Fall Semester-Business Track (MAIS 531-Global Economics and Enterprise)

Organization of the course
The professor for the business track is extremely well organized. There are five modules that last 3-4 weeks. Each module will require one of the five sections of the business plan, a couple of chapter reviews, and discussion board posts. This allows you to work on the classwork at your own pace and convenience.  Self motivation and time management are the keys to success here.

He will keep you accountable for being at a graduate level and you can either love or hate this course. I enjoyed it. I have no business background and had a great deal to learn. You can read the books and research your answers to discussion boards or half ass your way to a 'B'.


Course Grading
Report on Company Site Visit ...................................................................... 10%
Discussion Board (10 @ 3) ........................................................................... 30%
Chapter reviews (10 @ 3) ........................................................................... 30%
Business Plan Chapters (5 @ 5) ................................................................... 25%
Final Business Plan ...................................................................................... 5%
Total Points Possible ................................................................................. 100%


Business Plan Project
The fall semester will require you to write a business plan for a product that could be exported to China from the United States. This product can be from an existing company or you can use it from your own hypothetical imaginary company. One friend of mine did glass baby bottles from his conjured company. I did fitness equipment that already exists from a company in San Francisco. You will write one section per module, turn it in, get grade and your prof will make suggestions on how to improve the plan. Finished product is the final grade for the course.

Critical Chapter Reviews
You have three textbooks to write reviews for. These reviews are critical, meaning you need to have an objective opinion and find errors or give praise. Using reputable sources is crucial to receiving full credit. 250-300 words

Discussion Board
There are different subjects for each module. They range from general economic and financial subjects up to case studies (practice for spring semester). Ten initial posts (250 words) and 10 responses (around 150 words) for the entire course.

Review
This course like the entire program is what you make of it. Don't take your professor's insight for granted. He grades quickly and efficiently. His comments often come off as being cold, but if you Skype him, you'll see he's generally a nice guy. Far too many of my classmates spent time criticizing their assignments as opposed to reading about the Chinese economy and political policies that impact their business relationships with multinational corporations.