COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

UNIVERSITI UTARA MALAYSIA

No.

Information on Course

1. Course Name : INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

2. Course Code: BFMA 2023
3. Name(s) of Academic Staff: Dr. Mohd Azwardi Bin Md Isa

4. Rationale for the inclusion of the course in the programme:

This is one of the core courses offered for BIBM students.
5. Objective(s) of Course :
Students are expected to
1.
2.
3.

understand the International Business concepts and its importance

to all countries.
discuss the International Business aspects, which have profound
effect on the opportunities and threats to multinational companies
and countries.
discuss the tactical strategies and approaches to manage the
International Business operations.

6. Course Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the course, students are able to
1.
2.
3.
4.

describe the theories, concepts and function of international business

operations.
recognize the importance of international business in managing the
global business.
understand and describe strategies available for companies in order to
compete in the global business.
describe business operations for companies engaged in international
business.

7. Transferable Skills:
Management, communication skill
8. Teaching-learning and assessment strategy:
Mixed method between teacher-centred and student-centred. For the assessment
strategy it is a continuous assessment.
9. Synopsis:
This course is designed to give students a better platform and basic knowledge
about International Business. Students will be exposed to all International
Business dimensions, listing from International Business in the era of
Globalization, Country and Cultural Factors, International Trade Theory and
Environment, Strategy and Structure of International Business, Business
Operation in Global Manufacturing, Marketing and R & D. Equipped with the
International Business perspectives, students will be expected to understand
the implications of International Business for their future organizations
strategy, structure and functions, in particular with rapid pace change of
globalization era.
10. Mode of Delivery:
Lectures, discussions.
11. Assessment Methods and Types:
Coursework (Mid Term Test 20%, Quiz 10%, Assignment 15%, Participation 5%)
Final Examination (50%)

Topic
1.0

Globalization
The Meaning of International Business
Globalization
Industrial Globalization
Debates on Globalization
Motives for Going Global
Challenges in International Business

2.0

National Differences in Political Economy

Political systems
Economic systems
Legal systems
The determinants of economic development
Implications of changing political economy
Implications for managers

3.0

Cultural Influence on Global

Business
Meaning of Culture
Components of Culture
Dimensions of Culture
Cultural Change

4.0

Ethics in International Business

Introduction
Ethical issues in international business
Ethical dilemmas
The roots of unethical behavior
Philosophical approaches to ethics

5.0

International Trade Theories

Meaning of International Trade
International Trade in Developing Countries
Malaysian Participation in International Trade
The World Trade Organization (WTO)
Theories of International Trade

6.0

The Political Economy of

International Trade
Introduction
Instruments of Trade Policy
Development of the World Trading System

7.0

Foreign Direct Investment

Introduction
Foreign direct investment in the world economy
Theories of foreign direct investment
Political ideology and foreign direct investment
Benefits and costs of foreign direct investment

Regional Economic Integration

Meaning of Economic Integration
Levels of Economic Integration
Advantages & Disadvantages of Economic Integration
Economic Integration in Asia
Economic Integration in Europe
Economic Integration in the Americas
Economic Integration in the Middle East and Africa

The Foreign Exchange Market and International Monetary System

Introduction
Functions of the foreign exchange market
The nature of the foreign exchange market
Exchange rate forecasting
Currency convertibility
The gold standard
The bretton woods system
The collapse of the fixed exchange rate system
Exchange rate regimes in practice

8.0

9.0

10.0

The Strategy of International

Business
Introduction

Strategy and the Firm

Global Expansion, Profitability and Profit Growth

Pressure for Cost Reduction and Local Responsiveness

Choosing a Strategy

11.0

Entry Strategy and Strategic Alliance

Introduction
Basic entry decisions
Entry modes
Selecting an entry mode
Strategic alliances

12.0 Global Production, Outsourcing and Logistics

Introduction
Strategy, production and logistics
Where to produce
The strategic role of foreign factories
Outsourcing production: make or buy decisions
Managing a global supply chain
13.0 Global Marketing and Human Resource Management
Basic Concept of Marketing
Market Segmentation
Configuring the Marketing Mix
Managing Human Resources in Global Firms
International Staffing Policy
Selection of Employees
Training for Expatriate Managers
Performance Appraisal and Compensation
International Labour Relations
Challenges and Development of Human Resources Management in Asia
Assessment
Course work

50%

Final examination

50%

References:
Hill, Charles, W.L, Wee, C.H & Udayasankar, K. (2012). 8th ed. International Business:
An Asian Perspective. New York: McGraw Hill.

Hashim, Fariza & Jedin, Mohd. Haniff. (2007). International Business: An Asian
Perspective. Malaysia: Oxford Fajar.