BUSN9231 Global Business Context

2012

4.5

1 x 3-hour seminar weekly

BUSN9206 has been successfully completed

No prior knowledge of international business theory or specific subtopics is assumed.

Master of Accounting; Master of Accounting (Advanced); Master of Business Administration; Master of Business Administration (Advanced); Master of Environmental Management; Graduate Diploma in Research (Business); Graduate Diploma in Business Administration; Graduate Certificate in Research (Business); Graduate Certificate in Business Administration

This topic aims to provide students with an introduction to the field of international business. To achieve this, the topic deals with the background and rationale for globalisation so that students understand the behaviour and perspective of the numerous parties involved in the process. It also describes the international business environment firms encounter when they take their business abroad, including the role of global organisations and the differences between countries' political, economic, cultural and legal environments. In addition, the topic outlines the range of foreign business entities firms are likely to encounter in various foreign markets and highlights the unique problems associated with undertaking international business.

Overall, the topic aims to reduce the psychic distance students hold to foreign markets. The topic's intent is to provide students with a balanced view of globalisation and an understanding of international trade theory, cultural theory, the rationale behind regional economic integration, foreign direct investment, and the international monetary system. At a micro level, the topic also aims to provide students with an appreciation of global production, global logistics, global marketing, exchange rate issues and entry strategies associated with foreign markets. An understanding of how to deal with these issues and the differences in the business environments found in various regions and countries around the globe is an important objective of the topic.

Upon successful completion of this topic, students will be able to:

• better operate within an international business environment by being familiar with its underlying rationale and terminology
• better operate within a foreign business setting by being familiar with the cultural expectations of different markets
• research the business environments found in foreign markets
• understand, appreciate and expect differences in the business environments of foreign markets
• determine solutions to the problems posed to organisations as a consequence of the differences between markets
• express themselves well in a group environment
• successfully complete projects in a collaborative environment
• provide stand-up presentations in front of a group using PowerPoint