This module offers a critical analysis of how multinationals select their target markets and modes of entry and how they manage their various functions in an international context, balancing the needs for global integration and local responsiveness respectively.
• Managing the internationalisation process
• Country selection
• Choosing and designing entry modes
• Managing collaborative arrangements
• International marketing
• International human resource management
• International supply chain management
• International finance
• Research and development in an international perspective
• Managing multinationals using electronic commerce
• Managing multinationals responsively
Total contact hours: 21
Private study hours: 129
Total study hours: 150
Main assessment methods:
Group Presentation (10%)
Individual Report (2000 words) (20%)
Examination, 2 hour (70%)
Reassessment method;
100% Exam
Buckley, P. and Casson, M. (2002). The Future of the Multinational Enterprise, Palgrave: Basingstoke
Daniels, J.D., Radebaugh, L.D. and Sullivan, D. (2015) International Business: Environments and Operations, 15th Edition, Pearson Education Limited: Harlow, UK.
Ghoshal, S. and Westney, D. E. (2005) Organization Theory and the Multinational Corporation, 2nd edition, Palgrave: Basingstoke.
Hill, C. and Hult, G.T.M. (2017) International Business. Competing in the Global Market, 11th Edition, McGraw-Hill: New York.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- critically analyse core issues related to the expansion and management of a firm's operations across international borders;
- critically analyse the choice and design of market entry modes and apply this to practical cases;
- evaluate the key elements of import and export strategies, the role of several types of trading companies in exporting and the role of counter trade in international business;
- critically analyse the management of various types of international collaborative arrangements; discuss the reasons for multinational enterprises to take part in such collaborations; critically analyse various factors that can lead to the failure of international collaborative arrangements; evaluate several strategies that can lead to the success of international collaborative arrangements
- evaluate the management of functional areas in multinational firms (e.g. marketing, human resource management, supply chain management, finance or research and development).
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- present a logical case/argument
- plan work, study independently and use relevant resources
- structure and develop appropriate and effective communications, critically and self-critically, orally and in writing
- receive and use criticism and advice so as to learn from others
- produce work in appropriate formats, demonstrating an understanding of academic conventions
- inform decision making by theoretical developments
- work effectively in teams
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