Online Course Modules: Doing Business In

The Africa module introduces students to the region by focusing predominantly on Sub-Saharan African nations. This module does not address Northern African nations as these nations are technically part of the greater Middle East and have been discussed in another module. After reading this module, one should have a general understanding of the following: General issues in Africa that affect business prospects; business conduct in Senegal and Senegalese attempts to liberalize the economy; the emerging business climate in Rwanda and the role of women in the economy; a general understanding of the economic implications from the recent violence in Kenya; how to conduct business in South Africa; and a general understanding of how AIDS affects economic growth in Africa. A case study on AIDS in Africa is included in this module.

The module on Brazil provides one with information on: the enormous potential for doing business here; cultural practices; tips, tools, and information about typical practices in daily business; the state of logistics and transportation; current political and social issues facing the country; and important business factors that directly affect costs of doing business, including the labor force and taxes. Included is also a case study on the Amazon rainforest.

This module provides a basic understanding and analysis of the basics of doing business in India. It includes information on understanding the Indian culture and business environment, business etiquette and practices, business negotiations, and the current investment climate in India. Additionally, the module offers a case study on entrepreneurship and new ventures in India.

The China module should provide one with a general understanding of the following: China’s market potential and hot industries; its culture and people; common situations that arise when conducting business in China; current obstacles and opportunities in logistics; the historical and current problems faced by the economy; and economic and political factors that affect the costs of doing business in China. A case study focusing on China’s rural dilemma is incorporated into this module.

The Japan module should provide one with an understanding of: Japanese social and business cultures; market potential and hot industries; how to deal with business customs and common business situations; and the current characteristics of the Japanese marketing and supply chain industries. A case study on the Japanese economic recovery is provided in this module.

The Latin America module provides one with an understanding of: the enormous potential for doing business in Latin America, as well as the barriers to conducting business there; the history and importance of Mercosur to business in this region; the cultural environment; steps taken to improve the economic well-being of this region; techniques, tactics, and tips to help when negotiating in Latin America; and sale or purchase expectations when making a business trip. Also included is a case study on Central America and the Caribbean islands.

Doing Business in Russia offers a general overview of the conditions for doing business in Russia today. It includes sections covering Russian social and business cultures, marketing distribution and sales channels in Russia, and supply chain management, as well as information on the costs of doing business in Russia and issues currently facing the country. This module also includes a case study on Russia’s Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure.

The module on South Korea provides a general overview on the following: Why do business in South Korea; culture in South Korea; business culture; growth industries; and issues facing South Korea. This module will help already established exporters as well as fledgling exporters better understand the culture and business culture in this region. This module also includes a case study on the business practice Total Quality Management.

The Southeast Asia module provides one with insight into: the benefits of doing business here and the region’s hot industries; the functions of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its impact on international business; the diversity of Southeast Asian cultures and the impact of foreign civilizations on their development; common business practices; the basic logistics environment, including the characteristics of local distribution; and the obstacles for these countries to achieve economic integration and grow their economies. A case study on the economic integration challenges ASEAN has faced is also incorporated into this module.

The European Union module allows one to gain insight into the reasons for doing business in the European Union as well as doing business in several EU countries: France, the United Kingdom, Greece and Romania. The module also contains a case study that looks at the differences between Old Europe and New Europe.

The Middle East module provides one with a general understanding of the following: hot industries and business opportunities in the Middle East; its business culture (including issues such as punctuality and gift giving); doing business specifically in Egypt, Israel, and Turkey (including major trends, hot industries, proper business conduct, and current business opportunities); and the major political risks of doing business in the Middle East, which could be potential costs. A case study on the economic diversification of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) is also included.