Paradise Valley Community College

Spring 2008

Introduction to International Business (IBS 101.5590)

INSTRUCTOR  Dr.Sue Van Boven,      602-787-6728,    

 office hours: Tues, Thursday, 8:30 – 9:00, 10:30 -12:30

Email: sue.vanboven@pvmail.maricopa.edu

Required Text:

Global Business Today, 5^th edition, by Charles Hill.       ISBN 978-0-07-321054-4      

      Web site:  http://www.mhhe.com

Course Description

A basic overview of international business to introduce students to international trade concepts. Focus of the course is on international business environment issues that influence global business practices, decisions and applications.

Prerequisites none

Course Competencies

1)    Define international business and explain how it differs from domestic business.

2)    Explain how varied cultural customs affect business practice.

3)    Compare how major political environments affect business practice.

4)    Identify several economic issues and explain their impact on international business.

5)    Describe why companies select typical trading patterns.

6)    Evaluate the rationale for governmental policies that enhance or restrict international trade.

7)    Describe how the foreign-exchange market is used in commercial and financial transactions.

8)    Explain how exchange-rate movements influence business decisions.

9)    Identify the key elements of export strategies.

10)    Differentiate the major operational forms (licensing, joint ventures, etc.)

11)    Discuss international marketing considerations regarding product, promotion, pricing, branding and distribution.

12)   Explain outsourcing, purchasing and supplier relations issues encountered in international business.

13)    Evaluate the issues that occur when managers are transferred internationally.

Grading Policy:

 Exams (3)                                               220  points

Internet research paper                              65

Assignments                                           110

Case Discussions                                     55

                                                              450

Semester totals

A  405 -  450 points

B  360 -  404

C  315 – 359

D  270 – 314

F   < 270

CLASS ASSIGNMENTS

This 8 week online course is a structured course with all students participating on an ongoing weekly basis. This is not a self-paced class! Each student is expected to participate by accessing  the course web site often and by completing and submitting all course assignments by a specified due date. It is recommended you access the course every few days.

    POLICIES:

1.  THERE IS NO EXTRA CREDIT.

2.  Students are responsible for all text readings and all information contained in this syllabus.

3.  Assignments cannot be turned in late unless permission is granted by instructor. All assignments are to be submitted by the due dates.

4. Students are expected to work independently on all activities, assignments, quizzes and exams. Cheating, or being an accomplice to cheating, will result in a grade of “0” for the assignment and may result in removal from the course. Every student is expected to produce his/her original, independent work. Any student whose work indicates a violation of the MCCCD Academic Misconduct Policy (cheating, plagiarism) can expect penalties as specified in the Student Handbook, which is available through Student Services; contact them at (480) 517-8540

5. Students are responsible for the college policies included in the college catalog and the student handbook.

6. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate a withdrawal from class.  Please refer to the college class schedule or contact the admission’s office regarding the last day you can withdraw without instructors’ permission. If you just stop participating in class, the default grade will be submitted. If you contact me after the last day to withdraw from class and ask for a withdrawal, I will submit a “Y” withdrawal, which is “withdrawing failing”. Please refer to the 2007/2008 PVCC catalog for more information. It is your responsibility to become familiar with PVCC’s drop/add policy.  I do not withdraw students from my courses for non-participation and I do not assign incompletes.  If you stop participating in class, you must complete an official withdrawal form through PVCC or you will receive an  F  for the class or a Y if you ask to be withdrawn and you have a failing grade.

7. If you are receiving financial aid of any kind, it is your responsibility to protect your eligibility to receive financial aid by meeting the requirements of this class.  

8. Please notify Admissions and Records at (602) 787-7020 and your instructor of changes in your address or phone number.

9. College policy prohibits "any conduct which is harmful, obstructive, disruptive to, or interferes with the educational process…." Therefore, the faculty of Paradise Valley Community College insists that the language of any communication between students and instructors or among students meeting electronically or in person at any Paradise Valley Community College site shall maintain the level of formality appropriate to any college teaching/learning situation. Excessively informal, rude, or insulting language will not be tolerated. Students who engage in such behavior will be withdrawn from the course.

10. Students will be notified by the instructor of any changes in course requirements or policies. All provisions in this syllabus are subject to revision by the instructor, such revisions will be posted through the announcements.

Exams:

There will be three exams and will cover the text plus any assigned additional readings.

Internet Research:

Each student will research on the internet after selecting two countries (other than the U.S.). The themes for the analysis are from the material in the course, example: cultural nuances, political structure, legal structure, religion etc. You need to tie these concepts to the effect they have on the business environment. A good place to start may be Hofsted's model on cultural influences in your text. The paper will be no less than 2 pages in length.

NOTE:  By accepting this syllabus, you understand the grading, assignment, and attendance policies I have for this class.  This syllabus is subject to change, but I will announce the change in advance.  You also agree to follow the section on campus computer technology (p. C-27) located in the Student Rights and Responsibilities in the student handbook. 

 Important Phone Numbers

    Admissions and Records        602-787-7020
    Bookstore                               602-787-7120
    Tutoring                                 602-787-7180
    Student Services                    602-787-7244
    Computer Commons              602-787-6760

Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disability Resource Center, KSC Building -room 119, 602-787-7170.

Schedule

Our week begins on Monday and ends on Sunday. This course runs for 8 weeks. All assignments are due 8 am on Monday,   so the introduction and chapter 1 are due Monday Jan. 21, by  8 am

Week              assignments                                           due

1. Jan. 14       intro. , ch 1                                                Jan. 21

2. Jan. 21         chapters 2, & 3                                       Jan. 28

3. Jan. 28         exam 1, ch. 5                                          Feb. 4

4.  Feb. 4          chapters 6, & 9 & 12                              Feb. 11

5.  Feb. 11         exam 2, begin internet research          Feb. 18

6. Feb. 18         chapters  13 & 14                                  Feb. 25

7.  Feb. 25         chapter 16,  internet research              March 3

8.  March 3        exam 3,                                         March 7  Friday