International Business Courses Research Articles

Motivation Differences Between Different Groups of International Business Students in Guangdong Communication Polytechnic

This study investigated the motivations of 332 students from Guangdong Communication Polytechnic, conceptualizing the students’ motivations for studying international business. The students answered a motivation questionnaire with 30 Likert-type questions. This questionnaire was built to collect information about students’ motivations to study international business for international business teachers and researchers. The questionnaire was adopted from Glynn (2009). The grading of the questionnaire was reliable and related to the students’ preparation before entering the polytechnic, their grade point averages in international business courses, and their faith in the relevance of international business courses for their future occupations. The conceptualization of motivation for studying international business was divided into five aspects, including internal motivation and individual relevance, self-efficiency and judgement anxiety, independence, occupation motivation, and degree motivation (Glynn, 2009). The result of this study showed that in their final year, international business students achieved the best performance in internal motivation and individual relevance, self-efficiency, and independence for international business learning. Second-year students had the best extrinsic motivation. The freshmen reported the most anxiety in assessments.

Amazon Prime’s growth story faces hurdles in India

Research methodology A secondary research method was used to collect data for this case. The authors have made use of newspaper articles and articles by experts published in the public domain. Case overview/synopsis This case discusses the dilemma faced by Amazon Prime Video in India regarding content. Amazon Prime Video attained success and rapid growth in India ever since its entry into the Indian over the top (OTT) market in 2016. However, the pursuit of attractive and bold content landed Amazon Prime Video in a legal tangle in India. Amazon Prime Video was accused of hurting the religious and political sentiments of Indians by broadcasting bold shows like Tandaav, Family Man, Mirzapur, Family Man 2, etc. Litigations against Amazon Prime Video were filed in the Indian courts by members of religious and political organizations. Protests and online campaigns on Twitter caught the attention of internet influencers in India. The key dilemma faced by the protagonist in this case is whether to continue streaming attractive content that may be controversial and may occasionally hurt the religious/political sentiments of some Indians or stream only safe content that may be deemed as boring by its young target audience. Complexity academic level Undergraduate and postgraduate students studying marketing management and international business courses in business management and commerce streams can use this case.

Impact of green supply chain management on social performance through economic undergraduate’s view

The perspectives of economic students in Can Tho City, Vietnam were investigated in order to have a deeper understanding of the relationship between green supply chain management (GSCM) and social performance. A comprehensive survey was conducted on a sample size of 526 undergraduate students enrolled in business administration and international business courses. This study effort examined the impact of several subcomponents of GSCM on social performance. The inclusion of green production, green distribution, green supply chain management, and environmental education was seen. The coefficients of 0.24 and 0.115 suggest a favorable relationship between green procurement and internal environmental management and social performance. The existing scholarly literature presents several instances in which the implementation of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) has resulted in enhanced societal performance. The objective of this study is to contribute to the existing literature by investigating the many factors that influence the performance of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) in improving financial outcomes. The investigation also encompasses the examination of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) and its influence on societal performance. The authors propose that the extent to which graduates were exposed to GSCM education throughout their college years will have a substantial impact on their contributions to their respective fields and to society as a whole. Individuals who proactively pursue higher education by enrolling in college and focusing their studies on attaining a business degree are more likely to increase their chances of achieving success as entrepreneurs. Hence, these affluent proprietors of companies possess the potential to expand their operations and provide significant economic benefits at a macro level. In order to ensure the enduring viability of businesses, local communities, and the natural environment, educational institutions should provide curricula including corporate social responsibility, volunteerism, and ecologically conscious manufacturing methods. The integration of environmental stewardship with ethical business practices is crucial.

