International Business Operations from Coursera

What's inside

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.

Global Logistics and Transportation

This module explores two subsets of international supply chain management – global logistics and international transportation. Logistics management is responsible for the entire process of moving goods from point A to point B, which includes working with suppliers and vendors on schedules, creating import and export documentation, securing transportation services, and arranging for delivery to foreign destinations. Transportation management focuses on the means and methods of transportation, as well as the transfer of shipments from one mode of transportation to the next. Together, effective logistics and transportation management are crucial for the fast and efficient flow of goods and materials around the globe.

IB Foreign Exchange

We change direction in this module from logistics and supply chains to foreign exchange. As we shall see, foreign exchange risk has a large financial impact on foreign operations, especially on supply chains. In the first lesson, we define money and currency, and then introduce details and examples of foreign currency transactions. In the second lesson we turn to foreign exchange risk, often abbreviated as "forex" exposure. We find that any business or organization that has international transactions is exposed to translation, transaction, and operating risk. With examples, we show that the downside outcomes of forex risk can be large. Anyone dealing with cross-border currency transactions needs to be aware of, and wary of, foreign exchange risk!

IB Forex Markets and Hedging

In the previous module, we defined three types of foreign exchange (forex) risk and presented examples of its potential financial impacts. You might ask, “OK, I get it, but what to do about it?” This week we answer that question with a discussion of forex hedging techniques. Hedging methods are generally tools used to reduce financial risk. In the case of forex risk, we will cover non-financial hedging methods such as cash flow netting, as well as financial hedging methods including forwards, swaps, futures, and options. In the second lecture we will review the amazing global financial markets where foreign exchange and forex hedging transactions occur.

Managing Global Operations: SCM, Logistics, Finance, and Accounting

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, 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

Reviews summary

International business operations overview

Learners say International Business Operations is an informative course offering beneficial knowledge for students and newcomers. It is well-received with a good score and engaging content. Concepts are well explained, and lectures include real-life examples.

Lectures include real-life examples.

"Nice overview of all sides of an internaitonal business and I think a well-rounded coverage of businesses in general. Glad for each module there's a clear break-down of information into different lectures and always followed by real-life examples as well as useful reading material recommendations."

Learners say the course is good for beginners.

"Good for entry level staff"

"Good class for new starter in supply chain and intenational business"

Concepts are well explained.

"Well explained and in-depth concepts covered."

"Excellent course, profoundly explained all the concepts"

"It is essential and full of knowledge about international business."

Learners say the course is informative.

"I found this course very informative & aligned towards my career growth"

"The content is good simple to learn about basic knowledge."

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

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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

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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

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Enhance understanding of the role of global supply chain management and logistics in contemporary business.

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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

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Gain insights into the different methods of transporting goods internationally, expanding knowledge of global logistics.

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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

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Practice exercises on calculating foreign exchange rates

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Improve accuracy and speed in calculating foreign exchange rates, a critical skill for international operations.

Browse courses on Foreign Exchange

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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

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Develop a deeper understanding of the benefits and strategies of global sourcing, enhancing knowledge of international supply chain management.

Browse courses on Global Sourcing

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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

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Reinforce your understanding of global supply chain concepts while helping others, improving your teaching and communication skills.

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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

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Gain practical knowledge and best practices for hedging foreign exchange risk, mitigating financial impacts on international operations.

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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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Global Supply Chain Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Logistics Manager

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Logistics Analyst

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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