Peters Five Forces Analysis of Mercedes Benz

International Business Environment

Spring Semester 2013

Instructor: Mustafa MAMMADOV, PhD Hours: 18:30-21:00 Contact email: [e-mail] Day: Monday/Wednesday Room: 421 Books: International Business by Charles Hill, 4 edition; International Business by John D. Daniels, Lee H. Radebaugh, Daniel P. Sullivan; 10th edition Recommended reading: Global marketing management, 2nd edition by Brian Toyne and Peter G.P.Walters; Особенности маркетинга по-азербайджански, М.Мамедов, Баку, 2009

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE:

Today we live in era of globalization. There is no definite answer whether it positively or negatively impacts on national economies, but it is obvious that companies seek more markets for its products and services than just local markets. The world became smaller and easily reachable. The national borders are something symbolic and open for international business. Companies are growing rapidly than ever and likely consider the opportunity to enter foreign markets and promote sales. Local business is nervously screening international news as any event in one point of the world could affect the other point considerably. The main goal of the course is to understand the entire international business environment, its background and peculiarities, concepts, theories and fundamental principles. Also the course will examine the main international tendencies and analyze the main global events in terms of their impact on a whole global market place.

COURSE COVERAGE:

Upon successfully completing this course you should be able to know: 1. Background for international business; 2. International business environment; 3. Theories and institutions in international business; 4. World financial environment; 5. The dynamics of international business-government relationships; 6. Operations: overlaying tactical alternatives; 7. Operations: managing business functions internationally.

BUSINESS CASE ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION

Students Team has to select any national company involved in international trade and\or business, specifically Azerbaijan Trade Partner and analyze its activity and approach to international business, interview some seniors why the company decided to go abroad, what kind of problem they face and how handle issues and how change in international business impact their business, concluding overall trade relationship between Azerbaijan and its trade partner. It is obligatory to present findings with power points slides and it should not exceed 20 minutes. Another 5 minutes will be allowed for questions. The presentation will be graded not only for their content, quality of analysis and recommendations, but also for their professionalism. A clear, concise, well-organized presentation is essential for an effective performance. Each student has to contribute his/her inputs before and during presentation. If some group member is not able to join the presentation the group should exclude him/her from presentation group otherwise it is a reason for assignment failure. In case of reasonable explanation of omission the instructor could permit omitted students make individual presentation with new assignment for not loosing the appropriate credits. Papers just downloaded from the web sites will not be accepted and could cause the assignment failure.

ESSAY on thesis “Azerbaijan and global world: how to go abroad and promote national products and services”

Each student has to write essay devoted to the above mentioned thesis touching problems of international business environment which are typical for national marketers and propose the ways how to promote Azerbaijan products and services within the global marketplace and overcome existed obstacles; define the functions of governmental and private agencies as well as non-governmental organizations and media. Essay topics should be discussed and agreed with the Instructor. Essays have to be submitted in 5 typed pages + 1 Cover Page (font size 12 with 1.5 line spacing) before the appointed deadline both by email (Word or Pdf) and printed out. Any delay and plagiarism could cause the assignment failure.

EXAMS AND QUIZZES:

There will be two in-class examinations – mid-term and final CLOSE BOOK exams – and 4 quizzes. The duration of exam is 60 minutes (30 multiple-choice questions), quiz – 20 min (20 true/false questions). Any other type of exams (online exams or take-home) could be conducted for selected students in special cases (illness, vacation, etc) only with a written permission of MBA Administration.

Special notes: • No permission to use mobile phone during exam\quiz. Student should switch off mobile while taking an exam\quiz. • No permission for cheating\chatting\discussion during the exam. If you feel that somebody violate this rule you should immediately report to Instructor. Otherwise no guarantee for fair and just assessment of exam\quiz papers.

CLASS PARTICIPATION:

Your contribution to class discussions will be assessed in terms of the quality and quantity of your participation in the discussion of the assigned material and cases, including but not limited to depth of analysis, realism, and clarity of presentation and integration of comments into ongoing discussion. Essentially, you will be graded on the thoroughness and logic of your classroom comments.

PUNCTUALITY AND ATTENDANCE

Student has to be in time for his/her IB class. If the student misses 5 classes without any serious reasons and justifications the instructor has the right to keep the student out of the class. The proper attendance and participation in class discussions is a must.

DISCIPLINE AND RULES

Student has to behave under the general accepted principles of morale and ethics during the class. Legal relations are regulated by the Contract between MBA administration and student. Instructor has the right to report the Administration about any violations of rules like delay, chatting, etc., which cause the break up of teaching process. Students are welcoming to make any suggestions, comments and complaints upon teaching methods both to instructor and Administration. If the student suspects evaluation and total score he/she is free to demand the explanation from Instructor. If instructor is not able to answer the students’ questions or the student is not satisfied with the response it is the student’s right to report to Administration to investigate the case. All relations between the students and Instructor are regulated by this Syllabus and common policy of MBA administration.

GRADING Business analysis (group work) – 15 Essay/Interview(individual work) - 15 Class participation – 10 Mid-term exam – 25 Final exam – 35 Total Grade 100 A – 100-90; B – 89-80; C – 79-65; D -