Study Guide

Objective

The aim is to increase the students' awareness of the content and significance of selling and marketing communications in general in international business and prepare them for an understanding of the concept of the international marketing mix. A further aim is to make the students understand cultural differences and customer behaviour in international business life. The student can work in International Business environment.

Content

- Elements of international marketing mix
- International marketing communications and selling
- Understanding cultural differences in international business

Location and time

Sepänkatu, Autumn 2018, 1 time at week

Materials

Any relevant book on Cross-cultural Communication, International Business and Multicultural Management. There are several in the library.
Recommended: Lewis, Richard. 2006: Multiculturalism observed: Exploring identity.
+other books from Richard Lewis. Daniels&Radebaugh.International Business. Various version available.

Good examples of e-books available at TUAS library:
1) Kim, Young Yun. 2001. Becoming intercultural : an integrative theory of communication and cross-cultural adaptation
2) Cotton, Gayle. 2013. Say anything to anyone, anywhere : 5 keys to successful cross cultural communication.
3) Warren, Thomas L. 2017. Cross-cultural Communication: perspectives in theory and practice. Introduction and chapter 3.
4) Sigala, Marianna ; Christou, Evangelos. 2006. Global trends and challenges in services
5) Niemeier, Campbell and Dirven. 1998. The cultural context in business communication.

Hofstede: https://www.hofstede-insights.com/product/compare-countries/

Teaching methods

The study unit is carried out using Innopeda -methods. Students will take responsibility on their learning and partly also decide the content of the course.

Employer connections

There is an inbound connection to the working life in the exercises and lectures.

Exam schedules

No exam, no retakes.

International connections

Innopeda, Learning By Doing.

Completion alternatives

No optional versions.

Student workload

5 ects equals 133 hours of students work. In this course estimated to be:
Group work 35 h
Independent work 65 h (preparation for classes, research for own topic, writing a report on a chosen country
Contact hours 33 h

Content scheduling

1. Introduction to the course,
2. Forming of groups, assigning of themes, explanation of the course content and report.
3.Cultural Communication - small talk.

Each week International Business Communication activity - chosen topics by students. See Its platform for more details.
Examples of topics:
Non verbal communication, Dress code in Business, Hierarchy and Organizational aspects of Business, Do's and Don´ts in Business Culture / Meetings, Sales process examples, Negotiations, Problem solving in different cultures, Leadership cultures.

Further information

There is no exam. Failing this course means the student has to attend next course or a similar one..

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Participation in all:
-10 theoretical and practical learning sessions: Teacher assessment and peer assessment.
Minimum to pass 50% attendance AND returned assignment (report).
1) Report on chosen business culture, 55% of the final grade
2) Review of two (2) reports by anonymous students
Report / essay on chosen business culture and attendance % gives the basis for the evaluation. Activity and attendance raises or lowers the grade.

Assessment criteria, fail (0)

• Fail (0)
One of these results to failing:
1) The student is absent without valid reasons more than 50%.
2) The student does not participate into team work and
the student has failed to participate into simulation activities.
3) Missing 2 review assignments.
4) Immediate failing: The report on chosen culture is missing/ not returned within required time according to TURKU AMK degree regulations.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

• Satisfactory (1)
The student has demonstrated limited knowledge and understanding of the main areas of the course. The student shows some difficulties in applying his/her knowledge and understanding of the course content in the workshops. The student demonstrates little ability to gather and interpret relevant data to inform judgments that include reflection about what is asked for the assignment or reflection. The student has difficulties in communicating his/her ideas in the workshops, and the assignments. Report: All the task are returned on time and they reach satisfactory level, but they are limited / narrow and lacking deep analysis. Or the references are very limited. At least two of the theories must be used in order to pass, and the more you use the better the final grade.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

• Good 3
The student has demonstrated good knowledge and understanding of the main areas of the course. The student shows s/he can apply his/her knowledge and understanding of the course content in the workshops and in the preparation of the team topic. The student demonstrates good ability to gather and interpret relevant data to inform judgments that include reflection about what is asked for the assignment(s). The student is able to communicate his/her ideas in the workshops and the assignments. All the tasks are analytical, and well done.
Report: All the tasks are analytical, and well done. They represent high quality in terms of references, length and deep analysis. It is clear that the books and articles related are read and it shows in the final report,with references, also connection to the real working life is clear and the student has reflected his / her own learning process analytically also in the self evaluation. At least two of the theories must be used in order to pass, and the more you use the better the final grade.

Grade 4 is better than 3, yet does not fulfill enough of the criteria for 5.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

• Excellent 5
The student has demonstrated very good knowledge and understanding of the main areas of the course and shows keen interest to learn. The student shows s/he can apply his/her knowledge and understanding of the course content in the workshops in a professional manner. The student demonstrates very good ability to gather and interpret relevant data to inform judgments that include reflection about what is asked for the assignment(s). The student is able to communicate clearly his/her ideas. The student is able to communicate his/her ideas in the workshops, and the assignment report in a professional way. References and theory are used in the report. A minimum of three (3) references for an excellent grade. Critical and well grounded review to peer. (Physical attendance more than 70%.)