This module aims to provide students with and in-depth understanding of some of the main forces that are shaping international business today. These include: the increasing globalisation of business activity; the new forms of business organisation that multinationals (MNEs) use to capture business opportunities; and the challenges presented to western MNEs by the rise of MNEs in emerging economies such as China and India. The overall trend of globalization for MNEs has also created opportunities for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the global value chains of those big global players.
The module will explain the different options for firms of various sizes to start engaging in international business; general strategic issues of how to structure, coordinate and control operations across multiple countries; the challenges associated with learning and managing knowledge across firm and country boundaries; and, cultural differences in select countries and regions, and some of the important strategic guidelines for doing business in each.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the strategic and operational issues associated with managing companies in a dynamic global business environment;
critically analyse what determines the success and failure of firms around the globe;
identify and appraise the main forms of international entry and growth and when each is likely to be the preferred approach;
explain how competition evolves in international business and how MNEs can maintain and upgrade their competitive strength;
critically appraise the future of the global economy and its broad trends.
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment:
1 x 2500 word assignment
Other
Dubai-based duplicate of Birmingham-based module 20564