Ho Chi Minh City & Da Nang, Vietnam

Spring 2009 Semester - MGIB 850 BE
Travel Component: Spring Break, March 14-22, 2009
 
Lying between China, Cambodia, Laos and the South China Sea, with a population of over 85 million, Vietnam is the 13th most populous country – and one of the most beautiful - in the world. 

In a historic shift in 1986, the Communist Party of Vietnam implemented free-market reforms known as Đổi Mới (renovation).  Though the authority of the state remained unchallenged, private ownership of farms and companies, deregulation and foreign investment were encouraged and, indeed, rapid growth has been achieved in agricultural and industrial production, construction and housing, exports, and foreign investment. Vietnam has attracted some of the largest global companies, such as Nike and Coca Cola, and its population has an amazing entrepreneurial spirit as well. In late 2007, the ministry of finance predicted GDP growth at a ten-year high of 8.44%. It is now seen as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and certainly the fastest in Southeast Asia. 

In class in Boston we will explore ideas of global business, particularly examining the dynamic conditions inVietnam; the impact of its local and global trade treaties and alliances, and the cultural implications and competitive strategies fostered by globalization.

On the ground in Vietnam, we will meet and hear from Vietnamese academicians, government officials, and other experts, and have direct interaction with international business persons through site visits to companies in the Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang areas. The companies visited will represent a variety of industries, including manufacturing, financial services, hospitality services, and small business.

An important - indeed transcendent - learning outcome is to enhance your appreciation of and skill in managing business operations in a multinational and global context. Using the concepts and models from the classroom, and through the experiential component of the course, you will appreciate the development of strategies in response to current and future market conditions across industry sectors.

Faculty Leader
Michael Barretti

Faculty Co-Leader
Jonathan Frank

Academic Component

Course Syllabus will be available in the beginning of the Spring 2009 semester.
 
Class Sessions: All class sessions are mandatory
3 class sessions before travel (Date TBA)
1 class session after travel (Date TBA)

All Boston based class sessions are normally held on Friday evenings from 4:30-7:10 pm

Costs

Tuition for 3 credits plus a $4,250 seminar fee

Seminar Fee Includes:

• Airfare- international and domestic flights
• Accommodations (based on double occupancy)
• Ground transportation  
• Business programming
• Cultural programming
• Many meals including, welcome reception and farewell dinner