INBA 3810: International Business

Loyola Marymount University

Fall 2016
Section 2: TR 9:40-10:55am
Room: HIL 103
Instructor: Dr. Dong Chen
Office:
Hilton367
dchen@lmu.edu

Phone:

(310) 338-2923

Email:

Office Hours:
Tuesday
11:10am-2:10pm
Thursday 11:10am-2:10pm
Required Text: Charles Hill & Tomas Hult. Global Business Today
edition. McGraw-Hill.

9th

Course Prerequisites
ECON 105 or ECON 110 AND 120; BADM 1040
Course Description
This course introduces students to international business environments,
concepts, and practices. In order to understand complex issues related to
the global economy, students will learn about national and regional
differences in political, economic, and socio-cultural systems. To acquire
skills and knowledge necessary for managing international business
operations, students will study international trade and investment theories
and policies, foreign exchange mechanisms and markets, as well as global
strategies in manufacturing, marketing, and human resources management.
Learning Outcomes
This course contributes to student achievement of the following CBA core
learning outcomes:
Students will be able to distinguish differences in business
environments across countries.
Students will be able to explain the nature and the impact of global
economy as well as economics and politics of international trade and
investment
Students will be able to explain the function and form of the global
monetary system
Students will be able to describe the issues faced by firms competing
in a global marketplace.
Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills by defining,
modeling, analyzing and evaluating complex business problems
Students will demonstrate effective interpersonal skills in teamwork
settings
Students will communicate about business topics, both in written and
oral form.

Upon successful completion of this course students are expected to meet the
following international business course learning objectives.
1. Understand major trends in international business (IB) and their
impact on the domestic and global economy, as well as firms.
2. Comprehend key international economic and financial issues.
3. Know cultural differences, their impact on IB and role in in
competitive strategies.
4. Grasp the foreign exchange mechanism, global monetary system, and
their implications for business strategy and currency management.
5. Formulate strategies for the multinational corporations (MNC) global
competitiveness in the areas of marketing, manufacturing, and human
resource management.
Instructional Methods
This course employs multiple methodologies such as lectures, class
discussion, case analyses, in-class exercises, individual tasks, group projects,
and professional presentations. Lectures are used to outline and clarify
major issues of international business. Class discussion, case analyses, and
exercises are intended to facilitate interactions and expand knowledge.
Individual tasks, group projects, and presentations encourage students to
apply related business knowledge and develop working skills. In addition,
multimedia materials are used throughout the course to enhance learning.
Course Requirements and Assignments
Readings and Preparation: Students are expected to read assigned
materials beforehand and be prepared for class discussion.
Attendance/Participation: Attendance may be checked and recorded in
any class throughout the semester. Only documented illness, emergencies,
religious holidays, or university engagements can be recognized as
legitimate excuses for absence. Students are expected to actively participate
in class discussion and contribute thoughtful ideas. The instructor may
randomly call upon you to answer questions and share opinions. Both the
quantity and the quality of participation will be considered in grading.
Attendance and Participation will count for 12% of your final grade.
Exams: Two exams will be given including the final. The exams may consist
of multiple-choice and short-answer questions that require the application of
knowledge obtained from the textbook, lectures, and class discussion. The
exams are not cumulative and cover different sessions of the course. Each
exam will count for 27% of your final grade. If you cannot attend a
scheduled exam, please notify the instructor as soon as possible. For
students with legitimate reasons and documented proofs, a makeup exam
may be administered. Please note that the makeup exam may have a
different format, structure, and level of difficulty from the scheduled exam.
Individual Interview Tasks: These tasks begin with the identification of a
real-life international business problem and conclude with a problem-solving

