Academic Global Immersion

Undergraduate Students
BUS 376 Family Business Immersion
in Cali, Colombia

Spring 2017 Semester Syllabus

Assistant Professor Monika Hudson

mhudson@usfca.edu | 415.422.4395
Office Hours: Tuesday/Thursday/Friday by appointment
Office: Malloy Hall 235

Student Assistant: TBD

 Assistant Professor Monika Hudson

Course Description The Family Business Immersion in Cali, Colombia course (BUS376) is one of the School of
Managements Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Strategy Departments family business
offerings. The class is designed to introduce students to general family business theories and to
extend theory-to-practice through a combination of USF on-site coursework and immersion
experience with family businesses located in Cali, Colombia.
USF students are accepted into the BUS376 AGI Family Business Immersion in Cali, Colombia
class after a competitive application process. Course elements include 24 USF-campus on-site
hours of preliminary instruction and research during the Spring semester, coupled with a ten-day
Spring Break visit to Cali, Colombia, centered on three family businesses and a rich schedule of
cultural and social events (course credit seat hours 40). The course concludes with two four-
hour sessions designed to allow students to demonstrate their synthesis and mastery of the
theoretical and applied course elements through the presentations of family business case
studies and individual reflections.
Classes prior to the international departure include student prepared research and
presentations on history, local customs, language, and cultural values as well as on various
political, socioeconomic and technological factors impacting the family and general business
environment in Cali, Colombia. Faculty will also engage in video presentations/discussions,
discussions with guest faculty speakers from our Javieriana University partner, and other
resources including case study development instruction.
Course deliverables include a case study related to one of the Colombian family businesses
visited as well as an individual reflection paper designed to enrich discussion during the last
course session. The course also includes an in-depth preview of the companies that will be
visited during the trip.
The Cali-segment schedule will be co-created between the students and USF/Javieriana faculty,
who will draw from an extensive personal database of public, private, non-profit, education and
government organizations operating in Cali, Colombia.
Learning The School of Managements BSBA/BSM program allows individuals to demonstrate mastery in
Objectives the following areas:

LO1: Leading and managing

LO2: Ethical and legal behavior and social responsibility
LO3: Communication
LO4: Quantitative and qualitative information
LO5: Accounting
LO6: Finance
LO7: Organization behavior and theory
LO8: Technology and logistics
LO9: Marketing
LO10: Strategy and competitive advantage

This AGI course allows students to demonstrate skills in the following components of the
BSBA/BSM learning objectives:

An understanding of the broad environmental dynamics and trends that affect

developing economies including diversification and scaling challenges (LO8/LO9/LO10)
Comprehensive knowledge of a region and people of critical importance to the US as
demonstrated by CAFTA and other regional economic agreements (LO10)
Appreciation for the history, opportunities and risks of the Colombian market and the
special features of family businesses that operate within this environment (LO9)

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 Assistant Professor Monika Hudson

Ability to critically discuss globalization and associated business sustainability challenges

(LO2/LO3)
Cross-cultural communication skills and readiness for international travel and
intellectual exchange (LO1/LO3)
Empathy and critical thinking including the ability to reflectively consider different
cultural perspectives (LO1/LO2/LO3/LO10)

Prerequisite Minimum 3.0 GPA; junior or senior standing

Required Readings Book Author Comment
Family Business: Key Kenyon-Rouvinez, Students will be required to present summaries
Issues D. & Ward. J. of the key theoretical issues discussed in the
(2005) course text.

Recommended TBD students will be required to review and present research assignments using information
Additional Reading obtained from Bowen Family Systems theory and associated websites; Colombia family business
company and general economic websites

Class Attendance Class attendance and participation are mandatory. Students are required to be prepared for
and Participation each class as well as the family business company visits in Colombia.
Each student should be prepared for and actively involved in class discussions and
family business company on-site visits.
Students are expected to contribute their ideas to solving problems/issues presented in
class and anticipating those that may arise during the trip.
Students must attend all Colombian on-site classes and all family business company
visits.
NOTE: Raising issues that might not be fully shaped, questions or ideas that are new
and not entirely clear are very welcome. You dont have to have an answer to
participate in any of our class discussions.
Deliverables Deliverables: There are multiple deliverables, separate from the protocol paperwork and
and Grades documentation requirements [for example, insurance forms, biographical statements, liability
waivers see postings on Canvas]. General descriptions of our class sessions are listed below.
Completion of pre-trip arrangements/action items as needed and assigned
Fulfillment of day captain and other leadership/support responsibilities during the
Cali, Colombia on-site course component
Small group research and presentations during the pre-Cali, Colombia class segments;
PowerPoints and abstracts
Site visit/organization work
Dyad case analysis
o The case analysis must be approximately 8-10 pages single-spaced; this
assignment is due on April 14, 2017. The case paper must be related to one
of the family businesses or social enterprises visited. The case should discuss:
A history of the entity.
The organizations strategic position relative to emerging market
opportunities.
How the organization is innovating and coping with a range of
economic issues in the broader Columbian and world economies.
A particular challenge or opportunity you believe this family business
or similar Colombian family organizations in this industry may face as
they operate in global settings.
Quotations from the various organizational representatives met
during the trip appropriately incorporated into the case.

