This course will be offered online in both asynchronous and sychchronous format, in 10 sessions (7 live sessions, and 3 in the asynchronous format). Students will be required to participte in live sessions, complete indidvidual research projects, and work in virtual teams.

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 the contemporary global business environment.

The course advances the following abilities:

Attendance is required in all live sessions. Students are responsible for ensuring an Internet connection good enough for transmission of audio and video, in order to participate actively in groupwork and respond to questions asked by the lecturer.

Special cases (e.g. sudden illness which requires hospitalization) will be dealt with on an individual basis.

This course is offered online in both synchronous and asynchronous mode, and combines different formats: lectures, individual student research, student presentations. Participation in all live sessions is compulsory. Students are expected to read relevant literature (conduct own desk research using library electronic resources) on topics covered in this course before each respective session, since live sessions will be focused on the application and problem solving workshops. Attendance is checked and required in all live sessions. Students will be expected to work in international groups online (in virtual teams) 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. Pre-course assignment: a 2,500 words essay written individually (30% of the final mark/grade);

2. Active participation: in live sessions, as well as activity in student online fora (30% of the final mark/grade);

3. Reflection paper submitted before the last session (20%).

4. Group report - a post-course assignment submitted electronically via Learn@WU (20% of the final mark/grade).

Marking/grading scheme:

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

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

Some experience of participating in online classes will be an asset. Those students for whom it will be a very first class online should contact the lecturer 2 weeks before the course starts.

The lecturer answers questions via E-mail (address provided above), and is available for consultation online (MS Teams or Skype). To schedule a special appointment, please send an E-mail from the student WU account.

Please note: Since the implementation of regulations on the protection of personal data, lecturers as well as all units of the Study Service Center process only 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.