Online Course Modules

This section of globalEDGE provides interactive educational tools for use in the classroom or in executive training. These modules focus on multiple areas pertinent to international business and most modules include cases or anecdotes, a glossary of terms, quiz questions, and a list of references where applicable. The modules are also excellent resources to prepare for the Certified Global Business Professional Credential.

This module is the product of a partnership between the U.S. Commercial Service and the Michigan State University Center for International Business Education and Research. This module covers how to formulate a marketing strategy and research foreign markets, as well as researching the market through government agencies, development agencies, and by region. There is also a case study included in this module.

The module on Brazil provides information on: the 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.

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.

This module provides a basic understanding and analysis of the basics of doing business in India. It includes information on Indian culture and its 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 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.

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 to do business in South Korea, country and 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 of Total Quality Management.

The International Monetary Systems module provides information regarding the history of international monetary systems; the importance of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank; a definition of international money, capital, and international security markets; and an overview of the European Monetary System. A case study on Argentina’s economic crisis is also available.

The Key Industry Drivers of Globalization module provides a general understanding of issues, including the historical circumstances and the forces that currently drive globalization; regional trade agreements impacting globalization; the implication of globalization on business in the U.S.; the critical drivers for a successful global strategy; and the four fundamental forces that drive globalization.

This module is the product of a partnership between the U.S. Commercial Service and the Michigan State University Center for International Business Education and Research. The first section covers how to adapt your product to meet government regulations, country conditions, or preferences. The second section covers how to modify your product, labeling, and packaging. There is also a case study included on the company Falcon Waterfree Technologies.

The Regionalization and Trading Blocs module provides information on what globalization means, its impact on business, and the forces that are driving it; the advantages and disadvantages of globalization, as well as who is in favor of globalization and who opposes the movement; what the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) are, how they work, and what their history is; the history and purpose of some of the world’s largest and most influential Regional Agreements: NAFTA, MERCOSUR, ASEAN, and the EU; and the basic premises of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) that is currently under negotiation in North, South, and Latin America. A case study on Quebec’s language laws is also provided.

This module is the product of a partnership between the U.S. Commercial Service and the Michigan State University Center for International Business Education and Research. This module covers methods of obtaining foreign trade income, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of technology licensing and joint ventures. There is also a case study included on Spancrete Machinery Corporation.