Global Business Management
Sample Course Outlines
Overview: Global Business Management
Course Overview
The course is an introduction to the process, institutions, and problems associated with international businesses. The objective of the course is to promote awareness of the critical issues impacting international business activities and to provide the foundation on which an in-depth international business career can be developed.
Course Objectives
In this course, you examine successful international business strategies and how "global" forces affect your business and career. By the course's end, you will- Understand the basics of trade operations and negotiations
- Be familiar with effective cross-cultural communications
- Be able to develop a strategy for business
These topics are approached from an entrepreneurial perspective, but we will also deal with issues pertaining to larger international businesses operating in the global economy.
Grading Criteria
| Assignment | Percentage |
| Quiz #1 | 20% |
| Quiz #2 | 20% |
| Quiz #3 | 20% |
| Homework | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Note: Course content may vary from this sample outline.
Management Accounting
Course Overview
The course is a general introduction to financial and managerial accounting designed for international students with little or no accounting background. Students will learn basic accounting concepts and how managers use accounting data to make decisions. This course also introduces students to the basic accounting statements and their use in managerial decision making.
Course Objectives
After successfully completing this class you will have the skills to- Analyze and interpret financial statements
- Define various cost terms, concepts, and classifications
- Understand how costs are gathered and assigned to products and projects
- Predict cost behavior
- Integrate concepts of segment reporting, profitability analysis, and decentralization
- Choose between multiple investment options using Net Present Value (NPV) analysis
Grading Criteria
| Assignment | Percentage |
| Midterm Exam | 30% |
| Final Exam | 40% |
| Class Participation | 10% |
| Group Project | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
Note: Course content may vary from this sample outline.
Global Marketing Strategies
Course Overview
The Global Marketing Strategies course is designed to introduce students to marketing strategies, concepts, and practices in a global business environment. Students receive a general overview of the dynamics and trends in international marketing, which includes market analysis, strategic planning, product positioning, messaging, project management, integrated marketing communications, distribution, and pricing.
Course Objectives
In this course you will- Gain understanding of global market dynamics and trends
- Understand global and local marketing practices and recognize protocol to various intercultural situations
- Become familiar with cultural value systems, behavior standards, communication techniques, and issues of diversity to be used as guidelines for working with local markets
- Learn about communication strategies, tools, and technologies that enable international customer success
Grading Criteria
| Assignment | Percentage |
| Participation | 25% |
| Homework | 35% |
| Final Exam | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Note: Course content may vary from this sample outline.
International Economics
Course Overview
This course provides you with an understanding of analytical and policy aspects of key issues related to international trade and international financial flows. The first part of the course examines international trade from a microeconomic perspective. We first examine the theory of comparative advantage, which leads to a discussion of specialization and the gains from trade. The focus then turns to supply and demand models of trade, with an emphasis on a country that is importing a product. Key factors that determine the amount of trade are examined. Some attention is then devoted to trade policies and economic integration.
The second part of this course focuses on key macroeconomic trade and investment topics. We first consider the foreign exchange market and the determination of the exchange rate in a floating exchange rate system. The focus then turns to a fixed exchange rate system, emphasizing the necessary conditions to maintain this type of policy. Some attention is devoted to the fixed exchange rate system in China. Finally, balance of payments accounting and analysis is discussed. This provides insights into the importance of the trade balance and international capital flows.
Course Objectives
After successfully completing this class you will have the skills to- Analyze international trade and international financial flows
- Determine the key factors in supply and demand models for importation
- Evaluate foreign exchange markets and exchange rate systems
Grading Criteria
| Assignment | Percentage |
| Midterm Exam | 30% |
| Final Exam | 60% |
| Class Participation & Assignments | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
Note: Course content may vary from this sample outline.
International Business Law
Course Overview
This course is a survey introduction to the principles, laws, conventions, and organizations that encompass the environment of international business. This will include how the risks of doing business internationally differs from doing business domestically; the basics of contracts law from an American perspective; The Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods; the legal and ethical problems multinationals face when operating in advanced and under-developed countries. You will learn how to recognize and avoid potential legal problems. This course includes a survey of international organizations such as the European Union, NAFTA, GATT, WTO and others.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of the course you will be able to- Understand the basic foundation of the international legal system and the American legal system
- Select, within context the appropriate market entry modes
- Recognize legal issues in international business transactions
- Overview of the alternatives to dispute resolution
- American and International Contracts foundation
- Pitfalls of Documentary Letter of Credit
Grading Criteria
| Assignment | Percentage |
| Class Participation and Homework | 20% |
| First Exam | 40% |
| Second Exam | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Note: Course content may vary from this sample outline.
