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International Business and Management Current Courses

Spring 2024

Course Code Title/Instructor Meets
INBM 100-01 Fundamentals of Business
Instructor: Steve Riccio
Course Description:
This course features an introductory focus on a wide range of business subjects including the following: business in a global environment; forms of business ownership including small businesses, partnerships, multinational and domestic corporations, joint ventures, and franchises; management decision making; ethics; marketing; accounting; management information systems; human resources; finance; business law; taxation; uses of the internet in business; and how all of the above are integrated into running a successful business. You will learn how a company gets ideas, develops products, raises money, makes its products, sells them and accounts for the money earned and spent. This course will not fulfill a distribution requirement.
09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
ALTHSE 207
INBM 100-02 Fundamentals of Business
Instructor: Steve Riccio
Course Description:
This course features an introductory focus on a wide range of business subjects including the following: business in a global environment; forms of business ownership including small businesses, partnerships, multinational and domestic corporations, joint ventures, and franchises; management decision making; ethics; marketing; accounting; management information systems; human resources; finance; business law; taxation; uses of the internet in business; and how all of the above are integrated into running a successful business. You will learn how a company gets ideas, develops products, raises money, makes its products, sells them and accounts for the money earned and spent. This course will not fulfill a distribution requirement.
10:30 AM-11:45 AM, TR
ALTHSE 207
INBM 110-01 Fundamentals of Accounting
Instructor: Joy Middaugh
Course Description:
This is a core course designed to provide students with a fundamental knowledge of the "language of business" and its applications for decision-making purposes. The course is organized into three sections. In the first section students learn about the accounting cycle- essentially the analysis and recording of financial transactions and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The second section of the course focuses on the analysis and interpretation of financial statements. This section emphasizes the use of financial information by external stakeholders for decision making. The third section of the course concentrates on the fundamentals of management accounting. This section centers on the use of accounting information for operational performance evaluation as well as operational and capital decision making. By the end of the course, students will understand the basic principles and concepts of accounting, the business and economic activities that generate accounting information, how accounting information is used by internal and external stakeholders for economic decision making, and how accounting affects society and individuals.
09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
ALTHSE 08
INBM 110-02 Fundamentals of Accounting
Instructor: Joy Middaugh
Course Description:
This is a core course designed to provide students with a fundamental knowledge of the "language of business" and its applications for decision-making purposes. The course is organized into three sections. In the first section students learn about the accounting cycle- essentially the analysis and recording of financial transactions and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The second section of the course focuses on the analysis and interpretation of financial statements. This section emphasizes the use of financial information by external stakeholders for decision making. The third section of the course concentrates on the fundamentals of management accounting. This section centers on the use of accounting information for operational performance evaluation as well as operational and capital decision making. By the end of the course, students will understand the basic principles and concepts of accounting, the business and economic activities that generate accounting information, how accounting information is used by internal and external stakeholders for economic decision making, and how accounting affects society and individuals.
10:30 AM-11:45 AM, TR
ALTHSE 08
INBM 220-01 Managerial Decision Making
Instructor: Steve Erfle
Course Description:
Applies the principles and methods of economics to analyze problems faced by managers in a business or other type of organization. This course emphasizes how managers can (and should) use economic tools to further the objectives of the organization. Emphasis is on application of theory to actual business decisions. Many applications will require students to build economic models using spreadsheets, just as they will be required to do in a business setting. Prerequisite: ECON 111 and INBM 110.
09:00 AM-10:15 AM, TR
ALTHSE 204
09:30 AM-10:20 AM, F
ALTHSE 204
INBM 230-01 International Organizational Behavior
Instructor: Dengjian Jin
Course Description:
This course looks at how human systems function within the structure of the organization and how individual and group behaviors affect collective organizational culture and organizational effectiveness. Students study individual, interpersonal, and group processes; the relationship between attitudes and behavior; ethical decision-making; and the management of organizational conflict and change. Approaches for developing leadership, managing conflict, communicating effectively, enhancing efficiency, and encouraging organizational adaption to changing environments are explored. Examples taken from domestic and international organizations are used throughout the course. Prerequisite: 100 or permission of the instructor.
