BSNS 6270 - Topics in International Business

Two Semester Hours, Summer 2007, Fishers - Forum Cohort

Mondays and Wednesdays, May 7 - 23, 5:30-9:20 p.m., Room E-141

Ph. 765.641.4361, fax 765.641.4356

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Course Description

This course will focus students’ thinking on the international dimensions of the business environment. Cultural, business practice, and economic issues will be explored through readings, guest presentations, videos, class exercises, and a personal research project.

Resource Materials

1) Annual Editions: International Business , 14th edition; Fred Maidment, editor, McGraw-Hill Contemporary Learning Series. ISBN-10: 0-07-352842-0. ISBN-13: 978-0-07-352842-7.

2) Internet and library sources as noted in class, your text, or individual research.

3) The Wall Street Journal

Course Requirements

I. Class Participation - This is a graduate-level course. You and your classmates are experienced business professionals. Our classroom environment will be rich with experience, knowledge, and ability. Our topic of study is relevant and exciting. With this mix of ingredients, I want to make the most of this opportunity to learn together. Therefore, instead of lecturing I hope to facilitate an informed dialogue of international business topics in each class session. Here is how we can accomplish this:

Our common readings from Annual Editions and other class assignments will give us a base for discussion each night, but I'll expect all of us to build on that base with individual research and preparation. You should come to class ready to explore the topics from the assigned readings, to give personal examples from your work or travel, and to cite current examples from The Wall Street Journal and other business news sources.

From each class session’s Annual Editions readings, you should prepare discussion notes concerning the concepts and issues presented. Then scan the Wall Street Journal and internet sources for current examples of these issues. Using these as a beginning point, I will call on you and your classmates to lead discussions using your notes from your readings and personal research. I'm looking forward to some great in-class debates, but they'll only happen when you come prepared to participate. Your level of preparation and the quality of your contributions to group learning will be evaluated! (See the “Evaluation” section below.)

II. Quizzes - To give you more incentive to complete assigned readings and prepare notes for discussion, each night will begin with a brief quiz of the key terms and major concepts covered in the reading assignments. Quizzes will be "open note," but not "open book," so read ahead and prepare your notes for these opportunities to demonstrate your learning.

III. International Business Opportunity Analysis Paper - To personalize our study, you will select a country and then research the opportunities and challenges that would confront your current employer (or another of your choice) if they chose to expand their operations into this foreign market.

Your analysis should include discussions of:

1) Why this particular country appears to be a good market for your firm's products and services.

2) The political, economic, logistical, and cultural issues your firm would face. Offer strategic ideas for dealing with these issues.

3) How current political and economic events might affect your firm’s expansion plans.

Your paper should be 4 to 8 pages in length and include information from our textbook readings and class discussions wherever applicable to your firm and the country chosen. The Internet References pages of your Annual Editions text on pages xiv-xv highlight many helpful websites to begin your research. We will share other sources in our class discussions.

You may do this paper individually or in teams of up to three persons. Papers are due Wednesday May 23 in our last class session. You should come prepared to make a brief (no more than 5 minute) oral presentation of your most important research findings to the class on either May 21 or May 23. Details for your presentation date will be given in class.

Evaluation

Quizzes 20% Grading Scale

Class participation 20% A 94-100

Class presentation 10% A- 90-93.9

IBOA Paper 50% B+ 87-89.9

B 84-86.9

B- 80-83.9

C 70-79.9

D/F below 70

Class Schedule and Assignments

Date Text articles

Monday, May 7 1, 2, 5, 6 Quiz and discussion questions

Wednesday, May 9 12, 15, 16, 18, 20 Quiz and discussion questions

Monday, May 14 24, 25, 29, 30 Quiz and discussion questions

Monday, May 21 31, 33, 42 Quiz and discussion questions

Presentations

Wednesday, May 23 45 Quiz and discussion questions

Papers and presentations