GSBA 587 Latin American Business Environment

Professor: Denise Dimon Office: 134 IPJ Phone: 619-260-4836 (in San Diego); 1-561672293 (local mobile phone number) Email: dimon@sandiego.edu Course Description This course, both theoretical and practical, is designed to prepare international managers to work effectively in a Latin American business environment through providing an understanding of the issues, opportunities, and complexities associated with doing business in Latin America. The focus is on the cultural, historical, economic, social, political and business environments in Latin America and on the activities of multinational corporations in Latin America. Many subjects covered in the course are also important to small companies, including those that operate in a purely domestic context in the United States. Upon successful completion of the course, you should possess an awareness of the business and economic environments in Latin America, and you should be able to demonstrate analytical and strategic thinking skills that reflect an understanding of the competitive environment in which local and foreign companies operate in Latin America. With regard to teaching style, the course depends on a combination of lectures, cases, student presentations, interactive participation, and both individual and group exercises. Thus, regular attendance, appropriate expressions of interest, and meaningful contributions to class activities are expected, valued, and considered when determining students participation grades. You are expected to read assigned materials before class, should be eager to voluntarily discuss relevant topics in class, and should expect to be periodically called upon to answer questions or provide other input. Class activities are designed to supplement, rather than replace, the textbook. Course Objectives *To provide opportunities for further development of students analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills. *To stimulate creative thinking and its application to case analysis through active discussion of cases. *To familiarize students with cultural, historical, economic, social, political and business environments in Latin America. Professors Expectations for Students *Come to class prepared to discuss or to lead a discussion on assigned case and chapter readings, other reading assignments, and current events in Latin America. *Attend all classes, participate actively, and submit all work assignments on or before their due date. If you must miss a class because of illness or business travel then let me know in advance if possible, and make sure that any class assignments are mailed to me postmarked on or before the scheduled day of class. *Be creative to the extent possible, inasmuch as this adds to the quality of class activities. Required Textbook: Robles, Fernando, et al. 2003. Winning Strategies for the New Latin Markets. Upper Saddle River, NJ. Financial Times Prentice Hall. Several cases to be purchased from Harvard Business School Publications (see list at end of course outline). Assignments and Grading Final exam (individual) Paper and its presentation in class (team project) Participation and case analyses (individual) Leading case discussion and analysis (team project) Final Exam The final exam will consist primarily of essay questions. Term Paper and Presentation Teams of 3 to 4 students will submit a double-spaced, 8-page paper (excluding graphs, tables, figures, references, title page, etc). Topics are open, but some examples are listed at the end of this course outline. The papers will be graded on both

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content and style/expression. They should include a title page and substantial research references. Additionally, an 8-10 minute oral presentation of the paper accompanied by PowerPoint slides should be made to the class. Participation Students are required to read thoroughly all cases and be prepared to orally present and defend their analyses of the cases and they should be ready to discuss and challenge the presentations of other students. Students also should maintain an awareness of current Latin American business dynamics and should apply their knowledge to applicable class discussions. You are expected to attend all classes and to participate by actively contributing to class discussions, projects and activities. Unannounced quizzes, activities, or assignments that will affect students participation grades may be introduced in class. Leading Case Discussion and Analysis (Team Project) On the indicated classes we will take about an hour of each class to discuss a management case related to Latin America. Teams of 3 to 4 students will lead case discussions. Each team should do a thorough job of preparing to ask other students questions that will lead the class through a discussion of the case that brings to light important learning concepts in the case. Teams should also be prepared to present clearly their own thoughts concerning the case, and they should do so after, and only after, giving other students an opportunity to share their thoughts General Research, writing, and presentation work should be divided equally among team members, and all team members will receive the same grade unless unusual circumstances arise. Peer evaluations will be included as part of the team project. Written assignments will be graded not only on content but also on writing effectiveness, style and technique in so far as these contribute to the overall quality of the written work. Creativity is generally appreciated and will be recognized as a valid contribution to the learning environment. This syllabus may require changes during the course of the semester. Any changes will be announced in class. Students are expected to be above reproach in scholastic activities. Since scholastic dishonesty harms the individual, all students, and the integrity of the university, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced. In particular, all work submitted by students should be entirely original and completely the work of the student. Please follow the guidelines of academic integrity as in all USD courses.

