International Business specialization:

International Business

The international business specialization equips students in the art of business leadership from a global perspective. An MBA with an international focus gives students the expertise and confidence to take their business career goals to a global level.

Students will be introduced to a range of business courses such as marketing, finance, accounting, human resources, economics, and operations. These fundamental business courses accompany student’s specialized international courses to give them an overall understanding of any professional business workforce.

The School of Business also offers an English as a Second Language International (ESLI) Pre-Masters Program which is ideal for international students with an interest in business but need to excel in their English skills. This three-semester program prepares international students for the international specialization of the MBA. There are three start dates for this program: January, May or September.

  • Courses
  • Schedule
  • Highlights

Courses

CORE BUSINESS COURSES

MBA 501 Marketing Management

The course explores the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline of marketing in order to develop a conceptual framework to critique the practice of marketing in the early 21st century. The course utilizes extensive case analysis techniques to enhance the manager’s ability to develop and critique marketing plans in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.

MBA 521 Managerial Accounting

Managerial Accounting provides managers with an understanding of internal reporting of operating results, including the tools they need to interpret key financial information and improve overall performance. Management accounting plays a vital decision making role in today’s lean organization. Topics include cost concepts and applications, cost-volume-profit relationships, product costing, budgeting, and standard costing.

MBA 525 Managerial Economics

The course applies economic theories and quantitative methods to management decision making. Solutions for many important management decision problems in the areas of product selection, pricing, investment, and organization design can be found in managerial economics using relevant economic theories and quantitative methods. Topics include theory of the firm, theory of consumer demand, industrial organization, game theory, forecasting, statistical estimation, decision making under uncertainty, capital budgeting.

MBA 542 Managerial Finance

The course provides an opportunity for the manager to develop good understanding in the area of capital investment and financing. The capital investment decision allocates scarce resources to projects in the organization and involves asset valuation, capital budgeting, risk management, working capital management, and performance assessment. The financing decision chooses sources of cash to finance the investment decisions and involves capital structure, financial instruments, the risk-return trade-off, financial planning, and the cost of capital. Ethical considerations and management in the global context from a Christian worldview are integrated into these topics.

MBA 552 Human Resource Management

This course focuses on the strategic use of human resource practices to reinforce and support the core capabilities of the organization. The course reviews the functions of human resource management, organizational behaviour, and organizational theory within a business and a non-profit setting, with a special emphasis on doing business in the global marketplace. The course examines how organizations plan for, attract, retain, and manage employees for a sustained competitive advantage.

MBA 570 Information and Knowledge Management Systems

This course provides an overview and understanding of the issues involved in the strategic management of the information and knowledge assets of national, international, and transnational organizations. The course examines a broad range of issues and problems associated with information systems (IS) and knowledge management systems (KMS) and their alignment with the strategic goals of an organization. The course includes a comparative study of present theories with particular attention to the role of computer-based information and knowledge management systems in the organizational policy of a variety of business, government and other institutions.

MBA 571 Operations Management

This course considers the various operative models by which firms attempt to create value. We assume that business operations are conducted to realize the aims of the business strategy. Toward that end, students develop the skills and the thinking necessary to maximize the effectiveness of the operations. Topics include quality, production/supply chain planning, production/supply chain execution, process design, and project management. Analytical methods are introduced when appropriate. Specific consideration is given to the correct management of the service content of the firm’s products.

MBA 593 Christian Leadership and Ethics

The course explores a Christian perspective on business and how it impacts management and leadership of organizations. The course introduces students to cutting edge leadership theory, techniques, and tools. Topics include general leadership principles, motivation and behavioural change, decision making, vision setting, understanding group dynamics, team building, communication processes, understanding power, and conflict resolution. The course includes a self-assessment of leadership skills and focuses on Christian values and ethics in the marketplace, surveying Christian perspectives of morality as they relate to particular business leadership issues. This includes examination of ethical issues arising in the areas of corporate social responsibility, dispute resolution, employee rights, advertising and the use of information technology.

MBA 684 Business Strategy

The course focuses on competitive strategy at the corporate and business unit level. Strategy development is highly complex and this course helps students to develop skills that identify issues and properly address them. The format of the class is designed for thought and practice on the part of each student. Key topics include: learning curve, relative market share, value chain; Porter’s 5 Forces, BCG, GE, PIMS, EVA and other such concepts; mission statement, competitive positioning, SWOT and other aspects of analyzing one’s own organization; forecasting – sources of information, trends, and analysis; critically analyzing situations and persuasively presenting solutions to various audiences; ethics and corporate responsibilities; and implementation strategies.

