International Business

DESCRIPTION:
Essentials of international business and the international business environment, including its socio-cultural, political, legal, economic and ethical dimensions. International trade theories, foreign investment and insight into the roles of multinational enterprises, governments, international organizations and non-governmental organizations in international business. Foreign exchange and its role in international business.

RATIONALE: 
Understanding the increasingly global nature of business and the complexities of the international business environment is paramount to managers. This course allows students to acquire knowledge and understanding of the socio-cultural, political, legal, economic and ethical dimensions of the international business environment, the nature of international trade and foreign investment and how these impact on both international and ‘domestic’ business. Through discussions of business cases and developments in the international business environment students stay up to date with contemporary international business.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
As a result of taking this course, the student should be able to:
1. Summarize the key features of, and trends in, the evolving international business environment, including its socio-cultural, political, legal, ethical and economic dimensions.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the main theories of international trade and foreign investment and explain the role of cross-national cooperation and agreements in international trade.
3. Outline the roles of the four key actors (governments, non-governmental institutions, international organizations and multinational enterprises) involved in international business and infer implications for international business.

METHOD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING:
In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used:
- Classes consist of lectures, discussions, collaborative in-class learning exercises and specialized video presentations. Throughout the lectures students develop knowledge and understanding related to the subject. Discussions and collaborative in-class case discussions reinforce students’ cognitive and key transferable skills.
- Office Hours: Students are encouraged to make full use of the office hours of their instructor in order to consult and discuss issues related to the course's content.
- Use of blackboard site, where instructors post lecture notes, assignments’ instructions, timely announcements, as well as additional resources.