MBA 795 Master Syllabus

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MBA 795 Global Business Perspectives Master Syllabus

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Course Description

The location of this section of the MBA 795 Global Perspectives course is [Insert Country]. The course is designed to enhance your exposure to Social (and cultural), Technological, Economic, and Political (and regulatory) (STEP) aspects and their consequent impact on the business environment. The objective of this course is to provide exposure to how business is conducted outside the United States.

The choice of firms and organizations, along with the speakers and interaction with the executives during site visits will provide firsthand experience in understanding the factors that shape the competitive landscape of conducting business in a global environment.

Through a combination of pre-residency study, in-country company visits, and during and post-residency analyses, this course will offer an opportunity to identify global business issues, experience first-hand the manifestation of these issues in the specific context of [Insert Country], and understand their impact on the conduct of business in an important region of the world. It will also be an opportunity to reflect on global business on a broader scale within and outside the context of the USA.

We will try arranging a selection of visits in different industry sectors within [Insert Country]: both established firms as well as emerging (start-up) environments. Our aim will be to use these different perspectives, along with organizational and country environments, and attempt to tease out these differences by mapping them in the context of the STEP framework wherever possible.

Prerequisites

It is assumed that each student has completed all core MBA courses.

Program Learning Goals

Goals addressed in this course are in bold:

  1. Teaming and Leading: Demonstrate the team leadership and interpersonal skills needed to form, lead, and work effectively on diverse organizational teams.

  2. Knowledge of Functional Business Disciplines: Demonstrate knowledge of all core functional areas of business and an ability to integrate them into a meaningful firm-level perspective.

  3. Analytical Decision Making: Demonstrate the ability to analyze uncertain complex managerial situations using appropriate tools, techniques, and information systems for decision-making.

  4. Communication: Demonstrate written, oral, and presentation skills necessary to explain problems and solutions effectively and persuasively.

  5. Ethics and Responsibility: Demonstrate knowledge of ethical decision-making considerations, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability practices.

  6. Global Awareness: Identify relevant economic, political, and social factors that impact business conducted both within and across national boundaries.

Specific Course Objectives

The goal of the course is to understand organizational, economic and cultural factors influencing technology management and the impact of the globalization on business. The specific objectives of this course are to help the student:

  • Experience local business practices in the mature and emerging sectors.

  • Understand how the forces of global competition influence the position of these businesses within country, and how different factors (STEP) affect business decisions and outcomes.

  • Understand the global trends in business environment and technology. How are these factors likely to impact position of the businesses we visit, as well as broadly [Insert Country]?

Course Requirements and Evaluation

The course deliverables include: i) pre-residency assignments (individual and/or group), ii) attendance, participation, and professional activities during the residency, and iii) post-residency assignment (individual and/or group) based on the residency experience.

Grading Scale

A = 90-100; B = 80-89.99; C = 65-79.99; F = below 65 (no rounding; +/- system may be used)

Questions and Making Appointments

All students are encouraged to bring questions, concerns and comments to my attention as soon as they arise. Please do not wait! Once final grades are submitted, changes to grades will only be made to correct errors in tallying scores. You should always feel free to reach out to coordinate a meeting time.

Grade Appeals

All students are encouraged to bring questions, concerns, and comments to my attention as soon as they arise. Please do not wait! Appeals or corrections to grades on any assignment need to be made formally and in writing within one week of the graded deliverable being returned. A decision will be communicated in written form and the written decision is what counts, not any verbal communication. Once final grades are submitted, changes to grades will only be made to correct errors in tallying scores. In addition, there is a feedback section on the course’s website under the Discussion Board that allows anonymous (or not) comments to encourage your feedback.

Common Policies Affecting All Courses at George Mason University

Regarding policies on: i) Academic Standards, ii) Accommodations for Students with Disabilities, iii) FERPA and Use of George Mason University Email Addresses for Course Communication, and iv) Title IX Resources and Required Reporting make sure to review the information provided though the George Mason University Common Course Policies web page.

Costello College of Business Standards of Behavior

The mission of the Costello College of Business at George Mason University is to create and deliver 5 high-quality educational programs and research. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni who participate in these educational programs contribute to the well-being of society. High-quality educational programs require an environment of trust and mutual respect, free expression and inquiry, and a commitment to truth, excellence, and lifelong learning. Students, program participants, faculty, staff, and alumni accept these principles when they join the Costello College of Business community. In doing so, they agree to abide by the following standards of behavior:

  • Respect for the rights, differences, and dignity of others
  • Honesty and integrity in dealing with all members of the community
  • Accountability for personal behavior

Integrity is an essential ingredient of a successful learning community. Ethical standards of behavior help promote a safe and productive community environment, and ensure every member the opportunity to pursue excellence. The Costello College of Business can and should be a living model of these behavioral standards. To this end, community members have a personal responsibility to integrate these standards into every aspect of their experience at the Costello College of Business. Through our personal commitment to these Community Standards of Behavior, we can create an environment in which all can achieve their full potential.

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