Bus 431: International Management - Course Guide

BUS 431: INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT

Spring 2008 - Section 01

Instructor: Dr. Davina Vora

Class Time: Monday and Wednesday 10-11:15am

Class Location: VH 216

Office: VH 313

Office Hours: Wednesdays 2-4:15pm

Thursdays 4:45-6:30pm, or by appointment

Phone: 845-257-2672

Email: vorad@newpaltz.edu

Prerequisites: BUS 346 with grade of C- or better

Required Reading: Custom McGraw-Hill text available in the bookstore, ISBN# 0-390-88213-5

Selected cases - will be available on blackboard

Course Description

Coverage of the management issues corporations face when doing business internationally. Topics include culture, corporate strategy and structure, cross-cultural communication and negotiation, and international human resource management issues.

Student Learning Objectives

After finishing this course, students should be able to:

* Distinguish between different cultural frameworks as well as apply these frameworks and relevant dimensions to real-world examples.

* Differentiate between different organizational strategies, structures, and entry modes as well as recognize and justify their adoption in real-world multinational enterprises (MNEs)

* Recognize cross-cultural communication differences as well as challenges in cross-cultural negotiations

* Discuss the opportunities and challenges of diverse teams

* Apply motivational and leadership theories across cultures

* Discuss major international human resource issues facing MNEs and their employees

1

Grading

Your grade in this course is determined as follows:

Individual Assignments:

Exam 1:

20%

Exam 2:

20%

Interview Write-up:

10%

Class Participation & Other Assignments:

10%

Group Assignments:

Strategic Analysis:

15%

Cultural Analysis Report (including peer evaluations):

20%

Cultural Analysis Presentation:

5%

Exams

All exams are non-comprehensive and include assigned readings as well as material covered in class. They may consist of multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions. Requests for rescheduling an exam will be considered only with timely notification to the instructor and appropriate documentation such as a written medical excuse. It is your responsibility to inform the instructor in advance of the exam. Approval for rescheduling is at the discretion of the instructor.

Interview Write-up

Each student will interview an international student, faculty, or businessperson regarding his/her experiences in the United States. You should select someone to interview who is from a different culture from your own. Focus specifically on expatriate issues such as cultural challenges faced in the U.S. (e.g. cultural and day-to-day challenges), unexpected differences (e.g. the interviewee's stereotypes of the U.S. not being upheld), the experience of culture shock, and methods used to facilitate adjustment to the new culture. You should consider doing some research on the interviewee's home country and culture and comparing it to the U.S. when analyzing the results of your interview.

The write-up is due at the beginning of class on April 28 and should be 2-4 pages long (double-spaced, 10-12 point font, and error free), written in prose format. First, in a short paragraph of 2-4 sentences, briefly give background information on the person you interviewed (e.g. his/her nationality and hometown, age, prior international experience, how long the person has been in the U.S.). Then, for the bulk of the assignment, delve into his/her experiences. Be sure to link your discussion to topics and theories covered in the course. On a separate page that is not counted as part of your page limit, include a typed list of the questions you asked. Note that we will spend some time in class discussing possible questions you may want to ask your interviewee.

2

Participation and Other Assignments

Participation: It is expected that you regularly attend class, arrive punctually to class, and remain up-to-date on assigned readings. Note that you are expected to read the assigned readings before each class. This will facilitate meaningful discourse about the material. You are strongly encouraged to ask questions and make comments on the material. You are also required to attend all country analysis presentations.

Your participation grade will reflect the degree to which you contribute to class, rather than simply whether you are physically present. Excellent class participation is characterized by consistently attending class, arriving on time, contributing to discussions, and demonstrating superior understanding and insight on the material. Good class participation is characterized by consistently attending class, arriving punctually, and contributing to class discussions, while only occasionally demonstrating superior understanding and insights on the material. Average participation is characterized by consistently attending class and being punctual, but only occasionally contributing to discussions and demonstrating superior understanding and insights on the material. Poor class participation is characterized by tardiness, inconsistently attending class and contributing to class discussion, demonstrating a lack of preparation for assignments, and rarely demonstrating superior understanding and insights.

Information Sheet: You are also requested to complete and submit the student information sheet at the end of the syllabus by February 11.

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