310  Import-Export Management   80 Classes

Prerequisite(s):  None

Textbooks:  Building an Import-Export Business, 3rd ed., Kenneth D. Weiss, Wiley Publishers, 2002 (or comparable text).  U.S. Customs Service, Importing Into The United States:  A Guide for Commercial Importers, US Customs and Border Protection Publication, 2005 (or comparable text). 

 

Course Description:  While developing English language skills, this course provides an introduction to global markets, to the major trading nations and trading blocs, and to the processes and procedures that govern import and export management. 

 

Objectives:  By the end of the course, students should be able:

  • to read about import-export management and better understand what is being discussed or described;
  • to read, discuss, and write in English about cases illustrating typical import-export situations or problems; 
  • to discuss and write in English about basic processes and procedures that govern import and export management; and
  • to develop a business plan for an import-export company.  

 

Instructional Methods: Classes cover both theory and examples drawn from the business world.  Students apply the principles of effective import-export management explained in the text to simulated situations. Students also develop a business plan for an import-export company.  

 

Grading:  The final grade is based on the following:

 

Class Participation

25%

Assignments

50%

Exams

25%

Total

100%

 

 

 

The grading scale is:  A=90-100%, B+=85-89%, B=80-84%, C+=75-79%, C=70-74%, D=65-69%, F=60-64%

Course Outline:

Weeks

Topics

Assignments

1-3

Importing scenarios

Selected chapter 1 readings; selected US Customs publication readings; handout readings

Imagine an importing scenario from the US in your home country and describe some of the local and US customs regulations that you must observe. 

4-6

Exporting  scenarios

Selected chapter 1 readings; selected US Customs publication readings; handout readings

Imagine an exporting scenario from your home country to the US and describe some of the local and US customs regulations that you must observe. 

7

Developing contact with buyers and sellers

Selected chapter 2 readings; handout and/or assigned readings from bibliography

8

Understanding the local and global money market

Review for exam

Selected chapter 2 readings; handout and/or assigned readings from bibliography

Bi-monthly exam

9

Understanding local culture and language

Selected chapter 2 readings; handout and/or assigned readings from bibliography

Describe a feature of your home-country culture that importers need to consider. 

10

Setting up an import-export business:  forms of organization and trademarks and logos

Selected chapter 3 readings; handout and/or assigned readings from bibliography

Begin word on a business plan for setting up an import-export company per instructor guidelines.

11

Setting up an import-export business:  opening bank accounts

Selected chapter 3 readings; handout and/or assigned readings from bibliography

Write a memo to your instructor describing the import-export business for which you are developing a business plan.

12

Setting up an import-export business:  establishing an office

Selected chapter 3 readings; handout and/or assigned readings from bibliography

First draft of business plan due with scope, organization, bank information, and office setup. 

13

Setting up an import-export business:  accounting practices

Selected chapter 3 readings; handout and/or assigned readings from bibliography readings

 

14

Setting up an import-export business:  taxation

Selected chapter 3 readings; handout and/or assigned readings from bibliography

Second draft of business plan due to include the first draft elements plus description of accounting functions and tax consideration

15

Setting up an import-export business:  obtaining financing

Selected chapter 3 readings; handout and/or assigned readings from bibliography

 

16

Setting up an import-export business:  promotion and advertising

Review for exam

Selected chapter 3 readings; handout and/or assigned readings from bibliography

Third and final draft of business plan due to include financing and promotion/advertising. 

Bi-monthly exam

rev. 2/04, 2/07, 5/08