Introductory description

The objective of the module is to develop an understanding of the key strategic challenges facing internationally-focused businesses, and to analyse and understand how companies design, implement and manage international strategies within the context of uncertain and complex geopolitics.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

• Introduction: what do we mean by international business strategy?
• Key conceptual foundations: strategy, the nature of international competitive advantage (firm-specific and location-specific elements).
• Managing subsidiary operations, and the choices between exporting, joint ventures and wholly-owned subsidiaries.
• Industry attractiveness.
• Managing international environments (cultural issues and the role of expatriates in multinational firms).
• The links between entry strategies and structures of operation; foreign distributors, alliances and mergers).
• International sourcing, production and R&D operations.
• How multinational firms generate competitive advantage in practice.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the key strategic challenges facing internationallyfocussed businesses.
• Select and apply specific analytical frameworks from a range of approaches that help solve common international strategy problems.
• Critically assess the sources of competitive advantages of multinational firms.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of different market entry modes (trade, alliances, wholly-owned subsidiaries etc).
• Recommend a suitable international corporate strategy for a selected enterprise.
• Effectively identify problems and recommend alternative an course of action to deal with the complex conceptual problems faced by top managers.

Indicative reading list

Verbeke A (2013) International Business Strategy (2 ed), Cambridge University Press .
Segal-Horn, S. & Faulkner (2010); Understanding Global Strategy, Cengage.
Hill CWL (2012) International Business: competing in the global marketplace (9 e), McGraw-Hill Irwin.

Subject specific skills

Apply the key tools of strategy to an international business context.

Transferable skills

Conduct online research into the international business strategies of key companies.
Demonstrate developed presentation and teamwork skills.
Communicate effectively in writing.
Contribute to effective performance within a team environment.
Conduct effective oral presentations.
Exercise self-reflection and criticality in management issues.