Contemporary Issues in International Business

DESCRIPTION:
Current issues influencing international business, including, but not restricted to globalization, economic integration and trade liberalization, key actors involved in international business and ethical challenges in international business.

RATIONALE: 
This course equips students with conceptual and empirical insights necessary to discuss the causal relationships that unfold among the processes of trade liberalization, economic integration and globalization. In this context, this course offers an in-depth look into the roles of various actors involved with international business and their specific impact on shaping the business environment. The course exposes students to the political economy of the internationalization of business and offers a review of recent developments in the field. Students gain awareness and understanding of ethical challenges in international business. Through a focused analysis of case-studies the course illustrates theoretical debates with real-life examples. This course advances students’ knowledge of critical contextual issues shaping the international business environment and prepares them for higher level courses.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 
As a result of taking this course, the student should be able to:
1. Elaborate on the conceptual frameworks pertinent to the processes of trade liberalization, economic integration and globalization.
2. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of key developments, problems and issues shaping the field of international business.
3. Explain the role of the key global, regional, national and subnational actors, including multinational enterprises, in shaping the international business landscape.
4. Analyze different perspectives on ethically and socially sensitive issues in contemporary international business.

METHOD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING:
In congruence with the learning and teaching strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
- Classes consist of lectures, video presentations, discussions revolving around the content of the assigned readings, problem solving exercises. Throughout the lectures students develop knowledge and understanding related to the subject content. Discussion and problem-solving exercises reinforce students’ cognitive and key transferable skills. Specialized video presentations familiarize students with professional skills and further develop their cognitive skills.
- Office Hours: Students are encouraged to make full use of the office hours of their instructor in order to consult and discuss issues related to the course's content;
- Use of blackboard site, where instructors post lecture notes, assignments instructions, timely announcements, as well as additional resources.