SPECIALIZATION COURSES – INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

MBA 661 Global Economic Competitiveness

The course includes the study of the competitiveness of companies in different countries and regions given ever-changing economic conditions and government policies. General trends in the increasingly interdependent global economy are reviewed. With an integrated global economy, the production process is increasingly fragmented, and the implications of this fragmentation on competitiveness are reviewed. Other topics included i the course are: the emergence of the Chinese and Indian economies and their impact on the global economy, the acceleration of regional economic integration in Europe, North America and Asia and the implication of such for the global economy.

MBA 662 Managing a Global Organization

The course examines a number of issues particularly critical to the management of international businesses or multinational firms. These topics include an examination of comparative management practices including similarities and differences in cross cultural management styles; a comparison of Pacific Rim, European Union and North American value systems; analysis of best practices and their impact in industries such as automotive, electronics, education, and medical services. It also includes discussion of current international business issues including the future of globalization, the impact of outsourcing, and particular areas of corporate risk including foreign exchange and the political/social climate; and an exploration of current economic and business planning in multilingual organizations.

MBA 663 International Business Law

The course examines the legal regime within which international businesses operate. It includes topics such as international dispute resolution, understanding treaties and conventions, GATT rules, international contract issues, and intellectual property concerns. It also explores how a Christian worldview may impact a person doing business internationally including such areas as developing trust based relationships, dealing with corporate and government corruption, facing bribery issues, and employment issues with foreign employees.

MBA 664 International Finance and Accounting

This course explores important accounting and finance issues for firms operating in a multinational environment. The course provides an overview of international differences in accounting and financial reporting and the need for international harmonization of accounting standards. It particularly examines accounting and finance issues faced by corporations operating in the United States, Europe, and the Pacific Rim. The course also explores the implication of governments, standard setting bodies and other regulators in both developed and emerging markets increasingly requiring the use of IFRS either by listed companies or all companies.

MBA 665 Comparative International Management (Travel Course)

This course provides a direct introduction to global business practices. The course normally is taught as part of an overseas travel experience. This provides students with experiential as well as classroom learning and enables students to better grasp the differences in cultures and the management techniques of each.  There is an additional travel fee for this course.

Schedule

The International Specialization is offered in a unique format designed to be completed in approximately 12 months. One course is offered approximately each month in an intensive residency model. Typically a student prepares during the week before the course. The course is then offered all-day over five days, Monday-to-Friday, of the next week. All subsequent coursework and assignments are then completed by the student over the next 2-4 weeks after the course is delivered. Course schedules and assignment due dates are designed with the other courses in mind. This format allows the program to be very flexible so that students may begin the program in most any month of the year.

Highlights

Flexible Start Date:

The International Specialization is offered in a unique format which allows students to begin the program in most any month of the year. By offering one course per month (approximately), students can select which month they would like to enroll. With such a flexible program, students can choose from a wide range of start dates to fit their personal plans.

Complete Your MBA in 12 months:

The International Specialization allows students to complete the entire MBA degree within approximately 12 months (Beginning the program during a few select months requires 1 - 2 months longer to complete the program).

Small Class Size and Diverse International Cohort:

The International Specialization prides itself in its small, diverse cohort of students. Each class has between 18-26 students from all over the world. Given it’s growing popularity, our students come from many different countries representing most regions of the world.

International Experience Travel Course:

The MBA program offers a unique experience for students who want to learn more outside the classroom with the Comparative International Management course. Students travel to key regions around the globe comparing management strategies and leadership approaches across regions and cultures. In addition to studying and enjoying the rich culture and history, during the 2 – 3 week trip we visit both multi-national and local companies, exploring their business models and strategies. Interactive sessions with senior leaders provide a rich opportunity to learn first-hand how to manage an enterprise in the global marketplace. Recent trips have included travel to Germany, Austria, Italy, and France with meetings at the following companies:

  • BMW
  • Lamborghini
  • Maserati
  • Ducati Motorcycles
  • FIAT Group Automobiles
  • Bombardier Transportation
  • Ratti Silk
  • Heindl Chocolates
  • LavAzza Group (coffee)
  • Gruppo-Coin Department Stores