International Business and Cultures (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

1. Introduction to the course,
2. Forming of groups, assigning of themes, explanation of the course content and report.

Each week International Business Communication activity - chosen topics by students.
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, Prospecting new intern. markets, Sales process examples, Sales negotiations, Problem solving in different cultures, Leadership cultures, Buyer-seller relationship and trust.

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 Turku UAS library:

1) Paliwoda, Stanley, Turnbull .2013.Research in International Marketing. available as an e-book in FINNA.
2) Kim, Young Yun. 2001. Becoming intercultural : an integrative theory of communication and cross-cultural adaptation
3) Cotton, Gayle. 2013. Say anything to anyone, anywhere : 5 keys to successful cross cultural communication.
4) Warren, Thomas L. 2017. Cross-cultural Communication: perspectives in theory and practice. Introduction and chapter 3.
5) Sigala, Marianna ; Christou, Evangelos. 2006. Global trends and challenges in services
6) Niemeier, Campbell and Dirven. 1998. The cultural context in business communication.
7) Books on International Marketing or Global Marketing.
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.

Pedagogic approaches and sustainable development

Innopeda, Learning By Doing. Flipped learning - students prepare interesting topics and share their findings.

Completion alternatives

No optional versions for this course.
There are similar courses in Campusonline. Check with your tutor, if such course is accredited for your study program and degree.

Student workload

5 ects equals 133 hours of students work. In this course estimated to be:
Group work 35 h (groups are expected to prepare for topics)
Independent work 62 h (preparation for classes and learning checks, research for own topic, writing a report on a chosen country, peer reviews).
Contact hours 36 h

Evaluation methods and criteria

Participation in all:
- theoretical and practical learning sessions: Teacher assessment and peer assessment.
Minimum to pass: 50% attendance AND group work AND returned assignment (report).
Evaluation
20% - Attendance
30% - Learning checks
20%- Group work
30% - Report

Failed (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) Immediate failing: The report on chosen culture is missing/ not returned within required time according to Turku UAS 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 into the report about what is asked for the assignments. The student has difficulties in communicating his/her ideas in the workshops, and the assignments.
Report: Report reaches satisfactory level, but they are limited / narrow and lacking analytical thinking. 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 analytical thinking as well as connection presented aspects. 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 cultural 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 grade 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 theories are used in the report and it is clear that the student has an understanding of the theory. Writing is analytical and logical in content. A minimum of eight (8) quality references for an excellent grade. Critical and well grounded review to peers. (Physical attendance more than 70%.)

Further information

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