INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SYMPOSIUM

Masters in Business Administration

BUS 707

Breyer State University

Instructor: Seun A. Onodipe, MBA

SYLLABUS

COURSE OVERVIEW: Welcome to the International Business Symposium, a Master’s level course in the curriculum for the degree, Master of Business Administration. Within this International Business Track MBA Program, I will be your instructor and tutor during your course study of the International Business Symposium.

This course is designed primarily for business student who is especially interested in International Economics. I am pleased to instruct you in this course, which is a self-directed symposium based on International Business Management books. This course will allow you to pick and choose which books you will use and study during this course.

In order to be successful in the modern business world, it is imperative that managers of all levels realize they must acquire proficiency in the areas of researching, writing, organizing, budgeting, and marketing. Other skills needed are knowledge of international emerging and mature markets, international trade and financial organizations, and the rules of the international competition and business ethics. Executives and managers must have the ability to analyze a great diversity of foreign markets in order to implement the right strategy to conquer and profitably sustain these markets.

The focus of this course is on real world managerial application of international business. During this course, you will use all of the above-mentioned skills and one more important one in your managerial career: work under pressure to meet a deadline. The course will help you not only in acquiring more knowledge but also the ability to present, defend and use this knowledge in a timely and practical manner.

TIME FRAME: This is a fifteen-semester hour course that is allotted ten weeks of time. You must complete all of the requirements for the course successfully by the end of this ten-week period. The first day of week one will begin the day that you register for the course, or the day which you notify me that your textbooks have arrived and you are ready to begin your studies. Please take a commitment and be cognizant of the time frame. It is rare that extensions of time are permitted, unless you have good justification. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be awarded five semester hours of credit.

TEXTBOOKS: There are three (3) required textbooks for this course. You choose these books from the field of International Economics and/or International Business Management. I suggest you to look at topics such as emerging markets, fair trade, global competitive advantage, international diversity management, investment globally, present and future of international trade and financial organizations, cross-cultural communication in international trade, etc.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: There are three (3) written assignments for this course.
The first assignment is a 2-5 pages essay presenting a research article of your choice on the subject of international economics or international finance. Recall, I must download this paper by the end of the 3rd week of the course.
The second assignment is a 2-5 pages paper on an article about international business strategy or international financial organizations. You choose the article according to your interest. This paper must be double-spaced with 1.5-inch margins. Also recall, I must download this paper by the end of the 6th week of the course.
The third assignment is also a 2-5 pages essay on a professional article about international business issues (export-import, negotiations, trade organizations, etc.) or financial aspects of international trade (international investment, offshore finances, etc). This paper must be double-spaced with 1.5-inch margins. Again, I must download this paper by the end of the 10th week of the course.

Note that all the articles must be up to date research articles of your choice from a professional periodical. All your essays must be double-spaced with 1.5-inch margins. You must attach the chosen article to you paper. For better profit I suggest you to choose articles that are in connection with your chosen textbooks.

EXAMS: There are three examinations for this course.

The first exam is due after three weeks, the second exam is due after six weeks, and the final exam is due at the end of ten weeks.

The first exam is a subjective paper that must be a minimum of five (5) pages in length, double-spaced with 1.5-inch margins. I must download your first paper by the end of the 3rd week in the course.

The second exam is a subjective paper that must be a minimum of five (5) pages in length, double-spaced with 1.5-inch margins. I must download your second paper by the end of the 6th week in the course.

The third exam is a subjective paper that must be a minimum of five (5) pages in length, double-spaced with 1.5-inch margins. I must download your third paper by the end of the 10th week in the course.

Academic dishonesty of any form will not be tolerated in this course. You will receive no credit for academically dishonest work and your case will be referred to the university for appropriate action.

COURSE ACCLERATION: It is permissible for you to accelerate in this course. You may chose to send in your first paper prior to the 3rd week in the course, your second paper prior to the 6th week in the course, and your final paper prior to the 10th week in the course. This is acceptable. Just notify me whenever you are finished with your paper, and I will download it as soon as possible. There is NO mandate to accelerate. This is an individual choice that I will honor.

GRADING: The grading scale for this course is as follows:

90-100%    = A
80-89%      = B
70-79%      = C
Below 70% = Fail

The grading sheet for all written papers is as follows:

CONTENT: Weight 48%.

1). Comprehensive, accurate and/or persuasive content.
2). All major points are stated clearly, and are supported by specific details, examples, and/or analysis.
3). Research is adequate for the topic.
4). The context and purpose of the writing is clear.

ORGANIZATION: Weight 28%.

1). The introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and previews major points.
2). The structure of the paper is clear and easy to follow.
3). The paper's organization emphasizes the central theme or purpose and is directed.
4). The conclusion reviews the major points.

FORMAT/GRAMMAR: Weight 12%.

1). Spelling is correct.
2). Word usage is correct.
3). Punctuation is correct.

READABILITY/STYLE: Weight 12%.

1). Sentences are complete, clear, and concise.
2). The tone is appropriate to the content and assignment.
3). Development of each paragraph provides one idea per paragraph and provides consistency and flow.

The overall grading for the 3 assignment papers and the 3 exams will be:

Exams                  - 60%
Assignments         - 30%
Choice of material - 10%

COMMUNICATION: You are encouraged to communicate with me. I am available as a teacher, coach, and mentor to assist you in meeting your goals for this course. Primarily, communication is through email. However our classroom for this course has a "chat" room. Due to our geographical distance I am more than willing to meet you one-on-one in the chat room at your request. I only ask you to consider the differences in our time-zone. From time to time, depending on how many students are enrolled in this course at a particular time, we will have some scheduled group chats. You will receive more detailed information at the time such chat sessions are scheduled. Please keep my email address handy so that you can contact me whenever necessary. If at any time during this course you change your email address, please be sure to notify me right away.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR: I was born in Nigeria and have been living in the US for over 15 years. I have an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University, and MS (in Engineering) from University of Pittsburgh. I work at IBM as a consultant with strong emphasis on Financial Services industry (Banks, Insurance companies and Mutual Funds etc).

Prior to my MBA and IBM experience, I had over 7 years of work experience in the Telecommunications industry. I experienced the boom and the bust of the Internet bubble.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

1). Understand the immense power of writing properly.
2). Evaluate the basic principals of grammar.
3). Understand how to organize a research paper.
4). Acquire skills to assist in attaining a future job.
5). Identify strengths and weaknesses of material just read.
6). Understand how to write summaries and evaluations.
7). Understand the importance of performing under pressure.
8). Learn how to develop skills (including cross-cultural understanding) needed to be a future CEO.
9). Understand how to acquire skills needed to be a future CEO.
10). See and plan your future.

INFORMATION: If you have any questions regarding this program, you may contact the instructor at seun.onodipe@yahoo.com

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