Tentative Schedule Week One Topic Introduction to Argentine business environment Dr. Enrique Herrscher, guest speaker Trade, Investment, Culture and Latin Americas Business Environment Case: Arcor: Global Strategy and Local Turbulence Case discussion led by Team 1 Regional Focus: Argentina Chapter 1 Text Reading

Two Three

Four

Consumer Markets in Latin America The Competitive Landscape Case Grupo Industrial Bimbo S.A. - 1998 Case discussion led by Team 2 Regional Focus: Mexico Infrastructures and Transportation Case: Building a Cluster: Electronics and IT in Costa Rica Case discussion led by Team 3 Regional Focus: Central America and Panama Reaching Consumers in Latin America and Globally Case: Natura Global Beauty Made in Brazil Case discussion led by Team 4 Regional Focus: Brazil Competitive Strategies for Latin America Case: Embraer: The Global Leader in Regional Jets Team 1 and 2 Presentations Regional Focus: Southern Cone Countries Team 3 and 4 Presentations Regional Focus: The Andes Final Exam

Chapter 2 Chapter 3

Five

Chapter 4

Six

Chapter 5

Seven

Chapter 8

Eight

Nine

Ten

Sources of Information Academic Journals The Journal of International Business Studies Journal of World Business Thunderbird International Business Review Multinational Business Review Management International Review International Business Review Latin American Business Review Dailies, Magazines, and Periodicals The Wall Street Journal Financial Times The Economist Latin Trade (latintrade.com) Hispanic Business (HispanicBusiness.com) Other Sources of Information CIA (World Factbook) Economist Intelligence Unit International Monetary Fund Moodys International Service National Trade Data Bank (NTDB) United Nations U.S. Bureau of the Census U.S. Department of Commerce World Bank Statistical Abstract of Latin America (annual publication) Organization of American States (OAS) http://www.aaccla.org/ http://www.infoamericas.com/ http://lanic.utexas.edu/ http://internet.ggu.edu/university_library/latam.html http://www.latin-focus.com/ http://www.latinvestor.com/hot%20links/hotlinks.htm http://www.eclac.org/

Cases

Arcor: Global Strategy and Local Turbulence Publication Date: November 29, 2005 Author(s): Pankaj Ghemawat, Michael G. Kukstad and Jennifer L. Illes Type: Case (Field) Product Number: 9-704-427 Length: 38p Grupo Industrial Bimbo S.A.--1998 Publication Date: Dec 4, 1998 Author(s): Ray A. Goldberg , Carin-Isabel Knoop , Srinivas Ramdas Sunder Type: Case (Field) Product Number: 9-599-066 Length: 18p Building a Cluster: Electronics and Information Technology in Costa Rica Publication Date: Nov 7, 2002 Author(s): Michael E. Porter , Niels W. Ketelhohn Type: Case (Field) Product Number: 9-703-422 Length: 22p Natura Global Beauty Made in Brazil Publication Date: Sep 26, 2006 Author(s): Geoffrey Jones, Ricardo Reisen de Pinho Type: Case (Field) Product Number: 9-807-029 Length: 27p Embraer: The Global Leader in Regional Jets Publication Date: Jul 10, 2000 Revision Date: Oct 20, 2000 Author(s): Pankaj Ghemawat , Gustavo A. Herrero , Luiz Felipe Monteiro Type: Case (Field) Product Number: 9-701-006 Length: 21p

Cases can be purchased online at www.hbsp.com.

Potential Paper Topics This list is only a suggestion, other topics are possible: US policy as it relates to Latin America (business-focused) Regional integration and the impact on business Industry study in Latin America Immigration and trade policies (as it relates to the business environment) Political trends in Latin America and impact on business Financial crises and business responsiveness