NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
Stern School of Business – Undergraduate Division
International Study Project (Spring 2007)
Latin American Division
http://sternclasses.nyu.edu
Instructors (jointly teaching all four sections)
|Name |Sunder Narayanan |V. Srivatsan |
|Office |901 Tisch |KMC 8-85 |
|Phone |(212) 998-0541 |(212) 998-0427 |
|Stern E-mail |snarayan |vsrivats |
|Office hours |By appointment |By appointment |
Course Information
|Section |C50.0011.04 |C50.0011.05 |C50.0011.12 |C50.0011.13 |
|Meeting Time |MW 11:00-12:15 |MW 2:00-3:15 |TR 2:00-3:15 |TR 3:30-4:45 |
|Classroom |KMC 4-90 |Tisch UC-63 |Tisch UC-63 |Tisch UC-63 |
|Company | | | | |
|Teaching Fellow | | | | |
|TF Stern Email | | | | |
|TF Office Hours | | | | |
COURSE DESCRIPtion
The International Study Project (ISP) course is intended to follow the Economics of Global Business (EGB) course. The central objective of the EGB course was to introduce students to the causes and consequences of economic globalization. Towards the end of the EGB course, however, the fact that there are major differences in the institutional context within which business is conducted in different national settings was analyzed in terms of group projects. These differences are driven by historical, political, legal, social, and cultural forces as well as economic realities, and can result in significant divergence in actual national goals, policies and economic achievements compared to what would be predicted by global economic reasoning alone.
The main objective of the ISP course is to enrich students’ understanding of variations in the business climate and institutional context of nations and the impact of these variations on national economic growth, globalization and the management challenges faced by local and multinational firms. Pursuit of that objective will start by developing a framework for country analysis that can be applied to understanding the economic performance of any country in the world, and the challenges, opportunities and risks to firms of doing business in any country in the world. Classroom time will be spent applying this framework to several countries in Latin America. Pursuit of the main objective of the course will then proceed with a visit to Santiago, Chile, during which students will be able to observe directly how the institutions there impact how business is done. While in Santiago, students will listen to and participate in presentations with company managers headquartered there, faculty and students teaching and studying there, and local government officials. In addition, students will have time on their own to explore some of the history and main sights in and around Santiago.
The course will culminate in a school-wide competition among student teams from all sections of the International Study Project course. The competition will require that each team prepare and present a report that diagnoses the major performance problems and opportunities facing the company visited, and makes strategic recommendations to its management addressing those problems and opportunities. Finally, the course requires an individual paper at the end of the term. In the Latin American sections, this paper will involve making strategic recommendations, following an analysis, of a not-for-profit in Chile that tries to promote Chile’s international competitiveness.
REQUIRED MATERIAL
Readings Packet 1. Chapters 2, 3, 12 and 14 from International Business, 6th ed. by Charles Hill. [Bookstore and ebook options are both available]
Only ebook option available for the following Chile readings: 2. Country Analysis: HBS Note # 9-797-092 3. MontGras: Export Strategy for a Chilean Winery. HBS Case # 503044 4. Fundacion Chile: Creating Innovative Enterprises. HBS # BAB089
Ebook options:
• Go to: www.ebooks.primisonline.com • Select Custom E-Books • Select the Country: USA • Select the State: NY • Select the School: New York University • Select the Course: o To buy the Hill Readings, select – International Study Project – Spring 07 o To buy the Chile Readings, select – International Study Project Readings – Chile • Follow the purchasing information
EVALUATION
Assignment Weight
Class & trip participation 20%
Quiz 20%
Individual Company Report 15%
Group project 30% a. Company questions 5% b. Project presentations 25%
Individual Case analysis 15%
Class and Trip Participation (20%) Attendance during class activity and the trip to Chile is a very important component of the learning process in this course. You are only allowed to miss the trip after obtaining written permission from the Dean’s office. For those missing the trip, you will be given a make-up assignment whose weight will be equal to that of your trip participation grade. Also those missing the trip are expected to do additional research work on the group project so that there is an equitable distribution of work among the members of your group on the project. For those traveling to Chile, you are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct given in the Appendix. Violations of the code of conduct may result in severe penalties; therefore; please familiarize yourself thoroughly with the code of conduct before going on the trip.