Peningkatkan Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) melalui Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Berbasis Case Method

In the learning process, complex problems are not only at the level of achievement of students' perseverance. Achievement in creating quality human resources is a priority goal for educational institutions by creating graduates who have positive values and character so that they can stimulate productivity in students. Learning methods with the aim of improving Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) are considered to be able to provide solutions in learning by overcoming global problems. Project-based learning means experience in the form of reality where attitudes and skills become knowledge construction as a basis for its application. The case method can be a recommendation in learning by reducing errors in theory and practice, which is the use of the right model for the success of project based learning. This research aims to study the effect of implementing project based learning using the case method as an effort to improve Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS). This research is descriptive research using qualitative analysis, where the data collection process is based on interviews and observations in the learning process of international business courses. This research has 2 types of variables, namely independent variables and dependent variables. The independent variable in this research is project-based learning, while the dependent variable in this research is Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) with indicators covering the ability to combine concept sharing, interpretation, problem solving, problem solving strategies, discovery of new methods, argumentation and decision making. The application of project-based learning using the case method in international business courses has increased Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) so that students can analyze and make decisions according to phenomena in conditions covering the current global environment.

Redefining the “shape” of things to come – a case study on marketing a taboo product and averting a potential crisis

Research methodology The case is based on interviews in 2022 with the founder of Shape, Monoshita Ayruani, supplemented by classroom testing and secondary sources such as textbooks, journals, newspapers and other pertinent sources such as reports produced by marketing and consulting firms. Case overview/synopsis Shape is a private limited company operating in Bangladesh, a country in South Asia. Bangladesh is a fast-developing country where the people (the vast majority of whom are young) are practical and forward thinking, conservative, yet also generally tolerant. Its CEO is Monoshita Ayruani, who has had several years of experience in a PR and Marketing agency before starting Shape. It produces and sells “innerwear” or undergarments, which are their staple products, as well as clothing, bath products, sleepwear and various other products targeted at women. Starting off as an online business in 2019, it was about to find its footing in the market when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The problem faced by Shape at the beginning was that digital marketing was not resulting in word of mouth for the product, as undergarments were considered too “taboo” to talk or share about with most people. The second problem faced was the sudden protests about Westernised clothing and culture in 2022, which may potentially threaten the company. Complexity academic level This case would be well suited for an undergraduate or graduate-level Marketing or Strategic Management course that exposes students to the challenges of promoting a new brand and marketing taboo products imported from abroad, in a largely conservative and culturally sensitive market, and preventing a potential crisis when protests break out. The case also touches on international supply chain problems, so may also be taught in an International Business course. The level of difficulty is intermediate as the problems are nuanced.

IPR of Lays variety potato – Is it a matter of public or private interests?

Learning outcomes The objectives of the case study are to provide an overview of intellectual property rights and intellectual property rights in Indian context; understand the intellectual property rights implementation and challenges for implementing it in emerging economies; understand what would be the best approach that companies can adopt when the companies face backlash in such circumstances; and explore the scope for redefining the intellectual property rights in the changing global environment. Case overview/synopsis In December 2021, the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) in India revoked the plant variety protection (PVP) certificate granted to PepsiCo India Holding (PHI) for its Lays variety potato (FL-2027, known as FC-5). The FC-5 variety possessed low moisture content which made it suitable for making potato chips. The controversy started with Pepsi suing the small and marginal farmers of Gujarat for alleged patent infringement and cultivating the patented variety. Pepsi’s legal suit against nine marginal potato farmers in Gujarat initiated the dispute over how intellectual property (IP) rights are used to intimidate small, marginal farmers and its infringement of farmers’ rights. But, on the other side, the interesting aspect was how IP infringement could be a setback for the companies that made the capital investment to develop the variety. The case study discusses the backlash Pepsi faced due to this IP rights legal suit and the punitive aspects of IP rights (IPR) law. Moreover, in the context of the global pandemic, the case study helped discuss the need to redefine the intellectual property rights regime keeping in mind global welfare. Complexity academic level The case is intended for use in postgraduate-level management courses in agricultural marketing, agribusiness, international business and economics. This study can help management students understand how IPR is defined, the apparent complexities associated with it and the adverse effect of it on small and marginal farmers in emerging economies. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 5: International business.

