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Stephen R. Lawrence

This course provides learners with a solid foundation in international supply, logistics, and foreign currency exchange. Foreign exchange is included in this course since it plays such an important role in planning and executing international operations. The first half of the course reviews critical roles that supply chain management, sourcing, logistics, and transportation play in contemporary global business. In the second half, the focus shifts to foreign currency exchange risks and methods for mitigating those risks, both financial and non-financial.

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Syllabus

Global Supply Chains
In this module, we discuss global supply chains (GSCs) and global sourcing. International supply chains are all about moving goods, services, information, and resources around the world to facilitate global business. In many ways, supply chains are the implementation of international trade and globalization. In the first lesson, we define global supply chains, provide examples, develop important GSC strategies, and conclude by examining GSC operational details. In the second lesson, we survey global sourcing. We first tackle the critical make versus buy decision, then develop four international sourcing strategies, examine costing issues for global sourcing, and conclude with a program for international vendor selection.
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what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops skills and knowledge in global supply chain management, logistics, and foreign exchange, which are core skills in international business
Covers foreign exchange risk, hedging techniques, and global financial markets, which are essential for understanding the financial impact of foreign operations
Provides a strong foundation in international supply chain management, logistics, and foreign exchange, beneficial for beginners in these fields
Instructor has experience in international business and supply chain management, adding credibility to the course content
May be less suitable for learners with extensive experience in international supply chain management or foreign exchange

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Reviews summary

Essential foundations in global business operations

According to students, this course provides a comprehensive and well-structured overview of international business operations, uniquely integrating global supply chain management and foreign currency exchange. Learners frequently commend the clear explanations from instructors, particularly for complex topics like financial hedging methods, making them accessible even for newcomers. The content is described as highly practical and immediately applicable to real-world business challenges. While the supply chain and logistics modules are consistently praised for their depth and insights, some learners with prior finance backgrounds or those seeking more extensive practical application found the foreign exchange section could benefit from additional depth and more practice exercises. Despite this, it's considered a solid foundational course for professionals enhancing their international business acumen.
First half on supply chains, logistics, and sourcing is highly praised.
"The content on global logistics was particularly strong, covering essential aspects of transportation and documentation."
"The first half on supply chains and logistics was very informative..."
"The coverage of global sourcing and vendor selection was very insightful. I appreciated the practical advice offered in these modules."
"The supply chain modules were excellent, particularly the insights into global sourcing."
Instructors simplify complex concepts, making them easy to understand.
"The instructors explain complex topics like hedging in a very accessible way, making it easy to grasp even for someone new to the field."
"The lectures were engaging, and the case studies helped to cement the concepts."
"The instructors are engaging, and their explanations are easy to follow."
"The instructor's expertise shines through, making even complex topics understandable."
Equips learners with applicable knowledge for real-world business.
"The examples were practical and immediately applicable to my work. A fantastic course for professionals looking to enhance their international business acumen."
"The material is highly relevant for anyone involved in international trade or supply chain management."
"I found the practical focus on mitigating foreign exchange risks invaluable... It prepares you for real-world challenges."
"I've already applied several concepts to my job. The emphasis on mitigating financial risk in a global context is perfectly aligned with industry needs."
Connects supply chains and foreign exchange for a unique perspective.
