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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great text !!!, May 2, 2008
This review is from: International Business: Strategy, Management, and the New Realities (Hardcover)
I've been teaching Global Business for almost thirty years and have used a variety of texts. In a crowded field of competitive textbooks, the Cavusgil, Knight, Riesenberger distinguishes itself for a variety of reasons.
First and foremost, the authors are able to present even the most complex of global issues in a very readable, easily comprehensible manner; and they certainly don't sacrifice depth where needed. Importantly theirs is a balanced approach, where theory and practice mesh together almost seamlessly and students will clearly realize the importance and value of the theoretical underpinnings of business practices. The authors seem to have made a very conscious decision to cut out any unnecessary jargon that could obfuscate students' understanding at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
The book captures contemporary trends substantively. For example, it's the first text that I know of, that does not limit the discussion to the challenges and potential of global business for large multinationals. The growing trend is towards more and more small and medium sized enterprises and entrepreneurial "born global" (authors term) firms engaged in international business. These enterprises demand strategic attention that this book beneficially underscores.
Another extremely worthwhile feature are the very practical exercises, including internet exercises and the "management skills builder" activities; most certainly exposure to these pragmatic exercises will help competitively prepare the students to "hit the ground running" for the companies that they work for.
For the instructor, besides good support materials including access to an "educator's forum", there is a very pragmatic benefit. Many schools and instructors have been struggling with how to meet the AACSB accreditation imperative (rightly so) of internationalizing courses and curriculum. This text is again, a pioneer in squarely addressing how various learning components contribute towards building skills such as the communication and analytical skills that AACSB emphasizes.
The authors have to be commended for the obvious hard work, careful thought and dedication that have gone into the preparation of this book.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
International Business Strategy, Management and the New Realities, February 17, 2008
This review is from: International Business: Strategy, Management, and the New Realities (Hardcover)
The International Business text by CKR was written to meet the needs of students studying the globalization process. The textbook illustrates current events that have shaped the international business environment. In each chapter the learning objectives are clearly identified and the opening cases reflect global companies and the challenges faced from a country, economic, cultural, or managerial or market opportunity perspective.The opening cases reflect the content that will follow in the respective chapter by providing a global theme that students can understand prior to reading the chapter learning content.
Closing cases are detailed as are the questions. Instructors adopting the textbook will have ample resource materials to assign the closing case to a team or individually since case questions reguire students to make recommendations using both case information and chapter learing materials. The textbook is coded with AACSB standards in the Comprehension and Apply your understanding questions. As an instructor, the coding facilitates the grading and learning outcomes process.The end of the chapter "Apply your Understanding Qquestions are comphrehensive and encourage students to use their written communication skills by assuming the roles of CEO, Government Intermediary, retailer, and or consultant in responding to the questions. The responses to these questions require more than the typical textbook answer and provide a forum for interactive discussions in the classroom. The Globaledge Internet Exercises introduce students to international business websites that future global leaders must understand in developing market strategies, export business and future trade leads. The book is integrated with current business trends,surveys and includes an Eductor's Knownledge Portal where "best practices" can be shared with the adopters of the textbook. A good choice textbook for students who are being introduced to International Business or for anintermediate courses. The selection of exercises allows flexibilty and tailoring the learning exercises class's skill levels. A. Langlois
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worth the wait, February 19, 2008
This review is from: International Business: Strategy, Management, and the New Realities (Hardcover)
As a former IB executive and current professor of IB, I am very glad to see a text such as Cavusgil, Knight, & Riesenberger that takes such an innovative and refreshing approach to IB instruction while effectively addressing the needs of both students and instructors. The new education system that the authors have developed goes beyond any other text I have used and is well worth the wait.
The text has insightfully portrayed IB in a modern and dynamic light which allows today's students to grasp the importance and complexities of IB. The information is presented in a manner that is interesting to the 21st century college student, using practical and up-to-date examples and cases. This text conveys added value to students via the "Recent Grad in IB," which illustrates modern career paths, and the "Management Skill Builder," which provides added insight into challenges faced my international managers. Plus, "Vango Notes" are a must for any IB student with an MP3 player. Such innovations help the student to apply IB outside of the classroom.
For the educator the text presents a multi-faceted tool that is well-grounded in theory without sacrificing current and practical application for the classroom. In a break from the traditional textbook "extras," CKR provides real added value to instructors and Business Schools through its Educator's Consortium and the direct application of AACSB Learning Standards at the end of every chapter. In short, I'd describe this textbook as "efficient, effective, engaging, and enjoyable."
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