Online Course Modules

The Africa module introduces students to the region by focusing predominantly on Sub-Saharan African nations. This module does not address Northern African nations as these nations are technically part of the greater Middle East and have been discussed in another module. After reading this module, one should have a general understanding of the following: General issues in Africa that affect business prospects; business conduct in Senegal and Senegalese attempts to liberalize the economy; the emerging business climate in Rwanda and the role of women in the economy; a general understanding of the economic implications from the recent violence in Kenya; how to conduct business in South Africa; and a general understanding of how AIDS affects economic growth in Africa. A case study on AIDS in Africa is included in this module.

The module on Brazil provides one with information on: the enormous potential for doing business here; cultural practices; tips, tools, and information about typical practices in daily business; the state of logistics and transportation; current political and social issues facing the country; and important business factors that directly affect costs of doing business, including the labor force and taxes. Included is also a case study on the Amazon rainforest.

This module provides a general overview of the Central Asia region, with an especial emphasis on Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It includes sections on business culture, business tactics, and constraints to doing business in this region. An additional section focuses on conducting business in Kazakhstan.

The China module should provide one with a general understanding of the following: China’s market potential and hot industries; its culture and people; common situations that arise when conducting business in China; current obstacles and opportunities in logistics; the historical and current problems faced by the economy; and economic and political factors that affect the costs of doing business in China. A case study focusing on China’s rural dilemma is incorporated into this module.

Doing Business in Greece offers a general overview of the business climate in Greece, with information on the Greek culture and business culture, marketing and supply chain management in Greece, and current issues facing the country. The module also includes a case study on the Greek shipping industry.

This module provides a basic understanding and analysis of the basics of doing business in India. It includes information on understanding the Indian culture and business environment, business etiquette and practices, business negotiations, and the current investment climate in India. Additionally, the module offers a case study on entrepreneurship and new ventures in India.

The Japan module should provide one with an understanding of:, Japanese social and business cultures; market potential and hot industries; how to deal with business customs and common business situations; and the current characteristics of the Japanese marketing and supply chain industries. A case study on the Japanese economic recovery is provided in this module.

The Latin America module provides one with an understanding of: the enormous potential for doing business in Latin America, as well as the barriers to conducting business there; the history and importance of Mercosur to business in this region; the cultural environment; steps taken to improve the economic well-being of this region; techniques, tactics, and tips to help when negotiating in Latin America; and sale or purchase expectations when making a business trip. Also included is a case study on Central America and the Caribbean islands.

Doing Business in Romania provides a basic understand of the business climate in Romania. The module focuses on some of the challenges the country has faced in its transition from Communism to a member of the European Union. The module covers Romanian culture; business culture; logistics, supply chain, and marketing in Romania; and current issues in the country. It includes a case study on Information and Communications Technology in Romania today.

Doing Business in Russia offers a general overview of the conditions for doing business in Russia today. It includes sections covering Russian social and business cultures, marketing distribution and sales channels in Russia, and supply chain management, as well as information on the costs of doing business in Russia and issues currently facing the country. This module also includes a case study on Russia’s Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure.

The Southeast Asia module provides one with insight into: the benefits of doing business here and the region’s hot industries; the functions of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its impact on international business; the diversity of Southeast Asian cultures and the impact of foreign civilizations on their development; common business practices; the basic logistics environment, including the characteristics of local distribution; and the obstacles for these countries to achieve economic integration and grow their economies. A case study on the economic integration challenges ASEAN has faced is also incorporated into this module.

The European Union module allows one to gain insight into topics including: member countries and the demographics of EU citizens, along with their unifying factors and areas of diversity; the transformation into a single market economy; EU – U.S. agreements that promote trade; and areas of opportunity for American companies to increase and/or expand dealings with the EU. A case study is provided on the daily implications of the European Union and the euro on life in Liechtenstein – a country that is not a member of the European Union and does not use the Euro, but is surrounded by member countries.

The Middle East module provides one with a general understanding of the following: hot industries and business opportunities in the Middle East; its business culture (including issues such as punctuality and gift giving); doing business specifically in Egypt, Israel, and Turkey (including major trends, hot industries, proper business conduct, and current business opportunities); and the major political risks of doing business in the Middle East, which could be potential costs. A case study on the economic diversification of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) is also included.