Enhancing business students’ self-efficacy and learning outcomes: A multiple intelligences and technology approach

This research investigates the effect of multiple intelligences (MIs) teaching strategy with technology-enriched environments on business administration students’ self-efficacy, confidence, and learning outcomes. The study involved 276 participants from a university’s business administration department, undergoing an international business course. A range of technology-based activities incorporating MI strategies was employed, exploring key topics such as globalization, corporate social responsibility, and market segmentation. Hypothesis testing revealed that high expectations and changes in viewpoints positively impacted self-concept, ability, and motivation, contributing to improved learning outcomes. The integration of technology in teaching facilitated these transformations, demonstrating how digital tools like virtual reality, interactive platforms, and online tutorials can enhance learning experiences. However, the effect on learning gain varied when viewpoints changed, indicating a need for further research into the differential impact of technology on learning outcomes. Despite some limitations, the study offers compelling evidence supporting the integration of MIs teaching strategy with technology-enriched environments in business administration education. Future studies should further explore the role of emerging technologies in this context.

BMax consulting moves into Southeast Asia

Research methodology The data for this case were obtained primarily through a series of in-person interviews in Penang between the authors and Pete Browning (a pseudonym) from 2017 to early 2019. The authors also consulted secondary data sources, including publicly available material on BMax and “Company B”. Case overview/synopsis This case examines a key decision, or set of decisions, in the life of a small- to medium-sized management consultancy group, namely, whether they might expand their operations in Southeast Asia, and if so, where. These key decisions came in the wake of their having already established a very modest scale presence there, with an operating base on the island of Penang just off the north western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The initial establishment of a Southeast Asian branch had been somewhat spontaneous in nature – a former colleague of one of the two managing partners in the USA was on the ground in Malaysia and available: he became the local partner in the firm. But the firm had now been eyeing expansion within the region, with three markets under particular consideration (Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand) and a further two (Vietnam and China) also seen as possible targets, though at a more peripheral level. The questions facing the decision makers were “was it time they expand beyond Malaysia?” and “if so, where?” Complexity academic level This case could be used effectively in undergraduate courses in international business. The key concepts on which the case focuses are the factors affecting market entry, particularly the choice of market and the assessment of potential attractiveness such markets offer.

Translating green to “green”: VAHDAM India’s marketing channelisation

Complexity academic level The case is meant for teaching business management students at the Postgraduate and Executive levels. It can be incorporated in the marketing management, entrepreneurship and international business course curriculum. Synopsis Since its inception in 2015, VAHDAM India had carved a niche for itself in the Global Tea Industry in a span of just seven years. The 29-year-old Founder-CEO, Bala Sarda was the first to create India’s largest born-global direct-to-consumer (D2C) premium wellness brand by bridging the gap between demand and supply of the country’s finest teas and superfoods globally. The venture also became a poster child for sustainability by strengthening its green credentials over the course of time.Having attained profitability in FY21, VAHDAM now aims to become a ₹500 Cr. brand by FY24. To push the goal across the line, channelisation of marketing will take centre stage. The case highlights the management’s dilemma of using green marketing as the pivot for increasing its market share in the emerging economies and boosting revenue. The underscored opportunities and challenges have to be addressed so as to formulate a green marketing mix suitable for the emerging market scenario. Learning objectives Participants will develop an understanding about the evolving consumption landscape inclining towards eco-friendly wellness products and the relationship between green marketing mix, brand equity and its channelisation towards revenue generation. They will also get an overview of marketing challenges faced by a premium D2C wellness brand while entering an emerging market. The readers shall be able to analyse and suggest ideas for the formulation of an effective green marketing mix to meet the consumer expectations and achieve desired brand positioning. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 8: Marketing

Expatriate childhood as the first domino: does early international exposure lead to a later international career?

PurposeThis paper looks to study how adult third culture kids (ATCKs) perceive that their childhood international experience is linked to their career interests and choices in later adult life.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative study is based on 34 semi-structured interviews analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The authors adopted social cognitive career theory as a theoretical framework for the work.FindingsThe findings indicate that regardless of the ATCKs field of expertise, their international childhood links to various international exposures and work experiences already in their early career. ATCK background can also be interpreted as an essential facet that promotes significant interest towards international roles, work tasks and careers because they are familiar with a globally mobile lifestyle. A global childhood was represented as a phenomenon that fosters stress tolerance, and ATCKs' unique international capabilities were perceived as an advantage for employment. The authors also found that they tended to set high goals for themselves in terms of education and career, in order to pursue high-end international positions.Practical implicationsATCKs' value interpretations of their strengths, skills and knowledge highly relate to working in an international setup. When applying for jobs, ATCKs could find it beneficial to highlight their early international experiences and explain why this is valuable experience for organizations that are seeking highly educated, globally competent, and flexible employees. Also, information about ATCKs could be included in international business course curricula, in order to foster an increased recognition of the value and benefits of hiring individuals with a TCK background.Originality/valueThis paper is the first qualitative study which empirically examines ATCKs' longer term career interests and career decisions among individuals with adult work experience. This study contributes to the knowledge about how early life international experiences are interpreted in the context of work-life decisions from a social cognitive perspective.

