progress toward Target 0.25 points
▪ Not Acceptable 0.5 points ▪ Not Acceptable 0.15 points
▪ No Data 0 points ▪ No Data 0 points
Scholarly Writing
▪ Exceeds Target 1 point
▪ Meets Target 0.75 points
▪ Making Progress toward Target 0.5
points
▪ Not Acceptable 0.25 points
▪ No Data 0 points
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Use of Electronics:
The use of computers will not be permitted! There will be no warning given to
students with an open laptop, IPad, Notebook, Smart Watches, etc.
Mobile phones are to be turned off! If your mobile phone rings in class, please turn it
off immediately. If you are caught talking on your mobile or texting during class.
Writing Style
Turnitin
All written assignments that are graded and count for more than 10% towards the
final course grade need to be submitted via the anti-plagiarism software Turnitin. You
will receive from your professor a unique password and access code for your Class.
Both critique papers must be submitted.
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Course Schedule (Overview)
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Week 12 April 25 Global Marketing
Session 23 Chapter 17
April 27 No Physical Class- Article Critique #1 and online
Session 24 discussion
Week 13 May 2 Global Production and Supply Chain
Session 25 Chapter 18
May 4 Global Financial Management
Session 26 Chapter 19
Week 14 May 9 Global Management and Human Resources
Session 27 Chapter 20
May 11 Final Exam Review
Session 28
December
Week 15 11-15 FINAL EXAMS
Reading:
Reading:
Compulsory:
Chapter 1: Overview of International Business and Globalization/Read pages 44-71
Spulber: Global Competitive Strategy pages 4-10
In Class Exercise: The Globalized Business of Sports page 44-45. Complete the
questions for class discussion
Guiding Questions:
1. What is globalization?
2. What do businesses need to do to survive internationally?
3. Why do firms go global?
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Week 2, Session 3 (Wednesday, 31 January 2018)
Global Culture
Reading:
Compulsory:
Chapter 2: Culture/ Read pages 88-123
Guiding Questions:
Global Culture
Reading:
Compulsory:
Chapter 2: Culture/Read pages 88-123
In Class Exercise: Tesco PLA/pages 120-124. Complete questions 23, 24, and 25 for
class discussion.
Guiding Questions:
1. Why is it important to have cultural awareness?
2. Do we have to be culturally sensitive to religion?
3. How can communication affect cultural sensitivity?
Reading:
Guiding Questions:
1. Why do companies care about ethical behavior?
2. What are the legal issues of ethical behavior?
3. Describe ethics and the environment.
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Week 3, Session 6 (Friday, 9 February 2018)
Reading:
Compulsory:
Chapter 11: Ethics and Social Responsibility/Read pages 442-471
Spulber: The Global Mosaic pages 16-30
Guiding Questions:
1. Why do companies care about ethical behavior?
2. What are the legal issues of ethical behavior?
3. Describe ethics and the environment.
International Trade
Reading:
Compulsory:
Chapter 5: Trade and Protectionism/Read Pages: 233-260
Guiding Questions:
1. Describe the free trade theory.
2. Describe the theory of comparative advantage.
3. What is the theory of specialization?
4. What is the infant industry argument?
International Trade
Reading:
Compulsory:
Chapter 6: Trade and Protectionism/ Read Pages:275-293
Recommended:
The Economist. (2016). Trade at what price.
The Economist. (2015). Why everyone is so keen to agree new trade deals
Guiding Questions:
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Week 5, Session 9 (Wednesday, 21 February 2018)
Reading:
Compulsory:
Chapter 4: Economic Systems and Market Methods/Read pages 190-223
Guiding Questions:
1. What is a new market?
2. What is economic freedom?
3. Are BRIC’s countries an economic threat?
Reading:
Compulsory:
Chapter 7: Economic Integration and Cooperation/Read pages 304-337
In-Class Exercise: Unilever Goes East pages 332-336. /Complete the questions for
class discussion.
Asongu, S. (2016). Fighting African conflicts and crime: which governance tools
matter? International Journal of Social Economics, 43 (5), pp. 466-485.
