Engelskt namn: International Business Environment A
Denna kursplan gäller: 2010-08-30 till 2011-08-28 (nyare version av kursplanen finns)
Kursplan för kurser med start efter 2022-08-08
Kursplan för kurser med start mellan 2018-08-27 och 2022-08-07
Kursplan för kurser med start mellan 2015-08-24 och 2018-08-26
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Kursplan för kurser med start mellan 2014-08-18 och 2014-08-24
Kursplan för kurser med start mellan 2013-08-26 och 2014-08-17
Kursplan för kurser med start mellan 2012-08-27 och 2013-08-25
Kursplan för kurser med start mellan 2011-08-29 och 2012-08-26
Kursplan för kurser med start mellan 2010-08-30 och 2011-08-28
Kurskod: 2FE028
Högskolepoäng: 7,5
Utbildningsnivå: Grundnivå
Huvudområden och successiv fördjupning:
Företagsekonomi: Grundnivå, har endast gymnasiala förkunskapskrav
Betygsskala: Tregradig skala
Ansvarig institution: USBE Företagsekonomi
Beslutad av: The Board of Umeå School of Business, 2007-09-19
Reviderad av: lewi0001, 2009-05-28
The purpose of the course is to introduce the students to the global business environment so that the students can understand business matters based on basic knowledge of environmental factors influencing them. A second purpose is for the students to gain and understanding of the challenges associated with acting, communication, and negotiating in a cross cultural context. The course is therefore divided into two major themes; the global economy and geography, and cross-cultural business behaviour. The economic, political, and social changes that have occurred over the last decades have dramatically altered the landscape of global business. These changes affect the practice of business worldwide. Companies constantly have to examine the way they do business, and remain flexible enough to react rapidly to changing global trends to be competitive. More and more foreign countries are becoming a source of both production and sales for many firms. Special attention will be given to the world geography in focusing on countries and regions and their special characteristics. The world as consisting of developed-, emerging-, and undeveloped markets will be investigated. As global economic growth occurs, understanding the business environment in different cultures is increasingly important. The course addresses global issues and describes concepts relevant to all international businessmen and businesswomen, regardless of the extent of their international involvement. An environmental/cultural approach to international business permits a truly global orientation. The business peoples horizons are not limited to any specific nation or to the particular ways of doing business in a single nation. Instead, companies should identify and analyze the important cultural and environmental uniqueness of any nation or global region. Thus, when surveying the tasks of business in a foreign milieu, it is of utmost importance not to overlook the impact of crucial cultural issues. Patterns of Cross-Cultural Business Behaviour will therefore be looked at, because awareness of cultural differences is imperative for an international businessman or businesswoman, when he/she manages, communicates, travels, or negotiates with people from foreign cultures. Key subjects of the course: World geography; world environment (natural resources, political-, social-, religious-, economic environment); emerging economies; market regions and market groups; trade zones (e.g. EU, NAFTA, ASEAN, AEC, MERCOSUR), cross-cultural business behaviour; globalization of business.
After passing this course the students 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. describe different modes a company can use to accomplish its global objectives, and the primary patterns for companies international expansion. demonstrate an understanding for the challenges in acting, communicating, and negotiating in a cross-cultural context. identify and discuss the foundations of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in international business practice.
To enter the course general admission requirements are demanded (exemption is given for required courses in Swedish) as well as special requirements for the subjects 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: Students are required to have adequate knowledge of English corresponding to English B-level at Swedish Gymnasium, or, corresponding levels in internationally recognized tests of English proficiency such as the TOEFL test (a score of 550 is required on the paper- based test, and 213 on the computer-based test); IELTS (a score of 6,0 is required, with no individual score below 5,0); or University of Cambridge/Oxford test. The course is only aimed for foreign exchange students studying at Umeå School of Business within formal exchange agreements.
All teaching will be in English. The process of learning is based on lectures, assignments and discussions. The major part of the learning process is done by the students 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.
The course examination will be based on written examination, paper presentations, and seminars. Students will have to make use of secondary data such as databases to conduct minor investigations as presented in course assignments. Attendance at presentations and seminars are required to pass the course. 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%). 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. In case of failure on seminar participation or individual and group assignments, compensating assignments must be completed in accordance with instructions given on each occasion. Students who do not pass the written examination will be offered a re-examination opportunity within 2-3 weeks. 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 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. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to all written assignments. Guest lectures during the course might be used as basis for examination. Student who has passed an examination can not redo the examination to get a higher grading. Grades on the course are awarded when students have passed all examinations and compulsory course elements. ACADEMIC CREDIT TRANSFER. Academic credit transfers are according to the University credit transfer regulations.
The course is included in the International Business Program at Umeå School of Business. The course is also offered to exchange students within formal agreements.
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