No particular preconditions, but students' English level is expected to be equivalent to B2 or above (This level is ideal.).
Compulsory prerequisites required (Propedeuticità) are published on the web site: https://lt-ea.unibg.it/it/node/122
On completion of the course, students should be able to:
-Understand economic, social, cultural, & political factors influencing the internationalization, strategy & value of the multinational organization;
-Discuss the mechanism to organize value-creating activities within a group of subsidiaries, including how to achieve efficient knowledge flows across borders;
-Evaluate different types of corporate & business strategy that help enhance the firm’s long-term profitability & competitive superiority in the age of globalization; &
-Critically evaluate the diversity of formal & informal institutions in the international business domain & the effect of this diversity on the nature & form of international business arrangements.
International business is concerned with how firms engage in transactions & value-adding activities outside of their national boundaries. The course examines the various elements of international business strategy (e.g., entry mode, partner selection in joint ventures, location) & how the organizational structure of the firm is best configured to its strategy. Consideration is also given to the impact of foreign direct investment on host & home economies. Students should be able to develop various practical skills (i.e., contextual understanding, analytical knowledge, problem recognition & analytical competence) to get a great job in the area of international business. The course also helps sharpen their creative, critical, and strategic thinking & strengthen the ability to express opinions logically and explicitly in verbal and written communication in English.
The course consists of two lectures per week taught in the Spring Term. Each lecture lasts 2 hours on the Caniana campus in Weeks 1 to 12. Each lecture adopts active learning methods designed to encourage students to participate in class discussions. The lectures will be taught by Professor Dr. Norifumi Kawai. Attendance is highly recommended at all the lectures.
A variety of assessment modes are used to develop & test different types of knowledge, skills & aptitudes. The assessment modes have been approved to test the module learning outcomes. Examinations usually focus more on students’ ability to use their knowledge of the subject, rather than simply testing their memory for facts. Feedback is provided to support students in future assessments only if asked. For this module, the unseen examination is used to assess students’ level of knowledge &/or understanding of the discipline without the support of textbooks, notes or internet resources. When, in accordance with the academic judgement of the University, the unseen exam has been approved for a module to assess competence standards & learning outcomes. Students will be assessed by two specific assessment methods:
Class participation & proactive engagement in discussions count for 30% of the overall mark for the course. Depending on weeks, students are required to read two or three articles per session prior to the lecture & essentially responsible for being well-prepared to discuss the content of the article. Students will receive approximately 5-7 questions per article & it is highly recommendable to take notes in advance. Participants’ engagement in class discussions is carefully checked & monitored by the instructor. Moreover, students might be asked to submit a summary report either every week or every other week via Moodle (Any late submission is NOT acceptable.). Small quizzes are also given to participants on an irregular basis.
A final examination that counts for 70% of the overall mark for the course. The final exam will take place in the end of year assessment.
The mandatory textbook is as follows: Peng, M., & Meyer, K. (2019). International Business, CENGAGE Learning.