University of Colorado Boulder

International Business Context

Stephen R. Lawrence

Instructor: Stephen R. Lawrence

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(168 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
Approx. 15 hours
Learn at your own pace
96%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.7

(168 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule
Approx. 15 hours
Learn at your own pace
96%
Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

  • Interpret the history of human trade, theories of international trade, and the business of trade as antecedents of the current global economy.

  • Critique the pros and cons of recent economic globalization.

  • Evaluate the political, economic, and ethical systems in which international businesses operate.

  • Appraise the many international trade laws and agreements and evaluate national trade laws and regulations currently extant.

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Assessments

5 quizzes

Taught in English

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This course is part of the International Business Specialization
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There are 5 modules in this course

In this first module, we take a quick survey of the long history of global trade and then review reasons why international trade has grown so rapidly in recent decades. Next, we review the historical evolution of trade theory and review contemporary trade theories. We argue that International Business is the implementation of International, discuss the motives for engaging in international business, and present the methods that businesses employ to operate globally. Along the way we look at a huge ongoing effort to recreate an ancient trading route; we delve into history to investigate a failed theory of trade that has repercussions to this day; and will explore why one of the world’s largest companies has often failed with its global expansion efforts. So, fasten your seatbelts – we’re taking off!

What's included

12 videos8 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt

A hallmark of recent decades has been the very rapid growth of international trade. This week we will define globalization, survey some of its successes, and will review its challenges and criticisms. We will conclude with a case study of an emerging technology that may well greatly accelerate the rapid pace of globalization!

What's included

4 videos2 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt

This module examines the varied environments in which international businesses must operate and succeed. We first examine the underpinning of international political and legal systems. Next, we examine the underpinning of international political and legal systems. International managers must understand how these systems work and their implications for conducting international business. Finally, we tackle the challenging topics of international business ethics, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and corruption. These topics are challenging because there are no bright guidelines for defining right from wrong, good from bad, or honest from corrupt in international business. Nonetheless, international managers must frequently make difficult ethical and moral decisions, even without clear guide lines. It is imperative that managers understand these topics and their implications for conducting international operations. If managers do not understand the fundamental rules of a country in which they operate, they won’t be successful there!

What's included

10 videos8 readings1 quiz

With this module we examine the many ways that nations build barriers to impede trade to protect their domestic industries and jobs. Then, ironically, we study the many foreign trade agreements and organizations that nations create to reduce and sometimes eliminate those same barriers. We then summarize various national trade laws, such as import and export restrictions imposed by individual countries. Next, we examine Free Trade Zones that countries establish to reduce trade barriers and promote cross-border transactions. Finally, we will focus on national intellectual property laws such as patents, copyrights, and trademarks which has become critically important as much international trade now includes an abundance of high-tech and entertainment products with valuable embedded IP.

What's included

8 videos10 readings1 quiz

What's included

1 quiz

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.5 (58 ratings)
Stephen R. Lawrence
University of Colorado Boulder
7 Courses51,454 learners

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4.7

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