proposal. To add realism, students are expected to gather ideas and seek
feedbacks from people involved in international business. Specifically, there
are two individual tasks. For each task, you need to write an essay that
communicates the essence of your findings.
Task 1: Find a Question (1-2 pages, single-space, due October 6th, 5%
of the final grade)
Interview 1-2 people who are involved in international business. These
people should have first-hand international business experience (such as
importing, exporting, foreign direct investment, working with/for foreign
companies or personnel). In this essay, you need to include:
(1) A brief description of your interviewee and his/her work;
(2) Key lessons the interviewee has learned from his/her international
business experience;
(3) Main challenges the interviewee faces at work (specifically, you may
ask if you can hire consultants to help your international business,
what tasks would you give them?)
(4) A specific topic you want to further explore in Task 2.
Task 2: Answer the Question (2-3 pages, single-space, due December
1st, 9% of the final grade)
Based on your Task 1 and feedback from the instructor, you will identify a
specific topic for in-depth analysis. You are expected to apply course
knowledge in this essay. You need to address:
(1) What is the issue? Why did you choose to study this issue?
(2) What are the causes of the issue?
(3) How does it affect international business?
(contd on the next
page)
(3) How would you resolve this issue? (provide suggestions and explain
why they will work)
(4) What does the interviewee think about your idea? (discuss your
suggestions with the interviewee; describe his/her opinion; and
explain why he/she thinks so)
(5) How would you revise your suggestions?
You must finish your analysis and come up with your own suggestions
before going back to your interviewee. You must honestly report the
interviewees feedback. In most cases, he/she will point out potential
problems in your suggestions and provide constructive ideas. This is
actually a key learning purpose of this task.
Group Research Reports: Groups will be formed early in the semester.
Each group should have about 3 or 4 members. As a group, you are required
to deliver two reports.
1. Country Report: As a group, you need to analyze a specific countrys
business environment and identify opportunities and risks from an
international business perspective. You may nominate several countries you
are interested in, and the instructor will assign a country for you to study.
You will be responsible for tracking geopolitical and economic events in your

assigned country and analyzing local business environment. This report is

8% of your final grade. On the following dates, groups will make
presentations on group-specific topics.
9/20 Group 1: country economy overview; trade status and policy
9/27 Group 2: country economy overview; FDI status and policy
10/4 Group 3: country economy overview; political situation and risks
10/11 Group 4: country economy overview; cultural differences in business
10/25 Group 5: country economy overview; foreign exchange rates and
risks
11/1 Group 6: country economy overview; foreign exchange & monetary
policy
11/8 Group 7: country economy overview; trade & FDI status and policy
11/15 Group 8: country economy overview; trade & FDI status and policy
11/22 Group 9: country economy overview; political & cultural challenges
11/29 Group 10: country economy overview; political & cultural challenges
Each presentation will be about 15-20 minutes, followed by a brief Q&A
session. You will be required to submit a 10-15 power-point slides
presentation, with supporting notes explaining your key points.
2. MNE Analysis or Import/Export Feasibility Study: For the final group
project, you can choose to conduct either (1) a MNE analysis or (2) an
Import/Export Feasibility Study. This project is 12% of your final grade.
(1) MNE analysis. As a group, you will examine the expansion of a
multinational enterprise (MNE) in your assigned country. You may start
with one of the textbook cases or choose a company that particularly
interests you. I would strongly recommend you pick a business/industry
that is closely tied to your own career objective. You may include the
following items in your report:
- The MNEs purposes of entering the country why this country?
- The MNEs entry mode why this mode as compared to others?
- Strategy and operations in the country what are standardized or
adapted and how?
- Main economic, political/legal, cultural risks and barriers
- What the MNE has done right and has done wrong in the country
- Suggestions for the MNEs future development in the country
(2) Import/Export feasibility study. As a group, you will examine the
feasibility of importing/exporting a specific product or service from/to your
assigned country. You need to research market potentials, risks and
barriers, and then determine whether it is viable and profitable to
import/export the said product. You may include the following items in
your report:
- Current market size, growth, pricing and competition
- Economic, political/legal factors that may affect the import/export of
the said product

Social and cultural factors that may affect the import/export of the
said product
- Specific trade policy, regulation, procedure to consider (e.g., tariff,
quota, financing)
- Overall assessment of market potentials and risks
- Suggestions for the import/export of the said product
The presentation of your groups final project will be held in the week
before the final. Each group presentation will be about 15 minutes,
followed by a brief Q&A session. You will be required to submit a 10-15
power-point slides presentation, with supporting notes explaining your key
points.
-

Peer Evaluation: Group work can be fun and rewarding as long as every
member makes his/her contribution and actively collaborate with one
another. If you run into difficulties, please let me know as soon as possible.
You will have a chance to evaluate your teammates work at the end of the
semester. And your individual grade may be subject to peer evaluations.
Guidelines for Success in the Course
First, please keep up with the reading assignments, which will help you do
well on the exams and assignments. A general rule of thumb is that study
and preparation time should take approximately two hours for every class
meeting. The workload of this course is largely evenly distributed. You are
expected to work hard consistently and steadily throughout the semester. I
will use power-point slides to facilitate class lectures and discussions. The
slides will be posted on MyLMU Connect right before class. Lastly, please
feel free to ask if you have a question or need assistance. In addition to class
time and office hours, you may reach me via email (preferred) or phone.
Extra Credit
Students may earn up to 5% extra credit by writing an APA-style research
paper on an
international business topic. You must discuss your potential topic with the
instructor and seek approval by November 10th (a month before the end of
the semester). A paper without the instructors pre-approval will not be
accepted. Sample undergraduate research papers can be found in Michigan
Journal of Business (http://www.michiganjb.org/), a journal that publishes
undergraduate research in the fields of business and economics.
Grading Plan
Attendance and Participation 12%
Individual Interview Task 1: Find a Question 5%
Individual Interview Task 2: Answer the Question 9%
Group Country Report 8%
Group MNE or Import/Export Project 12%
Exam 1 27%
Exam 2 27%
Total 100%
Extra Credit Research Paper 5%
Grading Scale

