Course title: Globalization of Business

Department of Technology and Business

Semester: Spring Semester 2015

Name of lecturer: Professor Craig S. O’Connor, Georgetown University

Course code: BKIB201Type of course: CompulsoryYear of Study: 1st

Number of credits: 6

Objective of the course:This course will seek to deepen insight into globalization of business and on how businesses become and remain international in scope. It covers the philosophy, concepts and principles of managing international enterprises, both large and small. Case studies are used extensively to illustrate the issues faced and approaches used by global companies.

Goals of the Course:1. To gain an understanding and appreciation of the globalization of the world marketplace and its diversity.

2. To present ways in which international firms cope with economic conditions; finance and accounting practices; marketing and advertising practices; local, national and international politics; and personnel and management problems arising from cultural and ethical variants.

3. To develop a working knowledge of the national and multilateral institutions active in international business.

4. To expose students to the present and future opportunities in international business and emerging markets. Learning methods and course implementation:The course includes lectures, uncompelled reading of the presentation and case studies included in the course packet, and writing of essays. Also students are required to take a part in workshops and/or projects. Course evaluation: Participation activity in contact days (20%), group assignments (20%), and individual assignments (60%). 

Lecturing times: 14-16.5.2015

Course Schedule

14 May 2015

10:00 – 10:30 Introduction to the Course

10:30 – 13:30 Globalization of Business Productivity and National Competitiveness

13:45 – 17:00 Big Emerging Markets: China and India

17:00 – 19:00 Big Emerging Markets: Russia and Brazil

15 May 2015

10:00 – 12:30 Cultural Issues in Global Business

12:30 – 15:30 International Marketing and Strategy

15:30 – 17:00 Case Study – Zara: Fast Fashion and Global Business

17:00 – 19:00 University of Hong Kong Case Study: L’Oreal – Expansion in China

16 May 2015

10:00 – 12:00 International Trade & Project Finance; Managing Foreign Exchange Risk

12:00 - 14:00 International Financial Institutions: World Bank; European Bank for Reconstruction & Development; Asian Development Bank; International Finance Corporation, etc

14:00 – 15:30 Harvard Business School Case Study – Ponsse: From Finland to Global

15:30 – 17:00 Ivey School of Business Case Study - Marimekko (A Focus on Growing International Sales)

17:00 – 19:00 Final Examination

Instructor Biography

Craig O'Connor has served as an Adjunct Professor of International Business at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. since the spring semester of 1997. He also serves as a Professor of Project Finance in Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. Professor O'Connor designed the Special Topics Course: Marketing Strategies for Emerging Markets offered in the MBA Program for the first time in the Fall of 2009. In 2003, Professor O'Connor received the Georgetown University Dean’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Faculty Teaching.

Professor O'Connor has taught Globalization of Business at Centria University of Applied Sciences in Kokkola in May 2008, May 2011, and May 2013, and taught Business Policy and Strategy in November 2008.

Professor O’Connor has worked as a full-time professional for the Export-Import Bank of the United States in Washington, D.C. since January 1993. He currently serves as the Director of Business Development for Ex-Im Bank’s Alternative Energy Group within the Project and Structured Finance Division. He works closely with renewable energy exporters, international customers, and project developers to create “Bankable” project structures. In 2008, he created the Bank’s Renewable Energy Business Development Initiative. In the years since this Initiative was launched the Bank has authorized over $2 billion in support of renewable energy exports.

Professor O’Connor began his career at the Bank in January 1993, as the Loan Officer for the Middle East and North Africa, was appointed as the Bank’s Environmental Liaison Officer in 1994, and served as a Director for International Business Development from 1998-2008, where he covered the Asia Pacific and Latin America Regions.

Mr. O’Connor’s academic background includes a BA in Finance from the University of Missouri, and an MBA with a concentration in International Business from American University in Washington, DC.