To be or not to be? A tale of immigrants’ entrepreneurial journey: the case of Sinorama’s international tourism empire

Theoretical basis Transnational entrepreneurs (TEs) are individuals that migrate from one country to another, concurrently maintaining business-related linkages with their former country of origin and currently adopted countries and communities. TEs are active social actors who enact networks, ideas, information and practices for the purpose of seeking business opportunities or maintaining businesses within dual-social fields, which, in turn, force them to engage in varied strategies of action to promote their entrepreneurial activities (Drori, Honig & Wright, 2009). This case research focused on the ethic, legal and cultural challenges TE has been facing when operating their business across boards. Research methodology The data used in this case were collected from mainly third-parties, including the office de la protection du consommateur; Office of consumer protection (OPC), securities and exchange commission (SEC) reports, news as well as marketing materials posted on public media by Sinorama Corp. and Vacances Sinorama. The authors conducted interviews with former employees of Vacances Sinorama to gain the understanding of the owners and the business challenges faced during the years of operation. The authors also communicated with the OPC through to obtain specific case-related information through the Canadian freedom of information channels. Triangulation of such information from multiple resources had been conducted to validate and support the details described in the case content. Case overview/synopsis A Chinese immigrant couple migrated to Canada and started Vacances Sinorama Inc. (“Vacances Sinorama”) in 2005. The focus of this case is on the expansion of their travel businesses after 2015. In 2016, they established a financing shell company, Sinorama Corporation (“Sinorama Corp.”), in Florida, USA, which became the holding company to the operation subsidiaries. Born during the 1970s and raised in Mainland China, the owners were culturally traditional and operated the company with the values and norms from their heritage culture. Vacances Sinorama successfully penetrated the local tourism market using Web-based technology and aggressive low-pricing strategies after the scaling-up strategies. However, Vacances Sinorama was operating in the red for several consecutive years (2015–2018). Sinorama Corp. received additional capital of US$4.4m by listing a portion of its shares on the NASDAQ over-the-counter market during 2016 and 2017. Canadian regulators began to investigate its operational and financing activities in 2017. They found a comingling of client and operation funds, which directly violated Canadian consumer protection laws. As a result of these violations, the license for Vacances Sinorama was nonrenewed in August 2018. The majority of owners fought to overturn the regulators’ decision and failed at all levels of appeal, administrative and judicial. This entrepreneurial endeavor ended with Vacances Sinorama declaring bankruptcy in October of 2018. Complexity academic level This multipurpose teaching case aims to assist students from an integrated approach whom are learning about entrepreneurship, international business, business law and business ethics. It is best suited for advanced undergraduate courses in entrepreneurship, business ethics, international business and business law as well as specific teaching modules in MBA courses.

