Montclair State University

On December 9th, 2008, the International Business Society, a student led organization, arranged a workshop to highlight how communication issues among different cultures affect business functioning and negotiations in an international setting. International Business students and faculty members were the main participants in this workshop.

This innovative workshop was designed by Dr. Marvin H. Shaub, who would be joining the International Business Department as a part-time faculty member starting spring of 2009.

The workshop was designed around an imaginary American Multinational Corporation with subsidiaries in China, Pakistan and Mexico. With their performance ratings below the sales and production goals, these three subsidiaries were portrayed as sources of problems. Three groups of students were chosen to play the roles of local managers for these referred three subsidiaries. For each group of student, a faculty member assumed the role of a member of the board of directors based at the headquarters.

Throughout the workshop, students and professors engaged in active discussions to analyze the variables that influenced the poor results of the company in each of the local markets. Students were challenged to identify and provide action plans to improve communication and teamwork between the parties involved so as to boost production and sales for the entire multinational firm.

Similar workshops will be developed by the department in the near future to enhance students’ understanding on how business dynamics really work. Following the style of the accomplished workshop, visitors will be welcomed to participate in the simulation of all future cases to be designed by the society advisors.

Article Entered Into News System: Thursday, December 18 2008
Article Last Edited: Thursday, December 18 2008