This module provides a general overview for doing business in Vietnam. The module covers: Why do business in Vietnam; Vietnamese culture; business culture; logistics and infrastructure in the country; and issues facing Vietnam in the 21st century such as environmental concerns, social concerns, and obstacles to business success. This module also includes a case study about how the Vietnam war effected Vietnamese modernization and industrialization.

The Culture module offers one a general understanding of the following: what is meant by culture, why it is important to learn about other cultures, and the different levels of culture in society; various dimensions of and approaches to understanding culture; the implications of cultural differences in conducting international business; the impact of culture on business negotiations and how to conduct business successfully in a foreign culture.

The Ethics module gives one insight into the following areas: the definition of ethics; the importance of ethics in business; how religion relates to ethics in the marketplace; the main tenets of, and ethical behavior in, the world’s religions; the ideals and obstacles of ethical behavior in different market settings; broad ethical themes governing how people should behave in the marketplace; the definition and qualities of an ethical manager. A case study on ethics and downsizing is also provided.

The International Negotiations module offers one general insight into the following: the importance of negotiations; the basics of international negotiations; cultural influences on negotiations; culture-specific strategies and tactics used in the negotiation process; and qualities that an international negotiator must possess.

The World Religions module informs one of the following religious insights: the basic history and ideas of religion; the relationship between religion and ethics; the major ideas of Christianity and the economic implications of that religion; the main tenets of Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism and the economic implications of doing business in an Islamic, Buddhist, or Hindu country; and the economic implications of the Confucian way of life.

The Introduction to Exporting module provides one with information on: the basics behind exporting; the advantages and disadvantages of exporting; the steps to becoming an exporter; questions to ask during the preparatory process; how to develop and recommend a framework and methodology for assessing a company's internal strengths and weaknesses prior to formulating a strategy for going international; and the importance of the data upon which the export decision is based.

This module is the product of a partnership between the U.S. Commercial Service and the Michigan State University Center for International Business Education and Research. This module will cover: Why you should sell globally; agencies that specialize in helping small to medium-sized businesses export successfully; old assumptions about exporting that may not be accurate; and how to transform yourself and your business through exporting. There is also a case study included in this module.

This module is the product of a partnership between the U.S. Commercial Service and the Michigan State University Center for International Business Education and Research. This module will cover: How to assess if and when your company is ready to export; how exporting will affect your company; questions to ask before exporting; and how to create an export plan. There is also a case study included in this module.

This module is the product of a partnership between the U.S. Commercial Service and the Michigan State University Center for International Business Education and Research. This module will cover: U.S Commercial Service assistance; additional government agency assistance; and assistance from chambers of commerce. There is also a case study included in this module.

This module is the product of a partnership between the U.S. Commercial Service and the Michigan State University Center for International Business Education and Research. This module will cover: How to formulate a marketing strategy; researching foreign markets; researching the market through government agencies; researching the market through development agencies; and researching the market by region. There is also a case study included in this module.

This module is the product of a partnership between the U.S. Commercial Service and the Michigan State University Center for International Business Education and Research. This module will cover: Finding the best approach to exporting your company; different techniques when exporting; separating international from domestic business; finding overseas partners, agents and distributors. There is also a case study on the business LightStream Technologies included.

This module is the product of a partnership between the U.S. Commercial Service and the Michigan State University Center for International Business Education and Research. This module will cover: U.S. Commercial Service programs to help you find buyers; Department of Commerce agencies to assist you with your exporting needs; state and local government assistance. There is also a case study included on the business SCIFIT Systems Inc.

This module is the product of a partnership between the U.S. Commercial Service and the Michigan State University Center for International Business Education and Research. This module will cover: Methods of obtaining foreign trade income; advantages and disadvantages of technology licensing and joint ventures. There is also a case study included on Spancrete Machinery Corporation.

This module is the product of a partnership between the U.S. Commercial Service and the Michigan State University Center for International Business Education and Research. This module will cover: Adapting your product to meet government regulations, country conditions, or preferences; modifying your product, labeling and packaging. There is also a case study included on the company Falcon Waterfree Technologies.

The Global Market Opportunity Assessment module informs one on the following issues: why it is important to assess global market opportunities; how companies conduct market opportunity assessment; what makes market research effective; practical approaches to identifying foreign market opportunities. A sample global market opportunity assessment questionnaire and a case study on Thailand’s growing importance in the global export market are also included in the module.

