International Business Management David R. Swarts
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Syllabus

Instructor: Mr. Swarts
Office: Room #543
Office Hours:  TBA; other hours available upon request
Contact Hours:  Three (3)
Credit Hours: Three (3)
Semester, Year: TBA
Telephone: (518) 562-4174 
E-Mail: david.swarts@clinton.edu

I.  Course Description  

This course introduces students to the world of international business and management by studying cultural influences, government, and business structures in our global economy.  Students also learn about trade relations, international finance and legal and labor agreements.  Also covered, are topics on information needs, production systems, marketing and promotion, and career planning.

II.  Course Prerequisite 

BUS101 (previously BUS410), “Business Organization & Management.”  

III.  Textbook and Other Required Materials

  “Intercultural Business Communication,” Third Edition, by Chaney and Martin, Prentice-Hall.

Notebook.

IV.  Course Objectives

    By taking this course, students should be able to:

In general, provide a theoretical and practical basis for conducting effective global communication;

In general, examine the role of managing cultural synergy within the global business environment with emphasis on organizational and interpersonal communication and negotiation skills,  and, more specifically;

Develop an understanding of cultures and subcultures and the role they play in communicating and negotiating effectively in a global business environment;

Increase understanding of universal systems as they relate to communicating and negotiating in a global setting;

Examine contrasting cultural values and their impact on the international communication and negotiating process,;

Evaluate verbal thought patterns and nonverbal cues as they relate to conducting business abroad or in a multicultural domestic environment;

Increase communication and negotiation effectiveness across cultures by examining language diversities, verbal dueling, high and low content language, and conversation taboos;

Sharpen interpersonal and group communication skills as they relate to conducting world business;

Examine country-specific dress, behavior, taboos, and other business and social customs as they relate to conducting business with persons from other cultures;

Study international laws, as well as home country and host country laws, that relate to conducting business in multicultural environments;

Address aspects of cultural shock and reentry shock as they affect effective intercultural communication and negotiation; and

Search for a job, apply for a job, and obtain future jobs, including outside the United States.

     General Education Objectives:  N/A

V.  Methods of Instruction

The instructor will use case studies, lectures, guest speakers, questions and exercises from the textbook, videos, recent technological changes in the communications processes, current events, transparencies, and student experiences and responses. 

To be successful in this course, it is recommended that you:

•   Read each chapter 

•   Confirm you know the definitions to the terms at the end of the chapter (A   "Glossary" is included in your text beginning on Page 267.)

•   Complete the Exercises at the end of each chapter (Answers are in  "Appendix B" in your text beginning on Page 275.)  

• Review the “Questions and Cases for Discussion” at the end of each chapter

• Use the “References” at the end of each chapter for additional information in your research

• Utilize the author's website at:  www.prenhall.com/chaney

VI.  Attendance Procedure

Punctuality and regular attendance in classes is of prime importance for successful completion of this course, just as the same punctuality and attendance is important in the business world.  Students will be expected to arrive for class on time and to remain in class until the end of the class session. If you miss a class, contact your instructor immediately.  

In addition, the instructor will utilize the policy for attendance and make-up work as outlined in the College's catalog. 

You may be withdrawn from class after you miss five (5) classes.  Otherwise, after you miss five (5) classes your grade will be reduced one letter grade for each absence over nine (9); e.g., B- to C+.  Note:  Two "lates" equal one absence.

VII.  Methods of Evaluation  

Quizzes:                                               20%

End of chapter cases; Activities:           20%

“Financial Times” Discussions.              20%

Discussion/Presentation of Research:  20%

Final Examination:                                  20%

QUIZZES.  Twelve (12) quizzes will be given.  The two (2) lowest scores will be dropped.  

END OF CHAPTER CASES.   Students will keyboard their solutions to cases from the end of each chapter or submit an "activity" assignment.

“FINANCIAL TIMES” DISCUSSIONS.  Students must be proactive in reading the “Financial Times” throughout the week and sharing their thoughts and summaries with the class and the instructor. 

DISCUSSION/PRESENTATION  OF RESEARCH.  You are expected to perform research on a country of your choice (with the instructor’s consent), take good notes and discuss your research in class at the end of Chapter 3, Chapter 6, and Chapter 9.  It is suggested you complete your research as we go through each chapter; i.e., don’t procrastinate.  Of course, the Internet will provide a great deal of information but don’t eliminate many other traditional methods of research such as interviews, personal experiences, first-hand observations, videos, etc.  A 20% grade penalty will be assessed for each class a presentation is late.

FINAL EXAMINATION.  This is a comprehensive final.  Bonus Bars may be applied on this examination.

Assistance and Incentives:

You can sharpen your skills and improve your grades by visiting the Tutoring Center located on the Fourth Floor of our Main Building.  A computer lab is available, as well as an Online Tutoring Center.  Want to access the library through the Internet?  Access it from home—or anywhere.  For links to these areas, please refer to the college's website at:  www.clinton.edu or talk with your instructor. 

Reward for Good Attendance:

The number of unused, accrued absences will be added to each test score.  "Lates" are not rounded.  For example, if you have missed two classes and were late once, six (6) points will be added to your test score.

Grading Scale (New in Fall, 2003; Including Quality Points):

95 - 100   A     4.0
90 - 94     A-    3.7
87 - 89     B+   3.3
83 - 86     B     3.0
80 - 82     B-    2.7
77 - 79     C+   2.3
73 - 76     C     2.0
70 - 72     C-    1.7
65 - 69     D+   1.3
60 - 64     D     1.0
0   - 59     F      0

WY    =    Involuntary Withdrawal  (No Credit; No Quality Points)  

WF (Withdrawal Failing) and Y (Involuntary Withdrawal) Grades Deleted

Differently-abled students:  It would be appreciated if you would let your instructor know about any  special needs or type of disability or learning problem that you have in order to show your true ability: i.e., special seating, extra assistance, testing, or other special accommodations.  See your instructor as soon as possible for assistance.  You should also contact Laurie Bethka, Room 419M, in the Accommodative Services Office, for more information.

Please note: The following is quoted from the Clinton Community College Catalog in reference to the College’s policy on writing:

              “In all courses, student’s written work is evaluated for effectiveness, as well as content.  The writing must express ideas clearly, logically, and maturely, using standard English sentence structure, grammar, and spelling.  Students must acknowledge all sources of information by following a standard citation format.”

VIII.  Course Outline

Chapter 1            The Nature of Intercultural Communication       

Chapter 2            Universal Systems

Chapter 3            Contrasting Cultural Values  

Research Report #1

Chapter  4            Cultural Shock  

Chapter 5             Language

Chapter 6             Oral and Nonverbal Communication Patterns  

Research Report #2 

Chapter 7             Written Communication Patterns          

Chapter 8             Global Etiquette           

Chapter 9             Business and Social Customs  

Research Report #3

Chapter 10           Intercultural Negotiation Process

Chapter 11           Intercultural Negotiation Strategies

Chapter 12           Laws Affecting International Business and Travel

Academic Integrity:  All students are expected to behave with academic honesty.  It is not academically honest to misrepresent another person’s work as your own, to take credit for someone else’s words or ideas, to accept help on a test or assignment when you are expected to work independently, to obtain advanced information on confidential test materials, or to act in a way that might harm another student’s chance for academic success.  

Please turn off cell phones during class.

Please check the college catalog for more information.

ASSIGNMENTS

(Subject to Periodic Changes)

This page last modified on 07/17/2007 .

For more information about this site, please contact David R. Swarts.