"What I found most valuable was the clear connection between supply chain operations and foreign currency risk. It really highlighted how interconnected these areas are."
"The blend of supply chain and finance elements is what makes this course unique and highly effective."
"Outstanding content! The integration of supply chain and foreign exchange is truly innovative and highly relevant for current global business challenges."
"It gives a holistic view of international operations, connecting the dots between supply chain management and financial risks."
Learners desire more exercises and interactive elements for foreign exchange.
"I wish there were more practice exercises or quizzes to reinforce the forex concepts."
"The foreign exchange part felt quite dense and could benefit from more interactive elements or simplified explanations."
"The foreign exchange section, while explained clearly, lacked the practical exercises needed to truly master the application of hedging strategies."
"I had to consult external resources for the forex hedging."
Forex content valuable but some found it too introductory or rushed.
"I felt the foreign exchange section, while important, could have been a bit more in-depth for those with some prior finance background."
"The foreign exchange part, while critical, felt rushed and somewhat overwhelming at times... I might need to find supplementary materials for a deeper dive into forex."
"I appreciate the attempt to combine supply chain and forex, but I think it suffers from trying to cover too much ground."
"It feels like two slightly different courses merged into one, and the depth varies."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in International Business Operations with these activities:
Review notes and materials on international supply chain management
Refresh your understanding of the key concepts and theories of international supply chain management before the course begins, improving your comprehension and participation.
Browse courses on Global Supply Chains
Show steps
  • Gather your notes and materials from previous courses or online sources.
  • Review the key concepts and theories of international supply chain management.
  • Test your understanding by completing practice questions or exercises.
Review “Global Supply Chain Management and Logistics”, ISBN: 9781138856610
Enhance understanding of the role of global supply chain management and logistics in contemporary business.
Show steps
  • Read chapters 1 through 3
  • Summarize the key concepts of global supply chain management.
  • Identify the different types of global logistics.
  • Complete the chapter review questions and exercises.
Watch tutorials on international transportation methods
Gain insights into the different methods of transporting goods internationally, expanding knowledge of global logistics.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on international transportation methods.
  • Watch at least 3 tutorials from reputable sources.
  • Take notes on the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice exercises on calculating foreign exchange rates
Improve accuracy and speed in calculating foreign exchange rates, a critical skill for international operations.
Browse courses on Foreign Exchange
Show steps
  • Find online practice problems or exercises.
  • Attempt 20 or more practice problems.
  • Review solutions or have your work checked for accuracy.
Create a presentation on the benefits of global sourcing
Develop a deeper understanding of the benefits and strategies of global sourcing, enhancing knowledge of international supply chain management.
Browse courses on Global Sourcing
Show steps
  • Conduct research on the benefits of global sourcing.
  • Identify specific examples of successful global sourcing strategies.
  • Design a presentation that outlines the benefits and strategies of global sourcing.
  • Deliver the presentation to a small group or submit it for review.
Assist other students with understanding global supply chain concepts
Reinforce your understanding of global supply chain concepts while helping others, improving your teaching and communication skills.
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to assist other students, such as online forums or study groups.
  • Offer your help and be patient and supportive in answering questions.
  • Reflect on your teaching experience and identify areas for improvement.
Attend a workshop on hedging foreign exchange risk
Gain practical knowledge and best practices for hedging foreign exchange risk, mitigating financial impacts on international operations.
Show steps
  • Search for and register for a workshop on hedging foreign exchange risk.
  • Attend the workshop and take notes on the presented material.
  • Participate in any discussions or role-playing exercises during the workshop.

