The “Introduction to International Business” course is a BBA program offered at colleges affiliated with Pokhara University, aimed at equipping students with a thorough understanding of the global business landscape. This course covers essential areas such as international trade theories, global market dynamics, cultural considerations, and legal frameworks. The detailed syllabus outlines the topics and skills students will engage with, preparing them for successful careers in the international business arena.
The “Business Environment in Nepal” course aims to help students understand how various environmental factors, such as political stability, economic trends, and legal frameworks, influence business operations in Nepal. By enhancing their analytical skills, the course prepares students to make informed decisions in their future careers.
Table of Contents
Introduction to International Business Course Objectives
This course provides an overview of the importance of international business and trade in the global economy, explores the factors and environment that influence success in international markets, and familiarizes students with the basic terminologies, key concepts and issues unique to the subject. Students will learn about the techniques and strategies associated with different dimensions of marketing, financial management, and human resource management which arise in an international business context.
Course Description
This is a broad–based introductory course organized around three main modules: 1) the external environment of international business, 2) international business strategy, and 3) international business operations. This course provides students the opportunity to explore the international business environment and understand internationalization strategies, modes of entry, strategic and organizational issues, and the operational decisions facing managers of companies that operate beyond their domestic market.
Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Define key international business terms and concepts;
- Analyze the business environment of a foreign market and identify the business opportunities;
- Understand some of the complexities of doing business in foreign markets;
- Discuss the different types of economic, political, and legal systems and their impact on business;
- Compare and contrast major trade theories and trade policies and their effect on business
- Discuss international exchange rates and their effects on global business; and
- Critically analyze the opportunities and risks associated with international business activities.
Course Contents
Unit I: Globalization and International Business – 5 hours
Concepts of globalization and international business; Factors affecting globalization; Reasons for international business expansion; Drivers of market globalization; Domestic vs international business.
Unit II: Theories of International Trade and Investment – 10 hours
Theory of Mercantilism, Theory of Absolute Advantage, Theory of Comparative Advantage, Factor Endowment Theory, Product Life-Cycle Theory, Theory of Competitive Advantage; Foreign direct investment based theories; Implications of international trade and investment theories; Contemporary issues of international trade.
Unit III: Global Business Environment – 12 hours
Political and legal systems; Actors in political and legal systems; Political risks; e-commerce and intellectual property rights; Government interventions and investment barriers; Cultural environment – concept, why culture matters in international business?; Regional economic integration – types, leading economic blocs; Emerging foreign markets; The changing demographics of the global economy; International monetary and financial environment – currencies and exchange rate systems; The floating exchange rate system.; Modes of payment in international trade; Global financial system; International economic institutions; WTO and free trade policies.
Unit IV: International Strategic Management – 9 hours
Strategy and opportunity assessment; Role of strategy in international business; Estimating market potential; Choosing a strategy; Entering and operating in international markets – exporting and importing, collaborative ventures and strategic alliances, licensing, franchising; Global outsourcing; MNCs and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the world economy – concept, types and trends.
Unit V: Functional Areas of International Business – 12 hours
Global production, outsourcing and logistics – managing global supply chain; Global marketing strategy – global branding, product development, pricing, communications, and distribution strategies; Global e-marketing strategy; Financial management – sources of funds for international operations: Investment decisions; Tax practices; Currency risk management; International human resource management – staffing policy, diversity management, labour relations, preparing employees for repatriation.
Basic Texts
- Hill, C. W. L. and Jain, A. K. International Business: Competing in the Global Marketplace. Tata McGraw Hill, New Delhi.
- Hill, J. S. International Business: Managing Globalization. Sage Publications. New Delhi.
References
- Sitkin, A. and Brown, N. International Business: Challenges and Choice. Oxford University Press. New Delhi.
- Sthapit, A. International Business: Text and Cases. Taleju Prakashan, Kathmandu.
- Shenkar, O. and Luo, Y. International Business. Wiley Publications. New Delhi.
- Gautam, M. P. International Business: System, Environments and Management. Buddha Publications, Kathmandu.
- Peng, M. W. Global Business. Cengage Learning, New Delhi.
- Joshi, R. M. International Business. Oxford University Press. New Delhi.