International Business Environment A, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The purpose of this module is to introduce the students to the global business environment. This module, therefore, highlights how environmental factors affect business in the global economy.  A second purpose of this module is to facilitate the students’ understanding of the challenges associated with working, communicating, and negotiating in a cross-cultural context. Following these two purposes the module is divided into two major themes; the global economy and geography, and cross-cultural business behavior.

The economic, political, and social changes over the last decades have dramatically altered the landscape of global business, which affect business practices worldwide. Companies constantly have to remain flexible to react rapidly to global trends. Therefore, the world as consisting of developed-, emerging-, and undeveloped markets will be discussed with focus on how geographical factors, natural resources and traditions affect the economic development of countries and regions.
In an era of increased globalization, it is important to understand how different cultures impact the business environment. To facilitate the students’ understanding of such influences the module examines patterns of cross-cultural business behavior. Gaining such insights is critical since modern business people need to manage cultural differences when communicating, traveling, or negotiating with people from other cultures.
In addition, students are introduced to what good scientific practice means, how students and instructors can create and maintain a constructive learning environment while preventing misconduct and fraudulent behavior such as plagiarism. Students are, therefore, required to carefully study the guide of ethical and professional behavior, which is aligned with the rules and regulations of Umeå University. Since knowledge of these rules and regulations are fundamental for coming courses and thesis writing this module includes a web-based test to ensure that students understand how to follow these guidelines in practice.

Expected learning outcomes

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

• define international business and describe how it differs from domestic business with respect to laws, regulations and taxation.
• explain why companies engage in international business and why its growth has accelerated.
• describe the major forces that affect international business.
• Identify and analyze the challenges in working, communicating, and negotiating in a cross-cultural context.
• identify and discuss  corporate social responsibility (CSR) in international business practice.
• describe, understand and apply ethical/professional learning and research conduct

Required Knowledge

To enter the course general admission requirements are demanded (exemption is given for required courses in Swedish) as well as special requirements for the subject’s mathematics and social science. The students should have mathematics corresponding to C-level at Swedish Gymnasium (approximately three years in upper secondary education) and social science corresponding to A-level at Swedish Gymnasium. Language: Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 6.5 and no individual score below 5.5. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum score of 575 and a minimum TWE score of 4.5). TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum score of 90 and a minimum score of 20 on the Writing Section). The course is only aimed for foreign exchange students studying at Umeå School of Business within formal exchange agreements.

Form of instruction

The process of learning is based on lectures, assignments and discussions. The major part of the learning process is done by the student’s own engagement in his/her own assignments, individual or in groups.
Additional to the expected learning outcomes, assignments may be designed to improve students’ generic skills (e.g. verbal, written, presentation, information searches, and cooperation) as a preparation for subsequent courses and the expectations of future employers.

Examination modes

The examination is based on an individual written exam, written case assignments conducted in groups, and literature seminars. A passing grade is required for each part.

All examination will be in English.

The following grading system will be used:
Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, Vg, 75% or more),
Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more)
Fail (Underkänd, U, less than 50%).

Furthermore, all students have to pass a web-based test on ethical behavior and professional conduct.

Students who fail to present a photo ID at the occasion of a written examination cannot have their results registered.

Students who do not pass the written examination will be offered a re-examination opportunity within a month. Beyond that, additional opportunities to complete the written examination normally arise every academic year one-week prior to the start of the autumn term.

When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to have an alternative examiner. 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.

Student who has passed an examination can not redo the examination to get a higher grade.

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.

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.

Lectures are normally not obligatory. However, lectures are designed to facilitate for students to achieve course specific learning objectives as lectures for example can provide insightful explanations of, and can supplement and provide contrast to, the course litterateur and other relevant course materials.

Grades on the course are awarded when students have passed all examinations and compulsory course elements. In order to pass the course, the student must complete all parts of the examination i.e. reach 50% of the points of each part. To receive the grade pass with distinction, the student must reach at least 75% of the total points on the course.

Other regulations

The course is a part of the International Business Program at Umeå School of Business and Economics. The course is also offered to exchange students within formal exchange agreements.