Zomato’s race to capture the foodtech market

Learning outcomes This case allows students to critically analyse the business model of Zomato which is a multi-sided platform/in the foodtech industry. It helps students to critically analyse how firms enter into the global market to create value and maintain dominance over the local market (especially in a large market such as India). The case can also be used to introduce students to the business canvas model by analysing foodtech start-ups. The outcomes are as follows: to understand the Business Model Canvas as a tool to describe and analyse the foodtech business such as Zomato’s, based on its value proposition and the way it sells its services; to conduct a value chain analysis and analyse the business models adopted by foodtech companies; to understand how Zomato can aim at global value creation; and to design a clear growth strategy and evaluate Zomato’s options to internationalize or expand locally. Case overview/synopsis The year 2018 was an important year for Zomato as it geared up to chart new heights amidst the changing dynamics of the industry on one hand and a co-founder exiting the company on the other hand. Zomato was incepted in 2008 as a restaurant discovery platform offering users the ability to access restaurant menus and post online reviews. It provided a range of value-added services for both its restaurant partners and end customers. Its vertical integration enabled it to grow its revenues across its three lines of business, namely, dining out, delivery and sustainability. Zomato was an early internet start-up that expanded rapidly in the international markets. In the past ten years, the company both scaled and rolled back its operations with unique lessons learned in each market that paved its path for success both locally and globally. The domestic market was being dominated by a few large players sharing the market. Reports by market intelligence firms showed that Swiggy, the closest competitor was starting to dominate Zomato in India [1]. Deepinder, CEO, Zomato’s dilemma for adding value and increasing revenues by weighing options of whether the company should strengthen its presence in the domestic market, or, venture into foreign markets or serve both local and foreign markets. Complexity academic level This case is appropriate for postgraduate courses in Strategic Management or International Business. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 5: International Business.

Navigating the tides of an emerging global cannabis industry: the Aphria-Tilray merger decision

Theoretical basis The case builds upon the theoretical literature in strategy and decision-making under uncertain, complex and ambiguous situations inherent in nascent industries (Eggers and Moeen, 2019). It also bases its analysis of the central decision in the case, the merger between Aphria Inc. and Tilray, on the pertinent literature on mergers and acquisitions (DePamphilis, 2015). DePamphilis (2015). Mergers, acquisitions, and other restructuring activities: An integrated approach to process, tools, cases, and solutions. 8th ed. Academic press, San Diego, CA. Eggers and Moeen (2019). Entry Strategy for Nascent Industries: Introduction to a Virtual Special Issue. Strategic Management Journal. 42 (2), pp. 1–15. Learning outcomes Assessing/reassessing sources of competitive advantage and recognizing how changes in policy and technologies and globalization can change industry dynamics. Identifying the challenges that companies face when developing strategy in nascent and emerging industries and the related (sub)sectors. Analyzing a merger and deciding if it is warranted, financially and strategically. Applying industry analysis to understand dynamic forces impacting an industry, the attractiveness of an industry and how industry structures affect a company’s strategy. Case overview/synopsis The global cannabis industry emerged after Canada, selected states in the US and some other countries across the world started to legalize recreational and/or medical cannabis. Similar to any industry in its nascent stages, the industry structure was undefined, product definitions and categories were unclear and competitive landscape was evolving. It was key for decision makers such as Irwin Simon, the CEO of Aphria Inc., to devise a strategy that would enable the firm to navigate the tides of the nascent industry. Simon had a background in consumer packaged goods industry and was a proponent of gaining market power through industry consolidation moves such as mergers and acquisitions. In 2020, encounters with Tilray’s CEO presented Simon with a merger opportunity with potentials for complementarities and cost savings. The challenge for Simon was to convince the Aphria’s shareholders that the potential gains from this move outweighs its challenges. Complexity academic level Strategy courses (undergraduate and graduate level) • During a session on nascent industry analysis, to illustrate how companies decide whether to enter a market, how to grow and position themselves. • During a session on mergers and acquisitions, to illustrate how a company can use such strategies to gain market power and pursue consolidation. International business courses (undergraduate and graduate level) • During a session on navigating the tides of an industry that is in its nascent stage, both at the individual country level and at the global level. Cannabis industry courses (undergraduate level) • During a session on the national and global prospects of the industry from an investment, entrepreneurial or policy-making perspective. • During a session on mergers and industry consolidation strategies.

