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Stephen R. Lawrence
This course reviews and evaluates the many ways that businesses can engage in international commerce. First presented are the three decisions that any business needs to make to go global, including a model for country selection. Next, modes of exporting and importing are discussed, followed by a review of contract modes of entry such as licensing and franchising, and then foreign direct investment strategies such as joint ventures, mergers, and acquisitions. The course concludes with a personal look at going global, including deciding to go, preparing to go, working and living abroad, and the challenges of coming home.
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OpenCourser.com/course/jb0nnw/international
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What's inside
Syllabus
IB Entry Strategies
This first module reviews international foreign country entry strategies. In the first lesson, we ask the question “Should we go global?” and discuss the factors for making this decision. Assuming the answer is “yes,” we then review the three basic entry decisions that must be addressed - entry timing, country selection, and entry strategy. The module concludes with a discussion of entry timing, and an extended discussion of country selection using the PESTEL model as a tool to assist with making the final decision.
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Syllabus
IB Entry Strategies
This first module reviews international foreign country entry strategies. In the first lesson, we ask the question “Should we go global?” and discuss the factors for making this decision. Assuming the answer is “yes,” we then review the three basic entry decisions that must be addressed - entry timing, country selection, and entry strategy. The module concludes with a discussion of entry timing, and an extended discussion of country selection using the PESTEL model as a tool to assist with making the final decision.
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Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores exporting, which is standard in international business
Taught by Stephen R. Lawrence, who is recognized for their work in international business
Teaches direct foreign-country entry including both contractual entry methods and foreign direct investment
Examines challenges of coming home after a long assignment abroad
Develops core skills for working and living abroad as an expatriate
Requires extensive background knowledge first
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Reviews summary
International business venturing: strategic overview
According to students, this course provides a solid foundational understanding of international business venturing strategies. Many appreciate the well-structured content and the instructor's clear explanations, finding the concepts like the PESTEL framework and various entry methods (exporting, licensing, FDI) highly valuable and applicable to professional roles. While largely seen as a comprehensive overview, some learners desired more advanced insights or hands-on activities for deeper practical application. A unique aspect frequently mentioned is the 'Living Abroad' module, which some find a surprisingly helpful bonus for personal planning, while others consider it somewhat disconnected from core business topics. The course is generally well-received, though a few suggest updating case studies.
A distinct module that divides opinions on its relevance and integration.
"I found the 'Living Abroad' module, while unique, felt a bit disconnected from the core business strategy topics."
"The 'Living Abroad' module was a pleasant surprise... it offered a unique perspective on global mobility."
"The 'Living Abroad' section was completely irrelevant to my goals, and the instructor's delivery was dry."
"The 'Living Abroad' segment was a unique and refreshing addition that I found incredibly valuable for personal planning."
Instructor effectively simplifies complex topics and provides valuable insights.
"Excellent course! The instructor's insights on direct exporting and contractual entry methods were invaluable."
"The instructor’s passion for the subject shines through. The real-world examples were spot on."
"The instructor simplifies complex topics effectively. I would recommend this course for anyone new to international business."
"The instructor is very knowledgeable and explains concepts with clarity."
Provides a clear, well-structured foundation for international business.
"The content on entry strategies and FDI was incredibly well-structured and relevant to my current role."
"A very solid foundation in international business entry. The explanations of different exporting methods were clear and concise."
"I appreciated the structured approach to entry strategies. The course provides a strong conceptual understanding."
"This course demystifies international business. The syllabus flow made sense, building from basics to more complex FDI."
Could benefit from more practical exercises and recent case studies.
"Some parts felt a bit rushed... some material could be updated."
"The content felt a bit dated, and I wished for more current case studies."
"I wished for more practical application exercises instead of just theoretical discussion."
"I wish there were more interactive exercises or up-to-date global market trends integrated."
Strong for beginners but less so for advanced learners seeking deeper insights.
"The course provides a good theoretical foundation, but I was hoping for more practical, actionable advice."
"Disappointed with the lack of depth. It felt more like a general introduction than a detailed exploration."
"Good for professionals seeking a foundational understanding... though advanced learners might seek more depth."
