School of Business

Department of Marketing & International Business

Course Name
Theory and Practice of International Business
Course Code
INB 372
& Section No.
Semester SPRING 2024

Instructor Name Samira Rahman (SaRn)

Office NAC 703
Office Hours 8:40 AM - 9:20 AM Monday/Wednesday
12:10 PM - 1.30 PM Monday/Wednesday
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Monday/Wednesday
8:40 AM - 9:20 AM Thursday/ Saturday
10:50 AM - 12:10 PM Thursday/ Saturday
Office Phone 6871
Email Address samira.rahman@northsouth.edu
Department Marketing & International Business (MIB)
Links North South University Website: http://www.northsouth.edu
School Webpage: http://www.northsouth.edu/academic/sbe/
Department Webpage: http://www.northsouth.edu/academic/sbe/mib.html

COURSE AND SECTION INFORMATION

Class Time & INB3728 RA 09:25 AM - 10:40 AM NAC 412

Location INB3727 RA 12:15 PM - 01:30 PM NAC 412
Course
Prerequisite(s)
Course Credit 3:0
Hours
Course Description This preliminary course of international business emphasizes on the complexity of
businesses across national boundaries, as opposed to domestic businesses. It draws
attention to the various topics for analyzing a country’s potential for attracting foreign
direct investment. As such, students are introduced to the concept of interdependent
global economies, the political economy and its impact on economic development, and
also, the importance of cross-cultural literacy for conducting international business.
Furthermore, theories on trade and trade blocs, international business strategies; and
decisions imperative for choosing the appropriate entry mode are also being discussed
to improve students learning regarding global markets and current world affairs.

Course Objectives The forces of globalization have conquered traditional boundaries around countries,
economies and industries and a clear understanding of current international business
environment is important in today's globalized world. Hence, this course is designed to
help students develop the knowledge needed to live and work in a global marketplace.
The course is aimed to analyze and consider the independent nature of global
economic, political, cultural and social environment within which firms operate. The
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 course will also emphasize on introducing trade theories, international business
strategies, and various entry modes and highlight the importance of regional economic
integrations. In-class exercises, quizzes, mini-projects, debates and case studies will
facilitate real-world applications of international business and management concepts.
Student Learning On successfully completing this course, students will be able to
Outcomes
CO 1. Comprehend global business environment including its economic, political,
legal and socio-cultural components.

CO 2. Identify different components of culture and discuss how workplace culture

varies across national boundaries.

CO 3. Distinguish and comprehend international trade theories, trade patterns & trade
blocs.

CO 4 Summarize and interpret international business strategies and various entry

modes.

CO 5. Recognize and ethically address complex real-world issues of international

business

Mapping of Course Outcomes with Program Outcomes, Delivery Methods and Assessment
Strategies
(***The assessment tools may vary from department to department in terms of number of exams,
assignments, projects and quizzes)

Bloom’s Delivery Assessment

taxonomy methods tools
domain/level and activities (faculty members
Course Outcomes (CO) (C: Cognitive (faculty can use any
P: members can number of tools)
Psychomotor choose any
A: Affective) number of
tools)
CO-1 Comprehend global business environment C2
including its economic, political, legal and Lecture, Case/Assignment
socio-cultural components Video (MID)
Discussion

CO-2 Identify different components of culture, A2, P1 Lecture, in- Assignment

distinguish how workplace culture varies class group (MID)
across national boundaries discussion, /Case/
Videos Project
CO-3 Comprehend international trade theories, C2 Lecture, Assignment (final)/
trade patterns & trade blocs. Video audio visual Case
Discussion
CO-4 Summarize and interpret international C2 Lecture, Case/ Assignment
business strategies and various entry Video (Final)//Project
modes. Discussion
CO-5 Recognize and ethically address complex A2, P1 Lecture, in- Case/ Assignment
real-world issues of international business class group (Final)//Project
discussion,
Videos
Cognitive domain (knowledge-based): C
1: Knowledge, 2: Comprehension, 3 Application, 4 Analysis, 5: Synthesis, 6: Evaluation
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The affective domain (emotion-based): A
1: Receiving, .2: Responding, 3: Valuing, 4: Organizing, 5: Characterizing

The psychomotor domain (action-based): P

1: Perception, 2: Set, 3: Guided response, 4: Mechanism, 5: Complex overt response, 6: Adaptation,
7: Origination

LEARNING RESOURCES AND TEXTBOOK(S)

Edition &
Author Publisher ISBN
Title Year
Charles W.L. Hill International Business: Competing Latest Tata-McGraw
in the Global Environment Edition, Hill
14th Global
Edition

Other Resources:

Reference Text:

International Buinsess: Challenges and Choices by Alan Sitkin and Nick Bowel, 2010, Oxford University
Press, New York, USA. ISBN: 978-0-19-953391-6

Lecture Modules and Case modules supplied to the NSU Copy Center.

Journals and Online Magazines:

Management Today, Harvard Business Review, The Economist, The Daily Star News.