A
B+
B
C
D

93
87
80
73
60

100%
89%
82%
76%
69%

A
B
C+
C
F

90
83
77
70
0

92%
86%
79%
72%
59%

Class Policies
Academic Honesty: Academic dishonesty will be treated as an extremely
serious matter with severe consequences that can range from receiving no
credit for assignments/tests, failing the class, to expulsion. It is never
permissible to turn in any work that has not been authored by the student,
such as work that has been copied from another student or copied from a
source (including Internet) without properly acknowledging the source. It is
your responsibility to make sure that your work meets the standard set forth
in the Academic Honesty Policy (see http://academics.lmu.edu/honesty .)
Special Accommodations: Students with special needs who require
reasonable modifications, special assistance, or accommodations in this
course should promptly direct their request to the Disability Support
Services (DSS) Office. Any student who currently has a documented
disability (ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Learning, Physical, or
Psychiatric) needing academic accommodations should contact the DSS
Office (Daum Hall 2nd floor, 310-338-4216) as early in the semester as
possible.
All
discussions
will
remain
confidential.
Please
visit
http://www.lmu.edu/dss for additional information.
Tentative Nature of the Syllabus: If necessary, this syllabus and its
contents are subject to revision; students are responsible for any changes or
modifications announced or distributed in class or posted on LMU's course
management system MYLMUConnect.
RESPECT FOR SELF AND OTHERS: As an LMU Lion, by the Lions Code,
you are pledged to join the discourse of the academy with honesty of voice
and integrity of scholarship and to show respect for staff, professors, and
other students.
Late Policy: Assignments turned in late will receive grade deduction unless
there is a legitimate excuse. Specifically, less than or equal to 2 days late
will receive 1/3 of a letter grade deduction (e.g., A becomes A-, A- becomes
B+); more than 2 days but less than a week late will receive one letter grade
deduction (e.g., A becomes B, A- becomes B-). Work more than one week late
will not be accepted.
Use of Technology: Students are expected to be familiar with LMU's
course management system MYLMU Connect, an online platform for course
materials, assignments, email communication, grading, and other functions.
GlobalEDGE and several other business databases are needed for various
research tasks and assignments.

Email Communication: At times I will communicate with the entire class

using campus email systems, so it is essential that you regularly check your
lion.lmu.edu email address or forward your lion account email to your
preferred email address.
Computer and Cell Phone Policy: The use of laptop computers or cell
phones could be disruptive to regular class sessions. Except in emergencies
or when needed for class-related purposes and approved by the instructor,
the use of such devices is restricted.
Emergency Preparedness: To report an emergency or suspicious activity,
contact the LMU Department of Public Safety by phone (x222 or 310-3382893) or at the nearest emergency call box. In the event of an evacuation,
follow the evacuation signage throughout the building to the designated safe
refuge area where you will receive further instruction from Public Safety or
a Building Captain. For more safety information and preparedness tips, visit
http://www.lmu.edu/emergency .

Course Schedule (Tentative)

Wee
k
1
2
3
4
5

8
9
10
11

12

13

Date

Topics

Tasks

8/30

Course Introduction

9/1

Globalization: Overview (Ch.1)

9/6

International Trade Theory (Ch.6)

9/8

International Trade Theory (Ch.6) (cont.)

9/13

International Trade Policy (Ch.7)

9/15

International Trade Policy (Ch.7) (cont.)

9/20

FDI: Theory and Policy (Ch.8)

9/22

FDI: Theory and Policy (Ch.8) (cont.)

9/27

National Differences: Economic

Development (Ch.3)

9/29

National Differences: Political Economy

(Ch.2)

10/4

National Differences: Political Economy

(Ch.2) (cont.)

Group 3: Country Report

10/6

National Differences: Culture (Ch.4)

Individual task 1 due

10/11

National Differences: Culture (Ch.4)

(cont.)