Quiz (20%) The quiz will take place in class on the date mentioned in the class schedule. The quiz will be a combination of multiple-choice and/or short-answer type questions. More details on the quiz will be provided in class.
Individual Report: Country, Company and Competitiveness (15%)
Select a company in your industry from ANOTHER country/region. In doing so ensure that each member of your group selects a different company. (A list of 5 alternate choices will be provided in class). Next analyze BOTH your assigned company as well as your selected company. In doing your analysis, ensure that the following questions are addressed. 1. What features of the historical, politico-legal, social, economic, and cultural institutions in the home country/region help the company achieve competitive advantage? What features seem to lead to competitive disadvantages? Can management leverage the former, and overcome the latter? 2. Analyze your company’s industry structure and identify major competitive advantages/disadvantages your company enjoys. 3. Provide a SWOT summary for both companies as an appendix.
This report (5-7 pages, excluding appendix) is due by noon on Wed, Feb 28 (M.W section) or Thu, Mar 1 (T, Th sections) at start of class.
Group Project (30%) Please form groups of 5 people by the dates mentioned in the class schedule. If you are not able to find a group, you will be assigned to some group that has less than 5 members. Since group activity is a big component of this course, it is recommended that you find group members with whom you share a good group dynamic and similar project interests. It is also required that each group has no more than one person who is not going on the trip to Chile. Peer evaluations will be used to determine individual contributions to the group project.
Company questions (5%) In a paragraph or two [on a separate page] identify what questions you will consider asking the senior management of your company if presented with an opportunity to do so. Why?
This company question sheet is to be submitted by 12:30 PM on Monday Mar 5 (All sections). Please email to your TF by the deadline.
Project Proposal
After returning from the trip, your group is required to submit a project proposal (2-3 pages, double spaced) on the date indicated in the syllabus. The proposal should outline the topic that you are interested in studying for your project. You are strongly encouraged to consult with your TF while finalizing the proposal. After the proposal is submitted, Professor Narayanan will meet with each group to discuss and approve the proposal. While the proposal will not be graded, it must be approved by Professor Narayanan before you start work on your project.
Group Reports: Company Presentation (25%) Each group will have to make a strategic presentation in class on their company (13 minutes, plus 2 minutes for Q&A). Please time your presentations properly – going over time will count against you in the grading. While more information on the presentation will be provided in class after we return from the trip, a general outline for your presentation is given below:
• Outline your company's strategic situation, i.e., its strengths/advantages over competitors, and the major challenges and weaknesses it will have to overcome in the next few years. Develop a strategic plan for the next 3-5 years to maintain and or improve the firm's performance. • Specifically, what significant changes in the firm’s geographic scope, product scope, product development policies, marketing policies, operations policies, finance policies, organization structure, and/or human resource management policies would you recommend?
The presentation slides are due by 6 PM on Sun, Apr 15 (all sections). Please email the slides to your TF before the deadline. The presentation will be worth 20% of your grade. Professor Narayanan who will be moderating the presentations will be obtaining feedback from other students in your section to help him with his evaluation. At least one team from your section will be selected for the semi-final rounds. Attendance during presentations is mandatory.
Individual Case Analysis (15%)
This individual paper that is due by NOON ON May 1 involves making Strategy recommendations, following analysis, for Fundacion Chile. Further instructions will be provided in class.