Teaching Methods:

Extensive lectures will be given on every topic followed by real life examples using US and local MNCs.
Summary of the lectures will be available through lecture modules. Students are highly encouraged to take
notes carefully. The lectures will be highly interactive. Small cases will be analyzed in group setting using
workshop format. Students will be encouraged to participate in debates/discussion and share their ideas
regarding the case problem.

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ASSESSMENT STRATEGY AND GRADING SCHEME

Your performance in ALL the exams determines your grade. The points are distributed in the following manner:
(***The number of exams, assignments, quizzes may vary from department to department)

Grading tool Points

Midterm Exam 1 (individual) (Ch 1,2,3,4,5,6) 25%

Final Assessment (individual) (Ch 7,8,9,13,15) 30%
SLA 5%
Quiz 10%
Project & Presentation 20%
Class Work (Debate/Case/Classwork) 5%
Class Attendance 5%
Total 100%

NSU’s grading and performance evaluation policies will be followed in assigning your grade. Please note
that all final grades are subject to departmental review and approval.

Grading

Numerical Grade Points (Per

Letter Grade
Scores Credit)
93 and above A Excellent 4
90 - 92 A- 3.7
87 - 89 B+ 3.3
83 - 86 B Good 3
80 - 82 B- 2.7
77 - 79 C+ 2.3
73 - 76 C Average 2
70 - 72 C- 1.7
67 - 69 D+ 1.3
60 - 66 D Poor 1
Below 60 F* Failure 0
I** Incomplete 0
W** Withdrawal 0
R** Retaken 0

CLASSROOM RULES OF CONDUCT

(*** the following rules are given as sample rules. Faculty member can change it as per their preference)

1. The ground rule for our class is respectful, open communication. We have many things to learn from
one another. Every single question is appreciated!

2. When you come to the class, you become part of a learning community. Please be conscious of your
community role, and work toward creating a healthy learning atmosphere in the class.

3. Don’t chat during the class. If you have to, then feel free not to attend the class at the expense of
your attendance for the day. Inability to refrain from unnecessary, disruptive chatting may result in a
request to leave the classroom.

4. If you have to leave the class when it is in progress, sit near the door and leave silently.

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 5. While in class, please switch off your cell phone. Inability to do so may result in some penalty.

6. You must seek permission before using any sort of electronic gadget in the class such as a laptop.
Use of such gadgets for purposes other than note-taking during lectures is strictly prohibited.

7. Limit your eating while the class is in progress. Eat during the breaks.

8. Academic Integrity Policy: The School of Business and Economics does not tolerate academic
dishonesty by its students. At a minimum, you must not be involved in cheating, copyright
infringement, submitting the same work in multiple courses, significant collaboration with other
individuals outside of sanctioned group activities, and fabrications. You are advised that violations
of the Student Integrity Code will be treated seriously, with special attention given to repeated
offences. Please refer to NSU Code of Conduct at http://www.northsouth.edu/student-code-of-
conduct.html

EXAMS AND MAKE UP EXAMS POLICY

Please note:
 We strictly maintain “No Make UP” policy, but under special circumstances (depends on the course
lecturers’ discretion) students will be allowed to sit for a comprehensive make up exam.
 Absolutely “NO MAKE UP” for case studies/ quiz or assignments.
 You must come prepared for all your exams.
 You must come on time.
 Being late does not necessarily guarantee that you are going to get extra time for writing your tests and
exam.
 You must bring your own pencil, pen, eraser, calculator and any other permitted items that you may need
and you are allowed during the tests and exam.
 All cell phones must be switched off during the exams.
 Any deviation from the standard procedures will not be taken lightly.
 Any unfair means adopted in the tests and exam will be seriously dealt with.
 Academic misconduct or failure to comply with NSU Examination Code of Conduct may result in F.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

 Students must be present in classes and be participative for understanding the topics taught.

COMMUNICATION POLICY

 Communication in classes will be done in English language, predominantly.

Course Contents

Lecture Topic Chapter Learning Assessment Learning

(Date) Activities tools Outcome
1 Introduction and Ice Breaking session - Lecture & - -
Interactive
Discussion
2 Globalization and International Ch 1 Lecture Discussions CLO-1
Organizations CLO-2

 Components of Globalization
 Drivers of Globalization
 The Emergence of Global
Institutions (WTO, IMF, UN,
World Bank, & GATT)

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3 Globalization and International Ch 1 Lecture Discussions CLO-1
Organizations CLO-2
 Importance of Globalization
 Current trends in the
international business arena
4 National Differences in Political Economy Ch 2 Lecture Discussions CLO-1
 Political System CLO-2
Economic System CLO-5
5 National Differences in Political Economy Ch 2 Lecture Discussions CLO-1
 Legal System & Product Safety CLO-2
and Liability CLO-5
 Property Rights
 Overall attractiveness of a market
6 Political Economy and Economic Ch 3 Lecture & Discussions CLO-1
Development Group CLO-2
 Measures of Economic Discussions CLO-3
Development (GNI, GNP, & PPP) CLO-5
 Human Development Index (HDI)

