Global Business Environment

Curriculum Guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course Code
BUSN 3100
Descriptive
Global Business Environment
Department
Business
Faculty
Commerce & Business Administration
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
201720
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15
Max Class Size
35
Contact Hours
4
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Lab
Field Experience
Learning Activities

Lectures, discussions, case study analysis, and guest lectures on industry-specific subjects.

Course Description
This course presents the key elements of the international business process that are necessary for local companies to transition into and thrive in the global market place. The course focuses on global e-commerce and e-marketing, international trade policy and regulation, as well as complex issues dealing with unfair trade practices, bribery, corruption, and child labour. It examines how cultural aspects of business influence international trade, and how ethical practices, workplace diversity, and respect for human rights and the natural environment enhance global relationships. The course aims to provide the tools necessary to propose a global business transition plan that incorporates market research and cultural awareness.
Course Content

1. The Global Business Environment

• The Dynamic Context of International Business

• Assessing Global Power and Influence

• Global Flows: Capital, People and Trade

• Multilateral Institutions

• Trade and Competitiveness

• Security and Intellectual Property Issues in Global Business

 

2. Canada’s Place in the World

• International Trade: Its Role in Canada

• Canada’s Trading Partners

• The Importance of Trade Agreements to Canada

• The Supporting Environment for Trade

3. The Global Trader and Global Business

• The Business: Vision, Innovation and Commitment

• Positioning the Organization for the Global Marketplace

• Evaluation and Preparation for  Global Trade


4. Trade and Technology

• Role of Technology in the Transformation of Trade

• Online Purchasing and E-Trade Platforms

• Security in the Virtual Marketplace


5. Trade in Services

• The Growing Importance of the Global Service Sector

• Difference in Trade of Goods vs. Services Trade

• Implications of Market Research for Services

• Business-Process Outsourcing

• Trade Policies and Issues Affecting Services Trade

6. Cultural Considerations

• Impacts of a Multicultural Environment

• Intercultural Effectiveness and Effective Communication

• Building Intercultural Relationships

 

7. International Market Research and Marketing

• International Market Research Process
• International Market Opportunity Evaluation

• Export Market Penetration: Process and Limitations

• Recognizing Types of International Markets

• Understanding Global Marketing Practices and Pitfalls

 

8. International Business Practices

• Responses to Issues of  International Bribery and Corruption

• Exploitative Child Labour Practices

• Other Critical, Complex and Compelling Issues involving Human Rights Violations
• Influencing Policy with Trade, Aid, Investments or Sanctions

• Respecting the Natural Environment

9. The International Business Plan

• The Planning Process: Gathering and Presenting the Information

• Assembling the Components of the International Business Plan

• Developing Contingency Plans and Exit Strategies

Learning Outcomes

The student will be able to:
1. analyze the current and future global business environments from both a national and global perspective.

2. examine topics such as codes of conduct for international trade professionals, protecting human rights, implementing ethical practices, recognizing diversity in the workplace, and preserving the natural environment.

3. assess how the cultural aspects of business affect international trade and business relationships.

4. evaluate how e-marketing and e-commerce are shaping the global business environment.

5. propose a global business plan that incorporates, among other things, the trade and marketing elements necessary for a business organization preparing to go international.

Means of Assessment

Case Study(ies)                     10 - 25%

Assignments                           0 - 15%

Global Business Plan              15 - 25%

Examinations                        30 - 50%*

Participation                            5 - 10%

                                                 100%

 

* no one examination may be worth more than 40%
Note: students must achieve a grade of at least 50% on the combined exam components to pass the course.

Textbook Materials

Hill, Charles, and McKaig, Thomas. Global Business Today. Latest Canadian Edition: McGraw-Hill Ryerson.

 
Or any alternative textbook approved by the Business Department.

Prerequisites

BUSN 1210, or instructor permission.

Corequisites

Nil

Equivalencies

Nil

Which Prerequisite

Nil