International Business Study Group
The International Business Study Group was established in 1984 to conduct, co-ordinate, and disseminate the results of research in international business.
The Group’s activities revolve around a four-point conceptual framework that (a) stresses research on the global competitiveness of the firm within the bounds of good corporate citizenship; (b) focuses on the management of international enterprise; (c) studies issues related to both Canadian firms operating abroad and foreign firms in Canada; and (d) recognizes the importance of Canada-U.S. economic relations, while also considering Canada’s need to diversify its international trade and investment relationships.
Recent major studies by IBSG faculty members include research on decision-making processes in multinational firms, country branding and buyer perceptions about products of foreign origin, methods for selecting foreign markets for expansion, sociotechnical problems in less-developed countries, Canadian exports, factors affecting foreign direct investment decisions, culture and its impact in international business, and several other topics. Research is funded through grants or contracts with various public and private sector organizations.
To disseminate research results, IBSG organizes conferences, workshops, and similar events (e.g., the May, 2003 Inaugural Sprott Executive Forum that focused on .Branding Canada.), works on internationalizing the curriculum of the Sprott School of Business (e.g., addition of international marketing, finance, and human resource management concentrations to the Bachelor of International Business program), and publishes occasional papers in addition to the individual publications by its members.
IBSG actively pursues the development of external links internationally and in Canada. Activities in this area include research and other linkages with foreign scholars visiting Carleton, and visits abroad and international projects by IBSG faculty members, involving more than 25 countries. On-going interactions are maintained with scholars affiliated both with universities linked to the Sprott School of Business through formal exchange agreements and with several other universities and related institutions worldwide.
IBSG Director: Dr. Nicolas Papadopoulos, Professor of Marketing and International Business
Contact: ibsg@carleton.ca