MBUS 305: Introduction to International Business Master Syllabus
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Course Description
Introduction to International Business introduces unique aspects of managing in global economy including global issues, cross-cultural issues, theory and political economy of international trade and foreign direct investment, global monetary system, and strategy of international business.
Course Materials
The recommended text for the course is Global Business, 4th edition, by Mike W. Peng, South-Western, Cengage Learning, year 2017. ISBN: 978-1-305-50089-1.
Course syllabus, readings and other class materials will be available through the class website. Go to Canvas, input your George Mason email ID and password in the login section to get access to the MBUS 305 Canvas.
Assessment
Your learning will be evaluated in several different ways:
- Examinations. There will be two examinations.
- Module Discussion. There will be two major discussions.
Grades
You may earn up to 1000 points during the course of the class. Your grade will be determined by the points that you earn. Points may be earned as follows:
| Exam 1 | 200 points | |
| Exam 2 | 200 points | |
| Exam 3 | 200 points | |
| Exam 4 | 200 points | |
|
800 points | |
| Discussions | ||
|
100 points | |
|
100 points | |
|
200 points | |
| POINTS TO BE EARNED | 1000 points |
Your final grade for the course will depend on the total points you earn by the end of the term:
| Percentage | Letter Grade | Grade Points |
| 940 – 1000 points | A | 4.0 |
| 900 – 939 points | A- | 3.7 |
| 870 – 899 points | B+ | 3.3 |
| 840 – 869 points | B | 3.0 |
| 800 – 839 points | B- | 2.7 |
| 770 - 799 points | C+ | 2.3 |
| 730 – 769 points | C | 2.0 |
| 700 – 729 points | C- | 1.7 |
| 600 – 699 points | D | 1.0 |
| Below 600 points | F | 0.0 |
Examinations
You will take four exams. The exams will consist of multiple choice questions. The exams will cover the textbook materials, reading materials, and all other course materials.
The examinations will have restricted time limit. Make sure all your electronic and computer devices are fully operational beforehand. Also, make sure that you will not be interrupted during the entire exam. Once you start the exam, the time of the exam will start and finish automatically by a designated time. You cannot backtrack when answering the questions. The exam questions will be presented to you one at a time, you must answer the question before proceeding to the next question. You will have only One Attempt for the exam.
Consistent with University policy, only provable and documented absences due to personal illness or family emergencies constitute acceptable absences for missing exams. Preplanned weddings, vacations and deep-discount airfares are not acceptable excuses for missing exams or taking exams outside the university’s official final exam schedule. There are no make-up exams or adjustments to satisfy the convenience of the students enrolled in this class.
Discussions
Discussion participation is a way students can demonstrate their participation in giveand-take discussion with your classmates. Discussions are designed in such a way so you can demonstrate your knowledge of the assigned readings and textbook materials, and your ability to share this knowledge in a meaningful way. The Discussions are a place where you can share your reactions to the topics and readings. Your experience provides a valuable filter through which the information in the readings takes on a new life.
There are two graded Discussions you need to participate in. Guidelines will be posted for each discussion. Your responsibility is to contribute to the discussion based on the guidelines and your will be graded based on the quality of your active participation. Your participation must be completed based on the deadline for each discussion.
Specific Responsibilities
To meet the course objectives, you should adhere to the schedule of the syllabus and use the textbook, suggested readings, online research and other materials to complete the discussions. Emphasis will be placed on learning and applying theories and techniques to a variety of situations. All examination, and course participation and interactions will be conducted and available on the Canvas for your convenience. For emergencies and other inquiries, please contact me via email.
All assignments are due by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard time (Washington DC time) on the due date. Submit Discussions and complete all quizzes and examinations to the Canvas. Late work will not be accepted unless specific, prior arrangements have been made with me. All work must be completed by the final examination.
Schedule
| Date | Module | Reading | Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 01 | Module 1: Laying the Foundation | Ch. 01: Globalizing Business |
Introduce yourself at Global Meeting Place Course Introduction: Read information on the Canvas |
| Week 02 |
Ch. 02: Understanding Formal Institutions: Politics, Laws, and Economics Read Managing Political Risk: Controlling Loss and Finding Opportunities |
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| Week 03 |
Ch. 03: Emphasizing Informal Institutions: Culture, Ethics, and Norms
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| Week 04 | Ch. 04: Leveraging Resources and Capabilities | Post Discussion 1 and comments online: Integrative Case 1.7 Ostnor’s Offshoring and Reshoring, pp. 145-146 | |
| Week 05 | Module 2: Acquiring Tools |
Ch. 05: Trading Internationally Read The Basics of Tariffs and Trade Barriers Ch. 06: Investing Abroad Directly Read World Investment Report 2021 by UNCTAD |
Exam 1: Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, and managing political risk |
| Week 06 | Ch. 07: Dealing with Foreign Exchange | ||
| Week 07 | Ch. 08: Capitalizing on Global and Regional Integration | ||
| Week 08 | Spring Recess | ||
| Week 09 | Module 3: Strategizing around the Globe |
Ch. 10: Entering Foreign Markets
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Exam 2 on Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8, UNCTAD report due |
| Week 10 | Ch. 11: Managing Global Competitive Dynamics | ||
| Week 11 | Ch. 12: Making Alliance and Acquisitions Work | ||
| Week 12 | Module 4: Building Functional Excellence | Ch. 13: Strategizing, Structuring, and Learning around the World |
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| Week 13 | Ch. 14: Competing on Marketing and Supply Chain | Exam 3 on Chapters 10, 11, 12, and 13 | |
| Week 14 | Ch. 15: Managing Human Resources Globally | ||
| Week 15 | Ch. 17: Managing Corporate Social Responsibility Globally | Post Discussion 2 and comments online: Integrative case 4.3 Sino-Iron: Engaging Stakeholders in Australia, pp. 578 - 583 | |
| Week 16 | Final Exam | Exam 4 on Chapters 14, 15, and 17 due |
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