11:30 AM-12:20 PM, MWF
ALTHSE 109
INBM 240-01 Marketing in a Global Context
Instructor: Xiaolu Wang
Course Description:
The primary objective of this course is to identify how companies identify and satisfy their customers' needs. Not only are the "4p's of marketing" covered (product, price, promotional programs like advertising and public relations, and place or distribution), but working with a specific semester-long case, you will learn how to manage an integrated marketing program. We will also examine other important aspects of marketing: market research, new product development, consumer behavior, ethics, competitive analysis and strategic planning, and marketing internationally and on the Internet. Field trips and videos are used to reinforce the ideas presented in the classroom. Prerequisite: 100 or permission of the instructor. 110 is recommended but not required.
01:30 PM-02:45 PM, TF
ALTHSE 207
INBM 240-02 Marketing in a Global Context
Instructor: Xiaolu Wang
Course Description:
The primary objective of this course is to identify how companies identify and satisfy their customers' needs. Not only are the "4p's of marketing" covered (product, price, promotional programs like advertising and public relations, and place or distribution), but working with a specific semester-long case, you will learn how to manage an integrated marketing program. We will also examine other important aspects of marketing: market research, new product development, consumer behavior, ethics, competitive analysis and strategic planning, and marketing internationally and on the Internet. Field trips and videos are used to reinforce the ideas presented in the classroom. Prerequisite: 100 or permission of the instructor. 110 is recommended but not required.
03:00 PM-04:15 PM, TF
ALTHSE 207
INBM 250-01 Finance
Instructor: Mengnan Zhu
Course Description:
Knowledge of finance will allow students to adopt the perspective of financial officers in both for-profit as well as not-for-profit organizations. This knowledge is needed to evaluate the health of an organization using key performance indicators and making ethical decisions that involve both short-run and long-run planning horizons. In the short run, this knowledge helps to effectively carry out business functions such as managing cash flow, borrowing money for short periods of time, and keeping control over inventory. In the long run, it helps to choose among competing investment projects and alternative, efficient methods of raising capital. Also, as individuals, knowledge of basic finance will help students to make better-informed decisions concerning their personal financial situations. Apart from covering the fundamentals of financial markets, instruments and institutions, this course will emphasize critical thinking based on quantitative reasoning and decision-making skills. This will include the use of elementary statistical and algebraic methods to investigate fundamental principles of theoretical finance such as the relationship between risk and reward and the pricing of capital assets. Apart from basic theory, knowledge of the hands-on aspects of financial modeling will be imparted via use of spreadsheet software packages such as Microsoft EXCEL; whereby students will be encouraged to create and analyze computational models to test and demonstrate some of the theoretical concepts taught. Prerequisites: ECON 111 and INBM 110.
09:30 AM-10:20 AM, MWF
ALTHSE 109
INBM 250-02 Finance
Instructor: Mengnan Zhu
Course Description:
Knowledge of finance will allow students to adopt the perspective of financial officers in both for-profit as well as not-for-profit organizations. This knowledge is needed to evaluate the health of an organization using key performance indicators and making ethical decisions that involve both short-run and long-run planning horizons. In the short run, this knowledge helps to effectively carry out business functions such as managing cash flow, borrowing money for short periods of time, and keeping control over inventory. In the long run, it helps to choose among competing investment projects and alternative, efficient methods of raising capital. Also, as individuals, knowledge of basic finance will help students to make better-informed decisions concerning their personal financial situations. Apart from covering the fundamentals of financial markets, instruments and institutions, this course will emphasize critical thinking based on quantitative reasoning and decision-making skills. This will include the use of elementary statistical and algebraic methods to investigate fundamental principles of theoretical finance such as the relationship between risk and reward and the pricing of capital assets. Apart from basic theory, knowledge of the hands-on aspects of financial modeling will be imparted via use of spreadsheet software packages such as Microsoft EXCEL; whereby students will be encouraged to create and analyze computational models to test and demonstrate some of the theoretical concepts taught. Prerequisites: ECON 111 and INBM 110.
10:30 AM-11:20 AM, MWF
ALTHSE 109
INBM 290-01 Global Business: Theory and Context
Instructor: Forrest Watson
Course Description:
This course explores the macro-contextual factors that confront managers of a business organization, the possible implications of those factors for organizational performance, and the choices managers make within that context. The macro-context for any firm consists of a combination of political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors. In the current era, awareness of context is increasingly important for students and practitioners alike. Topics in the course include climate change; the revolution in information technology; global population dynamics; regional and global economic integration; international trade and investment; exchange rate dynamics; and collaboration among businesses and other organizations. In keeping with Dickinsons evolving educational priorities, the course also includes conversation about the ethical, social, and ecological responsibilities of a global enterprise. The course builds on the knowledge gained in other 200-level INBM courses and provides a bridge between those courses and the INBM Senior Seminar. Prerequisites: ECON 111, 112; INBM 100; and three of the following courses: INBM 220, 230, 240 and 250.
