International Business

INTRODUCTION
The increasing globalization of the market place affects all who are involved with business or
who must make business decisions. Even those who are not directly involved in international
business are affected in their domestic operations by international events and by the business
activities of foreign entities. Therefore, it is imperative to be knowledgeable about the
international business systems.

This decade will pose many challenges and opportunities, particularly for newly industrialized
countries (NIC). Three primary causes of these challenges are: first, these countries have
become fierce competitors for the manufacture of high tech goods. Second, integration of the
European Community has now created the largest trade block. Third, the acute international
debt crisis keeps threatening the world financial structure and economic growth. This crisis has
redirected the trade pattern away from the poor countries to the richest, and likewise has
concentrated capital flows among the rich countries. However, in recent times we have been
observing a shift back to LCD?s, particularly in industries that are labor intensive

OBJECTIVES
The main objectives of the course are:
- Apply theories, tools, and insights found in the field of international management to
common real world scenarios mainly throughout the use of case studies (specially from
the Harvard Business Publishing).
- Demonstrate or understanding of the similarities (without which no international
business could take place) and differences among the peoples of the world and how
they affect business management.
- Discuss how various legal, political, economic, and cultural systems affect business
attitudes and behavior.
- Discuss the managerial issues related to strategic planning, human resource
management, motivation, and leadership which arise in an international context.

SYLLABUS
1. Introduction to International Business Course
1.1. Case study method: preparing an effective case analysis
1.2. Globalisation
Lecture and Discussion
2. National Differences in Political Economy
Lecture and Discussion.
3. Differences in Culture
Lecture and discussion on cultural dimensions to doing business internationally and identify how culture affects international management.
Case Study or Exercise
4. Ethics in International Business
Lecture and Discussion.
Case Study or Exercise
5. The Political Economy of International Trade
Lecture and Discussion
6. The Strategy of International Business
Lecture and Discussion
Case Study or Exercise
7. The Organization of International Business
Lecture and Discussion
8. Entry Strategy and Strategic Alliances
Lecture and Discussion
Amazon Case Study
9. Global Leadership and Human Resource Management
Lecture and Discussion: International Business Management and Leadership

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hill, Charles W. International Business. McGraw-Hill. 7th Edition. 2009

EVALUATION PROCEDURE
Course evaluation will be based on the following:
Class participation, homework 40%
First exam 20%
Final exam 40%
Total 100%

Additionally, at the end of the course, an attendance certificate will be issued upon a minimum
attendance of 90% of the sessions.

Academic Dishonesty
There is zero-tolerance for any form of academic dishonesty. For that purpose an antiplagiarism
system will be used in this course.