The Internationalization Process of the Firm informs on the following issues: the internationalization process of companies that want to conduct international business; the different frameworks and theories regarding how companies handle the internationalization process; the role of company size on a company’s ability to efficiently achieve its internationalization goals; the factors that dictate the choice of a particular foreign market entry mode; and why gradual entry used to be the method of choice, but is becoming obsolete.

The two-part Modes of Entry module offers one information on: the basics of licensing; various forms of franchising; using exporting as a mode of entry; an introduction to countertrade and its benefits; and advantages and disadvantages to each method. A Modes of Entry comparison chart is also available.

The two-part Modes of Entry module offers one insight into: the different types of joint ventures and reasoning behind partaking in or abstaining from such an undertaking; basics of strategic alliances; and other manners to enter foreign markets; and the advantages and disadvantages to each approach. A Modes of Entry comparison chart is also available.

The Sources for International Data module provides one with information on the following topics: avenues a company can pursue to gather data regarding international market research; the significance of direct experience as a source of international data; the importance of government information sources; how a company can use different types of media to conduct effective data collection; and ways to identify global information sources.

The Key Industry Drivers of Globalization module offers one a general understanding of issues including: the historical circumstances and the forces that currently drive globalization; the implication of globalization on business in the U.S.; the key drivers for a successful global strategy; and the four basic forces that drive globalization.

The Multinational Logistics module informs one of the circumstances dealing with the following: what logistics and supply chain are and how they differ domestically and internationally; the types of issues that are involved with international transportation; international inventory matters; warehousing and product storage topics and how international logistics augments these; and the management issues that multinational logistics creates.

The Multinational Marketing module provides one with information on topics including: an introduction to multinational marketing; issues that face international marketers; some factors that determine whether or not a company should attempt a multinational strategy; and the issues related to product, placement, promotion, and pricing decisions in a multinational environment. A case study on Gillette’s use of multinational marketing when it launched the Mach 3 razor is provided.

The Multinational Sourcing module contains information pertaining to the following issues: what international sourcing is and why companies chose this option; the international sourcing process, including the steps of progression from domestic to full international sourcing; countertrade, the different types of countertrade, and the issues to consider when conducting countertrade. A case study on multinational purchasing at Paradyne is also provided.

The Organizational Structure of MNCs module provides information on the following: the organizational structures of multinational companies (MNCs); and how MNCs try to find the right combination of organizational structure and strategy. A cast study on Proctor and Gamble’s structural reorganization is also provided.

The Legal History of International Business module is set up to help one gain a better understanding of the definition of law and the bases of jurisdiction, sources of international law and how international law can conflict with domestic law, sovereign immunity and acts of state, and national treatment and most favored nation status. This module will be able to help those looking to launch their products and services internationally by laying out some of the political and legal aspects of doing business in multinational markets.

The Legal Framework of International Business module can help one better understand the laws of governance of the sea and air, and how such rules and regulations can impact international business as well as advertising laws throughout much of the world. This module will be able to help those looking to launch their products and services internationally by laying out some of the political and legal aspects of doing business in multinational markets. A case study on the U.S. Passenger Services Act is also available.

The Legal Systems of the World module contains sections on the legal systems of the United States, Japan, and the European Union. After completing this module, one should have a general understanding of the following topics: the constitutional framework of the United States and where foreign affairs power resides in the different branches of government; understanding the deference U.S. Courts give the executive branch on foreign affairs issues; outlining the jurisdiction of the court of international trade; the structure of the Japanese government and the hierarchy of laws in Japan; and Romano-Germanic law and the European Union's legal system.

The Tariffs, Quotas, and Non-tariff Barriers module outlines the following components: the basics behind tariffs and quotas, including under what circumstances the WTO/GATT prohibits tariffs and quotas; the various types of non-tariff barriers that countries use to restrict imports; how the GATT has impacted the creation of non-tariff barriers; different types of subsidies; countervailing duties; the purpose and importance of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule; the basics of U.S. customs law; and the methods used by customs to determine an imported good's value when assessing tariffs. Also included is a case study on the recent disagreement between the U.S. and the EU over bananas.

