International Business Environment A, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course introduces students to the international business environment. The module highlights how environmental factors affect business in a global economy. The module will also facilitate students’ understanding of the challenges associated with working, communicating, and negotiating in a cross-cultural context. Moreover, the module will reflect upon current world affairs, both in commerce and politics in order to frame and contextualise the current challenges and problems. The module is divided into two major themes; global economy and geography in relation to international business, and cross-cultural business behaviour. During the module, students will also be introduced to the code of academic conduct, e.g. referencing, or how to avoid plagiarism and cheating.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing this course, the student should be able to:

• define international business and describe how it differs from domestic business with respect to laws, regulations and taxation.
• identify and describe factors and forces that affect an organisation’s decision to internationalize its business
• describe and compare strategies for internationalization
• identify and analyse challenges in working, communicating, and negotiating in a cross-cultural context
• discuss the role ofcorporate social responsibility (CSR) in international business practice.
• describe, regognize and apply the code of academic conduct to the student’s own work.
• communicate central concepts for the course in English, both orally and in writing

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

The learning is supported by lectures, seminars, and assignments. The major part of the learning is the individual student’s own responsibility and based on the student’s engagement in the provided learning activities including own assignments, individual or in groups. Learning activities and assignments are designed to improve students’ generic skills, specifically oral and written communication, presentation techniques, information searches, and teamwork.

Examination modes

The examination is based on seminars, a written case assignment conducted in groups, and an individual written exam and an individual exam on the code of academic conduct. A passing grade is required for each part of the examination.

The following grading system is used:
Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, VG, 75% or more),
Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more)
and Fail (Underkänd U, less than 50%).
 
Grades on the course are awarded when the student has passed all examinations and compulsory course elements. The course is given and examined in English.
To receive the grade Pass with distinction (VG) in the 30 credits course consisting of four modules of the same size, the student must have achieved Pass with distinction (VG) in at least three out of four modules. In shorter courses for example 7,5 credit courses, 15 credit courses or 22,5 credits courses Pass with distinction (VG) is given when the student has achieved at least 75% of the total weighted points.
 
A student who does not pass at the time of the written examination will be offered an opportunity to sit a further examination within two months. Beyond that, additional examination opportunities normally arise every academic year, one week prior to the start of the autumn term. If required by specific circumstances, the Director of Studies may decide on other forms of examination

In case of failure on seminar participation or individual and group assignments, compensating assignments must be completed in accordance with instructions given, no later than two weeks after the completion of the module. Mandatory assignments (seminars, written assignments, cases, computer assignments etc.) that have not been handed in within stipulated time must be done the next time the course is offered. If the form of examination does not permit repetition other forms of re-examination may be used.
 
When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to have another grading teacher. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the director of studies no later than two weeks before the next examination opportunity.
 
A student who has passed an examination can not redo the examination to get a higher grade.
 
If a student fails to present a photo ID at the occasion of a written exam in an exam room will not be allowed to take the exam.
 
Disciplinary action may be taken against students who uses unauthorized help aids or in some other way tries to mislead on a test or when another type of task is being evaluated. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to all written assignments. (see instructions in the thesis manual, Thesis Writing in Business Administration). Urkund records may be used for control. In addtion, Umeå University rules and regulations  for education and research applies:  http://www.umu.se/regelverk/utbildning-pa-grund--och-avancerad-niva
 
Educational activities are designed to facilitate students towards achieving expected learning outcomes and can explain, supplement and provide contrast to the course literature and other relevant course materials.
 

Other regulations

Academic credit transfers are according to the University credit transfer regulations.

This course can not be used in the same degree as 2fe012, 2fe212,