Business Course Dtails

Course Study Guide

2011-12

International Business Management

BUSI 1346

1. Welcome

Welcome to the exciting world of International Business Management!

In this era of globalization, there are very few companies that can say that they are not part of a global network. Every firm has to think of itself as a global company, if for no other reason than because it has to meet competition from global companies. This changes the entire strategy of the firm. In the future, we expect that all of you will be involved in managerial decision making that will take you beyond the realms of your geographical territory. This course on International Business Management will have the focus on helping you make better international decisions.

Aside from the opportunities offered by globalisation, there are also many risks in entering into the global market. This course will attempt to address, in a structured format, the ways and possibilities of addressing these risks. The basic philosophy behind this course is to develop a holistic understanding of international business, appreciating the risks, and developing competence in using tools to mitigate that risk.

In order to extract the most benefit from this course you will need to be actively engaged. You will gain marks, up to 10% of the total score for the course, by attending and participating in tutorials. In lectures, you will be encouraged to join in lively conversations. Like the old adage has it: "the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it!"

Ian

2. Introduction to the Course

This course has been designed to draw on many of the business techniques you have learned elsewhere and apply them in a variety of international contexts. You will learn how to handle the complexities of international business and develop appropriate strategies.

We will start by looking at the opportunities for business offered by the international economic environment. We will then evaluate the risks of entering the international arena, using theories that have been developed to help formulate corporate internationalisation strategies. We will explore the the structures that firms may opt for as they expand into unfamiliar territories.

At the end of this course you will have gained an international perspective on the challenges facing business managers. You will then be equipped to take your place alongside them.

2.1 Aims

To give students a clear insight into the major external environmental factors governing international business management. To provide an understanding of various management functions in an international context at both a conceptual and a practical level.

2.2 Learning Outcomes

2.2.1 Knowledge and understanding of:

* The rationale for 'going international'.

* Measuring and managing environmental risk.

* The rise of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) - horizontal and vertical FDI, managing host regulation of FDI.

* Managing strategic dilemmas.

* Relationship between modes of entry, environment and strategy.

* Managing international strategic alliances.

* Organisational structure and culture.

* Control systems and incentives in an international context.

* National and international accounting standards and the consequences of differing standards.

* Investment decisions and financing decisions.

* Techniques for global money management, managing foreign exchange risk.

* Human resource considerations in internationally-oriented companies.

* Managing international operations

2.2.2 Intellectual Skills:

* Breadth of Outlook: Students will be able to address management issues from an international perspective. Students will develop self-awareness, openness and sensitivity to cultural diversity in dealing with international business issues and people from different cultural backgrounds.

* Wisdom: Ability to present well balanced arguments in the context of management and international business theories. Appreciation of the impact of ambiguity on managerial decisions.

* Personal Effectiveness: Effective self-management in terms of time, planning, motivation, individual initiative and enter-prise. Effective performance within a team environment including leadership, team building, influencing and project management skills.

2.2.3 Subject practical skills:

* Abilities to conduct research into international business issues for a presentation and a review report.

* Familiarity with a range of research sources and ability to apply international business and management related theoretical frameworks.

2.2.4 Transferable skills:

* Critical Thinking: Be able to think globally and strategically in terms of identifying and solving business problems. The ability to create, evaluate and assess a range of options together with the capacity to apply ideas and knowledge to a range of situations.

* Information Management: Be able to search for, select and process relevant information guided by relevant theoretical frameworks.

* Communication Skills: Communicate effectively within group work and team activities. Be able to present concise and coherent ideas, oral or in writing, in a professional manner.

2.3 Learning and teaching activities

The course will be delivered through a weekly lecture and a tutorial. Lectures will provide a comprehensive conceptual framework of the all key areas of international management. Tutorials will focus on the discussion of case studies, the exploration of issues, and student presentations and will involve tutor led discussions, group work and role play. Directed and self-managed learning and research will take place outside