"I expected more depth and practical tools. The course felt like a high-level summary rather than a deep dive."
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 Venturing Abroad with these
activities:
Analyze Case Studies
Show steps
Apply your knowledge by analyzing real-world examples of international business practices.
Show steps
-
Read the case study and identify the key issues.
-
Develop and implement a solution to the challenges presented.
-
Discuss your findings with classmates or a mentor.
Attend Guest Lectures from Industry Experts
Show steps
Gain insights from professionals in the field of international business.
Show steps
-
Attend guest lectures or webinars hosted by the course or university.
-
Ask questions and engage with the speakers.
Read Global Marketing Management
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of international business principles through a comprehensive textbook.
View
Global Marketing
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the assigned chapters corresponding to the course modules.
-
Take notes and highlight important concepts.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Develop a Business Plan for an International Market
Show steps
Apply your knowledge by creating a comprehensive business plan for a specific international market.
Show steps
-
Choose a target market and conduct market research.
-
Develop a marketing and sales strategy.
-
Outline operations and logistics.
-
Create a financial plan.
-
Present your business plan to classmates or a mentor for feedback.
Give a Presentation on a Global Business Case
Show steps
Demonstrate your understanding by presenting a case study of a global business success or challenge.
Show steps
-
Research and select a case study.
-
Develop a presentation outline.
-
Practice your presentation.
-
Deliver your presentation to the class.
Mentor New International Business Students
Show steps
Enhance your understanding and solidify your knowledge by mentoring other students.
Show steps
-
Volunteer to be a mentor for new students in the international business program.
-
Share your experiences and provide guidance to mentees.
-
Meet regularly to discuss progress and provide support.
Analyze Case Studies
Show steps
Apply your knowledge by analyzing real-world examples of international business practices.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the case study and identify the key issues.
- Develop and implement a solution to the challenges presented.
- Discuss your findings with classmates or a mentor.
Attend Guest Lectures from Industry Experts
Show steps
Gain insights from professionals in the field of international business.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Attend guest lectures or webinars hosted by the course or university.
- Ask questions and engage with the speakers.
Read Global Marketing Management
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of international business principles through a comprehensive textbook.
View
Global Marketing
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the assigned chapters corresponding to the course modules.
- Take notes and highlight important concepts.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Develop a Business Plan for an International Market
Show steps
Apply your knowledge by creating a comprehensive business plan for a specific international market.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a target market and conduct market research.
- Develop a marketing and sales strategy.
- Outline operations and logistics.
- Create a financial plan.
- Present your business plan to classmates or a mentor for feedback.
Give a Presentation on a Global Business Case
Show steps
Demonstrate your understanding by presenting a case study of a global business success or challenge.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and select a case study.
- Develop a presentation outline.
- Practice your presentation.
- Deliver your presentation to the class.
Mentor New International Business Students
Show steps
Enhance your understanding and solidify your knowledge by mentoring other students.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Volunteer to be a mentor for new students in the international business program.
- Share your experiences and provide guidance to mentees.
- Meet regularly to discuss progress and provide support.
Career center
Learners who complete International Business Venturing Abroad will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
International Business Strategist
International Business Strategist
An International Business Strategist focuses on expanding a company's global reach, so they must think critically about the best way to market goods and services internationally. Graduates of this course will be prepared to do this work; the course will provide a solid framework for understanding the variables that inform these opportunities.
International Marketing Manager
International Marketing Manager
International Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and executing strategies to sell products and services to global markets; understanding factors that favor selling to these markets will be of great benefit. The course, covering PESTEL analysis, will be of great benefit to this group of professionals.
Global Supply Chain Manager
Global Supply Chain Manager
A Global Supply Chain Manager develops strategies for acquiring goods and/or services, and may need to consider global markets; an understanding of international business culture and practice will be of benefit. This course will help learners understand global markets, as well as the cultural factors that could affect a supply chain.
International Sales Manager
International Sales Manager
An International Sales Manager leads a team in selling goods and/or services in a foreign market, and must understand the market's unique characteristics to succeed. This course will provide training in this area, specifically regarding entry strategy.
