Open Learning News and Updates

New OER: International Trade and Finance 3-Part Series

We are excited to announce a new 3-part series of open educational resources (OER) that connects real-world events to economic and financial analysis: the International Trade and Finance series, created collaboratively by professors in the School of Business. 

These resources use H5P interactives and easy-to-digest text to simplify trade and finance concepts and bring them to life for first-year students.

Part 1: Economics of International Trade

The first textbook of the series, International Trade and Finance, Part 1: Economics of International Trade, is a comprehensive overview of the economics of international trade. It is principally authored by Kenrick Jordan, PhD, professor of International Business Management in the School of Business.

Jordan shares his experience as an established economics professor and draws from previous experience as an economist in the Canadian financial services industry and at the Caribbean Community Secretariat. 

This OER introduces readers to the benefits of the free movement of goods and services and the factors of production, such as capital and labour, for participating countries across the world. 

Students gain an understanding of why countries often adopt protectionist policies against international trade and examine the effects of tariff and non-tariff barriers on the economic well-being of countries and the world. 

Part 2: Feasibility of International Trade

Dina Majid, CPA, professor in the School of Business, is the title author of the second textbook in this series: International Trade and Finance, Part 2: Feasibility of International Trade. 

For over 15 years, she worked in the Canadian manufacturing sector in senior accounting positions, where she oversaw foreign subsidiaries, dealt with suppliers and customers in different countries, and worked closely with Canadian Border Services.

As a professor, Majid sees the need for students to learn more than just theory and incorporates her real-world experience of international business into her work.

This OER introduces readers to a variety of tools and frameworks to assess whether an organization is ready to enter international markets and to help them select the correct market for their productions and services. It covers rules and regulations of international trade, providing a base understanding of how government organizations can help businesses with international expansion. 

Part 3: International Trade Finance 

International Trade and Finance, Part 3: International Trade Finance is principally authored by Kiranjot Kaur, PhD, professor in the International Business program. 

Kaur's doctoral research in business administration focused on international economics and trade. She has presented at several international trade conferences, and authored OER on the subject. 

In this OER, Kau guides students through an exploration of the risks faced by organizations in international trade finance and the financial tools available to mitigate those risks. 

It introduces readers to the role of trade finance in international trade decisions. Organizations around the world face many financial challenges when they decide to go global, including non-payment, non-performance, currency risk, etc. The resource sheds light on the role financial tools and international financial organizations play in mitigating these risks.

Ready for Use Today

This 3-part series, collaboratively produced by top-notch professors in the School of Business, creates a fulsome learning experience for International Business students. We are eager for it to be used this term.