International Business

Centro Internacional de Español - INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

1. Introduction
International business differs from local or national markets. There are basic challenges and trends currently arising associated to this topic, that need to be explained to students in the field. Thus, they need to understand the current critical aspects, exploring what it means to do business internationally, the globalization implications, and the implications of doing business in a competitive context, where technology and corporate responsibility play major roles in decision-making processes.

2. Course Objectives
The main goal of this course is to present either the basic traditional techniques associated with international business and the emerging trends in the field. The approach has been developed to let the student progressively understand the complexity of the concepts presented and the consequences of decisions made upon these kinds of problems. In a very first step, the student will be in contact with basic ideas around the core topic, such as globalization, international ethics and differences by countries. Right afterwards, the learner will focus on several concepts needed to underpin a wide knowledge about International Business, likewise trade, investment or public policies. The last two parts of the subject are dedicated to widen these previous basic concepts, used to set up common strategies and essential for understanding the functions inherent to the topic.

3. Syllabus
I. Introduction to International Business

• a. Globalization
• b. Cross-National Ethics and Social Responsibility
• c. National Differences

II. International Business Environment

• a. International Trade
• b. Government Policy
• c. Foreign Direct Investment
• d. Global Monetary and Financial System

III. International Business Strategy

• a. International and Global Strategy
• b. Global Alliances

IV. International Business functions

• a. Exporting, importing and Countertrade
• b. Global Supply Chain
• c. Global Marketing
• d. Global Human Resource Management

4. Bibliography
Hill, C., & Hult, T. (2019). International Business: Competing in the Global Marketplace (12th ed.). New York. McGraw Hill Education.
Menipaz, E., & Menipaz, A. (2011). International Business: Theory and Practice. London: SAGE Publications.

5. Evaluation system
5.1 Attendance and Participation (10%): a) To show interest during the lectures; b) Selecting appropriate readings for the students to read; c) Reading/watching the selected material for each lecture; d) Appropriate comments and questions during the lectures; e) Taking part in class activities such as quizzes and short presentations.

5.2 Written test and Assignments (40%)
- 5.2.1 Midterm Essay (20%): A 3000-words essay on a topic suggested by thelecturer. Citation and style should be written in APA (6th Ed.) format.
- 5.2.2 Oral Presentation (20%): A 15 to 20-minute presentation on a topic suggested by the lecturer. Before the presentation, students must give to the lecturer a document with the bibliography used for the presentation.

5.3 Exams (50%)
- 5.3.1 Midterm Exam (20%): Multiple choice test (between 15 and 30 questions). Four options, one correct. Penalty of 33,33%.
- 5.3.2 Final Exam (30%): Analysis of a given international case. The student should analyse the problem and propose a solution according to the concepts and techniques learned in the course.

6. Assignment policies
All papers, projects and essays, including homework, are to be handed over at the beginning of the due date’s class, or the end of the time assigned in Campus Virtual platform. Otherwise it will be considered late.

7. Attendance policy
Attendance is obligatory. More than 20% of unexcused absence from class will endanger an officially certified completion of the course (grading + certificate). Medical absences are excused with the prompt receipt of proper documentation. It is expected that students arrive to class on time and that they return promptly to class after any given class break. Tardiness is figured into the absence policy.

8. Class protocol
Students are required to be involved in class activities. They are expected to show their preparation by participating in discussions, by asking relevant questions, being critical and analytical with the contents presented in class as well as by sharing their ideas and opinions. In class the student is required to maintain a polite demeanour always and under every circumstance. Students are asked not to eat in class and to put their cell phones on silence. With the exception being for class presentations, laptops are not to be used in class.