International Business Educational Approach
Our engagement-based teaching combines liberal arts-based academic knowledge and practical application to prepare students to master complex real-life situations. Classes consist of lectures on international business and management concepts, complemented by guest lectures and consultant coaching, case studies, real-world simulations, group projects, and international and inter-university collaboration. Students gain knowledge of key trends in international business and an awareness of ethics and sustainability in business, soft skills and emotional intelligence related to multicultural communication and inclusivity, and competencies related to applying a rigorous research design.
TEACHING COMPONENTS
Interdisciplinary Teaching – “Body, Mind, Unity”
Theater-based simulations are embedded in the program in an interdisciplinary environment
by enriching it with drama, acting and theater components. Following a three-dimensional
learning approach based on awareness, listening, and communication, students are trained
in corporate acting in real-life international business and management scenarios.
The improvised performances on stage foster students’ ability to think collaboratively
about ethical and socially responsible behavior from the perspective of a performance-driven
company. It helps them internalize important international management concepts beyond
normal classroom practice. Students benefit most from the strong team building these
interdisciplinary simulations provide. It prepares them to easily adapt to new situations
and take on different perspectives in today’s rapidly changing global business environment.
Learn about students’ experiences with last year’s “IB in Theater” activity:
Multinational Virtual Collaboration
By implementing COIL (collaborative online international learning) into our international
business courses, we consider the new globally connected academic landscape across
university and country borders. By developing team-taught, collaborative online international
projects, we offer an experience-based intercultural learning format. By using innovative
internet-based pedagogy, JCU’s International Business students work in teams autonomously
and online with students from partner universities on specific real-world cases, guided
by the partner universities’ professors. Students become more aware of the larger
world by deepening their understanding of themselves, their culture, how they are
perceived by “others,” and how they perceive “others.”
Virtual Knowledge Transfer with Private Sector Partners
The “Leaders4Leaders – Being good at teaching good” initiative engages students in
virtual interviews with leading industry and consulting experts.
Some recent examples:
- Interviews by capstone students on sustainable strategies of multinational companies with Alfredo Cuzzopoli, Senior Manager, Business Model Transformation, Ernst & Young
- Virtual roundtable with Luca Regano, CEO of Froneri Italia, the world’s leading ice cream manufacturer, and Alfredo Cuzzopoli, Senior Manager, Business Model Transformation, Ernst & Young, on CSR and sustainability strategies for companies.
Rigorous Research Approach
In their final semester, International Business students apply their knowledge to
the development of their final project. Based on the final topic, which covers a trend
in international business, students develop a concrete research problem, formulate
research questions and the purpose of their project. They conduct a thorough analysis
of the literature and follow a rigorous methodological approach, qualitative and/or
quantitative, for data collection and analysis. The result is presented in a scientific
paper, published online and presented at a final event in the Aula Magna Regina.
Feedback by JCU and USD students
“The project brought together people from different countries who, through diverse approaches, were able to lead a well-grounded market research/analysis.”
“The cross-university–cross-country project was very enjoyable as it was incredibly interactive.”
“Participating in the activity has helped me in interfacing with people who are different from me in terms of culture, mentality and rhythms.”
“Collaborating with students from different backgrounds allowed me to see communication tactics and working mechanisms from various perspectives and stages of life while giving me a deeper appreciation for diversity in the business world.”
“This project allowed me to work with people I never thought I’d have the opportunity to, raising my standards for my own work. As a result, I became more outspoken and listened more actively to the opinions of my classmates.”