International Business

In this course, you’ll explore and evaluate the many ways businesses can engage in international commerce. You’ll start by examining the three key decisions you need to make before going global, including using a practical model to help you select the right country. Next, you’ll dig into the various modes of exporting and importing, then learn about contract entry options like licensing and franchising. You'll then get to know foreign direct investment strategies, such as forming joint ventures, pursuing mergers, or making acquisitions. The course wraps up with a personal perspective on going global—guiding you through the process of deciding to go, preparing for your move, working and living abroad, and navigating the challenges of returning home. Upon completion, you will have the confidence, skills, and practical knowledge to take a business global, choose the best entry strategies, and thrive both professionally and personally in the international arena. This course is designed for anyone interested in international business, whether you’re already involved with businesses operating globally or you’re considering expanding abroad. It will be especially valuable if you’re looking to deepen your understanding of how companies succeed in international markets and discover the many ways you can actively participate in global business opportunities.

This course offers a comprehensive foundation in international supply chains, logistics, transportation, and service operations. In the first two modules, you will learn the fundamentals of supply chains and explore a range of international supply chain strategies. The course then introduces the internationally recognized Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model, which provides a framework for in-depth discussions on planning, sourcing, production, and distribution within global supply chains. In the third module, you will examine international logistics, focusing on the coordination and movement of materials across the globe. This includes a thorough exploration of the various modes of international transportation that make globalization possible. The final module investigates the rapid growth of service networks in international trade, providing insight into how these networks drive and support the modern global economy. By the end of the course, you will have the knowledge and perspective necessary to understand and contribute to the evolving field of international supply chains and operations. This course is ideal for anyone interested or involved in international business, especially those in supply chains, logistics, or transportation. It’s also valuable for individuals seeking employment abroad, as it covers the key forces shaping global business. Prerequisites are minimal—just an interest in international operations management and foreign currency. Basic business knowledge is helpful, but important topics are reviewed to ensure all participants can succeed.

This course on the Context of International Business invites you to explore the dynamic environments that have shaped— and continue to influence—global commerce. You will discover the rich history and powerful theories behind international trade, gaining a deep appreciation for business’s integral role on the world stage. As you delve into the forces of globalization, you will see firsthand how today’s interconnected world presents both challenges and remarkable opportunities. You will develop insights into the complex political, economic, and ethical landscapes that international businesses must navigate. By understanding current trade agreements and the crucial regulations that govern international commerce, you will be better equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving global marketplace. With this knowledge, you will be prepared not just to participate, but to lead confidently in the international arena—turning challenges into achievements and transforming aspiration into real-world success. The course is ideal for anyone interested in international business, including professionals in corporations, government agencies, NGOs, as well as students and individuals aiming for global careers. It also appeals to those interested in geopolitics, given the central role international trade plays in global affairs. With minimal prerequisites—mainly an interest in geopolitics, economics, or business—the course welcomes participants of varying backgrounds and includes refresher material to support learners as needed.

In this course, learners develop a solid understanding of how national cultures shape international human resource management, international marketing, and international business generally. The course provides an overview of international culture, human resource management (HRM), and marketing. This may seem like a peculiar grouping of topics, but successful international HR management and marketing are highly dependent on national culture. Without understanding a people’s culture, managing and selling to those people is fraught. In the first module, the many determinants of national culture are explored as well as the dimensions or characteristics of a nation’s culture. In the next module, we review the various organizational structures appropriate for international business before turning to the HR challenges of managing a diverse population of international employees. In the final two modules, we explore the many challenges of international marketing across nations and across cultures.