International Finance
Course Overview
This course provides the tools to address two of the key issues in international finance: the risks and opportunities created by changes in exchange rates and the use of international markets as sources of financing.
Course Objectives
After successfully completing this class you will have the knowledge and skills to- Convert currencies using spot, future, and cross rates and identify arbitrage opportunities
- Value currency futures and options
- Forecast exchange rates based on the relationships or parity conditions that should apply between spot rates, forward rates, inflation rates, and interest rates
- Differentiate between translation, transaction, and economic exposure to exchange rate changes
- Translate foreign currency denominated items on financial statements to their home currency values
- Manage translation exposure by adjusting funds flows, entering into forward contracts, and netting exposures
- Use forward contracts, futures, options, money market hedges, and other techniques to reduce transaction exposure
- Identify and manage economic exposure
- Construct an integrated exchange risk program
- Understand the operation of international capital markets and the characteristics of alternative sources of medium- and long-term financing
- Use interest and currency swaps to reduce the cost of funds
Grading Criteria
| Assignment | Percentage |
| Midterm Exam | 30% |
| Final Exam | 40% |
| Spot Quizzes | 5% |
| Group Presentation | 5% |
| Futures Exercise | 5% |
| Case Study | 15% |
| Total | 100% |
Note: Course content may vary from this sample outline.
Global Supply Chain Management
Course Overview
This course focuses on how companies can set and manage strategies in interrelated economies—such as Silicon Valley and extended to emerging economies like China and India—where firms must rely on a network of suppliers and customers to provide products and services. Outsourcing and off-shoring, key aspects of many companies today, present new problems and require new tools and concepts. This course addresses these problems with a study of concepts and tools with cases and projects. The cases used in this course cover other industries besides the electronic and high-tech industry. In class, you will discuss the concepts and tools useful for managers that emphasize management of a global supply chain and the creation of internal core capabilities that will allow firms to establish competitive positions.
Course Objectives
You will demonstrate the ability to apply operations and supply chain management concepts to real world applications, and will learn about globalization and its effects on the supply chain. The ability to design "Quick Response" plans to handle natural and non-natural disasters will be demonstrated. Finally, you will show expertise in applying "green" policies to all facets of the operations and supply chain.Learning objectives include
- Advantages of supply chain management
- Impact of trade agreements
- Terms and conditions of purchase of sales (including INCOTERMS, method of payment, etc.)
- Quality considerations (e.g., ISO9000, industry quality specifications, etc.)
- Calculation of landed costs
- Transportation modes and costs
- Security issues
- Packing requirements (i.e., regulatory, preservation of cargo types of containers, packing materials)
- Insurance and transportation liability regimes
- Logistics resources (e.g. Freight Forwards, 3PL, trade associations, Customs Brokers, Commerce)
- Green supply chains
- Understanding of demand and supply forecasting for supply chain management
Upon completing this course you should be able to
- Evaluate quality management, product and service development, and lean processes
- Direct transportation, logistics, outsourcing, and other operations functions
- Manage projects and programs
- Understand how globalization affects an organization's operations and supply chain
- Explore the roles operations and supply chains play in the response to the natural and non-natural crises
- Apply "green" initiatives and environmental regulations to operations and the supply chain environment
Grading Criteria
| Assignment | Percentage |
| Casework | 20% |
| There will be two short assignments related to a given case and/or the subject. The nature of the assignment will be specified. Assignments are due at the beginning of class. These assignments will be completed with a study group of 3-5 students, which the instructor will designate. | |
| Research Paper |
30% |
| Each student is required to write a term paper ("white paper") on a supply chain topic of interest to the student. This white paper should try to present "state-of-the-art" knowledge about the selected topic. This required paper provides students with the opportunity to conduct in-depth research on a supply chain topic of particular interest. The preparation of a white paper summarizing state-of-the-art knowledge on a particular topic is a common industry practice often assigned to management. The completion of this term paper should serve as a useful experience toward this end. |
|
| Final Exam | 30% |
| The final exam will be an in-class exam. It will include multiple choice and essay questions which may require some calculation. | |
| Class Participation | 20% |
| Each session will have reading assignments and/or cases with questions to prepare. You are expected to be fully prepared to participate in class discussion. | |
| Total | 100% |
Note: Course content may vary from this sample outline.
