UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA
COGGIN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
COURSE SYLLABUS
Term: SUMMER, 2003
Course Number: MAN 6931 BX 021 - 8:00 – 10:10 PM Tuesdays/Thursdays
Course Title: Cultural Environment of Global Business
Catalog Description This course examines and applies the major dimensions of cultural analysis to
and Prerequisites: global business. Students will access cultural perspectives that influence the flow of people, messages, goods, capital and technology across national and cultural boundaries. The course focuses on problems that US companies, their managers and the business community face when conducting activities in different cultures and value systems. Examples from particular world culture zones are considered, including East Asia, Europe, Central Europe, the former Soviet Union, East Africa and the Muslim world. Prerequisite..MAN5036 or equivalent and MAN6204 Organization Theory
Instructor: Dr. Cheryl Van Deusen
Classroom: Building 42, Room #1113
Office Hours: Tuesdays/Thursdays 4:15 -5:30, and by appointment
Phone: 1-386-428-2277 (Home) or (904) 620-2780 (office)
E-mail: FAX: (904) 620-2782
Required Text: Culture’s Consequences II: Comparing Values, Behaviors,
Institutions & Organizations Across Nations, by Geert Hofstede. ISBN #0803973241, Sage Publications, 2001.
Supplemental Readings: Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: How to do Business in Sixty Countries by
Morrison, Conaway and Borden (1994 Adams Media). PLUS other selected readings such as Riding the Waves of Culture by Fons Trompenaars.
Course Content: National Cultural Dimensions 3.0
Individual Cultural Dimensions 1.0
Organizational Culture 2.0
Organizational Assessment 3.0
Organizational Research Data Collection Methods 3.0
Internationalization Strategies 1.0
Internationalization Barriers (Regional Trade Associations 1.0
Exams 2.0
TOTAL 16
Grading Procedure: Participation 20%
Examinations 30%
Computer Assignments (2 @ 5%) 10%
Written Team Case 20%
Team Case Presentation 10%
Peer Evaluations 10%
Total 100%
The grading scale is as follows:
94-100% A
93.99-90 A-
89.99-87 B+
86.99-84 B
83.99-80 B-
79.00–76 C+
75.99-70 C
Below 70% F
Library Assignments: Literature Search for Case Analysis (APA format)
Written Communication
Requirements: Two written team computer assignments are required along with the team project.
Oral Communication
Requirements: Interactive class participation is required to do well in this class.
Both individual and team level presentations are required. Each team
makes informal presentations that are non-graded, but feedback is provided. These are practice sessions for the graded presentations.
Computer Applications: Blackboard – exams, digital drop box
Presentations require Power Point
Internet applications of websites for company analysis
Research Assignments for homework
International Coverage: The analysis of complexity of the International environment and
regional trade alliances (NAFTA, EU, MERCOSUR, etc.) are discussed in terms of their impact on international business.
Environmental Issues Covered: Cultural Impact on Environmental Activity
Ethical Issues Covered: Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (1977) – International Effects on US MNEs;
Academic Integrity: All individual written and oral requirements are to be your own work. The professor will explain how team requirements are to be jointly prepared. Students are expected to adhere to the UNF Code of Conduct.
Disability: If you have a disability, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires classroom accommodation or auxiliary aid(s), please inform the professor of your needs during the first week of class so that appropriate action may be taken.
Class Discussion
Exercises: Students review, analyze, and synthesize materials. The team leads class discussions on their topics during that class period. Topical coverage generally lasts FIVE minutes. Student presentations should be creative and interesting. Students are encouraged to use a variety of presentation techniques including, but not limited to: case studies, guest speakers, visual aids, in-class exercises, role-play, simulations, etc. Students should ensure they generate class involvement and discussion relevant to the topic on the syllabus for that evening as well as link the discussion to other topics discussed in class. These are requirements, but are not graded. These prepare you for graded presentations.
Presentations: Students are expected to develop presentations of a standard of quality found in a
professional business environment. Specifically, that means that the content is
well researched, the effort well organized among team members, and thoroughly
prepared in all aspects of the assignments. It is expected that the students will
minimize bias, develop critical perspectives, which analyze the topic in a cross-
cultural and global framework. Students should be able to discuss various design
options, avoid prescriptive and unilateral "solutions" based on whims and
opinions. Support your statements and beliefs with factual data and case
illustrations. The oral presentation should be 15-20 minutes. Students CAN NOT earn an A on any presentation if ANYONE uses notes during the presentation. An ‘A’ presentation is also interactive in nature. One-way discussions will NOT earn an A.
Team Member Evaluations
(Peer Reviews): To avoid the problem of having one or two people doing most of the work on your team, each of you will complete team performance appraisals that evaluate each team member’s performance. An average of the team member’s evaluations is used for the final grade. There will be mid (5%) and end of semester (5%) ratings with feedback provided so that you have an opportunity to improve.
Participation: Class discussions and case analyses are the focus of this course, and students
are expected to contribute actively. As such, attendance and adequate preparation are required. Excess absences will result in lowering your grade by at least a full letter grade. Clearly, students must attend class and be prepared for class in order to contribute to class discussions.
Assignments & Exams: The impromptu assignments may require Internet exercises and/or the application of analytical tools to assigned companies and industries; these may include financial analyses, portfolio analyses, issues identification, alternative generation, and recommendation proposals. The exam covers all textbook materials, handouts and class discussion of current strategic events. The format is discussed in class.
Team Projects: Working in teams of 3-5 members, students will conduct an analysis for a multinational company involving national culture dimensions. There is a TEN
page requirement for this assignment, which includes the cover sheet (if used), references, appendices, tables, etc. NO FOLDERS, just staple the pages in the upper left hand corner.
All written case and company analyses will be graded on the following criteria:
• Thoroughness of analysis (appropriate use of applicable tools, sources, concepts, and techniques)
• Writing clarity (focus, style, cohesion, mechanics)
• Organization (appropriate use of headings, integration of analysis)
• Professionalism (editing and adherence to style guide).
Note: When outside information is used in preparation of the analyses, such secondary information must be fully referenced in the written report (APA style). Also note: All written work must be submitted at the beginning of the class period in which it is due; late work will be penalized one letter grade per late day.
TEAM REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION
Teamwork is a fundamental element of this course, thus, it is imperative that team members work together for the successful completion of case projects. The professor will establish the teams early in the semester based upon diversity of varying backgrounds and majors in an effort to gain the optimal benefits from team interaction. Further, it is expected that each team will possess or develop the maturity to share the workload, coordinate their efforts, and work out any conflicts that may arise, as each team is expected to remain intact throughout the semester. Peer evaluations constitute10% of your total grade, based upon midpoint and end of semester peer ratings.
BLACKBOARD: This course utilizes technology at http:// - you will be required to become proficient in order to take on-line exams, submit group cases analyses, and contribute discussion items for participation points. It is your responsibility to ensure that assignments and exams are properly submitted. Go to blackboard, log in and check under the assignments area.
EMERGENT SCHEDULE: This information is provided as a general outline of the course. In actuality, the
content emerges based upon current events and class discussions. The above information is subject to change without written notice. Please inquire with the professor if you have any questions.
Tentative Schedule – updated 5/22/03
May 22
May 27
May 29
June 3 Virtual Team Video;
June 5
June 10
June 12
June 17
June 19
June 24
June 26
July 1
July 3
July 8 International Negotiations VIDEO
July 10 Intercultural Communications
July 15
July 17
July 22
July 24
July 29
July 31