This course provides learners with a solid foundation in international supply, logistics, and foreign currency exchange. Foreign exchange is included in this course since it plays such an important role in planning and executing international operations. The first half of the course reviews critical roles that supply chain management, sourcing, logistics, and transportation play in contemporary global business. In the second half, the focus shifts to foreign currency exchange risks and methods for mitigating those risks, both financial and non-financial.
International Business Operations
Give your career the gift of Coursera Plus with $160 off, billed annually. Save today.
International Business Operations
This course is part of International Business Specialization
Instructor: Stephen R. Lawrence
9,036 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8
(136 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
12 hours to complete
3 weeks at 4 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Comprehend the importance of global supply chains, sourcing, and operations management in the execution of global businesses.
Compare and select between logistics intermediaries available to assist with the movement of goods and services between nations and across borders.
Explain the need for foreign currency exchange and calculate foreign exchange transactions.
Evaluate foreign currency exchange risks in international transactions and identify means to mitigate those risks.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
5 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the International Business Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 5 modules in this course
In this module, we discuss global supply chains (GSCs) and global sourcing. International supply chains are all about moving goods, services, information, and resources around the world to facilitate global business. In many ways, supply chains are the implementation of international trade and globalization. In the first lesson, we define global supply chains, provide examples, develop important GSC strategies, and conclude by examining GSC operational details. In the second lesson, we survey global sourcing. We first tackle the critical make versus buy decision, then develop four international sourcing strategies, examine costing issues for global sourcing, and conclude with a program for international vendor selection.
What's included
10 videos4 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts
This module explores two subsets of international supply chain management – global logistics and international transportation. Logistics management is responsible for the entire process of moving goods from point A to point B, which includes working with suppliers and vendors on schedules, creating import and export documentation, securing transportation services, and arranging for delivery to foreign destinations. Transportation management focuses on the means and methods of transportation, as well as the transfer of shipments from one mode of transportation to the next. Together, effective logistics and transportation management are crucial for the fast and efficient flow of goods and materials around the globe.
What's included
11 videos5 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
We change direction in this module from logistics and supply chains to foreign exchange. As we shall see, foreign exchange risk has a large financial impact on foreign operations, especially on supply chains. In the first lesson, we define money and currency, and then introduce details and examples of foreign currency transactions. In the second lesson we turn to foreign exchange risk, often abbreviated as "forex" exposure. We find that any business or organization that has international transactions is exposed to translation, transaction, and operating risk. With examples, we show that the downside outcomes of forex risk can be large. Anyone dealing with cross-border currency transactions needs to be aware of, and wary of, foreign exchange risk!
What's included
6 videos2 readings1 assignment
In the previous module, we defined three types of foreign exchange (forex) risk and presented examples of its potential financial impacts. You might ask, “OK, I get it, but what to do about it?” This week we answer that question with a discussion of forex hedging techniques. Hedging methods are generally tools used to reduce financial risk. In the case of forex risk, we will cover non-financial hedging methods such as cash flow netting, as well as financial hedging methods including forwards, swaps, futures, and options. In the second lecture we will review the amazing global financial markets where foreign exchange and forex hedging transactions occur.
What's included
6 videos4 readings1 assignment
What's included
1 assignment
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.7 (40 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Business Essentials
Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Yonsei University
New York Institute of Finance
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
Showing 3 of 136
4.8
136 reviews
- 5 stars
83.21%
- 4 stars
15.32%
- 3 stars
0.72%
- 2 stars
0%
- 1 star
0.72%
New to Business Essentials? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.