Global Business Negotiation
Course Overview
The central aspect of international business involves negotiation—the establishment of the terms under which a business transaction will take place. Negotiation involves techniques, procedural steps, tactics and strategy. You must have an understanding of the role of authority, power and influence in negotiation. International negotiation involves a further factor—the role of culture. Culture has an impact on how negotiations are conducted and what behaviors are and are/not acceptable and effective. In this course, international business students will acquire an understanding of the negotiation process and develop their personal and cultural approach to being a successful negotiator. This course presents a practical and positive approach to effectively negotiate all kinds of real-life situations.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course you should be able to- Understand the role of negotiation in international business practice
- recognize how different international cultures impact negotiations
- Appreciate the difference between win-win and win-lose negotiation positions
- Analyze your best personal and cultural negotiation style through self-assessment
- Develop and revise a negotiation plan in light of changing business realities
- Understand the difference between buyer and seller strategies
- Apply a variety of negotiation strategies and tactics
- Summarize your experience in a variety of negotiation simulations
- Conduct negotiations with a higher level of self-confidence
Grading
| Assignment | Percentage |
| Class Participation | 10% |
| Oral Presentations and In-class Casework | 50% |
| Casework Journal | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Note: Course content may vary from this sample outline.
Entrepreneurship
Course Overview
This course is designed to show students the planning and decision processes which must be undertaken when preparing to launch their own business. It will outline the journey from conception through implementation.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, you will know how to- Determine if you have what it takes to seize the entrepreneurial opportunity and its risks
- Evaluate business plan models to select the one right for your venture
- Use a methodology for screening business opportunities and conduct market research to understand the economics of a chosen line of business
- Select and structure your entrepreneurial management team
- Assemble the necessary human and capital assets for an entrepreneurial venture
Grading
| Assignment | Percentage |
| Class Participation | 10% |
| Homework Assignments | 30% |
| Quizzes | 30% |
| Final Essay | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Note: Course content may vary from this sample outline.
Global Business and Marketing Strategy
Course Overview
This course is the capstone course for several of the International Diploma Programs. Its purpose is to provide knowledge and skills in strategic management as well as to apply principles learned in other courses in the Business Administration, International Business, and Marketing International Diploma Programs. You will be a member of a team that will:
- Run a business—that is, act as senior management for a large company
- Attempt to manage your company in order to make a profit, the goal of business
- Compete with other teams to be successful in a complex international market
- Learn to think as a general manager rather than as a marketer, accountant, or finance person
- Experience the strategic process of setting a goal and achieving that goal, taking into account all the elements of your company—production, human resources, finance, marketing—as a means to execute your strategy.
Course Objectives
At the end of this course, you will be able to- Work together with other international students to “run a company”—i.e., manage and coordinate individual departments to produce an integrated business strategy
- Make decisions from a company-wide rather than a silo perspective
- Analyze and respond to competitors in a dynamic international market
- Integrate production with marketing, human resources, and international trade, as well as with the financial aspects of a business
- Understand and perform the basic financial calculations required to run a business
- Develop strategies and revise them in light of your company’s changing situation
- Analyze results to identify options for your company under stress conditions
- Evaluate tradeoffs between preserving short-term profitability and the long-range need to strengthen your company’s competitive position
- Apply what you are learning from your other courses
Grading Criteria
Student grades will be determined based on the percentage of points earned on five separate graded events, some individual, some team, as follows:| Assignment | Percentage |
| Active Class Participation [individual] | 10% |
| (Are you present, on time, and active, including breaks?) Team gets points if on time. |
|
| Quizzes [2 x 10%] | 20% |
| (Does your company know what it is doing?) | |
| Practice Strategy Template | 10% |
| (How you plan to execute your strategy.) | |
| Team Score on Simulation | 40% |
| (How well your team does under stress.) You may assume a C+ if you make an effort. [Part of your grade is your instructor assessment of your contribution and effort.] |
|
| Individual Final Paper | 20% |
| (Links this course to your overall program.) | |
| Total | 100% |
Note: Course content may vary from this sample outline.