COURSE TIMELINE
Wed, Jan 17 Introduction to the group project and the firms Registration of students in groups starts
Mon, Jan 29 Registration of students in groups ENDS
Wed, Feb 28
Thu, Mar 1 Country impact on company. Individual Report DUE at start of class
Sat, Apr 2 2-3 page project proposal DUE BY NOON
Sun, Apr 15 Presentation slides DUE BY 6 PM
Mon, May 1 Individual case analysis report DUE BY 6 PM
CLASS SCHEDULE
MODULE 1: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND STRATEGY
|Day |Date |Topic |Readings/Assignments |Instructor |
|Tue |1/16 |Introduction to the course | |Narayanan |
|Wed |1/17 | | | |
|Thu |1/18 |NO CLASS | | |
|Mon |1/22 |Culture and International Business |Ch 2 from Hill textbook |Srivatsan |
|Tue |1/23 | | | |
|Wed |1/24 |The Political Environment of International Business |Ch 4 from Hill textbook |Srivatsan |
|Thu |1/25 | | | |
|Mon |1/29 |Country Analysis and The Global Competitiveness |GCR Chapter 1.2 |Srivatsan |
|Tue |1/30 |Report |CASES: | |
| | | |Country Analysis: HBS Note, 9-797-092 | |
|Wed |1/31 |International industry analysis |Class notes |Srivatsan |
|Thu |2/1 | | | |
|Mon |2/5 |Introduction to International Strategy and |Ch 12 from Hill textbook |Srivatsan |
|Tue |2/6 |Organization | | |
|Wed |2/7 |Entering Foreign Markets |Ch 14 from Hill textbook |Srivatsan |
|Thu |2/8 | | | |
|Mon |2/12 |QUIZ | |Srivatsan |
|Tue |2/13 | | | |
MODULE 2: DOING BUSINESS IN LATIN AMERICA/CHILE
|Day |Date |Topic |Readings/Assignments |Instructor |
|Wed |2/14 |The Latin Economy | |Narayanan |
|Thu |2/15 | | | |
|Mon |2/19 |NO CLASS – PRESIDENT’S DAY | | |
|Tue |2/20 |The Latin Competitive Landscape | |Narayanan |
|Wed |2/21 | | | |
|Thu |2/22 |NO CLASS | | |
|Mon |2/26 |The Latin Consumer Landscape | |Narayanan |
|Tue |2/27 | | | |
|Wed |2/28 |Team Meetings: Competitive Analysis and Company |Individual Report Due Before Class Begins | |
|Thu |3/1 |Question | | |
|Monday Mar 5 – Guest Speaker 12:30 -1:30 PM |
|Mon |3/5 |NO CLASS – Attend Guest Lecture on Mar 5 |Company Questions Due by 12:30 PM Mon Mar | |
| | | |5 | |
|Tue |3/6 |Fundacion Chile |HBS Case |Srivatsan |
|Wed |3/7 | | | |
|Thu |3/8 |NO CLASS – Attend Guest Lecture on Mar 5 | | |
MODULE 3: THE TRIP
|FRI MAR 9 – DEPART NYC FOR SANTIAGO |
|(Chile Activities in Bold Letters Below are Mandatory) |
|Sat |3/10 |Free Day with Optional Arranged Tours |
|Sun |3/11 |Free Day with Optional Arranged Tours |
| | |Meetings and Dinner with Chaperones (Evening) |
|Mon |3/12 |Macro Panel Presentations (Morning) |
| | |Afternoon and Evening Free |
|Tue |3/13 |Corporate Visits (All Day) |
|Wed |3/14 |Andes Trek and Leadership Exercises (All Day) – Bring Hiking Shoes |
|Thu |3/15 |Free Day |
| | |Leave for Airport in the Evening |
|FRI MAR 16 – ARRIVE NYC FROM SANTIAGO |
MODULE 4: PROJECT WORK, PRESENTATIONS AND COMPETITION
|Day |Date |Topic |Readings/Assignments |Instructor |
|Mon |3/19 |Debrief Country/Company Visit |Prepare for discussion: 5 Major Learnings|Srivatsan |
|Tue |3/20 |Project Workshop |from Trip | |
|Wed |3/21 |Company Strategy Analysis Practicum- |MontGras: Export Strategy for a Chilean |Narayanan |
|Thu |3/22 | |Winery. HBS Case # 503044 | |
|Mon |3/26 |Company Strategy Analysis Practicum | |Narayanan |
|Tue |3/27 | | | |
|Wed |3/28 |Project Workshop | |Meet with TFs |
|Thu |3/29 | | | |
|Mon |4/2 |Project Workshop |2-3 page project proposal due 4 hours |Narayanan – By Appointment |
|Tue |4/3 | |prior to appointment time | |
|Wed |4/4 |Project Workshop |2-3 page project proposal due 4 hours |Narayanan – By Appointment |
|Thu |4/5 | |prior to appointment time | |
|Mon |4/9 |Project Workshop | |Narayanan – By Appointment |
|Tue |4/10 | | | |
|Wed |4/11 |Project Workshop | | |
|Thu |4/12 | | | |
|SUN 4/15 – PRESENTATION SLIDES DUE BY 6 PM |
|Mon |4/16 |Project Presentations | |Narayanan |
|Tue |4/17 | | | |
|Wed |4/18 |Project Presentations | |Narayanan |
|Thu |4/19 | | | |
|Mon |4/23 |Project Presentations | |Narayanan |
|Tue |4/24 | | | |
|COMPETITION FINALIST ANNOUNCED AFTER NOON |
|FRI 4/27 – FINAL COMPETITION 11 AM TO 1 PM – ATTENDANCE MANDATORY |
|NO MORE CLASSES |
|INDIVIDUAL CASE ANALYSIS DUE MAY 1 |
APPENDIX
ISP Travel and the Stern Undergraduate Code of Conduct
The ISP Faculty recognizes that the overwhelming majority of students are approaching the International Study Program week abroad with excitement, seriousness of purpose, and every intention of behaving appropriately throughout the program. To protect the potentially outstanding experience of that majority of students on the ISP trip, which could be damaged by the actions of a few, and to protect the reputation of the school, we remind all students that they must act in a manner consistent with the Stern Undergraduate Code of Conduct and the special conditions of this travel opportunity.
