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IARSACInternational University

PhD in International Business

Overview

This specialization focuses theory and research of business practices in multinational and international organizations. Learners interested in international management positions and/or teaching in post-secondary institutions of higher education at home and abroad benefit from this specialization. The specialization provides Learners with comprehensive education and research techniques in cross-disciplinary subjects of management, law, government, diplomacy, international studies, economics, finance, and marketing. Learners study international business theory, advanced qualitative and quantitative research, and problem-solving techniques related to international law, economics, marketing, and global strategic planning.

Compulsory Courses:

Course codeTitleHours
INB 801Research Methods and Designs3
INB 811Research Topic, Problem, Purpose and Questions3
INB 832Advanced Business Statistics3

Specialization:

Course codeTitleHours
INB 823International Business Environments3
INB 824Global Economic Environment3
INB 825Global Marketing Environment3
INB 826Cultural Environment of Global Business3
INB 827International Business Strategic Management3
INB 828International Business Law & Environment3

Seminar Courses:

Course codeTitleHours
INB 841Ethics in Business and Economics3
INB 842Foundations of Business Law3
INB 843Human Rights Law and International Business3
INB 844Seminar on Strategic Marketing for Nonprofit Organizations3
INB 845Corporate Governance in International Business and Finance3

Dissertation Courses:

Course codeTitleHours
INB 896Dissertation Mentoring3
INB 897Developing a Prospectus3
INB 898Writing a Proposal3
INB 899Dissertation3

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

INB 801: Research Methods and Designs:

In this course, the Learner acquires the basic skills necessary for the interpretation and application of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research. The Learner will examine the formal research process carefully, with an emphasis on practical applications and skill development. Critical concepts and principles intrinsic to research paradigms, study designs, and methods of inquiry are presented to empower the Learner’s ability to formulate and respond to research questions.

INB 811: Research Topic, Problem, Purpose and Questions:

Research Topic, Problem, Purpose, and Questions, assists the Learner in identifying and developing a research topic, defining a research problem, describing the purpose of the research study, and establishing associated research question(s). The Learner will prepare a preliminary annotated bibliography for the dissertation topic, and this will support the writing of a summative topic paper.

INB 832: Advanced Business Statistics:

Doctoral Learners in this advanced course will address statistical techniques that may be useful for analyzing quantitative data in a dissertation. Topics include Multivariate Statistics, Generalized Linear Regression Models, Linear Mixed Models, Linear and Non-Linear Regression, Logit Analysis, Probit Analysis, Ordinal Regression, Two-Stage Least Squares, Simultaneous Equation Analysis, Cluster Analysis, Discriminant Analysis and Factor Analysis. Learners will use SPSS to conduct statistical analysis. Assessment will be through a series of problems designed to demonstrate competence in techniques and a number of advanced data analysis projects.

INB 823: International Business Environments:

This doctoral course focuses on international business theory and applications. During this course, research will be dedicated to exploring each of these markets. Learners will be assessed for their independent thinking and theoretical application to resolve complex topic research issues, and case problems. Journal articles and current research are used to present course material and guide Learners to develop decisions-making skills required for managers working in international business environments.

INB 824: Global Economic Environment:

The global economic environment continues to pose major challenges; therefore, it is increasingly important to understand principles of international economic theory and international economic and financial governance institutions. This doctoral course covers international economic and trade theories and the role of global corporations. Learners will be assessed for their independent thinking and the theoretical applications to resolve complex topic research issues, and case problems

INB 825: Global Marketing Environment:

This course examines the specific issues of social and cultural environments of global marketing. The role of information technology and issues of marketing research are differentiated for entering overseas markets and in conducting marketing operations globally as opposed to “domestic” levels. Attention is focused on complex problem solving techniques through research topics and techniques of collecting data and survey research. Data management and analysis of strategic assets are required part of required assignments.

INB 826: Cultural Environment of Global Business:

This doctoral course examines the theoretical and practical complexities of operating in international environments and managing global business expansion, establishing organizational relationships and developing strategies for global operations.

INB 827: International Business Strategic Management:

This doctoral course covers the Strategic Management Alliances and Partnership of the Multinational Corporation (MNC) enhancing marketing power, technological skills and corporate image. Business cases are used to present course material and guide Learners with decisions-making skills required for managers of MNCs facing changes in financial and economic environments.

INB 828: International Business Law & Environment:

This doctoral course covers the principles, scope and basic mechanism of international law, development and practices. The impact of international organizations and legal environment on global business. The course incorporates major cases of emerging disputes and dispute resolution among nations over such issues as intellectual property rights, labor and trade subsidy policies. Learners will be assessed for their independent thinking and the theoretical applications to resolve complex topic research issues, and case problems.

INB 841: Ethics In Business And Economics:

The seminar explores the growing academic literature in business ethics. It also provides participants an opportunity to investigate an ethical issue of their choosing in some depth, using their field of specialty as context. The seminar assumes no previous exposure to business ethics. Different theories and frameworks for investigating issues will be discussed. In turn, these theories will be applied to a range of issues, both domestic and international. Such issues include: corruption in host countries, the management of values in modern corporations, the ethical status of the corporation, ethics in sophisticated financial transactions (such as leveraged derivative transactions), and gender discrimination in the context of cultural differences. Literature not only from business ethics, but from professional and applied ethics, law, and organizational behavior will be discussed. Often, guest speakers will address the seminar. At the discretion of the class, special topics of interest to the class will be examined. Students will be expected to write and present a major paper dealing with a current issue within their major field. The course is open to students across fields, and provides integration of ideas across multiple business disciplines.

INB 842: Foundations of Business Law:

This seminar will introduce students to basic jurisprudential discussions and debates that relate to understanding business in society. Topics will include a general overview of the nature of law and its relationship to ethics; theories of contract, torts, and property; criminal law as it applies to business situations; and theories of the business enterprise and its regulation. Selected topics will also be chosen in accordance with the interest of participants in the seminar.

INB 843: Human Rights Law and International Business:

The seminar will explore how international human rights law is increasingly being treated as setting universal standards that govern the conduct of international business with the aim of promoting a critical awareness of the problems that this entails. Students will acquire a grasp of various theories and cases involving the expansion of human rights law to cover corporations, as well as the ongoing controversies over the nature of the human rights responsibilities that should be incumbent on international business. Seminar participants will be challenged to formulate their own positions regarding this crucial development.

INB 844: Seminar on Strategic Marketing for Nonprofit Organizations:

This seminar offers a comprehensive coverage of the fundamental issues in marketing and branding in nonprofits. The aim of this course is to arm students with the analytical skills and knowledge necessary to make, evaluate, and critique marketing and branding strategy decisions facing nonprofit organizations in an increasingly global arena. The seminar addresses how to craft a nonprofit marketing strategy; implement a coherent marketing plan and optimize the use of marketing resources, develop brand identity and positioning statements; leverage brand alliances and partnerships; and perform financial brand valuations.

INB 845: Corporate Governance in International Business and Finance:

This module seminar explores business, financial and legal issues affecting corporate governance and management of risk, both in industrialized and developing countries. Students will examine the nature of the corporation, management roles and board responsibility, the role of regulatory authorities, as well as corporate culture, corporate social responsibility, and capital market development. The seminar will focus on policy implications, including wide-spread efforts to affect corporate governance reforms and set standards in the wake of corporate scandals and systemic risk.

INB 899: Dissertation 12