International Business Development Manager
International Business Development Manager
An International Business Development Manager's role is to identify new business opportunities in foreign countries, and to develop and implement strategies for capitalizing on those opportunities. The focus on foreign direct investment, contractual entry methods, and country selection will be of great interest to those in this role.
Export Manager
Export Manager
An Export Manager is responsible for overseeing the export of goods and/or services to foreign markets, so they must understand exporting practices. This course will provide a solid foundation in this area, which will be of great benefit to this group of professionals.
Import Manager
Import Manager
Import Managers oversee the importation of goods and/or services to a country, so an understanding of importing practices is very useful. Graduates of this course will learn about importing and will be prepared to do this work; the course will provide a solid framework for understanding the variables that inform importing.
Customs Broker
Customs Broker
Customs Brokers work on behalf of their clients to ensure that they comply with regulations for importing and exporting goods. Graduates of this course will be prepared to do this work; the course will provide a solid framework for understanding the variables that inform these international business practices.
International Business Consultant
International Business Consultant
An International Business Consultant provides advice and guidance to companies on how to enter and operate in foreign markets, and must have a strong understanding of these practices. Graduates of this course will be prepared to do this work; the course will provide a solid framework for understanding the variables that inform these international business practices.
Trade Finance Analyst
Trade Finance Analyst
A Trade Finance Analyst is responsible for minimizing risk for international financial transactions, so a thorough understanding of the practices that govern international trade will be important. Graduates of this course will be prepared to do this work; the course will provide a solid framework for understanding the variables that inform these international business practices.
International Economist
International Economist
An International Economist focuses on the economic factors that affect global markets, as well as geopolitics that could affect business, so an understanding of international business practices will be useful. Graduates of this course will be prepared to do this work; the course will provide a solid framework for understanding the variables that inform these international business practices.
Foreign Exchange Trader
Foreign Exchange Trader
Foreign Exchange Traders are responsible for buying and selling currencies on behalf of their clients, and must understand how international economics and geopolitics can affect currency value. Graduates of this course may want to consider this role; the course will provide a strong foundation in international economics.
International Relations Analyst
International Relations Analyst
An International Relations Analyst researches and interprets global events; an understanding of global markets can provide important context. Graduates of this course may want to consider this role; the course will provide a solid foundation in this area.
Global Business Journalist
Global Business Journalist
A Global Business Journalist investigates and reports on how international business and economics impact geopolitics. Graduates of this course may want to consider this role; the course will provide a solid foundation in this area.
International Trade Specialist
International Trade Specialist
An International Trade Specialist is an expert on the regulations and practices that govern international trade, so a thorough understanding of these practices will be important. Graduates of this course will be prepared to do this work; the course will provide a solid framework for understanding the variables that inform these international business practices.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/jb0nnw/international
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 Venturing Abroad.
Save
Is specifically designed for students who are interested in starting or managing an international business. It provides practical advice on how to develop a business plan, select a market, and enter a foreign market.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the business environment in China. It covers the political, economic, social, and cultural factors that affect business in China.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the business environment in India. It covers the political, economic, social, and cultural factors that affect business in India.
Provides a comprehensive overview of international management. It covers the global business environment, multinational corporations, global leadership, and global human resource management.
Provides a comprehensive overview of international finance. It covers the global financial system, foreign exchange markets, international investment, and international risk management.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the business environment in Asia. It covers the political, economic, social, and cultural factors that affect business in Asia.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the business environment in Europe. It covers the political, economic, social, and cultural factors that affect business in Europe.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the global business environment, including the challenges and opportunities of operating in different cultural and economic contexts.
Provides a broader perspective on globalization and its impact on the world economy and society, offering insights that can complement the course material.
Provides a critical perspective on globalization and its effects, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities of global economic integration.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of international marketing, covering topics such as market research, product adaptation, and distribution strategies.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of international business, with contributions from leading scholars. It serves as a valuable reference tool for students and researchers.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/jb0nnw/international
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Level
Introductory
Via
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Institution
University of Colorado Boulder
Instructor
Stephen R. Lawrence
Language
English
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
International Business. It's comprised of four courses:
- International Business and Culture
- International Business Venturing Abroad (viewing)
- International Business Context
- International Business Operations
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