Course Description
This course provides an overview of the importance of international business and trade in the global economy and explores the factors that influence success in international markets.
Students will learn about the techniques and strategies associated with marketing, distribution, and managing international business effectively.
This course prepares students for postsecondary programs in business, including international business, marketing, and management.
Prerequisite: None
Course Outline
| Unit | Unit Name | Unit Description | Time Allocated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Business, Trade, and Economy | Explores the impact of international business on Canada and global interdependence. Students examine trade barriers, Canadian trading partners, and select a country for course assignments. | 20 Hours |
| 2 | Factors Influencing Success in International Markets | Examines cultural, political, economic, and geographic factors influencing international markets. Students learn accepted international business practices. | 20 Hours |
| — | Mid-Term Exam | Assessment of learning from the first part of the course. | 2 Hours |
| 3 | The Global Environment for Business | Investigates globalization’s effects on Canadian businesses, factors influencing a country’s ability to participate in international business, and corporate social responsibility. | 20 Hours |
| 4 | Marketing Challenges, Approaches, and Distribution | Studies international marketing challenges, including product adaptation, legal, cultural, and economic considerations, market research, and logistics and distribution strategies. | 20 Hours |
| 5 | Working in International Markets | Analyzes technology, ethical considerations, and international working environments affecting global business decisions. | 20 Hours |
| — | Summative Project | Students compile a Business Portfolio integrating course concepts and strategies. | 6 Hours |
| — | Final Exam – Assessment of Course Content | Comprehensive exam assessing understanding of all units. | 2 Hours |
| Total Instructional Time | 110 Hours | ||
Overall Curriculum Expectations
The following learning areas are reflected in the course outline and instructional activities for BBB4M.
Unit 1 – Business, Trade, and Economy
Students explore the impact of international business on Canada and the global economy.
Students examine the relationship between Canadian businesses and international markets, including global interdependence, trade barriers, and Canada’s major trading partners.
Students select a country to investigate throughout the course and apply their understanding of international trade to related assignments and research activities.
Unit 2 – Factors Influencing Success in International Markets
Students examine the cultural, political, economic, and geographic factors that influence business success in international markets.
Students develop an understanding of accepted international business practices and consider how different market conditions influence business decisions.
Unit 3 – The Global Environment for Business
Students investigate the effects of globalization on Canadian businesses and examine the factors that influence a country’s ability to participate in international business.
Students also consider the role of corporate social responsibility in international business activities.
Unit 4 – Marketing Challenges, Approaches, and Distribution
Students examine the challenges associated with marketing products and services internationally.
Students explore product adaptation, legal and cultural considerations, economic conditions, market research, and logistics and distribution strategies.
Unit 5 – Working in International Markets
Students analyze the role of technology, ethical considerations, and international working environments in global business decisions.
Students consider how businesses respond to the opportunities and challenges of operating across international markets.
Culminating Activity – Summative Project
Students apply their understanding of international business concepts and strategies by developing a Business Portfolio that integrates learning from across the course.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This course is delivered primarily through asynchronous online learning, allowing students to access lessons, complete activities, participate in discussions, and submit assessments according to the course schedule.
Students receive clear instructions, learning resources, and ongoing teacher feedback through the online learning platform.
Multimedia Lessons: Recorded presentations, instructional videos, simulations, interactive activities, quizzes, and digital resources are used to explain concepts, theories, and skills.
Asynchronous Discussions: Discussion boards, written responses, recorded audio/video responses, and messaging allow students to share ideas, ask questions, respond to classmates, and receive teacher feedback without requiring real-time attendance.
Reflection: Students reflect on their learning, connect concepts to real-life situations, and consider how new knowledge relates to their experiences and perspectives.
Individual Activities and Assignments: Students complete activities independently and according to established deadlines. These activities reinforce and extend learning while allowing students to work at an appropriate pace.
Research and Inquiry: Students investigate questions and problems, locate and evaluate sources, analyze information, develop conclusions, and communicate findings using critical and creative thinking.
Writing: Written activities help students organize ideas, develop understanding, communicate effectively, and connect prior knowledge with new concepts.
