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Global Business Forum (IBUS 500)

The MBA Global Business Forum is a themed speaker-series course designed to look at current trends in global business and hold discussions regarding international issues facing companies. Leaders from international businesses and other organizations, as well as faculty members from various departments and specializations are invited to share their perspectives with seminar participants.

GBF for Credit

The Global Business Forum (listed as an IBUS 500 in the time schedule) is offered every quarter with a different theme, and is a 2-credit class. Students may apply a maximum of 6 Global Business Forum credits towards their MBA degree elective requirements.

2023-24 GLOBAL BUSINESS FORUM THEMES

Fall 2023: Doing Business with China

China is an economic superpower that is reshaping our global economy. The GBF will host executives who have worked in China or have built and maintained significant relationships with companies in China to share their insights, perspectives, and experiences.  Speakers will be asked to discuss and identify opportunities in China, their predictions for the future of China and how it will impact the global economy.

Winter 2024: Public and Private Partnership to Enact Social Change

A key leadership skill in helping to enact social impact and change is the ability to partner with the public sector, such as with governmental institutions, NGOs, or non-profits. We will invite leaders from public and private institutions to share examples of public-private collaborations that have bettered humanity. We will discuss the skills needed to build effective partnerships, and the unexpected challenges and benefits that come from these unique relationships.

Spring 2024: Global Supply Chain Management as a Strategic Advantage

Decisions made within organizations in managing their global supply chains have direct global impact. We will invite industry leaders who are responsible for designing, tracking, and executing logistics in how goods are produced, moved, and delivered across an increasingly interconnected marketplace. We will also ask leaders to discuss how supply chain management impacts their company’s place in the marketplace, people along the value chain, and the planet.