Time Schedule:
Michele D. Giambattista
I BUS 340
Seattle Campus
Factors and conditions affecting business operations and behavior in developed countries, international integration, business relations among nation states and integrated supranational systems, direct investment and multinational industrial activities, analysis of sources and causes of international change. Prerequisite: I BUS 300; may not be repeated. Offered: Sp.
Class description
The current global economic crisis and in particular within the Eurozone provide a wealth of current areas for investigation.
This course examines business in the major developed and developing industrial countries, with an emphasis on the countries of the NAFTA, European Union (EU) and the so-called BRIC countries.
The course reviews the growth of globalization and the evolution of major trading blocs and organizations: IMF, WTO, NAFTA and the EU.
The course reviews the progression of the EU, from its origins in the 1950s through the launch of the euro and the recent expansion of membership. Then we look at common EU policies, in areas such as competition, agriculture, monetary policy and external trade.
Finally, we examine specific companies, developments and issues in a number of industry groups, such as commercial aircraft, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals.
Student learning goals
Be familiar with the function, funding, and effectiveness of global non-corporate organizations.
Understand the backgeound and history of post-WWII economic development in the developed countries
Understand the organizational structure and functions of regional economic/trading blocs in the triad regions
Gain insight into the business environment in industrialized countries
Investigate a global industry and how it manages its global operations
General method of instruction
At the outset of most class sessions students will have the opportunity to introduce a relevant topic, questions related to current or preceding discussions, and topics of business or general interest (so called “news of the Day”).
The instructor will present a number of organizations and countries. Students should prepare questions or comments on these countries. Student teams will present additional countries later in the course and, once again, students should prepare questions for the teams during the Q&A following the presentation.
Teams will be assigned to do a preliminary investigation of each element of the environment of a designated country or industry. A 10-15 minute presentation of the key elements of the environment.
A final exam will be a case study.
Students will conduct research project relating to the organizations, countries or industries studied.
Recommended preparation
Interest in learning about how intyernational business is conducted and how various organizations participate in the process.
Class assignments and grading
Course requirements % of final grade
Class participation 20% Weekly Assignments & Presentations 45% Final exam 15% Research Project 20% Total 100%
