COURSE SYLLABUS
COURSE TITLE:
Business in the Global Marketplace
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Prospective students should have at least a high school diploma and some business experience or at least six months living in another country besides their own. Prior online class experience is preferred, but not required.
Students should have access to the Internet that meets their scheduling needs, multimedia capability, Microsoft Office Suite or other office suite equivalent (openoffice.org is a good alternative), and Adobe Acrobat Reader.
REQUIRED TEXT/MATERIAL: (provided by instructor)
Books
Globalization101 Briefs: Culture, International Law, and Trade
A Brief History of Trade Policy
The Role of Business in Tomorrow's Society, YouTube Video
Scholarly Articles
1. Persian Gulf Trade in Late Antiquity, (Daryaee, T.) California State University, Fullerton
2. Transnational Corporations Knitting the World Together, (Suter, K.) Social Alternatives
3. Cultural Differences can Trump the Most Logical of Supply Chain Planning, (Smyrlis, L.) Viewpoint
4. Think Like Your Global Partners Think, (Teague, P.) Purchasing Data
5. Cultural Differences Important for Global Business, (Sanders, E.) Legal Quarterly
6. Global Success, (Marks, R.) Inside Perspective
7. A Question of Principles in Corporate Social Responsibility, (Green, P.) Corporate Social Responsibility
8. CSR and Shareholder's Value: An Event Study Analysis, (Becchetti, Ciciretti, & Hasan) Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta
9. The Multinational Corporation and Global Governance: Modeling Global Public Policy Networks, (Detomasi, D.) Journal of Business Ethics
10. Global Competition and Corporate Responsibilities of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, (Enderle, G.) Business Ethics: A European Review
11. The Theory and Practice of Learning Networks: Corporate Social Responsibility and the Global Impact, (Ruggie, J.) Journal of Corporate Citizenship
12. Multinational Corporations, Rentier Capitalism, and the War in Columbia, (Richani, N.) Latin American Politics and Society
13. Ownership Biases and FDI in China:Evidence from Two Provinces, (Huang, Y.) Business and Politics
14. Political Risk Assessment of Malaysian Based Multinational Corporations, (Noordin, Harjito, & Hazir) Problems and Perspectives in Management
15. ASEAN Multinational Enterprises: A Structural Model Analysis of Strategic Coherence, (Bartels, Giao, & Ohlenburg) ASEAN Economic Bulletin
16. Modeling an HR Shared Services Center: Experiences of a Multinational Corporation in the United Kingdom, (Cooke, F.) Human Resources Management
17. Outsourcing the Provision of Software and IT-Enabled Services to India, (Henley, J.) International Studies of Management and Organization
18. What's Keeping Global Corporations Awake at Night?, (Grimm, D.) Global View
19. Business Trends, (Staff) World News
Websites:
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1. Globalization101
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6. RefDesk
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2. Free Management Library
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7. The Free Library
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3. Online Books Page
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8. Internet Public Library
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4. Project Gutenberg
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9. Google Scholar
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5. Bartleby
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10.YouTube
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INSTRUCTOR:
McCarthy, Robert, MAED Adult Education and Distance Learning
WELCOME:
Welcome to Bus 134 – Business in the Global Marketplace. Business conditions in the world have changed drastically with the advent of technology and globalization. This course should prepare you to become aware of many of those conditions that businesses face as they enter the global marketplace. It doesn’t matter if you are not currently conducting business on a global scale, the global scale of business itself will impact you anyway.
CONTACT METHOD:
(928) 539-5179 (office phone & voice mail)
web-request@universalclass.comweb-request@universalclass.comweb-request@universalclass.com
web-request@universalclass.com (alt. Email)
Office Hours Chat
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course takes a look at business structures around the world with an emphasis in differences based on culture, tradition, politics, and economics. Upon the successful completion of this course, students should have a practical working knowledge of the activities, procedures, and techniques unique to international business operations.
TOPICS AND OBJECTIVES:
History of Global Trade
How did trade begin between people of different cultures and backgrounds? How has cross border trading affected the growth of business around the world?
By the end of this section students will be able to:
· Understand the impact that history has on global trade
· Understand how history impacts the growth of global business
· Use historical data to trace the growth of globalization
· Use historical data to predict the possible growth patterns of global trade
Cultural Differences in Global Trade
What pitfalls can cultural differences create for multinational businesses? What are businesses doing to overcome or work within these differences?
By the end of this section students will be able to:
· Compare and contrast cultural business styles
· Understand the effects that differing cultures have on global business
· Determine ways to find win-win situations in business given cultural differences
Global Corporate Responsibility
How are companies today reacting to the global environment in which they do business? What steps are they taking to be responsible world citizens?
By the end of this section students will be able to:
· Define corporate responsibility in global terms
· Identify corporate responsibility in the global marketplace
· Compare and contrast responsible global citizens in today's world
Global Business in the Political Landscape
What effects do politics have in global business? What effects does business have in the political landscape?