Diagrams and Visuals: Diagrams, charts, graphic organizers, and other visual resources help students organize and understand complex concepts.
Case Studies: Students examine real-world situations and apply course concepts and theories to analyze problems, perspectives, and possible solutions.
Practice Problems: Online practice questions, exercises, and application tasks provide opportunities to practise skills and receive feedback before formal assessments.
Market Research: Where appropriate, students conduct primary and secondary research to investigate questions, compare products or ideas, analyze evidence, and communicate conclusions.
Ongoing Teacher Feedback: Teachers monitor student progress through submitted work, online activities, discussions, and assessments and provide timely written, audio, or recorded feedback.
Students may contact the teacher through the online learning platform for clarification and support.
Assessment Strategies
Assessment practices can nurture students’ sense of progress and competency and inform instruction.
Many diagnostic tools, including checklists and inventories, are used at regular intervals throughout the units to encourage students’ understanding of their current status as learners and to provide frequent and timely reviews of their progress.
Assessment of student acquisition of listening and talking, reading and viewing, and writing skills also occurs regularly through teacher observation and conferencing.
Teachers are encouraged to share goals with students early in the course and to connect unit learning experiences frequently and explicitly with big ideas, overall expectations, and performance tasks.
The teacher is encouraged to involve students in the discussion, modification, or creation of rubrics and to teach students to use rubrics as a learning tool.
Assessment Activities
• Homework Assignments
• Individual Teacher-Student Meetings
• Discussion Forums
• Diagnostic Quizzes and Writing Tasks
• Outlining and Planning Sheets
• Completed Templates
• Editing Checklists
• Reflections and Learning Journals
• Recorded Oral Presentations and Active Listening
• Online Quizzes, Tests, and Examinations
• Research Projects and Evaluations
• Individual Assignments
• Self-Assessment and Peer Feedback
• Teacher Feedback and Progress Checks
Final Grade
The final grade will be determined as follows (in accordance with Ministry of Education standards):
| Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
|
Term Work Based on evaluations conducted throughout the course. |
65% |
|
Final Evaluation Final evaluation consisting of a written exam and culminating task. |
25% |
| Attendance and Participation | 10% |
Final Evaluation Breakdown
Written Exam: 15%
Culminating Task: 10%
Attendance Policy
Regular attendance and active engagement are important for student success. Attendance and participation are monitored through the school’s Learning Management System (LMS).
All online credit courses at ICE are designed to meet or exceed the minimum 110 hours of instructional time required for a credit course.
Online instructional time and engagement are monitored through:
LMS Engagement: Students are expected to log in regularly and actively participate in online learning activities. LMS activity records are used to monitor engagement.
Biweekly Check-Ins: Students complete a brief check-in every two weeks to review their progress and engagement. Additional support may be provided when concerns are identified.
Post-Unit Quizzes: Short formative quizzes are completed at the end of each unit to monitor student progress and pacing.
Discussion Forums: Students participate in required unit discussions and peer activities. Participation is monitored based on completion and engagement.
Students are responsible for maintaining regular participation and completing required learning activities within the course schedule.
Evaluation Model – 10% Total Attendance and Engagement Weight
| Component | Weight | Quantifiable Metric | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biweekly Check-In | 3% | Completed every two weeks | Students complete the required check-in within the scheduled time frame. |
| Post-Unit Formative Quiz | 4% | Completed after each unit | Students complete the formative quiz by the assigned deadline. |
| Discussion Forum Participation | 3% | Required posts and responses | Students submit the required original response and complete assigned peer responses. |
Course Materials – BBB4M: International Business
Required Textbooks and Resources
International Business textbooks covering global trade, marketing, distribution, and economic factors affecting business.
Supplementary readings, including articles, case studies, videos, and online resources on international business, trade agreements, marketing strategies, and ethical considerations.
Teacher-provided worksheets, research templates, discussion prompts, and project guidelines.
Digital Resources and Software
Google Drive: For storing, sharing, and submitting assignments.
Internet Access: For research, international business databases, and online resources.
Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or equivalent software for presentations, reports, data analysis, and business simulations.
Presentation and Collaboration Tools: Google Slides or other software for group projects and presentations.
