University of Texas at Dallas

School of Management
Course Description and Syllabus for
BA 4371 – 501 - INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Spring 2005 - Mondays

INSTRUCTOR: RAJ SHARMA P.E. A.I.C.P.

Phone: 817 516 8530

Email: rmsharma47@yahoo.com

Office Location & Time: By appointment

Required Textbook: Global Business Today – 3rd Edition by Charles W.L. Hill –
McGraw-Hill 2003

Instructor - Profile:

Represented the State of Alberta, Canada in the Republic of India, in the area of
promoting Trade and Investments, for three years. Work experience in Canada, India
and U.S.A. Managed large budgets and workforces for various government agencies,
for over 20 years. Currently, Board Member of the Greater Dallas Indo-American
Chamber of Commerce, World Affairs Council, and member of the Texas Board of
Professional Engineers. In addition to U.T.D, taught at the Texas Wesleyan University in
Fort Worth, Texas and in Canada. Currently working as an Executive with the City of
Dallas, Texas. Has completed the Executive Development Program and M.B.A. from
the University of Calgary, Canada, and a BSc. (Hons) from University of Waterloo,
Canada.

Course Objective:

Due to better transportation facilities and the communication revolution, different

countries of the world are coming close to each other. The closeness is very apparent in
the efforts to find least expensive goods and services from any country, no matter how
far.

During this course the students will learn about the fundamentals of International
Business and how to work and compete in the international markets. We will discuss the
current status of globalization and its impact on the economies of various countries. We
will also gain insight in to various international institutions, how rapidly the international
marketplace is changing, what can be done by corporations, not only to mitigate risk but
to take advantage of the new opportunities.
Grades:

Grades will be given for group and individual case work, examination and peer
evaluation, as follows:

Group Case Study Reports 1 X 10 15%

Class Presentation 5%
Individual Case Study Reports 3 X 5 15%
Two Mid Term Examinations 30%
Final Examination 25%
Class Participation including peer evaluation by team members 10%

Grading Scale:

97 – 100 A+
94 – 96 A
90 – 93 A-
87 – 89 B+
84 – 86 B
80 – 83 B-
77 – 79 C+
74 – 76 C
70 – 73 C-
67 – 69 D+
64 – 66 D
60 – 63 D-
Below 60 F

Case Work:

There are three individual cases and one group cases. For the group cases, you will
form a team of 3-6 members in the first class. A team will be assigned for those who are
not in a group by the second class. Group work, as well as the individual work, will be
submitted in writing at the due date. All work to be submitted on the due date, in class.
No late work will be accepted unless previously agreed to by the instructor.

Written work will be assessed for understanding of the issues presented in the case and
the application of your knowledge gained from the lectures, text and other experiences.
Individual cases should be 1.5 to 2 pages long, double spaced and no larger than 12
font. (Arial or Times New Roman). Group report shall include, but not limited to,
appropriate research on the economic, socio-political and legal environment of the target
country among other topics. Group case detailed requirements will be handed out in
the first class.

Students are encouraged to carry out on line research. A list of individual case
assignments and the group assignment will be handed out in the first class.
Case Presentation:

Groups will be asked to present cases to the class, after the second lecture. A schedule
of such presentations will be finalized once the number of groups has been established.

Peer Evaluation:

During the teamwork, every member must observe the performance of all members.
Attention must be paid to the contribution made and timelines met.

At the end of the teamwork, a peer evaluation form must be filled to indicate your
estimation of other member’s effort.

Similarly, the class will be asked to evaluate a group work based on their presentation.

Examinations:

You must take all examinations in class. Make up examination will not be given unless
there is an illness (a doctor’s note may be required). In any other case of extreme
conflict, you must receive prior approval from the instructor. Make sure to bring the
scantron form for all examinations.

Class Participation:

Students learn from the individual viewpoints and experiences of fellow students.
Therefore, please come prepared to offer input and answer questions, on the chapter/s
of the day. Attendance is also very important and will influence your participation marks.

Scholastic Dishonesty

Will not be tolerated. Students who violate the University of Texas at Dallas’ rules on
scholastic dishonesty will be subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of
failure in the course and/or dismissal from the University.

Common courtesy:

Please make sure to arrive in time, and turn off cell phones, pagers etc. in class.

Grade Communication:

If you want your marks posted on the WebCT site, then please indicate a four digit
number under which the marks should appear on all submissions, including
examinations. Please make sure that you put your legal names on the assignments and
avoid pet names.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Date Topic Chapter

Jan 10 Introductions, Syllabus, Globalization Chapter 1

Jan 17 Country Differences in Political Economy Chapters 2, 3

Differences in Culture
Jan 24 Differences in Culture
International Trade Theory
Jan 31 International Trade Theory
Political Economy of International Trade
Feb 7
Political Economy of International Trade
Foreign Direct Investment
Case Assignment: Microsoft’s
Chapter 3, 4 Troubles in China (Page 90)
Case Assignment: The Rise of
Chapter 4, 5 Software Industry (Page 167)
MID TERM 1
Bring Scantron Form

Feb 14 Foreign Direct Investment Chapter 6 Presentations

Regional Economic Integration Chapter 7
Case Assignment: Nike: The Ugly
Feb 21 Regional Economic Integration Chapter 7, 8 American - Presentations
Foreign Exchange Market

Feb 28 MID TERM 2

Bring Scantron Form
The Global Monetary System
Mar 14 Global Strategy Chapter 9, 10

Global Strategy
Mar 21 Entering Foreign Markets Chapter 10, 11 Presentations

Entering Foreign Markets

Mar 28 Exporting, Importing & Countertrade Chapter 11, 12 Presentations

April 4 Exporting, Importing & Countertrade Chapter 12, 13 Presentations

Global Marketing and R& D

April 11 Global Marketing and R& D Chapter 13, 14 Presentations

Global Manufacturing & Materials
Management
April 18 Global Manufacturing & Materials Chapter14, 15 Presentations
Management
Global Human Resources Management
April 25 Group Case Due
Presentations
May 2 Final Examination
Bring Scantron Form