THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO Joseph M. Bryan School of Business and Economics Department of Business Administration

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1 THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO Joseph M. Bryan School of Business and Economics Department of Business Administration MBA Managing in a Global Environment Course Syllabus Summer 2009 (Jun 30 Aug 4) Instructor: Logistic Info: Mr. Ron Abernathy Office: Bryan School Preferred Phone: Preferred ronabernathy@earthlink.net Other rraberna@uncg.edu Office Hours: By appointment Prerequisites: Co-requisite Required Text: Tuesdays 6:00 PM - 9:20 PM Bryan School of Business and Economics MBA 604, 605, 606, 607 MBA 613 Fatehi, Managing Internationally, Sage Publications, 2008 (ISBN ) NOTE: Laptops are not required for this course and may only be used for taking notes. No surfing, games or other distracting reasons!! Course Description: Examines the environmental, cultural, political, legal and operational challenges facing managers in doing effective business across international borders. Course Philosophy: The ongoing globalization of industries and the deepening interdependence of national economies will continue to have a strong influence on the fortunes of nations, industries, firms, and individuals. As part of these ongoing changes, competitive opportunities and threats have increasingly come from outside of one's home country. As well, it has become routine for managers at all levels,

2 2 worldwide, to need to find ways to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. These changes place new and more challenging requirements on present and future managers. For example, it is becoming more important for managers to have a basic understanding of the structure of the global economy in which they operate, not just of their country of origin. Also, with the greater freedom firms now have to sell, invest, and operate around the globe comes the need to understand how to assess the stability and growth prospects of individual nations and their markets. In short, knowledge about how nations, firms, and individuals can address the issues raised by globalization have arguably become part of the "essential equipment" every manager cannot afford to be without. Knowledge about how to conduct business with people from numerous cultural backgrounds is just as vital.. Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: Describe the structure of the global economy and the perspective of the various players in that economy. Indicate the cultural factors that should be taken into account in the determination of management styles and HRM policies. Discuss the legal and technological environmental factors that create opportunities or barriers for multinational companies. Describe the public policy and political factors that can affect the risks of entering and operating in a foreign country. Identify the key ethical and environmental issues that are typically connected with international business. Discuss the pros and cons of various methods for entering national markets. Describe the foreign exchange markets and indicate how multinational firms can handle exchange-rate risk. Other Study Resources: In addition to the textbook, a variety of other sources will be used 2

3 throughout the semester. I will also use Blackboard to communicate various requirements. Module Project : This will be addressed separately. Country Teams: Each person is assigned to a specific country team. This will be adjusted during the first session wherever necessary. A complete listing is posted on Bb for each to download. Current Events: During the first class countries will be assigned. Assigned countries will be equally balanced so that current event searches will be invigorating. If there are double digit class members, each individual will be assigned to a country team. Sources for articles are readily available thru print and on-line. 3 Articles are not to be more than one week old and must focus on a global management event as pertains to your assigned country. At the onset of each class, teams will report their findings for the week. Your weekly task will be to present one article representing a positive leadership event and one, a negative. The report will cover the subject and a brief overview. No written requirement is necessary. This will be discussed the first session. Case Study Reports: You will notice on the syllabus that various cases are included as required reading. A one-page double spaced paper is required on those cases addressing the pertinent actions. NO LATE PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Evaluation Methods and Teaching Strategy: Course will be taught using lectures, discussions, visuals and case analyses. This course will be letter graded and the student s final grade will be based on: Homework/Participation 20% Mid Term 40% Final Module Project 40% Final grading will be scaled as: 3

4 4 Significant Policies: Letter Numerical Letter Numerical Grade Score Grade Score A C A C B D B D B D C OH WELL < 60 Attendance: Students are expected to attend sessions. A student should contact the instructor where work needs and/or health problems make attendance impossible. Inclement Weather: In case of inclement weather, this class will follow University guidelines. Academic Honor Code: Each student is required to sign the Academic Integrity Policy on all work submitted for this course. Additional Requirements: Students are expected to be prepared for class and participate in discussions. Participation: I place a premium on participation which includes required homework assignments. COURSE ROADMAP MBA Describe the structure of the global economy and the perspective of the various players in that economy. Indicate the cultural factors that should be taken into account in the determination of management styles and HRM policies. Jun 30 Intro/Overview/Chapters 1 ~ 2 The Management of International Business Changing Profile of the Global Business Environment Major Elements of Managing Internationally Socio-ethical Issues and International Management Social Responsibilities of MNCs Problem Areas Chapter 3 International Management and the Cultural Context Cultural Aspects of Management Cultural Values in Contrast 4

5 5 Case Studies (separate page inputs): Union Carbide Questions 2 & 4 (DUE JUL 7) Footwear International In your opinion what should Carlson do to try to minimize the damage? (DUE JUL 7) Understand the different aspects of communication styles/practices and the acceptable norms in the building bridges process. Describe the public policy and political factors that can affect the risks of entering and operating in a foreign country.) Jul 7 Chapters 4 ~ 5 International Communications and Negotiation Cultural Differences in Nonverbal Communication Dos and Don ts of Communication with Foreigners Managerial Leadership and Motivation Managerial Leadership in Europe & Japan Chapter 6 International Environment and Strategy Cultural Aspects of Strategy o Current Events Case Studies: Frank Davis How is this case an example of either effective or ineffective handling of an administrative situation? Or, is it both? Culture Clash Question 2 (BOTH DUE JUL 14) Identify the key ethical and environmental issues that are typically connected with international business. Discuss the pros and cons of various methods for entering foreign markets.) Jul 14 Chapter 7; Global Marketing Concepts of Guanxi and Nemawashii MNC Strategy Legal Issues and International Management o Current Events 5

6 6 MID TERM EXAM Case Studies: Bill Keane Which of the 3 decisions would you recommend and why? Daimler-Chrysler Answer questions 4 & 5 BOTH DUE JUL 21 Learning Objective Understand the types of organizational control systems and implementation of such. Jul 21 Review Exam; Chapter 8 Organization of MNC Operations Control of International Operations Cultural Aspects of MNC Control o Current Events Case Study: Barbara and William Harold Q2 (DUE JUL 28) Case Study: American Manager in Australian Company Q2 (DUE JUL 28) Discuss the legal and technological environmental factors that create opportunities or barriers for multinational companies. Describe the public policy and political factors that can affect the risks of entering and operating in a foreign country. A Look at Asia Expat v Local National Which is more effective? Jul 28 Chapters 11~12 Making the right personnel choices (Ex-pat or LN) HRM A look at Asia Aug 4 Final Course Project Presentation 6