MGT 755: INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT

Spring Semester 2000/2001 - Professor Rita Weathersby

Monday/Wednesday 11:10-12:30pm (Room 201)

COURSE OVERVIEW:

This course is designed to: (1) develop multicultural understandings and skills to enable you to successfully work, travel and study in international environments, (2) develop skills to apply these same multicultural perspectives to working in your home country with international business and international organizations, and (3) provide an international and comparative cultural perspective on organizational behavior and management.

The class is an advanced seminar B primarily for seniors, or juniors with international study or travel experience. Everyone is expected to take responsibility for ongoing discussions and for research outside of class that adds to the value of everyone=s learning. Class sessions consist of large and small group discussion, student-led case analysis, videotapes, simulations, and experiential exercises. We will form working groups of partners and teams for course assignments.

WHO SHOULD ENROLL?

You don=t need to be planning an international career to enroll: a desire for greater knowledge is sufficient. International students and students who have had study or travel experiences in other countries, or who plan international study or work, are especially urged to apply. This course can help you prepare for international work and study or help consolidate your learning after you return.

Prerequisites: junior or senior standing; preference is given to seniors. Possible majors: Business Administration, Economics, Hospitality Management, Foreign Languages, Program in International Perspectives.

COURSE TOPICS:

Cultural influences on organizational management

Understanding your own culture

Leadership, communication, decision making, teams, conflict and

collaboration across cultures

Business issues using cases from France, China, Japan, Russia,

Indonesia, Argentina, and Bahrain

Preparing for an international assignment (or hosting someone whose international

assignment is your home!)

Global thinking-- a systems view on worldwide issues affecting business

and society

(OVER)

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1) short papers based on course readings, and informal research B interviews, company visits, internet sites, (2) leading a case discussion or class exercise, (3) a paper applying global thinking to a business issue, and (4) active contribution to the work of the seminar.

PROFESSOR:

Professor Weathersby teaches organizational behavior, organizational theory and leadership in the Department of Management. International management is a special field of interest. She has traveled in twenty-two countries, taught internationally in Sri Lanka and Malaysia, and has developed and led study travel courses for MBA students in Canada and in Europe. She writes and teaches on issues of developing global thinking and multicultural management skills.

After enrolling, please write a brief description of your interest in the course and your international experience and drop it in Professor Weathersby's faculty mailbox on the first floor. Thanks!

NOTE: EVERYONE IS EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN AN INTERCULTURAL SIMULATION, ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 12:30 TO 4:00. CLASS WILL BE CANCELED ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7.