BUSINESS AND INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM - PROJECT ABSTRACT

ENRICHING INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CURRICULUM THROUGH ETHICS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP INITIATIVES AT KING'S COLLEGE

Abstract

As Northeastern Pennsylvania companies search for new opportunities and expand their reach into global markets, they will need critical international expertise and specialized training to complete the circle for both survival and success. While Northeastern Pennsylvania’s infrastructure, key geographic location and respected work ethic are all important positive factors supporting this growth, they alone are not sufficient to achieve regional goals given today’s economic realities.

The majority of businesses throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania are small to medium size enterprises that may not have the internal or large scale resources available for up to date information and education. Best practices for global operations are continuously updated as market trends change and technology increases the speed of that change.

From an undergraduate education perspective, it is no longer enough to acquaint students with the global economic, cultural and political environment. Students must learn first-hand how these factors influence the way people interact and how their culture impacts business relationships both in the United States and abroad.

King’s College will partner with the Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce, Northeast Pennsylvania Alliance and The Sustainable Energy Fund to achieve this project’s goal to improve both local business competitiveness and international business education in Northeastern Pennsylvania through ethics and entrepreneurship initiatives. All project efforts directly support King’s strategic plan to prepare students for citizenship in a dynamic global environment.

This proposal outlines a four-pronged approach by King’s College and the William G. McGowan School of Business to develop the necessary business and educational components for student, faculty, corporate and regional success in the global marketplace.