The Global Agriculture Trade: An Overview module contains information on the following: the reasons for the growth of trade in agricultural products and why countries want to trade globally rather than protect domestic markets; comparative and competitive advantage; how trade can benefit consumers in all countries; and the reasons behind increased global agricultural trade. An interactive game designed to teach students about global agricultural production is also included.

The WTO Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) module informs one of the following issues: the history of the Agreement on Agriculture; the nine organizing principles of the World Trade Organization (WTO); why the AoA was developed and why it is important to international trade in agricultural products; market access provisions of the AoA; export subsidy provisions of the AoA; domestic support provisions of the AoA; and the importance of agricultural trade to the U.S. and Michigan. Interactive games and a case study of Michigan blueberries and the WTO are also included.

The Market Access Provisions in the WTO Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) module provides one with a general understanding of the following: what the market access provisions (MAP) of the WTO AoA mean for countries involved in global agricultural trade; the specific provisions of the MAP; restrictions on the application of tariff and non-tariff measures to traded goods; specific reduction commitments made by WTO member countries; tariff rate quotas and how they are applied under the AoA; the effects of tariff rate quotas on trade; the special safeguard provisions of the MAP; how the SSP are applied; the anti-dumping provisions of the AoA; the application of the MAP; how countries have engaged in dirty tarrification as a way around the MAP; and how countries have used variable tariff rates to impact trade.

The Export Subsidy Provisions in the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) module informs one of the following: the export subsidy provisions of the World Trade Organization (WTO) AoA and how they impact global agricultural trade; how export subsidies work; how export subsidies effect trade; examples of some types of export subsidies; the effects of export subsidies on all trading partners; some levels of export subsidization among WTO member countries; and the effects of some export subsidies in the U.S. market for agricultural goods. Interactive games are included.

The Domestic Support Provisions in the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) module provides one with information on: the domestic support provisions of the World Trade Organization (WTO) AoA (including their history); why domestic support provisions are important to global agricultural trade; how the AoA classifies types of domestic support for agriculture; the commitments WTO member countries have made toward reducing domestic support levels for agriculture; the quantitative and qualitative restrictions on domestic support; and support policies which are included in the AMS and those that are exempt from inclusion; and how the provisions have influenced Michigan's agricultural industries. Interactive games are also incorporated into the module.

The Non-Enterprise Industry module focuses on technological innovation in the five following countries: Japan, Canada, France, South Korea, and Mexico. The module will cover tech trends, government initiatives to invest in technology and education, and obstacles facing governmental educational program policies. Other topics such as blogging trends and piracy rates will also be covered. An interactive game pertaining to technology trends in Japan in also available within this module.

The Formulation of the European Union module provides one with an understanding of the following: the major events that led to the creation of the European Union; what countries formed the original European Union; the circumstances surrounding the acceptance of new members and which countries are vying for a place in the EU; the EU’s policy-making bodies; the basic goals of EU policy in the areas of employment and social affairs, external trade, internal market, and regional policy; the function of the five main institutions within the European Union; and how and why the Euro came into existence.

The International Monetary Systems module provides one with information concerning: the history of the International Monetary System; the importance of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, including their basic purposes and functions; what money markets and international money markets are; what international capital markets are and their function in both developing and high-income countries; international security markets; and the basics of the European Monetary System. A case study on Argentina’s recent economic crisis is available.

The Regionalization and Trading Blocs module provides one with information on: what globalization means, its impact on business, and the forces that are driving it; the advantages and disadvantages of globalization, as well as who is in favor of globalization and who opposes the movement; what the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) are, how they work, and what their history is; the history and purpose of some of the world's largest and most influential Regional Agreements: NAFTA, MERCOSUR, ASEAN, and the EU; and the basic premises of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) that is currently under negotiation in North, South, and Latin America. A case study on Quebec’s language laws is also provided.

The Analyzing a Company's Ability to Export introduces one to the following concepts: how the CORE software helps to understand a company's ability to export; competitive capability in the domestic market; how to ensure defensive competitiveness; how motivation can influence a company's ability to export; how important the commitment of top management in a company can be for the firm's ability to export; how organizational readiness is important to a company's ability to export; and how product readiness can influence a firm’s ability to export. Also included is a case study on Advanced Biomedical Devices, Inc.'s readiness to export.