Bachelor
2024/2025
Introduction to International Business
Type:
Elective course (International Relations)
Area of studies:
International Relations
Delivered by:
School of World Economy
When:
3 year, 3, 4 module
Mode of studies:
distance learning
Online hours:
60
Open to:
students of one campus
Instructors:
Arbaizar Victor
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
6
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The course "Fundamentals of International Business" provides understanding of the phenomenon of international business in global economic and political contexts. It presents a broad view of modern trends and changes in world economy, international markets and technologies, explores shifts in world trade, competition and transformation of globalization. It gives understanding of the most important market players, forms and formats of corporate development, ways of growth and progress. The course highlights the basic theoretical foundations and approaches, as well as major practical instruments of international management and leadership competencies. But all these concepts will be shown from the company or business perspective, with examples from the most successful international companies. It overviews corporate structures, processes and procedures focused on effective execution of international business activities. Special emphasis is done on management of international companies in view of technological changes; it focuses on new requirements for corporate social responsibility, cross-cultural management, and sustainable development; it highlights the causes, contradictions and risks of the current stage of world development. The course combines lectures and seminars, integrative projects, as well as self-study of educational materials – books, articles, video-lectures of distinguished management practitioners and theoreticians. Business cases will be a core tool to illustrate and apply all the acquired knowledge. Students acquire the skills of data search, analysis and interpretation, research work, presentation of their own judgements, conducting scientific debates. The course is open for regulated assignment to foreign exchange students. Knowledge Assessment envisages several elements – Assessment of lectures and seminars’ attendance, presentations and activities (wise and information-based comments), and final exam.
Learning Objectives
- 1. To make overview of business environment, as well as main actors, stakeholders and motives of company international activities.
- 2. To introduce basic theoretical approaches and principles, the founders and key followers of management theory.
- 3. To understand core principles, ideas and instruments of international management.
- 4. To give understanding of basic management functions in international companies.
- 5. To make overview of corporate structures, processes and procedures originating activities in global environment.
- 6. To emphasize the role of leaders and talents in making business client-centric, socially responsible and sustainable.
- 7. Build up and stimulate an interest to the course and knowledge-formation process. Stimulate self-work (cabinet and field studies) for in-depth understanding of the course material.
- 8. Provide an advice on the search in Internet of the most reliable, respectful and knowledge-based websites, web pages and video-recourses.
- 9. Coach and consult students in research projects.
- 10. Motivate for excellent results of learning, research and presentations in-class.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Has enhanced problem-solving skills in management by offered set of analytical tools (i.e., theories, frameworks, concepts, and techniques)
- Interpret basic management functions, as well as structures, processes and procedures.
- To give you an opportunity to refine oral and written communication skills, as well as ability to put competent questions, work effectively in teams, i.e. improve the skills essential to a business career
Course Contents
- 1. International business and the evolution of the global business environment
- 2. Main Actors of International Business
- 3. Challenges of International business
- 4. Forms of growth of international companies
- 5. Motivation and Leadership
- 6. Management functions
- 7. Marketing as a key function of management of international companies
- 8. Organizational Design
- 9. Management Thinking in XX and XXI centuries
- 10. Innovation in international companies, a factor of competitive advantage
- 11. Peculiarities of doing business in different countries and regions
- 12. International business in the context of global imbalances and the transformation of globalization. The future of international business
Assessment Elements
- Assessment of Lecture Attendance
- Assessment of Lecture Activities
- Assessment of Seminar Attendance
- Assessment of Seminar Activities (presentations)
- Assessment at Final examination/assessment (written)
Interim Assessment
- 2024/2025 4th module0.3 * Assessment at Final examination/assessment (written) + 0.1 * Assessment of Lecture Activities + 0.1 * Assessment of Lecture Attendance + 0.4 * Assessment of Seminar Activities (presentations) + 0.1 * Assessment of Seminar Attendance
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Deresky, H. (2016). International Management: Managing Across Borders and Cultures, Text and Cases, Global Edition. [N.p.]: Pearson. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1419482
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Cole, B. M., & Chandler, D. (2019). A Model of Competitive Impression Management: Edison versus Westinghouse in the War of the Currents. Administrative Science Quarterly, 64(4), 1020–1063. https://doi.org/10.1177/0001839218821439