01:30 PM-02:45 PM, MR
ALTHSE 109
INBM 290-02 Global Business: Theory and Context
Instructor: Forrest Watson
Course Description:
This course explores the macro-contextual factors that confront managers of a business organization, the possible implications of those factors for organizational performance, and the choices managers make within that context. The macro-context for any firm consists of a combination of political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors. In the current era, awareness of context is increasingly important for students and practitioners alike. Topics in the course include climate change; the revolution in information technology; global population dynamics; regional and global economic integration; international trade and investment; exchange rate dynamics; and collaboration among businesses and other organizations. In keeping with Dickinsons evolving educational priorities, the course also includes conversation about the ethical, social, and ecological responsibilities of a global enterprise. The course builds on the knowledge gained in other 200-level INBM courses and provides a bridge between those courses and the INBM Senior Seminar. Prerequisites: ECON 111, 112; INBM 100; and three of the following courses: INBM 220, 230, 240 and 250.
03:00 PM-04:15 PM, MR
ALTHSE 109
INBM 300-01 Applied Empirical Data Analysis
Instructor: Steve Erfle
Course Description:
Cross-listed with ECON 314-02. This course provides students with the opportunity to undertake their own empirical investigation on topics of their choice. Students are welcome to use the information that I have gathered but they are also encouraged to obtain and analyze data of their choosing, subject to professor approval. Students have access to start of year and end of year physical activity and stature measures for more than 10,000 middle school students, two thirds of whom had daily PE, as well as school district level data for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and APFT data from West Point Cadets. Various statistical software packages are used. The class culminates in presenting your own findings in a poster presentation that is open to the public.
12:30 PM-03:30 PM, W
ALTHSE 204
INBM 300-02 Real Estate Finance and Investments
Instructor: Qing Bai
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to the concepts, principles, and analytical tools useful for making investment decisions regarding real estate assets. A key objective of this course is to recognize the unique features of real estate that distinguish it from stock and bond investments. It also surveys the major public real estate investment vehicles, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and mortgage-backed securities (MBS).
09:30 AM-10:20 AM, MWF
ALTHSE 110
INBM 300-03 Real Estate Finance and Investments
Instructor: Qing Bai
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to the concepts, principles, and analytical tools useful for making investment decisions regarding real estate assets. A key objective of this course is to recognize the unique features of real estate that distinguish it from stock and bond investments. It also surveys the major public real estate investment vehicles, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and mortgage-backed securities (MBS).
10:30 AM-11:20 AM, MWF
ALTHSE 110
INBM 300-04 Introduction to Cost Accounting
Instructor: Joy Middaugh
Course Description:
The primary objective(s) of cost accounting are to: (1) calculate the information necessary for GAAP inventory costing and (2) provide the information necessary for managerial decision-making. In the internal management accounting function, as opposed to the public accounting function, the managerial accountant is a very important and active player in the management team. The information necessary for decision-making must be gathered, analyzed, presented, and communicated in order to serve the varying decision-making needs of various managers. This course introduces accounting concepts for planning, control, motivation, internal reporting, and evaluation. Topics included are product cost determination procedures, analysis of cost behavior, budgeting, costs for decision making and control, and responsibility accounting. Emphasis will be on the internal decision maker's uses of information generated by the accounting system.
12:30 PM-03:30 PM, W
STERN 11
INBM 300-05 Marketing for Social Impact
Instructor: Forrest Watson
Course Description:
Private, public, and third sector firms increasingly use marketing strategies to create social impact among their stakeholders. In this course, students will learn how social marketing techniques are used to influence individuals or groups to change their behavior in ways that benefit society. We will address global issues that impact society (e.g., environmental sustainability, health behaviors, racial inequalities, etc.), consider the complexity of systemic problems, and debate the ethics of behavior change. We will also consider corporate social initiatives to engage their customers in social good. Students will develop a real-world social marketing plan to benefit the community.