Career center

Learners who complete International Business Operations will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
International Transportation Manager
International Transportation Managers are responsible for planning and executing the movement of goods and materials across borders. They work with carriers, customs brokers, and other logistics providers to ensure that goods are shipped safely and efficiently. This course would be beneficial for International Transportation Managers because it provides a solid foundation in international logistics and transportation. This knowledge would help them to better understand the challenges and opportunities of international transportation, and to make more informed decisions.
International Logistics Manager
International Logistics Managers are responsible for planning and executing the movement of goods and materials across borders. They work with carriers, customs brokers, and other logistics providers to ensure that goods are shipped safely and efficiently. This course would be beneficial for International Logistics Managers because it provides a solid foundation in international logistics and transportation. This knowledge would help them to better understand the challenges and opportunities of international logistics, and to make more informed decisions.
Global Supply Chain Manager
Global Supply Chain Managers are responsible for overseeing the flow of goods and materials from suppliers to customers around the world. They work with suppliers to ensure that goods are produced to the right specifications and delivered on time. They also work with customers to ensure that they receive the goods they ordered in a timely and efficient manner. This course would be beneficial for Global Supply Chain Managers because it provides a comprehensive overview of global supply chain management, logistics, and transportation. This knowledge would help them to better understand the challenges and opportunities of global supply chain management, and to make more informed decisions.
Global Sourcing Manager
Global Sourcing Managers are responsible for finding and managing suppliers of goods and materials from around the world. They work with suppliers to ensure that goods are produced to the right specifications and delivered on time. They also work with buyers to ensure that they receive the goods they ordered in a timely and efficient manner. This course would be beneficial for Global Sourcing Managers because it provides a solid foundation in global supply chain management and global sourcing. This knowledge would help them to better understand the challenges and opportunities of global sourcing, and to make more informed decisions.
International Business Analyst
International Business Analysts help multinational companies develop strategies and plans for global markets. They also provide analysis of market trends and competitive landscapes, and make recommendations for how companies can improve their international operations. This course would be beneficial for International Business Analysts because it provides a solid foundation in international supply chain management, logistics, and foreign currency exchange. This knowledge would help them to better understand the challenges and opportunities of global business, and to make more informed recommendations to their clients.
International Business Consultant
International Business Consultants help companies develop and execute strategies for global markets. They provide advice on a wide range of topics, including market entry, product development, and cross-cultural management. This course would be beneficial for International Business Consultants because it provides a comprehensive overview of international business operations. This knowledge would help them to better understand the challenges and opportunities of global business, and to provide more informed advice to their clients.
Supply Chain Analyst
Supply Chain Analysts help companies optimize their supply chains. They work with suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors to identify and eliminate inefficiencies. This course would be beneficial for Supply Chain Analysts because it provides a solid foundation in global supply chain management and logistics. This knowledge would help them to better understand the challenges and opportunities of supply chain management, and to make more informed recommendations.
Foreign Exchange Trader
Foreign Exchange Traders buy and sell currencies on behalf of their clients. They work with banks, hedge funds, and other financial institutions to execute trades and manage risk. This course would be beneficial for Foreign Exchange Traders because it provides a solid foundation in foreign currency exchange. This knowledge would help them to better understand the challenges and opportunities of foreign exchange trading, and to make more informed decisions.
Logistics Analyst
Logistics Analysts help companies plan and execute the movement of goods and materials. They work with carriers, customs brokers, and other logistics providers to ensure that goods are shipped safely and efficiently. This course would be beneficial for Logistics Analysts because it provides a solid foundation in international logistics and transportation. This knowledge would help them to better understand the challenges and opportunities of logistics, and to make more informed decisions.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts help companies make informed financial decisions. They analyze financial data, develop financial models, and make recommendations on investment and financing strategies. This course would be beneficial for Financial Analysts because it provides a solid foundation in foreign currency exchange. This knowledge would help them to better understand the challenges and opportunities of foreign currency exchange, and to make more informed recommendations to their clients.
Management Consultant
Management Consultants help businesses and organizations improve their performance. They analyze business processes, identify areas for improvement, and develop and implement solutions. This course may be useful for Management Consultants because it provides a solid foundation in international business operations. This knowledge would help them to better understand the challenges and opportunities of international business, and to provide more informed advice to their clients.
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers help companies raise capital and advise them on mergers and acquisitions. This course may be useful for Investment Bankers because it provides a solid foundation in foreign currency exchange. This knowledge would help them to better understand the challenges and opportunities of foreign currency exchange, and to provide more informed advice to their clients.
Accountant
Accountants prepare and maintain financial records for businesses and organizations. They also prepare financial statements, such as balance sheets and income statements. This course may be useful for Accountants because it provides a solid foundation in foreign currency exchange. This knowledge would help them to better understand the challenges and opportunities of foreign currency exchange, and to prepare more accurate financial statements.
Auditor
Auditors examine financial records to ensure that they are accurate and complete. They also ensure that businesses and organizations are complying with applicable laws and regulations. This course may be useful for Auditors because it provides a solid foundation in foreign currency exchange. This knowledge would help them to better understand the challenges and opportunities of foreign currency exchange, and to conduct more thorough audits.
Tax Accountant
Tax Accountants prepare and file tax returns for individuals and businesses. They also advise clients on tax laws and regulations. This course may be useful for Tax Accountants because it provides a solid foundation in foreign currency exchange. This knowledge would help them to better understand the challenges and opportunities of foreign currency exchange, and to provide more informed advice to their clients.

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in International Business Operations.
Provides a broad understanding of international business operations, including international trade, foreign direct investment, and global supply chains.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to international finance, including foreign exchange markets, international trade, and global financial markets.
This comprehensive textbook covers international financial management topics, including foreign exchange markets and hedging techniques.
Provides a comprehensive overview of supply chain management, including supply chain strategy, planning, and operation.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to transportation management, including transportation planning, operations, and logistics.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to international accounting and reporting, including the basics of international financial reporting standards (IFRS).
Provides a practical guide to international business law, including the basics of international trade law and foreign investment law.
This textbook provides a theoretical foundation in international economics, offering background knowledge for understanding the economic aspects of international business operations.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to international marketing, including the basics of international marketing strategy, product development, and market research.
Provides a critical analysis of the multinational corporation, including the history, theory, and practice of multinational enterprise.
This comprehensive handbook provides a collection of essays on various aspects of international business, offering a broad and multifaceted perspective on the field.

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