Category Archives: Resources

Global Sourcing Challenges – The case of Apple

Observers of the labor practices of its suppliers, specifically Foxconn, have criticized Apple. Here is a look at some of the issues…

After reading the Storify  at the link http://storify.com/jfboers/global-sourcing-challenges-the-case-of-apple  (see full Storify below) and watching the videos I would like you to post a response to the follow three items:

1. Take a position on the subject: “Should investors in ALL companies that use Foxconn insist on finding alternative suppliers?”
2. Explain why you take this position.
3. Describe the ONE thing (a new story, facts that come to light, report released, etc.) that would possibly make you change your mind.

Your assignment will be evaluated out of 25 points using the following rubric:

• The Position in (1) is clearly delineated – 5 points
• The justification in (2) supports the position taken in (1) – 15 points
• The potential “game changer” in (3) is realistic, does change the assessment justification in (2) and position in (1) – 5 points

This video is a great introduction to critical thinking in an International Business course.  The topic is provocative and allows you to introduce the issue of questioning assumptions and also finding credible sources.

Assignment:

First, without looking it up, I would like you to ask yourself if you can:

1. List the 5 (five) languages spoken by the most people in the world.
2. What languages do you now think is spoken by the most people in the world?  Second most?  How about 3rd thru 5th most?

Then I would like for you to write these down – on a paper, in your notepad, in Evernote – wherever most convenient to you.

Second, still without looking up the answer, I would like you to watch the video below.  After the video I have a few more questions. Here is the video you need to watch:

http://www.ted.com/talks/jay_walker_on_the_world_s_english_mania.html

I hope you found the video interesting.

1. Now I would like you to look up the answer using any reference tool; an encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Google search, Bing search, anything convenient to you…
2. Here is the last question?  How reliable do you think your reference source is?  Are there more reliable sources?  Any suggestions on where I could find a reliable source for the answer to the question “What language is spoken by the most people in the world on August 27, 2013?

This is it for this exercise.  Thank you for going along on this ride with me…

In an Introduction to International Business course one of the biggest content based challenges is the task of covering Trade Theories in an coherent and accessible way.  Two suggestions come to mind:

1. Have the students view Matt Ridley’d TED.com video “When ideas have sex.”  I promise you they will watch it because the title will intrigue them and they will never see Ricardo the same way again – and neither will you!
2. Look at the chapter on trade theories in “International Business” by Ricky Griffin & Michael Pustay (Pearson).  This is a creative and sophisticated approach without requiring a complete understanding of economic theory.

As we prepare to teach a course we are often consumed by the challenge of how to transfer all the subject matter content to the students in a  mere 14 week semester.  No wonder we either struggle to be successful or at times fail completely.

The best way to approach the task is to start with the students.  What do they know already? Who are they and where are they going? What are their expectations?  How do they approach learning?

How they approach learning is a significant challenge since they are the product of at least 12 years of educational experience.  For a significant number of students this experience has not resulted in curiosity to understand and a love for learning.

As a strong proponent of reasoning that is theoretically sound and evidence based, several resources have been valuable in informing my approach to teaching.  One such recent addition is “How Learning Works.  7 Research-based Principles for Smart Teaching” by Ambrose, Bridges, DiPietro, Lovett & Norman.

I am using a “Pass It On” copy I received from the Center for Instructional Innovation at GSU – Thank You George and Harry!