Kent State University

May 11-21, 2003

Course Description: This course offers the student an introduction into applied international business by examining opportunities and challenges in the European market as viewed from the perspective of Switzerland (a non-European Union country. The student will be expected to research and prepare for the trip and assess pre-trip conclusions and post-trip opportunities and challenges.

Course Objectives:

a. To introduce the students to some of the U.S. and in-country resources available to assist entrepreneurs considering international business opportunities;

b. To have the student experience the planning process for international business travel;

c. To introduce the students to the European market;

d. To examine and experience various cultural and historical components to doing business in Switzerland and Liechtenstein through an in-country itinerary; and

e. To visit selected agencies and organizations that could facilitate business opportunities within the region.

Instructors:

a. Dr. Charles Nieman (cnieman@kent.edu)

b. Dr. Frederick “Rick” Schroath (fschroat@kent.edu)

Expectations:

a. The student is expected to be an active learner prior to and throughout the trip. This course will build upon previous EMBA courses with an emphasis on the interaction of business, culture, and history in an international environment. The itinerary has been deliberately constructed to offer the student multiple perspectives for doing business in the European market; e.g., business, governmental, financial, academic, political, historical, and personal.

b. The student is expected to complete pre- and post-trip assignments as

listed in the course requirements below.

c. The student is expected to be punctual to all scheduled activities and to exhibit appropriate behavior throughout the trip.

IBE Assignment Premise: Each IBE student was recently hired, or reassigned, with the student’s current employer to research business development and/or expansion opportunities in Europe. Following initial research and preparation and an “on-the-ground” evaluation visit to prospective sites in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, recommendations are to be developed, submitted and defended.

Pre-Trip Research:

o Visit general informational websites on Switzerland

o Visit the websites for the individual visits as listed on the itinerary and prepare questions to be posed during the actual visits.

o Research 1-2 promising companies related to your type of business in Switzerland and make appropriate contacts and appointments for visiting these companies on May 16.

Post-Trip Analysis and Recommendation(s) – Papers due May 30, 2003

a. Prepare a brief assessment of “Why Switzerland?” that contains a country analysis that your company or industry might use to make a decision to locate (or not to locate) a facility or operation in Switzerland. Maximum: three pages (bullet points are acceptable where appropriate).

b. Prepare a “trip report” summarizing your company visit(s) and offering conclusions and recommendations. Whatever your recommendation(s), provide support in the form of a bullet-point presentation not to exceed three pages (i.e., view this as the executive summary for the formal report).

Post-trip oral defense and critique – Friday evening, June 20, 2003 (Room 324/26)

Cancelled.

All papers are to be prepared double-spaced using a maximum 12-point font. Papers are to be submitted to Dr. Charles L. Nieman, Kent State University, Center for International and Comparative Studies, P.O. Box 5190, Kent, Ohio 44242-0001. Submissions can be made by: 1) mail; 2) fax [330-672-4025]; or, 3) e-mail attachment cnieman@kent.edu

Grading: Grades will be reflective of the level of analytical/critical thought presented and the clarity of communication. The final IBE grade will be calculated on the following allocation:

Post-Trip Analysis (Why Switzerland?) 30%
Executive Summary for Trip Report 40%
In-country participation 30%