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 Assistant Professor Monika Hudson

If available, a current financial analysis of the organization.

If appropriate, a family genogram.
Further advice regarding the format of the case study will be posted
on the course Canvas
Final class presentation: student dyads will make a 20 minute presentation by
organization analyzed, based upon their case analysis. The oral presentation will be
assessed by your instructors and external evaluators.
Grade weights: These weights will be adjusted, as needed, through mutual discussion
between the instructor and participants.
Pre-trip group research projects 20%
Professional conduct in Colombia 5%
Case analysis (dyad, 8-10 pages) 30%
Final class presentation 10%
Group trip/visits organization and planning 10%
Student participation in meetings and activities 15%
Day Captain/Leadership Role 10%

Keep in Important issues to remember:

Mind This course provides you with an opportunity to build relationships that can last a
lifetime. I urge you to maximize this opportunity.
Each of you represents USF as well as yourselves during this trip.
You have an obligation to make this course as successful as possible. You need to get
as much as you can from the experience but in the final analysis it isnt just about you.
Its about WE -- them and us.
Be prepared to ask at least one thoughtful question during each of our family
business visits, considering your pre on-site research, discussions and readings.
Showing interest and familiarity with our host companies matters.
This trip is a complex undertaking where we will be working with our host university
and family businesses. Even more than usual, it is important that you be on time and
prepared for our hosts.
Our hosts rarely make judgments about one individual or subset of students. They
tend to think more in patterns and generalities USF students either impress them as
a whole or they dont. In the past, student immersion groups have been amazing
some students have shone in one or another meetings. There has never been any
doubt about the quality of the whole team. My expectation is that you will be equally
brilliant with happy consequences for both you and USF.
Please address everyone formally, using Senor/a, Senorita, Profesor/a, etc. and the
persons last name, unless invited personally to do otherwise.
Required US Citizens: Travel to Colombia does not currently require a visa.
Visa Non-US Citizens: Colombia requires a visa which can be obtained while in the USA. Further
information about these requirements will be posted on the course Canvas site.
Mobile The recommendations below only work for GSM phones (ATT/Cingular and T-Mobile). If you
Phones want to avoid exorbitant roaming charges for making or receiving phone calls from your
mobile, you have several options including:
1. Sign up for an international plan with your US carrier, or
2. Have your phone unlocked (ask your carrier) and buy a SIM card locally in Colombia
with some amount of pre-paid minutes ($10 to $20 US dollars equivalent). This will
provide you with a local number. You will be able to receive calls for free but your
family and friends will pay a higher rate than international calls to a wired line.
3. Another option is to have an international text messaging package through your

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 Assistant Professor Monika Hudson

carrier in the USA to communicate with other students while you are in Colombia.
Country Specific Colombia: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/colombia.html
Information
Consultation I will be available to accommodate any students need. I can be reached via email or text. I
will be as flexible as possible. If you are having difficulties with either the assignments or other
aspects of the course, it is important that we talk, so I can assist you.
How to Attend every class. If you need to miss one of our classes, please contact me as soon as
Succeed possible to discuss your next steps.
Ask lots of questions in class. Arrange for an office hours appointment or ask questions via
email.
Form a study group with one or two other students and meet regularly [at least weekly] to
work on specific assignments together.
Make use of the Counseling Center and Campus Ministry for non-academic problems
[for example, stress, out-of-country travel anxiety, etc.] These problems are natural, very
common and plenty of help is available.
Academic The office provides assistance to students with disabilities and students experiencing
Support Services academic difficulty. Academic Support Services encompasses Student Disability Services,
Disability Related Services and the Learning Center. Orientation programs are also coordinated
through this office. It is located in Gleeson Library, LL20, they can be reached at 415-422-6876
and http://web.usfca.edu/sds .