Up-Fuse: International growth of an Egyptian eco-friendly social enterprise

Learning outcomes The case is meant as a way for students to develop ideas related to the challenges facing environmental eco-friendly social enterprises that sell their products in a country like Egypt where consumers are way behind considering the value of their products. In response to these challenges, students learn to evaluate the company status quo by analyzing its weaknesses, strengths and opportunities to grow and expand geographically to a new market. Students also learn about the growth expansion strategies and internationalization modes, options and associated barriers. Accordingly, they can plan the marketing strategies associated with entering this new market for up-cycled products. Objective 1: Analyze the international geographical growth alternative for an enterprise that improves its scalability applying weaknesses, strengths, threats and opportunities analysis. Objective 2: Propose a strategic plan for growth and scalability. Objective 3: Discuss the various modes of doing business in foreign countries. Recommend an internationalization mode for a social enterprise to explore in a new market. Objective 4: Assess the possible barriers associated with internationalization modes and how to overcome them. Objective 5: Propose marketing strategies for an eco-friendly enterprise to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness in the international host market. Other topics that might be discussed in this case include consumer behavior toward environmentally friendly products. Pricing challenges faced by ecologically friendly firms in developing countries. Case overview/synopsis Rania and Yara were inspired by Germany’s approach to waste reduction, particularly plastic bags. In 2017, after winning several competitions and awards, Up-Fuse was officially established as a social enterprise. The entrepreneurs faced great challenges selling sustainable products made of plastic waste to Egyptian consumers. Egyptian consumers were not fully aware of the value of eco-friendly products which presented a great challenge for Up-Fuse to grow and sell their products in Egypt. After shifting its pricing strategy and expanding beyond the local recycled product markets, Up-Fuse further faced fierce competition from well-established local and international brands with larger market shares. Thus, most of Up-Fuse’s sales were generated from expats and foreigners. In response to local obstacles and limitations, Rania began to consider targeting international markets. Rania thought it was the opportune time to drive growth through geographic expansion. After all, in 2020, Up-Fuse had some minor success when the co-founders experimented with exporting their products to the US market. Rania’s co-founder Yara, on the other hand, felt that the enterprise was not yet ready to enter a new market and it would be wiser to emphasize growth in the local Egyptian market. The co-founders were torn between two growth strategies. On one hand, they faced intense local competition for their products. On the other, expanding by entering a new market came with many challenges. Which growth strategy should Up-Fuse adopt? How could Up-Fuse determine which market to penetrate? What were the possible scalability challenges they faced by entering a new market? How could Up-Fuse reach and increase their international customer base abroad? What was the best marketing strategy for their products? Complexity academic level This case would be appropriate for graduate students enrolled in marketing, consumer behavior, international marketing, international business and social entrepreneurship courses. This case is written at a graduate level and would also be appropriate for use in customized or short programs. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CCS 5: International Business.

Exploration of Mixed Teaching Mode of International Business Courses Based on CBI Teaching Concept——Taking International Business English as an Example

Since entering the 13th Five-Year Plan construction, the state has actively promoted the development and construction of education informatization, encouraged teachers to use information technology to innovate teaching models, update teaching concepts, and improve teaching quality to cultivate talents that meet the needs of the society in the new era. The mixed teaching mode combines the advantages of traditional teaching methods with the advantages of networked teaching. It not only plays the leading role of teachers in guiding, enlightening, and monitoring the teaching process, but also fully reflects the initiative and creativity of students as the main body of the learning process. This article analyzes the current teaching situation of international business courses in application-oriented universities, and explores the implementation strategies of a hybrid teaching model combining classroom teaching and online teaching. It will analyze four aspects from self-learning before class, internalization of knowledge in class, online consolidation after class and the assessment system, and provide references for the application of mixed teaching model in business courses.

Delivery Modes: Learning Effectiveness and Student Satisfaction

We use objective and subjective measures of learning outcomes to compare learning effectiveness and student perceptions across three different delivery modes, traditional (face-to-face), hybrid, and online. For the objective measures, we use scores on rote, critical thinking and engagement assessment tools in the introductory international business course. For the subjective measures, we compare student perceptions by analyzing scores from the Student Evaluation of Instructors (SEIs) surveys that are administered at the completion of each course section. We find differences in the critical-thinking and engagement components whereby students in the hybrid delivery group performed better than their counterparts in the traditional and online groups. Online students had in general lower scores across the board, especially on the engagement dimension. In their totality, the objective data results support the value of the in-person factor for learning effectiveness. On the student perceptions side, results show similar assessment of learning experiences in the traditional and hybrid modes across most dimensions. Students were more critical in assessing instructors and learning experiences in online course sections.

