Jacobus F Boers

Lecturer, Institute of International Business

How To Reach Me

Office: Suite 1433, 35 Broad Street
Office Hours: Business hours
Email: jboers@gsu.edu
Voice: 404/413-7290
 

Areas of Experitse

Emerging Markets: Eastern Europe, South America, Middle East and Africa;
Market Entry Strategies and Tactics;
Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in International Business;

Education:

  • MBA, Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA (1987)
  • MTS, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA (1984)
  • B.A., University of Pretoria, Tswane, South Africa (1982)

Courses Taught:

BUSA 3000 Globalization and Business Practices; IB 3090 Introduction to International Business; IB 8090 Environment of International Business; IB8180 Comparative Business Systems; IB8400 Study Abroad – South Africa; IB8500 International Internship

Recent Publications and Presentations

  • Panelist at International Career Networking Night at Emory University on Wednesday, February 20, 2008.
  • Panelist on “Learning about the African Continent” Atlanta Summit on Citizen Diplomacy on November 16, 2007.
  • Speaker at South Africa – an Update, organized by The Southern Center for International Studies Young Professionals, April 25, 2007.
  • Seminar Speaker on Globalization and changing international relations: preparing for a career in international business, organized by Southern Center for International Studies, Young Professionals, August 20, 2005.
  • Moderated more than 30 Great Decisions discussions on US foreign policy for the Foreign Policy Association, Georgia Council of International Visitors and Evening at Emory.
  • Regularly moderates and participates in weekly discussion on US foreign policy topics at the International Issues Forum discussions.
  • Speaker at the Technology Association of Georgia, International Special Interest Group, May 12, 2004.
  • Moderator at Executive Workshop III - The Impacts of EU Enlargement in Eastern and Central Europe on Logistics and Construction Markets: 60 Days Left to Enlargement, Tuesday, March 30, 2004; organized by The European Union Center of the University System of Georgia & The Georgia Tech Center for International Business Education & Research (GT CIBER).
  • Speaker at International Business Workshop Series - International Business Success organized by the Institute of International Business, Robinson College of Business, March 2004 Presenter of session, “Roadmap to Successful Market Entry” jointly with Jerry Striplin.
  • Executive Workshop II: Entry Strategies: Product Adaptation and Innovation in the New Eastern European Markets, Wednesday, November 19, 2003; organized by The European Union Center of the University System of Georgia, The Georgia Tech Center for International Business Education & Research, and the Polish America Chamber of Commerce.
  • Panelist on International Business Practitioners, Executive MBA program J. Mack Robinson College of Business, Tuesday, October 25, 2003.
  • Panelist on International Business Practitioners, Executive MBA program J. Mack Robinson College of Business, Tuesday, July 31, 2001.

Bio

Jacobus brings the practical experience of a successful international business career to the classroom, where he combines the lessons of research, theory, and practice.  His interest is in helping students learn about the opportunities offered by international business. He offers guidance on  how to assess the potential for success and how to develop and implement approaches that will increase profitability and reduce the risk.  Students consistently express their appreciation for the practical insights Jacobus brings to the classroom.

At GSU, his service activities include leading a study abroad program to South Africa for the PMBA students, with a focus on the international elements of business while addressing multiple disciplines, including marketing, finance, logistics, business administration and entrepreneurship. The course provides exposure to a broad scope of industries including hospitality (tourism and restaurant), the extractive industries (since South Africa is rich in minerals), energy, manufacturing, banking and finance (corporate and retail), telecommunications, and distribution. Students spend considerable time learning about the diverse cultural environment of South Africa, black economic empowerment (BEE), the role of South Africa as a commercial hub in sub-Saharan Africa and witness the increasing role globalization plays in the lives of South Africa’s people.

Jacobus is also the lead faculty member of responsible for the International Internship component of the MIB.  He advises students on finding appropriate internship opportunities, assists them in structuring the opportunities into internships meeting the requirements of the program, and reviews the reports submitted for credit.

Jacobus is active in the Georgia Council for International Visitors where he as past Chairman supports the International Visitor Leadership Program of the U.S. Department of State as well as the Great Decisions discussion program on U.S. foreign policy options.  He frequently speaks to young professional organizations and students about international career opportunities.  He has served as Chairman of the Brazilian American Chamber of Commerce in Georgia, and is past President of the World Trade Center Education Foundation.

Professor Boers has also had the opportunity to consult for a number of technology companies on selection of appropriate international markets for expansion, developing market entry and direct investment plans, and supporting the implementation of plans.  Prior to joining GSU in 2007, Jacobus maintained a consulting practice providing management consulting services to a broad range of clients.