Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen
Business en Recht
ALSEM: International Business/134433/3069/2324/1/41
Study guide

ALSEM: International Business/1

34433/3069/2324/1/41
Academic year 2023-24
Is found in:
  • International programmes Business and Law, programme stage 3
This is a single course unit.
Study load: 3 credits
Teaching staff: De Backer Hans, Vleck Luc
Languages: English
Scheduled for: Module 1
This course unit is marked out of 20 (rounded to an integer).
Possible deadlines for learning account: 15.10.2023 ()
Re-sit exam: is possible.
Possibility of deliberation: This course unit is eligible for deliberation according to the criteria as determined by the degree programme you are enrolled in.

Short description

The purpose of this course is to give a comprehensive overview of the main concepts related to international business processes (i.e. incoterms, documentary credit, customs formalities, etc.). More specifically, this course should allow students to understand the daily practice of an international business (including the use/interpretation of the various international trade documents), which will eventually support the management trainee/professional bachelor in fulfilling her/his tasks in an international business environment.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Educational organisation (text)

Lecturing (using PPT’s and a textbook); case study-approach.
Textbook: Guillermo, C. J. (2012). ICC Guide to Export/Import. Global Standards for International Trade. Fourth edition. Paris: International Chamber of Commerce.

Learning outcomes (text)

1. The student can explain the major (business) risks of an export-import process (e.g. legal risks, currency risks, etc.).
2. The student can explain the information content of the main documents used in international business (e.g. the letter of credit).
3. The student can explain the main concepts of an international business process (e.g. the role of business chambers).
4. The student can explain the use of the different incoterms.
5. The student can explain the differences between the various incoterms.
6. The student can explain the clauses/stipulations of standard contracts used in international trade (e.g. an international sales agreement).
7. The student can explain the various international payment techniques (e.g. documentary credit, open account, etc.)
8. The student can explain short-term trade finance techniques (e.g. factoring)
9. The student can explain the basic techniques to manage currency risks in international business transactions (e.g. currency options and forwards).
10. The student can explain the main elements of international agency contracts and of distributorship contracts.
11. The student can explain the different customs formalities (e.g. single administrative document).
12. The student can explain the main VAT principles of international trade (e.g. intra-community supply of services/goods).
13. The student can explain the main concepts of intellectual property rights.
14. The student uses the theoretical insights to solve business-oriented cases and exercises.

Learning outcomes (list)

1.1 You search, collect and archive classical and digital information.
The student looks up documents and tools related to international trade, including in the handbook of the International Chamber of Commerce.
2.1 You evaluate your own actions and thinking, those of others, and your environment.
The student understands that international trade involves additional opportunities and difficulties compared to national trade.
3.3 You perform coordinating duties within the organization.
The student performs and organizes coordinating tasks within an international company.
4.3 You think innovatively and creatively and make suggestions to address problems.
The student solves and discusses various cases.
6.2 You organize and implement administrative and organizational procedures.
The student carries out administrative and/or organizational procedures within an international company.
7.0 You efficiently complete assignments within deadlines and budgets and work in a solution-oriented manner toward a result.
The student works solution oriented within an international company.
8.1 You demonstrate an active attitude toward professional development.
The student understands the context of international business and develops himself.
9.2 You conduct internal and external communication both written and oral with an eye for cross-cultural nuances.
The student communicates internally and externally in English about international business.
10.4 You will coordinate administration and plan the distribution of work.
The student plans the administration in the context of import and export.
11.1 You will build a network and maintain your contacts in a professional manner.
The student lists the most important international trade institutions and instruments and explains them.
12.2 You adopt a service-oriented and customer-oriented attitude.
The student engages in customer-oriented work (e.g., with an international forwarder or shipping agent).
13.2 You understand the importance of legal procedures and legislation.
The student is able to explain the most important provisions of intellectual property law.
The student explains and is able to apply the basic principles of VAT and customs.
The student applies the main provisions related to the drafting of international contracts of sale, distribution and agency.
13.4 You will process, analyze and report business results, commercial, financial and personnel data.
The student lists the incoterms and can apply them.
The student knows the basic techniques to limit/neutralize exchange rate risks (e.g. option contracts related to currencies).
The student lists the various aspects of international payment techniques (in particular documentary credit) and can explain them.
The student lists the various documents used in trade with EU/third countries and can recognize them. 

Course content

The purpose of this course is to give a comprehensive overview of the main concepts related to international business processes (i.e. incoterms, documentary credit, customs formalities, etc.). More specifically, this course should allow students to understand the daily practice of an international business (including the use/interpretation of the various international trade documents), which will eventually support the management trainee/professional bachelor in fulfilling her/his tasks in an international business environment.

Evaluation (text)

Written examination (60% of the points): knowing, explaining and applications/exercises.
Oral examination (40% of the points): knowing, explaining and applications/exercises.