Unpacking Cultural Intelligence: Cultivating Ethnorelativism in International Business Education

ABSTRACT In light of diverse designs of the international business (IB) curriculum, this study investigates how the IB curriculum that requires students to major in a functional area enhances students’ cultural intelligence as well as differentiates the effect of students’ study abroad experience above and beyond various functional IB courses. By conducting qualitative focus groups and a quantitative survey in the United States, we find that although students’ past study abroad experiences improved their cultural intelligence (CQ), the IB education curriculum, even without a study abroad component, plays a pivotal role in improving students’ ethnorelativism, which leads to increased CQ. The finding of the current study supports that IB programs focusing on curriculum that enhances students’ ethnorelativism will help students develop CQ despite lacking study-abroad opportunities due to various travel restrictions, such as the ones caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, ethnorelativism in its own right has become a salient issue in the current climate of rising intolerance against minorities of different cultural backgrounds. We offer suggestions in the IB curriculum to further foster students’ ethnorelativism and CQ.

Fostering Global Competence in International Business Students on a Latin American Campus

ABSTRACT This article discusses the development of global competence through the integration of a series of international-intercultural in-class activities in a Latin American international business (IB) course. A pre- and post-survey were applied and analyzed using a non-parametric Wilcoxon test to identify changes in student perceptions of their global competence development. Results showed development of all competences included in the survey. Intercultural effectiveness was the factor that showed the most statistically significant improvement, while willingness to learn from and adapt to other cultures, openness to other cultures, and awareness of diversity developed to a lesser extent. In addition, the dimensions of attitude and knowledge showed improvement while skills demonstrated only slight change. Therefore, IB teaching can be improved by including well-planned international-intercultural classroom activities to promote not only discipline-related knowledge but also global competence development without relying on student mobility.

Reputations and corruption: Bell Pottinger in South Africa

Learning outcomes The case can be used in strategic management, international business or ethics courses. In strategic management courses, students will be able to identify political relationships as sources of a firm’s competitive advantage. Students will also understand the role of ethics in the firm’s competitive advantage. In international business courses, the students will be able to analyze the role that corruption and bribery play in the analysis of a country’s institutions. Students will also understand how corruption in a host country influences a firms’ decision to internationalize. Finally, students will understand the challenges that firms face when serving customers in other countries. In ethics courses, students will understand the nature of state/business corruption, i.e. the abuse of public office for private gain and the concept of state capture, i.e. managers controlling the political system for their advantage. Students will be able to analyze the decision of whether to collaborate with unethical partners or customers. Case overview/synopsis Bell Pottinger Private (BPP) was a British public relations (PR) firm with a successful but questionable reputation of helping famous critical figures and despots improve their public image. In 2016, Lord Tim Bell and the other leaders of BPP were asked to create a PR campaign for the Gupta family. The Guptas were a group of businessmen headed by three brothers who migrated from India to South Africa in the early 1990s. By the 2010s, they had built a business empire allegedly thanks to a corrupt relationship with the President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma and his family. The press and prosecutors were increasing their investigations on these relations. The case has two parts, which address two separate challenges and can be taught as standalone cases or in a sequence in two sessions. Complexity academic level MBA and Executive Education. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 5: International business.

Beyond the threshold: Exploring English language proficiency, linguistic challenges, and academic language skills of Japanese students in an English medium instruction programme

This article examines the relationship between Japanese undergraduate students’ English language proficiency and English language-related challenges faced when studying an international business course through English. It also examines English language proficiency thresholds students need to reach in each academic skill (i.e. reading, listening, speaking and writing) to experience a lower level of linguistic challenges. A total of 264 students were surveyed in Tokyo, Japan, and 13 follow-up interviews were conducted. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses confirmed the underlying factors in the EMI (English medium of instruction) Challenges Scale loaded onto a priori assumptions of dimensions falling along skill-based constructs. Analysis of questionnaire data revealed that English language proficiency (i.e. TOEIC score) was a statistically significant predictor of challenges in the EMI programme. While no clear discernible threshold was observed, the differences in perceived ease of study at different levels of English proficiency influenced the challenges students reported for each academic skill. Interview data uncovered the multi-faceted nature of how the thresholds are determined not only by language proficiency but also by other factors, such as prior content knowledge, motivation, and the classroom learning environment. Practical implications for pedagogy are also discussed.