St. Mary's University
A CATHOLIC AND MARIANIST LIBERAL ARTS INSTITUTION
Bill Greehey School of Business

International Business

Globalization of our economy continues at an increasing rate, creating the need for individuals well-versed in the intricacies of conducting business across borders. As a result, courses offered in this major are interdisciplinary, integrating international and foreign language studies with business principles, including the study of management functions, policies and practices of international enterprises. International business graduates enter a people-oriented career that requires excellent communication skills and the ability to work well on multicultural teams.

The major in international business at St. Mary's University is designed for students who are interested in seeking careers in the global arena. Individuals interested in management practices around the world, international behavior, and challenges for multinational corporations in foreign social, political and economic environments should consider this major.

Careers in international business include working in a foreign firm, an international nonprofit agency, an international insurance agency, a multinational enterprise, a company's international division, or a government organization concerned with global business development. Other possibilities include:
  • Import and export operations
  • International banking
  • Management training for multinational companies
  • International finance
  • International marketing
  • International human resources management
  • Organizations' customs brokerage
  • International logistics and transportation
International business graduates have gone on to work for organizations including Gimsa International Inc., NuStar Energy LP, Procter & Gamble Co., Science Computing, and the National Hispanic Institute.

Courses

IB3310 International Economics (Same as EC 3310) 3 semester hours
An analysis of current theories of international transactions, with emphasis on the interrelationships among various aggregate economic variables with balance of payments. Policies effecting economic relations on the national and international levels are examined. Contemporary economic issues and theories are considered as they relate to the world of economy. Prerequisites: EC 2301 and EC 2303.

IB 3321 U.S. Business in an Interdependent World (W) 3 semester hours
A survey of the effect that differences in cultural, economic, legal, political and social environments have on the way business is connected throughout the world. Also explored are the effects that regional economic and political arrangements, and international institutions are having on firms involved in international business activities. (Fall; Spring) Designated as a writing-intensive course. Prerequisites: EC 2301 and EC 2303.

IB 4100, 4200, 4300 Special Studies in International Business 3 semester hours
A study of selected topics in International Business. Specific subject indicated each time the course is offered. May be used as elective credit and repeated when specific subject changes. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

IB 4351 International Finance (same as FN 4350) 3 semester hours
The course addresses the historical, institutional and empirical aspects of the foreign exchange market, the eurocurrency market and the international bond market. The managerial implementation of international financial instruments in global oriented business organizations is stressed.(Fall; Spring) Prerequisites: FN 3310 and IB 3321.

IB 4352 International Marketing 3 semester hours
Students develop a familiarity with the problems and perspectives of marketing across national boundaries and within foreign countries and gain insights into the environmental impact of international business activities. The ability to analyze marketing decisions and the methods of structuring and controlling programs as they relate to overseas markets are stressed. (Fall) Prerequisites: MK 3310 and IB 3321.

IB 4355 Managing in Cross-Cultural Environments 3 semester hours
Addresses cultural impacts on international business and management. Examines the role of the global manager as creator of synergy, leader in change, and influencer of organization, work, and team cultures. Analyzes cross-cultural effectiveness in terms of international assignments and family relocation. Considers how to do business with intercultural sensitivity. (Fall) Prerequisites: BA3325 and IB 3321W.

IB 4358 International Management (W) 3 semester hours
The course examines the managerial complexities and peculiarities of business operations that cross national borders. Thus it includes, the study of management functions, organizational structures, policies and procedures, and practices of international, multinational, and global corporations and their varying strategies. (Fall) Designated as a writing-intensive course. Prerequisite: IB 3321 and BA 3325.

IB 4361 The Business Environment of the Americas 3 semester hours
This course provides a general, comparative overview of the business environments of the Americas. The discussion and analysis will focus on the economic, legal-political, and social-cultural dimensions of the business environments of these countries. The impact of these environmental dimensions on business practice, business regulation, and domestic and foreign business policy issues will be the major focus of research and writing in the course. Prerequisite: IB3321W

IB 4362 The Business Environment of Asia 3 semester hours
This course provides a general, comparative overview of the business environments of Asia. The discussion and analysis will focus on the economic, legal-political, and social-cultural dimensions of the business environments of these countries. The impact of these environmental dimensions on business practice, business regulation, and domestic and foreign business policy issues will be the major focus of research and writing in the course. Prerequisite: IB 3321W or EC/IB 3310.

IB 4363 The Business Environment of Europe 3 semester hours
This course provides a general, comparative overview of the business environments of Europe. The discussion and analysis will focus on the economic, legal-political, and social-cultural dimensions of the business environments of these countries. The impact of these environmental dimensions on business practice, business regulation, and domestic and foreign business policy issues will be the major focus of research and writing in the course. Prerequisite: IB 3321W or EC/IB 3310.

IB 4364 Comparative Legal Environments of NAFTA Countries 3 semester hours
This course is designed to acquaint students with basic legislative, judicial, executive and administrative structures of each of the NAFTA countries. Emphasis is placed on the key differences in the systems and essential procedures for effective business operation within these legal systems. ;Prerequisites: IB 3321W and BA 3325W.

IB 4365 International Accounting & Taxation (same as AC 4365) 3 semester hours
An examination of the accounting principles and practices among countries and an overview of taxation of U.S. businesses operating internationally. Emphasis is placed on management decisions associated with accounting and taxation of companies operating in the international environment. (Fall)Prerequisite: AC 2320 and IB 3321W.

IB 4372 Global Market Research 3 semester hours
This course examines the techniques and methodologies used for analyzing industries, markets, and competitors within a regional or global context. Emphasis is placed on gaining a comprehensive understanding of the challenges associated with analyzing customers, competitors, environmental trends and market characteristics. (Spring) Pre-requisite: IB 3321W and MK 3310

IB 4375 Internship in International Business 3 semester hours
The opportunity to gain knowledge through experiential activities in professional life. Cooperation with public, business, and government institutions in monitoring and gaining work experience aimed at supplementing the learning process. Prerequisites: Minimum overall GPA of 2.8, successful completion of IB 3321W and BA 3325W. Pass/No Pass credit is given. (Fall; Spring; Summer)

IB 4390 Seminar in International Business (W) 3 semester hours

Advanced course permitting the student to engage in independent reading and research on current developments in International Business. Group analysis of individual reports aids in expanding and deepening the horizons of the participants. (Spring) Designated as a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: Senior standing and IB 3310, IB 3321 and completion of at least six additional IB hours. International Business majors only.

Degree Plan






    Freshman Year

    FallSpring
    EN1311 Rhet and Comp SMC1314W Founda. Of Reflection: God
    MT1305 Finite Math MT1306 Calculus For Business
    SMC1301 Foundations for Civilizations SMC1313 Founda. Of Reflection: Others
    SMC1311 Foundations of Reflection: Self SMC1312 Found. Of Reflection: Nature
    BA1310 Introduction of Business EC2303 Micro Economics

    Sophomore Year

    FallSpring
    SMC2304W Foundations of Pactice: Literature EN2000 Literature or Comp
    SMC2303 Foundations of Pract: Fine ArtsMC3320 Communications for Mgmt
    EC2301 Macro Economics AC2320 Introduction to Accounting II
    SMC2302 Found. Of Pract: Civic Engagement SMC2301W Found. Of Pract: Ethics
    AC2310 Introduction to Accounting I Theology 3000 or 4000
    2000 Level Foreign Lang 2000 Level Foreign Lang

    Junior Year

    FallSpring
    BA3351 Legal Environment of BusinessTH33xx Advanced Theology
    FN3310 Corporate FinanceIB3321 US Business in Interdependent World
    MK3310 Principles of Marketing QM3320 Business Statistics
    MN3330 Organizational BehaviorQM3330 Management Information Systems
    IB3310 International Economics 3000 Level Professional Foreign Language

    Senior Year

    FallSpring
    IB4351 International FinanceSMC43201 Capstone Seminar: Prospects for Community and Civilization
    IB4352 International MarketingBA4334 Business Ethics
    IB4358 International Management BA4380 Business Policy and Strategy
    QM4330 Operations Management IB4390 Seminar in International Business
    IB Elective IB Elective

Faculty

Johnson

Jeffrey E. Johnson, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of International Business
Director, Center for Global Business Studies

Phone: (210) 431-2024
Email: jjohnson6@stmarytx.edu
Full Bio Details
B.S., California State University, 1979
M.B.A., University of Colorado, 1997
Ph.D., University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, 2002

Jeffrey E. Johnson, Ph.D., holds a doctoral degree in International Business from the University of Strathclyde and an Master of Business of Administration with an emphasis in International Business from the University of Colorado. He also holds the Certified Global Business Professional credential and sits on the Board of Directors for the Free Trade Alliance.

Johnson's research interests include small firm internationalization strategy, international entrepreneurship, and micromultinationals. His recent articles have been published in the Journal of World Business, Industrial Marketing Management, European Management Journal, Journal of International Entrepreneurship, Journal of Global Awareness, Global Focus, and Hallway Case Journal. He was appointed as the 2003-2005 Dierdre Harkins Richards Professor of Free Enterprise and was the recipient of the 2002 Academy of International Business Best Dissertation Award, 2005 Outstanding Faculty Award, and the 2006-2007 Distinguished Faculty Award.




Martinez

Zaida Martinez, Ph.D.

Professor of International Business

Phone: (210) 431-6760
Email: zmartinez@stmarytx.edu
Full Bio Details
B.S.S., Universidad De Puerto Rico, 1969
M.A., American University, 1975
M.B.A., Florida State University, 1982
Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 1987
Zaida Martinez, Ph.D. received her doctorate in international business from the University of South Carolina. Prior to joining St. Mary�s University she was a faculty member and chair of the Business Department in the Business School of South Carolina State University. During her tenure at St. Mary�s she has served as co-director of the Southern Cone Studies Program and as either director or co-director of three U.S. Department of Education grants. She has also served as an internationalization consultant to the University of Puerto Rico, the Alamo Community College District and Georgetown College.

Her teaching experience includes cross-cultural management, business environment of Latin America, globalization and international business. Her current research interests are in the areas of management education, international business ethics, and globalization. Her work has appeared in the Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of Management, Journal of International Management, Management International Review and the Journal of Catholic Higher Education. She also co-edited the book, International Business Scholarship.

Zhang

Feng Zhang, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of International Business
Phone: (210) 431-2033
Email: fzhang@stmarytx.edu
Full Bio Details
Ph.D., Rutgers University, 2010
M.S., The University of Reading, UK, 2003

Zhang joined the Bill Greehey School of Business in 2010. She holds a doctorate in international business from Rutgers University and a master of science in international management from the University of Reading, UK.

Zhang has taught courses in international business, international marketing, and Asian business environment fields. Her research interests include technological innovation of multinational corporations, knowledge management strategies, intellectual property right protection, and technological catch-up of firms in emerging markets. She has published articles in academic journals and conference proceedings, and she has contributed chapters in several books. Zhang is an active member of many professional associations such as the Academy of International Business, the Academy of Management, and the Society of Strategic Management.








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