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: international business strategy in a globalised world: what is the impact of geopolitics?
Theinstitutional view of international business: are we in a post-nationstate era?
Culture: the value and limitations of theories of culture
Who are the managers in MNEs: cross-cultural management in internationalising firms
Strategy and control: managing subsidiaries and generating competitive advantage in practice
Internationalisation of services: what are the strategies available to service firms?
Global innovation networks: innovation as a source of competitive advantage
The importance of platforms and other emerging areas in international business research

Learning outcomes

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

• Demonstrate an understanding of the key strategic challenges facing internationally focussed businesses.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the different methods of managing subsidiaries
• Demonstrate understanding of the trade-offs between different entry modes (strategic alliances, M&A etc.)
• Effectively identify problems and recommend alternative an course of action to deal with the complex conceptual problems faced by top managers.
• Critically assess the sources of competitive advantages of multinational firms.
• Reflect on the inter-relationships between external and internal factors which influence international business strategy, including recommendations for appropriate strategies

Indicative reading list

Meyer, K. and Peng, M.W., 2016. International business. Cengage Learning.
Bartlett, C.A. and Beamish, P.W., 2018. Transnational Management: Text and Cases in Cross-border Management. Cambridge University Press.

Research element

Students will conduct online research into the international business strategies of key companies

International

This module is about international business strategy

Subject specific skills

Select and apply specific analytical frameworks from a range of approaches that help solve common international strategy problems.
Recommend a suitable international corporate strategy for a selected enterprise
Apply the key tools of strategy to an international business context.
Conduct online research into the international business strategies of key companies

Transferable skills

Demonstrate written communication