Germany/Austria
This MBA elective course or as a substitute for core BUAD550 (International Business course) is designed to provide a high-level survey of the German Rural Economy, Culture and Geo-Political drivers integral to Germany’s strong middle class. By attending faculty lectures and traveling abroad, students have the opportunity to learn about German culture and business practices in person. A key focus of the course is for students to develop an understanding and awareness about the differences between rural America and Germany, as well as the challenges faced by small family-owned businesses in a global economy. As such we travel off the beaten path and visit small rural businesses, and NOT the large multinational corporations in metropolitan areas most people are familiar. As part of the course requirements, students are expected to apply the theoretical frameworks learned throughout the MBA program and complete the group assignment.
Course Components:
- Pre-Trip Lecture: Two mandatory three hour class
- Pre-Trip Assignment: Country overview and research
- Country Immersion: 10 days in country business visits/ cultural exploration/ marketplace observation
- Post-Trip Assignment: Group Project/ Business Plan
- Post-Trip Meetings: One mandatory final meeting for group projects and final presentations
Lead professor: Dr. Thomas Lebesmuehlbacher <lebesmuehlbachert@xavier.edu>
Assistant: Dr. Elaine Crable <crable@xavier.edu>