By the end of this section students will be able to:
· Understand the role of politics in globalized business
· Understand the effects that politics can have on business in foreign lands
· Demonstrate an understanding of how business is affected by different forms of government
Business Models around the Globe
What are the different business models are used around the world? How does culture and tradition affect these business models?
By the end of this section students will be able to:
· Understand the diverse business models used around the world
· Compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of different business models
· Outline an appropriate business model for a multinational company
Future Trends in Global Business
What will multinational business look like in the future? What problems will they face? What benefits will they bring to the world?
By the end of this section students will be able to:
· Identify variables that will affect business around the world in the future
· Use current and historical business data to predict future business trends
· Analyze and predict the effects that international business will have on the world
General Notes
The very first thing you should do in class is take the Pre-Class Survey. This will help me to understand how prepared for success you are in the online class environment. There is no pass or fail so please be as honest as you can. If we can't identify problems, I can't create ways to fix them for future students.
The second thing you should do in the class is go to the Globalization Forum and look for a post that says Welcome. Click on that and introduce yourself to me and the rest of the class.
Read all the instructions in this syllabus. All of your assignments and instructions are listed here. A broken down set of instructions are given in each topic. Use the topic instructions as a working tool to keep yourself on track without having to open and read through this document every time you have a question or need a reference. Changes to the class will be made here before the topic instructions, so it is important that you check it once in a while.
Each topic will have a reading, a participation assignment, discussion questions in the forum, and a written assignment. Take each topic in order. Once you start a topic, you have one week to finish it. The way that I will know that you have started a topic is a) you have finished all the requirements for the proceeding topic, I have graded and returned your written assignment for that topic, and b) you have accessed the new topics' reading section.
If you have a question or a problem, send me an email. If you do not receive a response within 24 hours either call me on the phone or, if you find me logged in to the class, attend an Office Hours Chat with me.
When you have finished the last topic, please take the Post-Class Survey. This will help me gather information that I can use to improve the class for future students.
Discussion Questions
Discussion Questions can only be answered in the forum provided.
(worth 1.5 points per question, a total of 27 possible, or 30% of grade)
In the Globalization Forum you will find a thread with the same name as the topic you are in. Click on the thread and you will find three threads containing the discussion questions. Answer each question under its appropriate thread. Once you have answered each of the questions, go back and enter into discussion with at least two other students. To do this, read their answer to the discussion question, click the reply button, and type your reply. Please keep all posts on topic.
Each answer to the discussion questions must be 200 words minimum. Replies and discussion with fellow students must be constructive and substantive. Constructive means that it is termed in a positive manner and furthers the students understanding of the topic. Substantive means that your answer is more that just “I agree” or “I feel the same way” and provides support through references when needed. If you flame another student or the instructor, you will be dropped from the class.
You must enter the forum at least three times during the week you are working on a topic. It is strongly recommended that you review the forum every day.
Participation
Participation refers to any activity, research assignment, or project that you are given for each topic. (worth 5 points each, a total of 30 possible, or 30% of grade)
1. Each topic will have a participation requirement that will count towards your final grade.
2. Each participation assignment must be completed within the alloted time given for the topic.
3. The participation assignments are designed to reinforce the reading material given in the readings section as well as give you an opportunity to discover new material that should then be shared with the rest of the class.
4. The materials that you find during this phase is always welcomed to be used as references in your written assignments.
Written Assignments
Written assignment should be reviewed and started when you first enter a topic and completed within one week. (worth 5 points each, a total of 30 possible, or 30% of grade)
Each topic will have a written assignment.
You may use APA or MLA styles for your papers, but whichever style you use it will be graded on compliance to the style standards as well as the content.
Each paper will be at least 1050 words and not more than 1500 words.
Include at least three references with your work. You do not need to submit a cover page with your paper.
You may use MS Word, or any text editor that will save in .doc format, and submit your work to me at web-request@universalclass.com
Etiquette
Etiquette refers to your behavior in the class and when dealing with the instructor or other students. (worth 13 possible points or 10% of grade)
Since we are using an online environment for this class we will use the Netiquette standards found on the website. You are to use these standards in email, in the forums, and in chats or IM's. Courtesy and good manners are the key. You will be graded on how closely you adhere these standards.
History of Global Trade
Readings:
Page 7 of Globalization 101 text Trade
Brief History of International Trade web page. Feel free to explore the sidebar and text links.
Supporting Articles
Forum Discussion Questions:
What are the benefits and drawbacks of international trade historically?
Compare and contrast the historical arguments from history versus contemporary ones, what if anything has been learned over time?
According to the article "Transnational Corporations: Knitting the World Together," international business is creating a decline in international conflict. Do you find this to be true? Why or why not? Discuss.
Participation:
Find at least three (3) articles that discuss commerce in history for a particular geographical area (such as Middle East and Asia, or North America and Europe).