Professional Conduct
Throughout the trip students are expected to perform in ways that (1) reflect favorably on themselves, their classmates, and the Stern School and (2) contribute to the educational environment and objectives of the course – in other words, to perform professionally. Professional performance includes, but is not limited to, the following behaviors:
• Actively participating in all formal sessions; • Attending all presentations and visits scheduled in conjunction with the course; • Being on time and prepared for all scheduled events; • Preparing for and engaging respectfully with presenters and other guests; • Being cooperative and helpful during the logistical activities of the trip; • Acting in a manner consistent with the nature and tone of each scheduled event; • Respecting local customs and values during the trip.
Violations of the expected professionalism behaviors will result in direct penalty to the course grade. Frequent failure to behave professionally could result in as much as a two letter reduction in the course grade.
Personal Conduct
While on the ISP trip, students will have a significant amount of time on their own to explore the history, cultural sites, and local customs of their destination. During this unsupervised time, students are expected to behave in a manner consistent with those provisions of the Undergraduate Code of Conduct pertaining to personal conduct. Personal conduct violations include, but are not limited to physical assault, harassment (including sexual and verbal), property damage, and excessive consumption of alcohol.
Accusations of such violations by hotel staff, local police, local citizens, or other students will be investigated by faculty and administrative staff accompanying the students on the trip, and may result in violators being immediately sent home to prevent further damage. In all cases personal conduct violations will be reported to Dean Greenbaum for determination of sanctions by the Honor Council.
It is the responsibility of each student to ask for clarification of any aspect of these Undergraduate Code of Conduct requirements as they apply to the ISP trip that is not understood or is considered ambiguous prior to the trip.
Sign Your Name: ___________________
Group Project Peer Evaluation (Optional)
On a percentage scale of 0-100, please evaluate your group members on how much contribution each one of them made to his or her share of the project work. If someone in your group did his or her share of the work, then give that person a score of 100. If someone contributed only 90% of his or her share, then give that person a score of 90. If someone contributed only 80% of his or her share, then give that person a score of 80. The maximum score you can give someone is 100. Please return this form to me before the last day of class. If you do not turn in your evaluations, then it will be assumed that you have given a score of 100 for all your other group members. Therefore, if you feel that all your other group members did their share of the work, you do NOT have to turn in the evaluations. Please be honest and fair in your evaluations, in accordance with the Stern Honor Code. Also note that your evaluation of your group members may affect their grades but will not have any impact on your grade in the course.
Group Member Names (do not include your name) Contribution Score (0-100)
________________________________________ ______________
_________________________________________ ______________
_________________________________________ ______________
_________________________________________ ______________
_________________________________________ ______________
If you give anyone a score less than 100, then please give specific reasons on the reverse so that I can discuss it with the person concerned. Your contribution score toward the project will be the mean of all your other group members’ evaluation score of your contribution. For example, if your group members give you scores of 100, 100, 90 and 90, then your mean contribution score will be 95.
Your final project score will be adjusted by your contribution toward your project. For example, if your average contribution score works out to 90%, and your group score on the project is 30, then your score on the project will be 0.9x30 = 27 points. 