Ramon Llull University - Barcelona
IQS School of Business (AACSB Accredited)
Forum-Nexus Program
Undergraduate Division
Introduction
A conceptual and operational understanding of current topics in the international business arena is critical to an organization's success. The scope and content of international business issues have been fast evolving, due to the deregulation of markets, changing consumer preferences, product innovations, and technological advancements. As the world becomes more integrated, a solid understanding of international business concepts and their associated implications has become essential for corporate decision-making. Profiting from the multinational and multicultural nature of the program, students will be able to acquire a very current hands-on perspective on international business issues, with a particular emphasis on the European Union.
Course Description
This course presents a systematic overview of international business. There will be an integrated progression of topics ranging from understanding the political, economic, cultural and economic influences on international trade and investment flows, to the analysis of the strategic and operational alternatives when conducting international business. Through practical case-studies, team projects and visits to leading European companies and organizations, the students will be exposed to the actual implementation of the topics covered in class on real-life companies.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
Develop a solid understanding of the foundations of international business and the cultural context for managing in diverse international environments
Become familiarized with the causes and consequences of the process of accelerated globalization
Understand the impact of the 2008-2009 global economic crisis on international trade and finance
Develop an understanding of the global monetary framework in which international business transactions are conducted and the importance of foreign exchange markets
Examine the strategies and structures that firms adopt in order to compete effectively in the international business arena
Examine the policies and practices of multinational corporations regarding ethics, social responsibility and the environment
Understand the past, present and future of the European Union and the numerous opportunities it offers for international business
Course Requirements
The course requires active student participation. Students are expected to read the assigned textbook chapters, cases and articles before every class. Punctual attendance is required. There will be a midterm exam, a final exam, case studies, and a team project. Each student is required to participate in a minimum of four professional visits.
Teaching Procedures and Methodology
Teaching methods used in this course include lectures, case discussions, team assignments, and professional visits. Learning in this course requires the student's constructive participation and active involvement in both class discussions and small group discussions. Small group discussions, in particular, are a key mechanism for facilitating learning from other team members. Thus, it is essential to attend all group activities inside and outside classes. The corporate visits will expose the participants to different aspects of the class and will highlight the practical relevance of the concepts learned. The visits will be accompanied by individual or group assignments.
Required Textbook
"International Business" by Charles W. Hill McGraw Hill, 7th Edition, 2008
Team Project
This team project is designed to provide you with a sound understanding of how companies that engage in international business apply the concepts discussed in class to make real-life business decisions. Your team assumes the role of consultants that will advise the chosen company on some critical issues related to expanding into a new market. Teams will be made up of 3-4 students each. The project must include the following sections:
Product and Company Selection
Select a product that at least one members of the team has a specific knowledge about and is currently marketed in his/her home country. Describe the product, the manufacturer, and the international business orientation of the firm.
Market Analysis
Select a market in which that product is not currently being sold. Preferably you should focus on a European country. You must select a product/country combination for which a profitable business opportunity likely exists. Elaborate a market analysis in which you examine the competitive, economical and political environment that will impact the future success of your product and company there. Focus on the aspects of these environments that are most relevant to your company and product.
Market Entry Strategy
After selecting a product and analyzing the target market, evaluate the different market entry strategies available. Assume that the company does not merely want to export its product to the given market, but has plans to develop a more strategic approach to entering this market.
Location
As part of your analysis in part III, make sure to suggest one or more particular cities or regions that will play a role in your proposed strategy. Describe the advantages of the proposed locations in terms of operations and distribution among others.
The project report should be between 6 and 8 pages long (Font: Arial, 12; Line Spacing: 1.5).
Focus Europe: International business strategies in the European Union, Spain and France
National differences in the political economy
Differences in culture and their impact on international business
Ethics in international business: challenges and recommendations
Case: Nike - The sweatshop debate
Module 2
Entry strategies and strategic alliances in international business
Corruption and international business: Indicators, legislation and reality
Case: Kellogg, Brown and Root in Nigeria
International trade theory: the fundamentals of international business
The political economy of international trade and investment: practical examples from Europe, Latin America and Asia
Regional economic integration
Case: drug development in the European Union
Focus Europe: international business strategies in Italy and Switzerland
Midterm exam
Module 3
The global monetary system and the foreign exchange market
The international monetary system and global capital markets
Case: The Russian ruble crisis and its aftermath
The strategy and organization of international business
Case: Toyota - The rise of a global corporation
Focus Europe: International business in Switzerland and Greece
Module 4
Global production, outsourcing, and logistics
Global marketing and human resources management
Focus on Europe: international business in the UK
Financial management in international business
Final exam
Schedule of Classes and Professional Visits
This class will be offered in two sections. Students will be able to select either Section 1 or Section 2.
The detailed schedule of classes and professional visits for each session is available online at www.forum-nexus.com/schedules
Academic Integrity
The Ramon Llull University places a high value on the integrity, good conduct and academic honesty of all students. Students are expected to maintain high standards of academic integrity at all times. Any instance of academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, will result in a grade of F for the course.
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