University of As a Jesuit institution committed to cura personalis- the care and education of the whole
San Francisco person- USF has an obligation to embody and foster the values of honesty and integrity. USF
Honor Code upholds the standards of honesty and integrity from all members of the academic community.
All students are expected to know and adhere to the Universitys Honor Code. You can find the
full text of the code online at http://myusf.usfca.edu/academic-integrity.
Student Students needing accommodation must present a letter stating what is required from the
Disability Student Disability Services office no later than 2 weeks prior to the date when consideration is
Services required www.usfca.edu/sds.
Academic Integrity Students are expected to conduct their academic work in a professional and ethical manner.
Any student found plagiarizing in the development of their cases or reflections, will
automatically receive an F for the course. Furthermore, their actions will be reported to the
Dean.
As appropriate, please collaborate on designated assignments, which is definitely not the
same as mindlessly copying someone elses work!

Tentative Schedule

All family business visits in Cali, Colombia should occur between 10:30 am 4:00 pm
Our daily debriefs in the Colombia are scheduled from 5:00 pm 6:00 pm
All USF on-site classes are from 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm

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 Assistant Professor Monika Hudson

Date Topic Location

Friday, February Course, students and faculty introductions Malloy Hall
3, 2017 Introduction to Colombia business, education, culture, ethnicity, ROOM 230
and religion features
Team case study assignment details
Trip logistical preparation
Colombian history in the last 50 years
SET exercise
Friday, February Colombian past, present and future in the World Economy On-line
10, 2017 Colombia: Population, GDP, inflation, general and specific business
(blended video environment
and written on- Global economic stability and open investment-related issues
line) Clean energy production and energy efficiency
Case analysis instruction (video)
STUDENTS: present 10 Spanish business phrases; present analysis
of Chapters 1 and 2 from Family Business: Key Issues text; various
SET exercises
Friday, February Case analysis A Table in Heaven (video and written analysis) On-line
17, 2017 Instructions for the dyad team analysis of this case will be posted
(blended video on Canvas
and written on-
line)
Friday, February The role of women in Colombia and Colombian family businesses Malloy Hall
24, 2017 Hospitality industry in Colombia ROOM 230
Columbian finance and legal provisions
STUDENTS: Present analysis of Chapters 3 and 4 from Family
Business: Key Issues text; various SET exercises
Friday, March 3, World trade and Colombia Malloy Hall
2017 Global business challenges and opportunities for Cali family ROOM 230
businesses
Travels Logistics:
Travel and company visits itinerary
Dress code and customs
USF insurance requirements
International travel logistics
Networking etiquette during family business company
visits
Students leadership roles
Employment networking opportunities
STUDENTS: Present analysis of Chapters 5 and 6 from Family
Business: Key Issues text; various SET exercises
Friday, March 10, Arrive in Cali, Colombia Cali, Colombia
2017 Check in at University Guesthouse
Meeting with Javeriana business students
Group meeting - consolidate family firm visits/daily agenda

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 Assistant Professor Monika Hudson

Date Topic Location

Saturday, March Cultural Activities Cali,
11, 2017 Museo de la Cana y Azucar (day trip including lunch) Colombia
Salsa night location TBD
Sunday, March Cultural Activities Cali,
12, 2017 Zoologico de Cali Colombia
Sunday markets
Group meeting - family business visit check-in/preparation
Monday, March Javieriana University, Family Business Center (morning) Cali,
13, 2017 Guest lecturers (morning) Colombia
Cultural visit Central Cali walking tour (afternoon)
Group meeting check-in
Tuesday, March Family Business 1 Cali,
14, 2017 On-Site Program Colombia
Chamber of Commerce
Group meeting check-in
Wednesday, Family Business 2 Cali,
March 15, 2017 On-Site Program Colombia
Javieriana University-Business Incubator
Group meeting-check-in
Thursday, March Family Business 3 Cali,
16, 2017 On-Site Program Colombia
Javieriana Refugee Services
Group meeting-check-in
Friday, March 17, Javieriana Meeting Cali,
2017 Group Discussion Colombia
Reflection Presentation
Cultural Activities
Technology Hub
Central restaurant final dinner
Saturday, March Cultural Activity Cali,
18, 2017 Colombia
Sunday, March Return to US In transit
19, 2017
Friday, March 31, Final Course Debrief/Case Presentations Due Malloy Hall
2017 ROOM 230
Friday, April 14, Individual Reflection papers Due On-line/on-site
2017 Dyad Case Study paper due blended

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