Written Assignment:
Based on your participation research, write a 1050 to 1500 word paper that discusses the effects that international trade has had in your area of focus. Use the articles you found in the participation phase as references plus any more you may need to complete your assignment.
Cultural Differences in Global Trade
Readings:
Globalization101 text-Culture: Pg. 4 Globalization vs. Local Culture, Pgs. 7-10 A Clash of Civilizations & Cultural Impact #1, pgs. 22-23 Globalization vs. Asian Culture & Western Values vs. Islam
website article: Job Insecurity and the Welfare State in a Globalized World
support articles
Forum Discussion Questions:
Identify three cultural differences used in foreign business and outline how they differ from your own.
Outline one case where a business deal was won or lost due to cultural differences. Discuss.
What do you think companies should do to create win-win situations given cultural differences?
Participation:
Pick a country and study its business culture. Find three articles or websites that support your findings. Submit the article or website URL's.
Written Assignment:
Write a 1050 to 1500 word paper that compares and contrasts the business culture of the country chosen in the Participation portion of this topic to the business culture in your own country. Outline both differences and similarities. Use the references you developed in the participation section as a minimum.
Global Corporate Responsibility
Readings:
On the website "Business Ethics: Managing Ethics in the Workplace and Social Responsibility" from the Free Management Library: read all articles in the Social Responsibility section.
Support Articles
Forum Discussion Questions:
What does corporate social responsibility mean to you? Support your answer
What are global businesses doing to be socially responsible today? Discuss
Outline the efforts of the company of your choice to be socially responsible. Discuss
Participation:
Watch the YouTube video: "The Role of Business in Tomorrow's Society" and discuss in a one page document (300-400 words) your opinion of the work being done by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. Is there more it can be doing? Discuss.
Low-band/Dial-up alternative: If you cannot download the video or have problems downloading and watching it, send me an email outlining your challenges and you will be given an alternative Participation assignment.
Written Assignment:
In a 1050 to 1500 word paper, compare and contrast your chosen company from forum question three to other companies in the same region. Provide support with a minimum of three references.
Global Business in the Political Landscape
Readings:
Globalization101 text - International Law: entire text (15 pages)
Globalization101 text - Trade: Pgs. 23 - 45
Support Articles
Forum Discussion Questions:
With Participation: submit five news articles, then enter into discussion with at least three of your classmates on their submitted articles. Do the articles show a positive or negative effect on the multinational corporations mentioned?
The three most prevalent forms of government today are Democratic, Autocratic, and Communist (there are others such as Sharia Council or monarchy, but they are not as widespread). What are the attitudes and public policies of each of these governments towards foreign companies? Give examples with support and discuss
How are multinational companies reacting to political pressures in foreign countries and where do they appeal when they have a problem?
Participation:
Study version of a treasure hunt: Find five news articles that pertain to foreign governments affecting multinational corporations and submit them in the topic forum for review and discussion with your fellow students.
Written Assignment:
Write a 1050 to 1500 word paper describing the effects that foreign governments are having on multinational companies in their countries. Choose any three countries as long as they have different forms of government. Include at least three references.
Business Models Around the Globe
Note: The definition of Business Model is provided as one way to define the term. You are encouraged to find others and submit them for possible inclusion in future classes.
Readings:
The Free Library article:The demise of "Korea, Inc.": paradigm shift in Korea's developmental state
Definition of Business Model
Support Articles
Forum Discussion Questions:
How many different business models can you find from around the world? Are they successful? Why or why not?
Are there common themes among models used in all nations or are there varying degrees of differences? Support your answer
Among all the models found and/or discussed, which seem to be the top three best and bottom two worst? Why?
Participation:
Put together a presentation (MS Word, PowerPoint, web page, Wiki, whatever) outlining all the elements you would use in your most favored model. Where would you use it and what are its most decisive factors for choosing it?
Written Assignment:
Put together a simple business plan that uses the elements outlined in the Participation exercise in 10 pages or less. I will accept MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, .pdf file, or web page formats. The plan may use fictitious or predicted numbers as long as they are supported with references.
Future Trends in Global Business
Readings:
Globalization101 text - Trade: Pgs. 38 through 40
Only two supporting articles are presented for your consideration in this topic. Search for at least three other relevant readings to submit to the Topic Readings Wiki provided.
Support Articles
Forum Discussion Questions:
What business variables do you think will be helping multinational business grow going forward? Why? Support you answer
Using what was learned from history as outlined in the first topic second question, what do you see as the most prevalent future trends in multinational companies? Why? Discuss
Given today's technological world, how do you feel history can or cannot affect global business? Support your answer
Participation:
Publish an article to any blog outlining your thoughts on how global business is making changes in the parts of the world in which they operate. Provide supported examples. Submit the blog to me in email.
Written Assignment:
Write a 1050 - 1500 word paper that outlines what you believe are the future trends in global business. Provide at least three references.