Group 4: Country Report

10/13

Legal and Ethical Issues (Ch.5)

10/18

Exam 1

10/20

Foreign Exchange Market (Ch.10)

10/25

Foreign Exchange Market (Ch.10) (cont.)

10/27

Global Monetary System (Ch.11)

11/1

Global Monetary System (Ch.11) (cont.)

11/3

Regional Economic Integration (Ch.9)

11/8

Regional Economic Integration (Ch.9)

(cont.)

Group 7: Country Report

11/10

Strategy of International Business (Ch.12)

Request for extra credit due

11/15

Entering Foreign Markets (Ch.13)

Group 8: Country Report

11/17

Exporting, Importing, and Countertrade

(Ch.14)

11/22

International Production, Supply Chain

(Ch.15)

11/24

Thanksgiving Holiday

Group formation

Group 1: Country Report

Group 2: Country Report

Group 5: Country Report

Group 6: Country Report

Group 9: Country Report

14
15
16

11/29

International Marketing, R&D (Ch.16)

Group 10: Country Report

12/1

International HRM (Ch.17)

Individual task 2 due

12/6

MNE Project Presentations

12/8

MNE Project Presentations

12/15

Exam 2 (Thursday, 8am)

Approved extra credit paper

due

Guidelines for the Country Report

-- Where do we start?
You may find information about regional economic trends from research
reports published by IMF, World Bank and other global and regional
organizations. World Trade Report published by WTO and World Investment
Report published by UNCTAD track regional trade and FDI trends respectively.
Also, our library website provides access to various business research
databases.
--- What topics should we address?
Each group has two main topics to cover (please see course syllabus page 3).
One common topic for all groups is country economy overview, in which you
assess the countrys current economic status and future prospect. The other
topic is group-specific, corresponding to our course contents.
-- Too much information?
Yes, one challenge of this report is to identify key trends and issues in your
country. The task is actually designed this way so that you survey a large
amount of information and summarize your key findings that are most
relevant to international business. Thus, you can sharpen research skills and
get ready for the final project. In this report, you are expected to develop a
broad understanding of the country; and in the final report, you will drill
down a specific companys experience in the country or a specific product
that may be imported (or exported) to (or from) the country.
--- How do I select and organize information?
Suppose you work for a MNE that intends to enter the country and you are
asked to study the country and report to top executives, how would you put
together the report? Yes, this is the perspective you should take, a MNE
manager in charge of studying earning potentials in the country. Instead of
following a prescribed framework, you have the autonomy to select
information that you believe is most relevant and organize it in way that you
think is most appropriate. You dont have to and SHOULD NOT try to cover
everything. Instead, focus on key issues that have critical profit or risk
implications. Remember, you want the top executive to get some meaningful
takeaways from your presentation.
--- What are the deliverables?
A presentation about 15-20 minutes followed by Q&A. To aid the presentation,
you need to prepare 10-15 PowerPoint slides. Do not put too much words on
the slides. Instead, add necessary explanations of your main points and
complementary information to the note section of each slide. Your slides will
be collected and posted on MyLMU Connect.
I hope these answer your questions. Should you have any other questions,
please feel free to ask me.

10

11

Guidelines for the Final Project

A formal presentation is required for the final project. Your group should
conduct an extensive study on the company or product of interest, using
analytical frameworks learned in the course and information gathered from
multiple sources (e.g., interviews, business publications, Internet, annual
reports).
You may choose to study an established MNE in your assigned country or the
feasibility of importing a foreign product to the country (or exporting a local
product out of the country).
A sample framework for the project can be found in the syllabus (P.3 4).
Please note this project is linked to the previous country analyses. Your
arguments, such as reasons of entry, choices of entry modes, and operational
decisions, should be based on your understanding of the specific country.
The presentations are scheduled in the last week before the final exam. You
should present your project clearly and professionally. Every member of the
group is expected to participate in the presentation. Visual aids and other
lively presenting methods are strongly encouraged. The presentation should
be no longer than 15 minutes, followed by a brief question-and-answer
session. You need to submit your slides along with necessary explanatory
notes on the day of your presentation.
Grading Guide for Group Project
- Appropriateness of Issues Presented. You need to identify and
address all the key issues within the given framework of analysis.
- Substantiation of Core Arguments. You should have both
qualitative (integration of materials) and quantitative (e.g. financial
and accounting information) support of core arguments, and
appropriate application of course materials.
- Quality of Suggestions. You need to provide insightful and
reasonable suggestions that are consistent with your analysis.
- Professionalism and Style. This criterion focuses on your writing
and presentation skills.

12