12:30 PM-03:30 PM, W
ALTHSE 207
INBM 300-06 Corporate and Entrepreneurial Finance
Instructor: Mengnan Zhu
Course Description:
This course aims to provide knowledge of the major challenges affecting the financial policy of a corporation with an emphasis on both firm management's and venture capitalist's perspectives. The goal is to prepare participants for a modern business environment characterized by information asymmetry and uncertainty. We will first review seminal theoretical and analytical concepts related to security pricing, project valuation, and capital structure. Then, we focus on issues faced by financial managers (such as investment, financing, and payout policy decisions), and by venture capitalists (such as timing, amount, valuation, and exit decisions). Upon completing the course, participants will have developed a deep understanding of quantitative skills and logical thought processes necessary to appropriately identify, formulate, and implement business decisions as entrepreneurs, managements, and venture capitalists.
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, W
ALTHSE 08
INBM 300-07 Consumer Behavior
Instructor: Wade Mansell
Course Description:
Marketing requires an understanding of the needs, wants, and values of consumers. This course is designed to introduce students to the psychology of consumption and provide tools for understanding how individuals make decisions in marketplace contexts. In this course, we will draw upon a research-based curriculum to explore how motivation, attitude, attention, memory, cultural background, emotion, and other factors shape consumer behavior. We will learn how consumers process information and use products to solve problems. Additionally, we will explore the insights that marketing reveals about the workings of the consumer mind.
01:30 PM-02:45 PM, TF
ALTHSE 08
INBM 300-08 Consumer Behavior
Instructor: Wade Mansell
Course Description:
Marketing requires an understanding of the needs, wants, and values of consumers. This course is designed to introduce students to the psychology of consumption and provide tools for understanding how individuals make decisions in marketplace contexts. In this course, we will draw upon a research-based curriculum to explore how motivation, attitude, attention, memory, cultural background, emotion, and other factors shape consumer behavior. We will learn how consumers process information and use products to solve problems. Additionally, we will explore the insights that marketing reveals about the workings of the consumer mind.
03:00 PM-04:15 PM, TF
ALTHSE 08
INBM 400-01 Seminar in International Business Policy and Strategy
Instructor: Dengjian Jin
Course Description:
This capstone course focuses on the challenges associated with formulating strategy in multinational organizations. The course will examine multinational business decisions from the perspective of top managers who must develop strategies, deploy resources, and guide organizations that compete in a global environment. Major topics include foreign market entry strategies, motivation and challenges of internationalization, the analysis of international industries, building competitive advantage in global industries, and the role of the country manager. Case studies will be used to increase the student's understanding of the complexities of managing international business operations. Prerequisite: Completion of INBM 290 and at least three of the four 200-level courses (220, 230, 240, 250).
01:30 PM-04:30 PM, W
ALTHSE 07
INBM 400-02 Seminar in International Business Policy and Strategy
Instructor: Xiaolu Wang
Course Description:
This capstone course focuses on the challenges associated with formulating strategy in multinational organizations. The course will examine multinational business decisions from the perspective of top managers who must develop strategies, deploy resources, and guide organizations that compete in a global environment. Major topics include foreign market entry strategies, motivation and challenges of internationalization, the analysis of international industries, building competitive advantage in global industries, and the role of the country manager. Case studies will be used to increase the student's understanding of the complexities of managing international business operations. Prerequisite: Completion of INBM 290 and at least three of the four 200-level courses (220, 230, 240, 250).
01:30 PM-02:45 PM, MR
ALTHSE 206
INBM 400-03 Seminar in International Business Policy and Strategy
Instructor: Steve Riccio
Course Description:
This capstone course focuses on the challenges associated with formulating strategy in multinational organizations. The course will examine multinational business decisions from the perspective of top managers who must develop strategies, deploy resources, and guide organizations that compete in a global environment. Major topics include foreign market entry strategies, motivation and challenges of internationalization, the analysis of international industries, building competitive advantage in global industries, and the role of the country manager. Case studies will be used to increase the student's understanding of the complexities of managing international business operations. Prerequisite: Completion of INBM 290 and at least three of the four 200-level courses (220, 230, 240, 250).
01:30 PM-02:45 PM, MR
ALTHSE 110
INBM 500-01 A Cost-benefit Analysis of Investment Decision under ESG Pressure: Energy Sector
Instructor: Mengnan Zhu
Course Description:

INBM 550-01 Best Practices in Small Business Marketing
Instructor: Steve Riccio
Course Description: