COURSE OUTLINE
Course Title: Introduction to International Trade and Foreign Business
Course Code: ECON 1009
Credits: 3
Level: 1
Course Description
This course provides a broad overview of international trade and foreign business practice, and sensitizes learners to the dynamics of international markets. It provides for a critical understanding of the global trading environment, capital markets, taxation across international borders, and the impact of cultural differences on trade and investment in the context of small open economies in the Caribbean region.
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, learners should be able to:
Knowledge:
1. Appraise the fundamental principles of international trade and international business based on existing trends and trade agreements
2. Analyse past and current trends in the international trade and foreign business practices in the Caribbean
3. Evaluate the importance of foreign trade and foreign investment to the development of the small open economies in the Caribbean
4. Critically examine the international trade and investment environment in which the small open economies of the Caribbean operate
5. Examine how ethical, cultural, social and political factors influence international investment and management decisions
6. Critically examine the various strategies and structures that governments and firms implement in order to improve their level of competitiveness in the international business arena
7. Describe the global monetary and financial mechanisms and the role of foreign exchange markets in facilitating foreign business
8. Assess recent economic, legal and political developments in the international trade and business sectors in the Caribbean
9. Undertake, through research, more advanced studies in international trade and investment and cross-national management
Attitudes:
10. Demonstrate willingness to integrate the ideas of financial and cross-national management into institutional practice
Identify with the ethical application of financial principles in individual and cooperative activities within the work environment
Value the ideas and suggestions of group members within the learning community
Willingly take the initiative in introducing contemporary ideas and evidence-based information in decision-making settings
Respond positively to the relationship between ethical theory and practice in the financial service sectors and related fields
Skills:
Detect and react to economic changes in the work environment that allow for financial growth within the institution
Develop novel approaches to problems and challenges which demonstrate creative thinking and critical analysis through the application of multi-disciplinary tools and perspectives
