International Business Minor

Being an informed global citizen requires an understanding of the global business environment. Organizations critical to the development of the global business environment include for-profit businesses, non-profits, governmental, non-governmental, and supranational agencies. This course introduces students to the interdependent relationships between organizations and the global business environment. A holistic approach is used to examine the diverse economic, political, legal, cultural, and financial systems that influence both organizations and the global business environment. (This course is available to RIT degree-seeking undergraduate students.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).

The practice of international business is detailed-oriented and complex as cross-border trade and investment is subject to various market forces and government regulations. In this course students will study the issues of compliance, risk assessment, sources of international information, logistical complexities and intermediaries, and international payments and financing. The course will develop students with the necessary knowledge base and skills to become successful in the practice of cross border transactions. (Prerequisites: INTB-225 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).

Discusses the problems posed by the international financial environment in which corporations operate. In particular, students learn to quantify and manage risks arising from shifting exchange rates. Other topics include exchange rate systems, international trade finance, international capital budgeting, country risk analysis, and long-term international financing. (Prerequisites: FINC-220 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

An introduction to the most important and the fast growing economic entities to the students such as the European Union, China, India, and Brazil. The course introduces the idiosyncratic competitive environment in these major economies, the unique business models of the local ventures, and the business opportunities and the hidden risks in these markets. The course will also develop students with the necessary knowledge base and skills to compete with and in these major economies. (Prerequisites: INTB-225 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Biannual).

This course explores the opportunities and challenges businesses encounter creating and capturing value in the global environment. Areas of emphasis include: forecasting markets; why firms globalize; analyzing global competitors; the degree of globalization or regionalization; creating value for the firm globally which includes entry mode management, location decisions and timing, role of technology; and how to operate. (Prerequisites: INTB-225 or equivalent course and 4th year standing.) Lecture 3 (Spring).

Taught in an experiential, team-based format, this class focuses on leading cross cultural and virtual teams, with an emphasis on developing strong team dynamics for effective performance in a global environment. Thus, class topics will center around understanding team development and leading teams, while considering varying relevant factors such as cultural differences, virtual communication, managing conflict, and team climate/trust, among others. The course will provide hands-on experience in leading and participating in teams as students will be assigned to a team and will take on different roles, including team leader. When possible, the class includes a virtual team project with students at RIT’s global campuses. (Prerequisites: MGMT-215 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).

An introduction to the field of marketing, stressing its role in the organization and society. Emphasis is on determining customer needs and wants and how the marketer can satisfy those needs through the controllable marketing variables of product, price, promotion and distribution. (This class is restricted to undergraduate students with at least 2nd year standing.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer).

A hands-on course focusing on developing marketing strategies for entering and competing in foreign countries. Topics include foreign market opportunity assessment, developing commercialization and entry strategies, understanding foreign customers and distribution channels, and communicating value through advertising and promotion in different markets. (Prerequisites: MKTG-230 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring).