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TROY UNIVERSITY
SORRELL COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

MBAi 6613

Seminar in International Management

Prerequisites

Graduate standing, admission into the MBAI degree programand all undergraduate business prerequisite courses or equivalent completed.

Description

Coverage of the management issues corporations face when doing business internationally. Topics include culture, corporate strategy and structure, cross-cultural communication and negotiation, and international human resource management issues. Unlike other classes that tend to be U.S.-centric, this class presents core theories and models from a global perspective. Students are presented with the fundamental theories of international management so they will be prepared to make decisions in any business situation. These theoretical issues are supplemented and reinforced with an array of real-world, concrete models of the many educational, sociological, legal-political, and cultural constraints they will undoubtedly face during a career in international business.

Class Information

Instructor: Associate Professor Alan Wright (DBA, University of Memphis)

Office: Bibb Graves 253

Office Hours: MWF 9-12 a.m.; 4:30-5:30 pm Thursday and by appointment

Telephone: 334-808-6350

E-mail:

Class Time: 5:30-8:15 pmThursday

Class Location: Bibb Graves 251

Course ObjectivesAfter finishing this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the influence of a variety of national factors - including, politics & government,economics, social practices, competition & technology

2. Distinguish between different cultural frameworks as well as apply these frameworks and relevant dimensions to real-world examples.

3. Differentiate between different organizational strategies, structures, and entry modes as well as recognize and justify their adoption in real-world multinational enterprises

4. Recognize cross-cultural communication differences as well as challenges in cross-cultural negotiations

5. Discuss the opportunities and challenges of diverse teams

6. Apply motivational and leadership theories across cultures

7. Discuss major international human resource issues facing MNEs and their employees

Purpose
As the world of business has become more and more international at the beginning of the twenty first century, it has become clear that management must also be international in its focus. Effective managers will be those who understand the nature of international business and how cross-national similarities and differences impact on management. Smallness means that resources are limited, thus effective management of these resources is critical. In the global economy of the twenty first century, managers, even in small companies, will find it necessary to interact with other managers around the world; thus, an understanding of management practices across nations will be the foundation of successful management. A special focus of the course will be country studies.

Text

International Management: Strategy and Culture in the Emerging World, 1st Edition (2010).

D. Ahlstrom & G. Bruton - ISBN-10: 0324406312 ISBN-13: 9780324406313

SCOB Vision Statement

The Sorrell College of Business will be a recognized and respected leader for quality and flexibility in the delivery of business education that prepares graduates to succeed in the global business environment.

SCOB Mission Statement

The Sorrell College of Business supports the Troy University mission by preparing our diverse student body to become ethical professionals equipped to compete in the global business environment. To achieve this, our faculty, staff, and administration will:

  1. provide quality education in global business through our undergraduate and graduate programs, delivered around the world through facetoface and online environments, to traditional, non-traditional, military, and international students;
  2. contribute to the development and application of knowledge focused on applied business, learning, and pedagogical research;
  3. provide service to the University, business and professional organizations, and our communities through individual involvement, business outreach, and our centers for research.

Course Requirements

  • Attendance at all class sessions, and participation in class discussion are required. Each student is expected to be an active participant and make meaningful contributions.
  • Students are expected to complete all assignments when due. Late work will not be accepted.
  • Written exams will be given.

Assignment of Grades and Method of Evaluation

There will be written exams using MC, TF, SA, essay, and case analysis questions. Do not think that the light-natured tone of the class will be reflected in the tests or the grading standards. Two individual tests, 400 points; In-class exercises, case presentations, and unannounced quizzes (some group), up to 50 points; oral report, 75 pts; individual written, 100 pts (guidelines for all the assignments will be on Blackboard); Final exam,100 points; and a peer evaluation, 25 points. Grades will be awarded on a percentage basis. 90% and up = A, 80-89.9% = B; 70-79.9% =C; 60-69.9% =D; and below 59.9% will be assigned an F.…

Make-Up Policy

It is beneficial to show up to class and show up on time. Quizzes and in class exercises cannot be made up. If you know ahead of time you will miss a scheduled test for school activities, arrange with me a time you can take the test early. Requests for make-up tests must be accompanied by appropriate documentation (i.e. dated obituary, doctor's excuse, ticket or summons, repair bill) and will carry a 10% penalty. All presentations will be given on the assigned day, no delays.

Class Procedure
The method of instruction for the class will consist of lecture and group interaction. It is essential that each student prepare for class to insure active participation. Please respect the rights of others to express their views and provide the setting for meaningful discussions.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is mandatory. Students must attend all classes during the course. No automatic absences are authorized. Excessive absences will be reported to appropriate university officials. Arrangements for excused absences must be made PRIOR to the absence. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain all information and materials presented during his/her absence.

Incomplete Grade Policy

An incomplete grade indicates that the student has not completed all of the assigned class work or has not taken all class examinations. Only the instructor can determine whether an incomplete grade is justified. It will not be automatically assigned, but rather must be requested by the student by submitting to the instructor the Petition for and Work to Remove an Incomplete Grade form. A grade of incomplete may not be removed by repeating the course.

It is the student's responsibility to contact the instructor regarding the deadline for completing all course requirements. Any student who receives a grade of “Incomplete” must adhere to the work completion deadline set by the instructor, not to exceed the end of the following term. Failure to clear the incomplete within the specified time period will result in the assignment of a grade of F for the course.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

Troy University supports Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which insure that postsecondary students with disabilities have equal access to all academic programs, physical access to all buildings, facilities and events, and are not discriminated against on the basis of disability. Eligible students, with appropriate documentation, will be provided equal opportunity to demonstrate their academic skills and potential through the provision of academic adaptations and reasonable accommodations. Further information, can be found at the link for Troy University’s Office of Human Resources at

Cell Phone and Other Electronic Device

Use of any electronic devise by students in the instructional environment is prohibited unless explicitly approved by the instructor or by the Office of Disability Services. Cellular phones, pagers, and other communication devices may be used for emergencies, however, sending or receiving non-emergency messages is forbidden by the University. Use of a communication device to violate the Troy University “Standards of Conduct” will result in appropriate disciplinary action. Students who are expecting an emergency call should inform the instructor before the start of the instructional period.

Standards of Conduct

The commission of or the attempt to commit any cheating and/or plagiarism are in violation of the Standard of Conduct at Troy University, and may be disciplined up to and including suspension and expulsion. Plagiarism is the passing off of the thoughts or works of another as one’s own. Plagiarism involves giving the impression that a person has thought, written, or produced something that has, in fact, been borrowed from another. Plagiarism may result from poor technique of citation or more serious cases as: copying the work of another person; submitting the work of another person; or closely paraphrasing a piece of work without due acknowledgement. Depending on the circumstances, the penalty imposed for plagiarism may include warning, resubmission, loss of points, failure on a particular assignment or course, or a charge of misconduct to be dealt with by Troy University.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor may make amendments to this syllabus.

Daily Assignments

This class will follow the University calendar for all drop dates and holidays.

Below are the currently scheduled dates for all lectures and tests; flexibility may be required.

Seminar in International Management

August 15 / Introduction
22 / Chapter 1
29 / Chapter 2
September 5 / Chapter 3
12 / Chapters 4 & 5
19 / Chapter 6Review
26 / Exam 1
October 3 / Chapters 78
10 / Chapters 9 & 10
17 / Chapter 11
24 / Chapter 12
31 / Chapter 13 & 14
November 7 / Exam 2
14 / Presentations
21 / Presentations, Written paper due
December 5 / Final