This course develops knowledge and understanding of the global business environment: globalization of business, internationalization theories, institutions governing international business, and differences between countries. We look at differences in the political systems across countries, technological level differences, economic differences, cultural, as well as differences in religion, and a number of other differences between countries and regions, all that to understand how those differences affect business, and learn how to successfully do business in a globalizing world.

The course advances the following abilities:

Attendance is required in all sessions. Special cases (e.g. sudden illness) will be dealt with on an individual basis.

This course combines classes in different formats: lectures, seminars, and mini-group workshops. Participation in all sessions is compulsory. Students are expected to read the literature and conduct research on the case studies covered in the course before the session as the seminars will be focused on the application and problem solving workshops. Attendance is checked and required in all sessions. Students will be expected to work in international groups and present results of their work both orally and in writing.

To complete this course, attendance is required in all sessions.

Assessment is based on:

1. Active participation in class (30% of the final mark/grade);

2. Two group presentations in class (20%);

2. Pre-course assignment: a 2,500 words essay written individually (30%);

3. Test consisting of multiple and single choice questions (20%).

Marking/grading scheme:

1 (Excellent): >= 91%
2 (Good): >= 81%
3 (Satisfactory): >= 71%
4 (Pass): >=61%

All students must attend the first class!

Students who already completed similar courses (e.g. International Business Environment at universities abroad) should not enroll for this class.

The lecturer answers questions via E-mail (michal.lemanski@wu.ac.at) and is available before and after the class. To schedule a special appointment, please send an E-mail from the student WU account.

Please note: Starting on March 1, 2019, the lecturer as well as all units of the Study Service Center will only process email enquiries by students if students use their WU student email address (h+student ID number@wu.ac.at or givenname.surname@s.wu.ac.at). The WU student email address allows us to clearly identify the sender of the email.