The course provides an overview of business in the Americas and an examination of specific issues for companies doing business in the region. The course focuses most on the USA, Mexico and South American countries, but with some attention paid to Central America as well. Specific topics include the business environment in the Americas, the cultural specifics of the region that impact on business, the legal and regulatory frameworks, FDI, trade and the investment climate in the region, and specific strategies in international and cross-cultural marketing, human resource management, labour relations, logistics, and finance. Strategies for dealing with the public sector in the region, particularly in Latin America, are also covered, given the role of bureaucracies and state-owned enterprises in the region. The aim of the course is to enhance students’ understanding of the business environment in the Americas and the ways in which various dynamic changes impact on business operations of firms in the region.

Upon successful completion of the requirements for this course, students will be able to:

• Investigate aspects of the business environment of the Americas, identifying opportunities and threats for investment and trade
• Review current existing approaches, organisations and styles of management in the business environment of the Americas
• Develop new strategies for successfully entering and operating in the diverse markets of the Americas
• Develop and communicate advice on appropriate implementation of recommended strategies

Proposed assessment is a final exam (40%), individual assignment (40%), group case study presentation (10%), and tutorial participation (10%).

At least 8 hours per week, since each week comprises 3 hours of in-class study, including lectures and tutorials, as well as 5 hours devoted to preparation for classes in the form of reading and exercises outside class hours, as well as preparation for case study presentations.

24 units

There is no single textbook for this course. There is an adequate body of academic literature on which the course will draw, particularly relevant book publications and key academic journals that contain relevant articles. A selection of readings will be compiled as a reading brick and made available to students in the course.

See Course Website