Guiding Questions:
1. What is a bilateral agreement?
2. How does the EU play into economic oversight?
3. Is NAFTA a good agreement?
Reading:
Compulsory:
Chapter 3: Government and Legal Systems/Read pages 129-175
Guiding Questions:
1. Define a political environment.
2. Analysis the spectrum analysis.
3. What is totalitarianism?
4. What is meant by engines of democracy?
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Week 6, Session 12 (Friday, 2 March 2018)
Reading:
Compulsory:
Chapter 8-10: Global Monetary Environments/Read pages 340-342/372-374/434-437
Wilkinson, R. (2015). Changing Power Relations. Geoform, 6, pp. 13-16.
Guiding Questions:
1. Is trading currency a vital from on earnings?
2. Why do countries peg their currency on other forms of currency?
3. What is the value of hedge funds?
Reading:
Compulsory:
Chapter 12: Strategies for International Business/Read pages 476-519
The Economist. (2016). Alibaba and Amazon look to go global.
Guiding Questions:
1. Why do managers devise strategies?
2. What is the purpose of multi-domestic strategy?
3. What is the purpose of trans-national strategy?
Week 8, Session 16 (Friday, 16 March 2018)
Reading:
Compulsory:
Chapter 12: Strategies for International Business/Read pages 476-519
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Guiding Questions:
1. Why do managers devise strategies?
2. What is the purpose of multi-domestic strategy?
3. What is the purpose of trans-national strategy?
Reading:
Compulsory:
Spulber/ Read pages 49-66 and 91-119
Riboud, F. (2017). Danone chairman steps down amid management reshuffle.
Financial Times.
The Economist. (2015). France Fights Back
Guiding Questions:
1. How do you build an international supply chain?
2. Why is a global competitive strategy needed?
3. What is the purpose of international team building?
Reading:
Compulsory:
Chapter 13: Evaluation of Countries Operations/ Read pages 526-557
Guiding Questions:
1. What are the four brand categories of risk?
2. Why is production location important?
3. Why are cultural similarities important for international expansion?
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Week 10, Session 20 (Friday, 30 March 2018)
Reading:
Compulsory:
Chapter 13: Evaluation of Countries Operations/ Read pages 526-557
Guiding Questions:
1. What are the four brand categories of risk?
2. Why is production location important?
3. Why are cultural similarities important for international expansion?
Reading:
Compulsory:
Chapter 15: Forms of Owernships of Foriegn Products/ Read pages 612-648
Guiding Questions:
1. What is a collaboration arrangement?
2. What is a joint venture?
3. What is the added value of selling abroad?
Reading:
Compulsory:
Chapter 16: The Organization and Governance/ Read pages 654-692
Guiding Questions:
1. What is a classic structure?
2. What is a neoclassic structure?
3. How is culture regulated by the organization?
Global Marketing
Reading:
Compulsory:
Chapter 17: Global Marketing/ Read pages 698-733
Champoux, V., Durgee, J., & McGlynn. (2012). Corporate Facebook pages: when fans
attack. Journal of Business Strategy, 33 (2), pp. 22-30.
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Peck, S. (2012). Has Tommy Hilfiger really reinvented itself? Forbes.
Guiding Questions:
1. How can the local environment effect production?
2. Is global branding the same as local branding?
3. How is culture related to marketing?
Compulsory:
Chapter 18: Global Production and Supply Chain/ Read pages 738-768
Guiding Questions:
1. What is TQM?
2. Why are quality standards different internationally?
3. What is offshore manufacturing?
Reading:
Compulsory:
Chapter 19: Global Financial Management/ Read pages 772-805
Guiding Questions:
1. What is the risk factors for international finances?
2. How can language cause issues?
3. Why is reconciliation important?
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Week 14, Session 27 (Wednesday, 9 May 2018)
Reading:
Compulsory:
Chapter 20: Global Management and Human Resources/ Read pages 808-846
Mehrar, M. & Maysan, M. (2013). Human Capital in Developing Countries. International
Letter of Scoial and Humanistic Sciences, (5), pp. 55-62.
Guiding Questions:
1. What is hardship allowance?
2. What is an expat assignment?
3. How does local policies effect finances?
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