BRAC Business School

BRAC University
Spring 2017
Course: BUS510 International Business
Instructor: Dr. Khan Taufique, Asst. Professor
Office: Room UB20613
E-mail: raziuddin.taufique@bracu.ac.bd
Class & Consultation Hours
CLASS
Day
Time
Monday
6:30pm 9:30pm

Room
UB20204

Day
Monday

CONSULTATION
Time
Hours
3:00 6:00 pm
3

Required Text
1. Daniels John D. Radebaugh Lee H. and Sullivan Daniel P. International Business:
Environment and Operations, 14th Edition. PEARSON Education.
2. Hill L. W. Charles. International Business: Competing in the Global Marketplace. 10th
Edition. TATA McGRAW-HILL EDITION.
Prerequisite Course
At least one course in Management, one in Economics, and one in Marketing.
I. RATIONALE:
Business today is by all measures -- global. No business or industry of any size is immune from the
global environment. Even small businesses that purchase and sell only in Bangladesh are subject to
competition from products coming into Bangladesh from overseas or from global issues when their
suppliers or consumers become global. Therefore, even employees of such companies are affected
by the global environment. Understanding the global economy, therefore, is necessary for all
engaged in business and careers regardless of the size or type of business or career endeavor.
II. SPECIFIC LEARNING OUTCOME:
This is an introductory course in international business. The objectives of this course are to provide
students with an understanding of the key concepts of international business and to provide an
insight into the role of international business in a multinational as well as small/medium
organization. In line with these objectives, after successful completion of the course, the students
should be able to:

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1. Identify international business topics in advanced markets and emerging markets as they relate to
regional integration and globalization.
2. Analyze the sensitivity of multiple perspectives of cultural, political, economic, and legal issues
in order to adapt strategies in the context of international business operations.
3. Contrast different international trade theories and understand their implications in the dynamics
of international trade creation.
4. Compare different market entry strategies and justify market location decisions.
5. Analyze problems and recommend, communicate and justify business solutions in international
context through case analysis and interactive sessions in groups.

Course Description
The course introduces students to the basic concepts of international business. Topics include
globalization of business; internationalization theories; the impact of different environmental factors
on multinational corporations; understanding documentation used in the international business arena;
and international governance issues. Participants will cover all aspects of global business operations
from the perspective of both multinational corporations (MNCs) and smaller enterprises. There will
be a focus on appropriate theory and the course will aim to provide opportunities for the practical
implementation of the main concepts covered.

III. FORMAT AND PROCEDURES:

Exams
There will be two exams- midterm and final. Final exam will consist of analytical questions along
with small cases.
Quizzes
Three quizzes will be taken throughout the semester. One will be Surprise Test andRest two will be
announced quiz. Best two of three quizzes will be counted for final assessment. There will be no
option for make up quizzes. This will stimulate you to be on the same pace with the lecture and it is
also an excellent way to evaluate your learning
Assignments
Analyzing cases and reading and summarizing research papers/articles will be the part of
assignments.
Term Paper
Students have to select a topic for their term paper and get it approved from the instructor. The term
paper must be submitted on time. The case in the term paper has to be defended through group
presentation.

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Class Participation
Students should attend all lecture sessions and actively participate in the classroom discussions to earn
outstanding score. However, any sort of inattentivenessor side talkingduring the lecture will be marked
negatively.Separate marks will be given for adding value to the class through constructive class

participation.

NO student will be allowed to enter the class room AFTER 9 MINUTES of the
scheduled starting time. Any attempt of doing so will be marked negatively.
Attendance
Students are required to attend all the classes unless there is a valid reason for remaining absent. No
attendance will be given if the students enter the class after 10 minutes. Two unexcused absences
will be permitted without having any effect on the students course grade. Each additional absence
will result in course grade being lowered. However, if a student fails to attend at least 70% of the
total classes as per university policy s/he will not be allowed to take the final exam.
IV. TEACHING METHOD:
The concepts will be discussed first in the class lectures. There will be discussion in the class
involving all the students and class participation will be highly encouraged. Students are expected to
make full use of the consultation hours along with the lecture classes to have full understanding of
the topics.
V. COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
a) Attendance Policy
90% and above
85% to less than 90%
80% to less than 85%
75% to less than 80%
70% to less than 75%
Less than 70%

5 Marks
4 Marks
3 Marks
2 Marks
1 Marks
0 Marks

b) Assessment Plan:
Quiz
Midterm Examination
Final Examination
Assignments & Presentation
Final Report
Attendance
Total

10%
20%
40%
10%
15%
5%
100%

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VI. IMPORTANT NOTES FOR STUDENTS:

