Michigan State University Extension
Extenstion International Trade Res. - 03289501
03/31/96
CIBER organizes International studies and internship programs in Business related fields. Periodical interdisciplinary Seminars, workshops are organized in different universities. A monthly CIBER NEWS is published containing upcoming events and current events in the area of international business. Following are the different initiatives taken by the MSU- CIBER
- A Resource for the Business and Academic Communities Center
Michigan State University Center for International Business Education and Research (MSU-CIBER) has been designated as a national resource center in international business education by the U.S. Department of Education. MSU-CIBER draws on the vast international expertise and resources of Michigan State University to enhance management education and research and to assist businesses as they address the challenge of competing in the global marketplace. Under the guidance of its Business Advisory Council, MSU-CIBER designs and implements activities for local, regional, and national impact. Its beneficiaries include students, faculty, practicing managers, and public policy makers.
While functioning as a unit of The Eli Broad College of Business and The Eli Broad Graduate School of Management,MSU-CIBER collaborates with the MSU Office of International Studies and Programs, the core colleges of the University, and the language departments to promote interdisciplinary education and study of foreign languages.
MSU-CIBER is involved on an ongoing basis in the internationalization of management education at the undergraduate, MBA, and doctoral levels. For example, faculty associated with the Center are engaged in the introduction of a new course, Comparative and International Dimensions of Business, required of all juniors studying business. New doctoral seminars in international business have also been developed.
Through its competitive Curriculum Development Grant program, the Center encourages the design and implementation of curricular changes that incorporate foreign languages and international studies training into business. Current initiatives also include program development grants to strengthen the Business Library, undergraduate advising, internships, executive-in-residence programs, and overseas study opportunities.
- Professional Development Programs
The Center encourages faculty and advanced-degree candidates to develop an international focus and enhance their international expertise through a variety of initiatives. These include competitive grants, travel support for international research and conference participation, seminars by visiting lecturers, and opportunities for collaboration with visiting scholars from abroad.
CIBER-sponsored workshops, symposia, and conferences bring together faculty and doctoral students in business and the professions as well as foreign languages and international studies.
Capitalizing on Michigan State university extensive network of overseas alumni, friends, and partner institutions, the Center also facilitates study and internship opportunities for students, faculty, and life-long learners in order to broaden their international experiences.
- Business Language Initiatives
The Center supports a variety of innovative approaches to the teaching of business foreign language courses: a highly successful full-year sequence for juniors in Business German; introduction of business modules or business-focused courses in other languages; overseas internship programs following course work; development of HyperCard-based computer software programs for business language instruction; and preparation of business and economics materials for use in professional development programs for foreign language instructors.
MSU-CIBER encourages a programmatic research agenda designed to improve the global competitiveness of American enterprises. Applied research projects that relate directly to U.S. competitiveness are given special emphasis.
Ongoing research projects of the Center include: investigations of the internationalization process of small firms; determinants of success in export markets; trade promotion and assistance programs of the public sector; dynamics of global competition in the pharmaceutical and medical equipment industries; and joint ventures and licensing agreements in the global chemical industries.
- Decision Support Software
A team of MSU-CIBER researchers in international business and computer science has been developing a series of decision support software products by using artificial intelligence methodology. These computer software programs incorporate the knowledge and experience of seasoned international business executives as well as empirical research finding on international business operations.
The modules can be used for training of students and managers in addition to serving as diagnostic and decision-support tools. The project builds from the successful experience of CORE, a microcomputer software designed to assess Company Readiness to Export, also developed by MSU researchers.
Currently, our decision support software features modules designed to evaluate and select international business partners, e.g., overseas distributors, freight forwarders, joint venture partners. New developments will include modules for aiding in export decision making and target-market selection.
- Business Outreach
Michigan State University international business outreach activities are coordinated by MSU-CIBER sister organization - Michigan International Business Development Center (MI-IBDC). Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration and MichCon (Michigan consolidated Gas Company), MI-IBDC provides technical assistance and advisory services to Michigan businesses. Assistance to individual firms for export market development ranges from preliminary assessment of export potential to preparation of an export marketing plan. Businesses receive specific assistance through export budgeting, market selection and entry, and customized market research.
MI-IBDC announced a new program Great Exportations: The MSU/MichCon Export Academy beginning in 1995, which is a program designed to guide companies to successful exporting through an interactive, multi-company group format.
- Outreach to Academic Community
MSU-CIBER pursues active collaboration with colleges and universities in the region.
For example, semi-annual workshops on Internationalizing Business and Economics Programs are aimed at disseminating resources and methodologies for the benefit of two- and four-year college faculty. The Center recently created the Michigan Partnership Program for International Business Education exclusively for the purpose of channeling MSU expertise to regional educational institutions. The University is also an active partner in the Midwestern Universities Consortium for International Activities (MUCIA).
A major initiative of the Center is the Round able on Internationalizing Business Schools and Faculty, bringing together leading authorities for the purpose of generating strategic action agendas for business schools engaged in internationalization.
- Publications:
MSU-CIBER ongoing publications include Journal of International Marketing, a refereed journal aimed at international marketing managers, and Advances in International Marketing, a research annual aimed at international marketing scholars. Recent books published include: Doing Business in Developing Countries: Entry and Negotiation Strategies (Routledge) Exports from Small and Medium Enterprises in Developing Countries (International Trade Centre) For Detail Information Contact: 7 Eppley Center Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824-1121 Phone 517-353-4336