Aims
This course aims to:
• provide an understanding of the growing and complex international business environment
• provide knowledge and insight that is critical to an individual’s functioning in a global economy
• provide an understanding of the fundamental mechanics of multinational enterprises and how they affect and shape the global economy
Content
The international business environment is dynamic and constantly changing, with MNE revenues now observed to be larger than the GDP for some countries. This foundational course introduces its participants to the mechanics of multinational enterprises, showcasing different models and current themes that facilitate an understanding of the intricacies of multinational firm activity across the globe.
In Lecture 1 we begin by introducing the concept of Internationalisation. Internationalisation is a process by which a firm expands its geographic boundaries. Focus is given to a clear definition of Internationalisation and an understanding of the motivations behind firms’ entering new markets. The definition and classification of Multinational Enterprises here classes firms based on their orientation, nature of strategy, and type of subsidiary structure.
Lecture 2 introduces and discusses International Business Strategy. Focus is given to understanding different types of international business strategy; decisions about which markets to enter and how to enter those markets are key to multinational enterprise expansion.
Lecture 3 narrows down on Mergers and Acquisitions, one of the most common foreign market entry strategies. Firstly, we explore why Mergers and Acquisitions fail; an appreciation of the complexity of merging one company to another. We subsequently discuss the Dynamic Acquisition-Integration Model; a model showcasing a step-by-step guide to the process of integrating a newly acquired firm, and proffering suggestions on how to avoid conflicts in the integration process.
Lecture 4 provides an understanding of the International Operations Management process. As the MNE expands into new markets, it faces a growing challenge of how to move products and components around the world.
Lecture 5, our concluding lecture, is an exposition on the international business environment; exploring globalisation as the growing interdependence of countries worldwide and explaining that firms now unavoidably need to transact business across a global landscape with significant consequences.
Presentation of the course
The 5 sessions will mainly take a format of a Course Director-Led lecture but will be variable with Student-led activities. For each session, students will be expected to engage in activities such as discussing questions with other students (a 15-minute workshop style approach during each session). While the lecture content will be delivered using PowerPoint slides and explanation from the Course Director, the case studies, exercise sheets and student discussion will form the interactive aspect of the class
Course sessions
1. Internationalisation
2. International Business Strategy
3. Complexity of Mergers and Acquisitions
4. International Operations Management
5. Governance and Globalisation
Learning outcomes
You are expected to gain from this series of classroom sessions a greater understanding of the subject and of the core issues and arguments central to the course.
The learning outcomes for this course are:
• a clear understanding of the meaning of Internationalisation
• a fundamental understanding of International Business Strategy
• an appreciation of the complexity of managing the Multinational Enterprise