Instructor reserves the right to make necessary changes in the course content depending on the
progress of the class. Instructor also reserves the right to include any contemporary and/or reallife issues that are relevant to the course content.
Students are to switch off their mobile phones completely during classes and examinations.
Students participation in the class is appreciated and encouraged. But intentional disturbances
i.e. Side talking, Misconduct during lecture etc. will not be tolerated.
Class notes should be taken if and when necessary.
Students are always welcome to discuss any study related issues during the office hours. But it is
STRONGLY ADVISED to make an appointment via email or through phone to fully utilize this
opportunity.
Multiple quizzes will be taken. Their schedule, syllabus and question type etc. will be announced
during the classes.
You will be given assignments related to your course during the semester. They should be
submitted timely.
Make up of class tests, mid-term, assignments are not allowed unless they are missed due to
medical grounds or family emergency. In such cases students are to present their causes with
proper documentation and permission from respective Coordinator and Director of BBS.
For the final report / project, each student will have to work in a team.Each team has to prepare a
project report, also known as term paper. If it is found that any part of the project is copied or not
done by the assigned student(s) then the entire group will get Zero (0) on project submission.
All assignments and report should be computer-typed in word format, 12- point Times New
Roman font, 1.5 spaced paragraphs, printed out on A-4 size paper. Further instructions regarding
this issue will be given in due time.
You are expected to submit the term paper in the particular date without fail. Further instructions
regarding this issue will be given in due time.
Students are expected to refrain from cheating during attendance, exam, assignments and class
tests. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in any form.

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Course Contents and Schedules:

Sessions and Contents
January 9
Introductory Class +
Chapter 1:
Globalization and
International Business
[Hill]

January 16
Chapter 2:The Cultural
Environments Facing
Business[mixed]
January 23
Chapter 3: Comparing
Cultures: Systematically
Describing Cultural
Differences [mixed]
January 30

Readings to be Discussed
Introduction of the Course;
Discussion about Course Outline,
and Revisiting the Prerequisites.

Additional Reading Materials

WARM-UP CASE!
Holmesafe Ltd.: Who was
right?

What is globalization?
Globalization of Markets;
Globalization of Production; What
is International Business? Types of
International Business; Factors in
Global Business Operations; Recent
Trend in Global Business.
What is culture? Degree of
Adaptation; Determinants of
Culture; Religious and Ethical
Systems.
Four fundamental dimensions of
culture (Hofstede, 1984); Further
Advancement of Hofstedes
Dimensions; Managerial
Implications; Problems with
Hofstedes findings.
QUIZ

Revisiting Hofstedes Dimensions:

Examining the Cultural Convergence
of the United States and Japan
(http://www.na-businesspress.com
/AJM/BergielEB_
Web12_1_.pdf)
Soares, A. M., Farhangmehr, M.,
&Shoham, A. (2007). Hofstede's
dimensions of culture in international
marketing studies. Journal of business
research, 60(3), 277-284.
CASE: TBA

Chapter 4: The Political Why do Governments Intervene in

Economy of International Trade? Instruments of Trade Policy;
Trade[Hill]
Major Political Risks of Doing
International Business; Reducing
Political Vulnerability.
Mercantilism Theory; Theory of
*February 6
Absolute Advantage; Theory of
Chapter 5: International
Comparative Advantage; HekscherTrade Theory[Daniel]
Ohlin Theory.
The Product-Life-Cycle Theory;
The New Trade Theory; National
Competitive Advantage: Porters
Diamond; Implications for
Business.
Characteristics and Challenges of
February 13
the World Trade Organization;
Chapter 6: CrossDifferent Forms of Regional
National Cooperation and
Economic Integration; Different
Agreements [Daniel]
Regional Trading Groups.
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Chapter 7: Global
Foreign Exchange
Markets [Daniel]

February 20

Fundamentals of Foreign Exchange;

Major Characteristics of the Foreign
Exchange Market; How the Foreign
Exchange Market Works; Different
Institutions that Deal in Foreign
Exchange.
Mid Term Exam
Chapters: 1,2,3,4
Risk and Control in Market Entry;
Factors to be Considered;
Alternative Entry Strategies and
their Pros and Cons

CASE: TBA

CASE: TBA

March 20

International Market Segmentation;

Common Segment Scenario;
Positioning in International Market;
Product, Price, and Promotion
Decisions for International Market.
Challenge of MNC (IHRM)?; MNC
Staffing Options; Staffing
Philosophies (EPRG concept);
IHRM Selection Criteria; Training
and Development; Performance
Appraisal and Compensation;
Expatriate Assignments: Reasons to
Deploy Expatriates
Presentation

March 27

Presentation

April 3

Review class

February 27
Chapter 8: International
Market Entry
Strategies[Mixed]
March 6
Chapter 9: Global
Marketing[Mixed]
March 13
Chapter 10:
International Human
Resource Management

CASE: TBA

* Class schedule might be changed.

(K. M. Raziuddin Taufique, Ph.D)

Course Instructor

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