Course: BUS-D301 – The International Business Environment
Instructor: Professor Wadsworth
Institution: Indiana University
BUS-D301 provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the global business environment. The course emphasizes the challenges and opportunities firms face when operating across national borders. Professor Wadsworth brings real-world insight and an engaging teaching style that connects theory to practice, helping students develop a strategic understanding of international markets.
1. Understand the Impact of Globalization
Students gain insights into how globalization shapes economic, political, and cultural dynamics around the world. The course explores the interdependencies between nations, the role of multinational corporations, and how firms adapt to different regulatory, social, and economic systems.
2. Analyze International Trade and Investment
Learners study international trade theories, foreign direct investment strategies, and government policies that influence global commerce. The course prepares students to assess trade patterns and make informed decisions in international business operations.
3. Evaluate Cultural and Ethical Issues in Global Business
Students examine how cultural differences affect business practices and management styles. Ethical challenges in international contexts are also discussed, equipping students with the ability to navigate cross-cultural situations with integrity and sensitivity.
About This Paper
Final Paper: The Impact of Trump’s Trade Policies on Global Business
Course: International Business – BUS-D301
This final paper explores the impact of President Donald Trump’s trade and economic policies on global business dynamics. I focused on how shifts toward protectionism—such as tariff hikes, withdrawal from multilateral agreements, and the “America First” agenda—reshaped cross-national cooperation and disrupted established trade relationships.
Drawing on Reuters’ analysis, “The Global Economy Is on a Trump Roller-Coaster Ride,” I examined the ripple effects on global supply chains, consumer prices, and the competitiveness of U.S. industries. The research underscores how political leadership can influence international markets, drive changes in supply chain strategies, and alter the future of global trade agreements.
Key Insights Gained:
Policy & Market Interplay: Learned how political decisions—like tariffs and trade agreement withdrawals—directly affect market stability and supply chains.
Global Cooperation Challenges: Gained insight into the tensions between protectionism and cross-national collaboration in international trade.
Strategic Adaptation: Recognized how businesses adjust strategies to remain competitive amid changing trade landscapes.
Career Competencies Developed:
This project sharpened my critical thinking, global market awareness, and research analysis skills, helping me connect theoretical concepts of international business to real-world events. It enhanced my understanding of how leadership and policy decisions can shape business environments worldwide, preparing me to analyze and respond to global economic shifts.
Course: Lean Six Sigma – BUS-P356
Instructor: Jon Padfield
Institution: Indiana University
Learning Outcome One:
Gained a solid understanding of Lean Six Sigma principles, including the DMAIC methodology (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) to identify and solve business process inefficiencies.
Learning Outcome Two:
Developed the ability to apply data-driven decision-making techniques to improve operational performance and reduce variability within complex business processes.
Learning Outcome Three:
Learned to utilize Lean tools such as process mapping, root cause analysis, and waste reduction strategies to drive continuous improvement and enhance productivity.
Career Competency:
Strengthened critical competencies such as problem-solving, analytical reasoning, process optimization, and project management. Additionally, improved collaboration and communication skills essential for leading cross-functional improvement initiatives in a professional setting.
Professional Summary:
The Lean Six Sigma course (BUS-P356) was highly insightful and instrumental in advancing both my academic and professional development. By mastering the DMAIC framework and other Lean Six Sigma methodologies, I gained the ability to approach problems systematically, use data to drive decisions, and design sustainable process improvements. This course enhanced my understanding of operational excellence and prepared me to identify inefficiencies, implement strategic solutions, and deliver measurable results in real-world business environments. The knowledge and skills developed—particularly in process analysis, team collaboration, and quality improvement—are invaluable career assets, positioning me to contribute effectively to organizational success in any industry.
Course: Lean Six Sigma – BUS-P356
This paper explores a real-world example of how misinterpreting data can lead to costly business decisions. Drawing from my professional experience as a field account manager, I examined an incident where website traffic was mistaken as campaign success, overlooking low conversion rates. This misinterpretation resulted in an unnecessary increase in the advertising budget.
Key Insights Gained:
Critical Data Analysis: Learned the importance of evaluating multiple performance metrics—such as conversion rates, demographics, and traffic sources—to gain a complete understanding of campaign results.
Collaborative Decision-Making: Discovered that encouraging team discussions during data interpretation reduces oversights and leverages diverse expertise for better decision-making.
Preventative Strategies: Highlighted the value of structured review processes, regular check-ins, and training in data literacy to prevent future errors.
Career Competencies Developed:
Through this experience and coursework, I strengthened my analytical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills—core competencies for any data-driven business environment. These skills align closely with Lean Six Sigma principles of process improvement and evidence-based decision-making.
Course: Business Ethics – BUS-J404
Instructor: Dr. Jones
Institution: Indiana University
Learning Outcome One:
Developed a deeper understanding of ethical decision-making frameworks and their application to complex business dilemmas.
Learning Outcome Two:
Gained insight into how personal values and organizational culture intersect to influence ethical choices in professional settings.
Learning Outcome Three:
Improved the ability to analyze real-world ethical case studies, strengthening skills in reasoning, reflection, and communication.
Career Competency:
Enhanced integrity, critical thinking, and responsible leadership, all of which are essential for building trust and maintaining accountability in business environments.
Professional Summary:
The Business Ethics course (BUS-J404) with Dr. Jones has been one of the most insightful classes in shaping my perspective on values and ethical leadership. The course challenged me to reflect on my own principles while exploring the ethical challenges faced by businesses today. Through in-depth discussions and case analyses, I learned to apply ethical frameworks to real-life scenarios, strengthening my capacity to make balanced and principled decisions. This experience has not only deepened my appreciation for ethical integrity in professional settings but has also equipped me with the tools to foster responsible practices and navigate dilemmas with confidence and accountability.
Course: Business Ethics – BUS-J404
This reflective paper focused on identifying and prioritizing my personal values and comparing them with the guiding principles of my organization. By completing the exercise from Treviño and Nelson’s framework, I explored how core values—like honesty, responsibility, and fairness—shape decision-making and influence ethical business practices.
Key Insights Gained:
Values-Driven Decision-Making: Learned how prioritizing values such as honesty over short-term success builds trust, credibility, and long-term relationships.
Personal vs. Organizational Values: Gained insight into the alignment between my personal ethics and my company’s principles, which reinforced the importance of shared values in workplace culture.
Ethics in Practice: Recognized how core principles guide behavior during ethical dilemmas, helping ensure choices remain consistent with both character and professional integrity.
Career Competencies Developed:
This exercise strengthened my ethical reasoning, integrity, and leadership skills, all of which are vital in fostering transparency and trust in business relationships. It helped me better understand how strong values support sound business practices and long-term organizational success