Teacher Considerations
Assistive technology, including text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and screen readers, may be used to support diverse learners.
Flexible submission formats allow students to submit work as Google Docs, PDFs, slides, spreadsheets, or other digital formats.
Differentiation of resources and scaffolding may be provided for students with special education needs or English language learners.
Considerations for Program Planning
Planning Programs for Students with Special Education Needs
Teachers support all students through Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiated instruction, and evidence-based practices.
IEP accommodations are implemented as required. Asynchronous learning provides flexibility through extended time, breaks, assistive technology, and opportunities to review materials.
Program Considerations for English Language Learners
Teachers provide appropriate support through clear language, visual and multimedia resources, opportunities to review lessons, extended time, bilingual dictionaries where appropriate, and feedback that supports academic English.
Environmental Education
Environmental education is integrated into course learning. Students explore environmental responsibility, sustainability, and the environmental impact of business decisions.
Equity and Inclusive Education
The course promotes a respectful and inclusive learning environment.
Materials and assessments reflect diverse perspectives and are designed to be fair and free from cultural bias.
Financial Literacy Education
Students develop financial literacy through practical learning about financial concepts, records, consumer decisions, and responsible money management.
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Education
Where relevant, students explore Indigenous histories, cultures, perspectives, and contributions using accurate and respectful resources.
The Role of Information and Communications Technology
ICT is integrated throughout the course for learning, communication, assessment, and presentation.
Students develop responsible digital citizenship, source-evaluation, privacy, and academic-integrity skills.
Career Education
Students connect course learning with career and postsecondary opportunities and develop transferable skills relevant to accounting, finance, management, marketing, entrepreneurship, and economics.
Cooperative Education and Other Forms of Experiential Learning
Students may connect course learning with job shadowing, work experience, and cooperative education to explore careers and develop workplace skills.
Health and Safety
Students are encouraged to practise safe online learning habits, including proper ergonomics, regular breaks, balanced screen time, and respectful digital communication.
Accommodations
Accommodations are provided based on student needs and relevant documentation.
They may include:
Step-by-Step Instructions: Clear instructions that help students understand and complete learning activities.
Organizational Tools: Planning sheets, templates, and graphic organizers to support independent learning.
Additional Time: Extended time for assessments and learning activities when appropriate.
Oral Responses: Opportunities to demonstrate learning through spoken responses.
Alternative Reading and Writing Options: Flexible formats that support individual learning needs.
Advance Access to Materials: Early access to course materials where appropriate.
Enrichment Opportunities: Additional learning activities and extensions when appropriate.
Tips for Success – BBB4M
Welcome to BBB4M: International Business, Grade 12!
Get ready to explore the world of international trade, global marketing, and business strategies while developing strong analytical, research, problem-solving, and digital literacy skills in an online environment.
By the end of this course, you will be well prepared for postsecondary studies in business, marketing, and management, and will have strengthened your time management, organization, and research skills.
Stay Updated
Check Announcements, “What’s New,” and your mailbox daily for updates and important information.
Stay Organized
Review the course calendar regularly and meet all assignment deadlines. If you experience difficulty, contact your teacher as soon as possible.
Carefully review assignment instructions and evaluation criteria before submitting work. Use a checklist to ensure all research, analysis, and presentation requirements are met.
Engage Actively
Participate actively in discussions, case studies, simulations, and projects to deepen your understanding of international business practices and global economic trends.
Ask for Help
Technical Issues: Contact the Help Desk.
Course-Related Questions: Email your teacher. Expect a response within 24 hours. If the matter is urgent, include “URGENT” in the subject line.
Key Elements to Success
Time Commitment: Plan for 1–2 hours of focused study each day, plus additional time for research and project work.
Communication: Maintain regular contact with your teacher for guidance, clarification, and feedback.
Engagement: Stay curious, attentive, and persistent. Online learning may have challenges, but active participation and thoughtful reflection will lead to success.
Remember
This course is designed to help you understand how international business concepts, trade strategies, and economic activities impact the global economy.
Approach each activity thoughtfully and accurately as you develop informed perspectives on global business practices, marketing strategies, and ethical considerations in international trade.
