International Business
MBA Concentration

The premise underlying the International Business concentration is twofold: (1) A large majority of MBAs will have management careers in firms that compete in global markets, and (2) MBAs who achieve positions of leadership in those firms will be able to manage effectively in both national and international arenas. The purpose of the International Business concentration is the preparation of students for management positions in international companies ranging from small firms to global corporations, and for administrative positions in government agencies and international organizations that have responsibilities relating to multinational business. As a result, this major focuses on the management of international firms that must operate in worldwide and heterogeneous national environments under conditions of economic and political risk.

Requirements for International Business Concentration

The international Business concentration consists of 4 courses total. There is one required course Mgt 506 – International Business Environment (3)

Take any 3 of the following courses

53:010:535 Seminar in International Accounting (3)
53:390:514 Multinational Financial Management (3)
53:390:552 Global Financial Markets (3)
53:620:515 International Management (3)
53:620:523 Global Operations Management (3)
53:623:515 Seminar in Global Ecommerce Policy (3)
53:623:544 Global Operations Information Technology (3)
53:630:515 Global Marketing Strategy (3)
 

Course descriptions

Required course

53:620:506. International Business Environment (3)

Introduction to the context of international business. Overview of the economic, ethical, cultural, legal, and political issues that affect operations in the global arena. Discussion of various trade theories, trade barriers, and trade agreements. Modes of entering foreign countries. The study of multinational corporations in terms of their strategies, structures, human resources, and operations. Various regions of the world are explored through case studies

International Business Elective Courses


Accounting

53:010:535 Seminar in International Accounting (3)
International accounting phenomena. Topics include historical and conceptual development of international accounting; diversity of accounting practices focusing on selected countries; multinational enterprises; international accounting standards setting; national accounting standards setting models; legal environment and regulation models in selected countries; relations between economic, cultural, and political factors and accounting rules and practices focusing on selected countries; multi-listing of stocks; accounting professions; and audit environment.
Prerequisite: 53:010:502.

Finance

53:390:514 Multinational Financial Management (3)
Financial skills required for effective management of companies engaged in international business. Topics include exchange rates and the balance of payments, the international monetary system, measuring and managing foreign exchange risk exposure, multinational capital budgeting, financing of international trade and investment projects, political risk management, taxation, and international transfer pricing.
Prerequisite: 53:390:506. This course may also count toward an International Business elective.
53:390:552 Global Financial Markets (3)
The international monetary system, measurement of international trade and investment, global banking, Eurocurrency markets, global securities markets, foreign exchange markets, emerging capital markets, and global portfolio management.
Prerequisite: 53:390:506.

Management

53:620:515 International Management (3)
The management of multinational enterprises in the context of a global economy. Exploration of different strategies, structures, and social responsibility. The globalization of innovation and information systems. Introduction to emerging markets. Management of government relations and how to analyze political risk. The role of business groups in the world. Cross-cultural management and negotiating techniques analyzed. The role of country managers and headquarters-subsidiary relationship. Introduction to outsourcing. This is a multicultural course.
Prerequisite: 53:620:506 or with permission from instructor.

53:620:523 Global Operations Management (3)
The course utilizes recent innovations of cutting-edge technology to address issues of managing global operations. Text and cases draw on the experience of pioneers in global operations. The use of restructuring and reengineering to increase speed, reduce costs, and enhance innovations will be thoroughly discussed.
Prerequisite: 53:620:513.

53:620: 521 Special Topics (3)
South Africa course offered every Spring. Course content varies depends on the faculty teaching in that semester.



Ecommerce and Information Technology

53:623:515 Seminar in Global Ecommerce Policy (3)
Furthering an organization's international mission through competitive strategic alignment with their ecommerce presence, and core competencies; strategies for success for web-based enterprises and for the ecommerce segments of traditional businesses. Role of CIO in keeping a balance between standard information technologies and emerging technologies in a global context.
Prerequisite: 53:623:510.

53:623:544 Global Operations Information Technology (3)
Global perspectives in multinational corporations, EDI, CAD/CAM, time-based competition, FMS, and robotics; quality initiatives, improvements involving the creation and planning of goods and services. Emphasizes productivity in a global context. Application to health care, law enforcement, higher education, manufacturing, law, and the creative arts.
Prerequisite: 53:623:510.

Marketing

53:630:515 Global Marketing Strategy (3)
Systematic treatment of marketing strategies in the global environment, including cultural practices, political risk assessment, variations in legal systems and trade law, the intricacies of tariff and nontariff barriers, and market entry decisions. Sources of global information and import/export regulations utilized. Product and brand decisions, promotional adaptations, and pricing strategies are explored through case analysis of major global corporations. A special focus on product development is included.
Prerequisite: 53:630:508.