International Business Operations

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/international-business-operations

Introduction

### Course Review: International Business Operations In today’s interconnected global economy, understanding how to efficiently manage international business operations is more critical than ever. The course **International Business Operations** on Coursera provides a comprehensive overview of essential topics including global supply chains, logistics, transportation, foreign currency exchange, and hedging techniques. This course stands out as an excellent resource not only for aspiring business professionals but also for seasoned practitioners looking to deepen their understanding of international operations. #### **Course Overview** The **International Business Operations** course offers a structured and engaging approach to learning the intricate processes that underpin global business. Divided into two main parts, the first half focuses on the pivotal roles of supply chain management, sourcing, logistics, and transportation. The second half addresses the complexities of foreign currency exchange and associated risks that businesses face in international markets. ##### **Syllabus Highlights** 1. **Global Supply Chains:** - This module dives into the intricate world of global supply chains (GSCs), examining how goods, services, and information navigate across borders. Detailed exploration of the critical "make versus buy" decision and various international sourcing strategies provides learners with a solid understanding of how effective sourcing impacts overall business success. 2. **Global Logistics and Transportation:** - Logistics management and transportation are crucial elements in ensuring the seamless movement of products. This module covers everything from handling suppliers to managing import-export documentation and focuses on the logistics aspects that facilitate timely deliveries across international borders. 3. **IB Foreign Exchange:** - Transitioning from logistics to finance, this module looks at the importance of understanding foreign exchange transactions, which can significantly impact a company's bottom line. Participants will learn about various types of forex risk—including translation, transaction, and operational risk—and gain insights into how businesses can mitigate these risks effectively. 4. **IB Forex Markets and Hedging:** - The course then delves deeper into forex risk management, introducing practical hedging techniques. With discussions on non-financial and financial hedging tools such as forwards, swaps, and options, participants will learn how to develop effective strategies to safeguard against potential financial pitfalls in international trade. 5. **Managing Global Operations: SCM, Logistics, Finance, and Accounting:** - To round off the course, this module integrates the various aspects of supply chain management, logistics, finance, and accounting, emphasizing their interoperability and significance in managing global operations efficiently. #### **Why You Should Take This Course** - **Practical Knowledge:** The course is designed with practical application in mind. By gaining insights into real-world challenges associated with international business operations, learners will be better equipped to tackle these issues in their careers. - **Expert Instruction:** With knowledgeable instructors leading the way, participants benefit from a wealth of expertise that translates into a robust learning experience. - **Flexibility and Accessibility:** Hosted on Coursera, the course offers flexibility that caters to various schedules and commitments, making it accessible for professionals across the globe. - **Networking Opportunities:** Engaging with fellow learners from different backgrounds and experiences provides valuable networking opportunities and diverse perspectives on international business challenges. #### **Final Recommendation** For anyone looking to excel in the field of international business, the **International Business Operations** course on Coursera is a must-take. Its well-structured modules, practical focus, and the deep dive into supply chain management and foreign exchange risk make it an invaluable resource. Whether you are a newcomer or looking to refresh your skills, this course will enhance your understanding of how to efficiently operate in the global business landscape. Enroll today and embark on a learning journey that could significantly impact your professional growth and career trajectory!

Syllabus

Global Supply Chains

In this module, we discuss global supply chains (GSCs) and global sourcing. International supply chains are all about moving goods, services, information, and resources around the world to facilitate global business. In many ways, supply chains are the implementation of international trade and globalization. In the first lesson, we define global supply chains, provide examples, develop important GSC strategies, and conclude by examining GSC operational details. In the second lesson, we survey global sourcing. We first tackle the critical make versus buy decision, then develop four international sourcing strategies, examine costing issues for global sourcing, and conclude with a program for international vendor selection.

This module explores two subsets of international supply chain management – global logistics and international transportation. Logistics management is responsible for the entire process of moving goods from point A to point B, which includes working with suppliers and vendors on schedules, creating import and export documentation, securing transportation services, and arranging for delivery to foreign destinations. Transportation management focuses on the means and methods of transportation, as well as the transfer of shipments from one mode of transportation to the next. Together, effective logistics and transportation management are crucial for the fast and efficient flow of goods and materials around the globe.

We change direction in this module from logistics and supply chains to foreign exchange. As we shall see, foreign exchange risk has a large financial impact on foreign operations, especially on supply chains. In the first lesson, we define money and currency, and then introduce details and examples of foreign currency transactions. In the second lesson we turn to foreign exchange risk, often abbreviated as "forex" exposure. We find that any business or organization that has international transactions is exposed to translation, transaction, and operating risk. With examples, we show that the downside outcomes of forex risk can be large. Anyone dealing with cross-border currency transactions needs to be aware of, and wary of, foreign exchange risk!

In the previous module, we defined three types of foreign exchange (forex) risk and presented examples of its potential financial impacts. You might ask, “OK, I get it, but what to do about it?” This week we answer that question with a discussion of forex hedging techniques. Hedging methods are generally tools used to reduce financial risk. In the case of forex risk, we will cover non-financial hedging methods such as cash flow netting, as well as financial hedging methods including forwards, swaps, futures, and options. In the second lecture we will review the amazing global financial markets where foreign exchange and forex hedging transactions occur.