 Effect of Political Economy on

Economic Development
7 Political Economy and Economic Ch 3 Lecture & Discussions CLO-1
Development Group CLO-2
 Effect of Geography & Education Discussions CLO-3
on Political Economy CLO-5
 The Spread of Market-Based
Systems
 The Nature Of Economic
Transformation (Deregulation &
Privatization)
 Overall Attractiveness of
Political Economy

8 Differences in Culture Ch 4 Lecture Discussions CLO-2

 Values & Norms CLO-5
 Society (Social Stratification,
Social Mobility, & Social
Structure)
9 Differences in Culture Ch 4 Lecture Discussions CLO-2
 Religious & Ethical System(s) CLO-5
 Language- Spoken Language &
Unspoken Language
 Role of Education in Culture
10 Differences in Culture Ch 4 Lecture Discussions CLO-2
 Impact of Culture on the CLO-5
Workplace interactions
(Hofstede’s Cultural Dimension)
11 Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility and Ch 5 Discussions CLO-2
Sustainability CLO-5
 Ethics and International Business
 Ethical Dilemmas
 Roots of Unethical Behavior
12 Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility and Ch 5 Lecture Discussions CLO-2
Sustainability CLO-5
 Making Ethical Decisions
Internationally
 Sustainability

13 International Trade Theory Ch 6 Lecture Discussions CLO-3

 Purpose of international CLO-5
trade
 Overview of Trade

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 Theory
 Mercantilism
 Absolute & Comparative
Advantage
 Product Life-Cycle
Theory
 Heckscher-Ohlin Theory

14 International Trade Theory Ch 6 Lecture Discussions CLO-3

 New Trade Theory CLO-5
 Porter’s Diamond Model

15 Project/Presentation guidelines - Discussions -

Case Study/Debate

16 MID Ch 1,2,3,4, - Summative -

5&6 Assessment
17 The Political Economy of International Ch 7 Lecture Discussions CLO-1
Trade CLO-3
 Instruments of Trade Policy CLO-4
(Tariff, Subsidies, & Import CLO-5
Quotas)
 Import & Export Process
 LC

18 The Political Economy of International Ch 7 Lecture Discussions

Trade
 Arguments for Government CLO-2
Intervention CLO-3
 The Emergence of the Current CLO-4
World System (GATT)
 World Trade Organization
 WTO as a Global Police
 Current Agenda of WTO
 The Future of WTO
19 Foreign Direct Investment Ch 8 Lecture Discussion CLO-2
 FDI (Explained) CLO-4
 Trends in FDI CLO-5
 Sources of FDI
20 Foreign Direct Investment Ch 8 Lecture Discussion CLO-2
 Forms of FDI CLO-4
 Acquisitions CLO-5
 Greenfield Investments
 FDI in the Service Sector
21 Regional Economic Integration Ch 9 Lecture Discussions CLO-2
 Levels of Economic Integration CLO-3
(EU, SAARC, ASEAN, ANDEAN) CLO-4
 Arguments for & against CLO-5
Economic Integration
22 Regional Economic Integration
 The European Union Ch 9 Lecture Discussions CLO-2
 Political Structure of EU CLO-3
 Adoption of Euro (Costs and CLO-4
Benefits of Euro) CLO-5
 BREXIT

23 The Strategy of International Business CLO-3

 Value Creation Ch 13 Lecture Discussions CLO-4
 Strategic Positioning CLO-5
 Value Chain Analysis

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 24 The Strategy of International Business Ch 13 Lecture Discussions CLO-3
CLO-4
 Global Expansion, Profitability, & CLO-5
Profit Growth
 Expanding the Market
 Location Economies
 Experience Effects
 Leveraging Subsidiary Skills
 International Business
Strategy
25 Entry Strategy and Strategic alliances Ch 15 Lecture Discussions CLO-3
 Basic Decision process while CLO-4
Expanding Globally CLO-5
 Choice of Entry Mode
 Export
 Turnkey Projects
 Licensing
 Franchising
 Joint Ventures
 Wholly Owned Subsidiary
 Acquisition
 Strategic Alliances
26 Entry Strategy and Strategic alliances Ch 15 Lecture Discussions CLO-3
 Choice of Foreign Markets CLO-4
 Timing for Entry CLO-5
 Scale of Market Entry
 Advantages and disadvantages
of each entry mode
-
27 Presentation and Report Submission Project Summative CLO-1
Presentatio Assessment CLO-2
n CLO-3
(Psychomotor CLO-4
or Skill CLO-5
Development)
28 Presentation and Report Submission - Project Summative CLO-1
Presentatio Assessment CLO-2
n CLO-3
(Psychomotor CLO-4
or Skill CLO-5
Development)

*** The faculty reserves the right to make changes to the course outline.