Assignment

International Business in the Global Arena Dr. Hein Roelfsema This course focuses on doing business in a global environment. There are two key elements in course. A first focus is on international business, often from the corporate perspective. Issues are both strategic (international business strategy) and operational (operations, marketing, HRM, finance). A second focus is on the international policy environment of the multinational firm. On top of the social relations of the firm, topics are trade and trade policy, global capital markets and financial regulation, and global social development and CSR. The core of the course consists of the seven lectures and the textbook: Daniels, J.D., Radebaugh, L.H. and D. Sullivan (DRS), International Business: Environments and Operations, Pearson. The setup below is based on the 13th global edition of this book, but earlier editions can be used as well. There are three components: Topic 1: The socially embedded global firm Lecture 1: Globalization and the role of international business in society • Globalization and international business • International business and social progress • Motives for global expansion of firms • Multinational business processes and innovation Material: DRS Chapter 1 Lecture 2: The institutional environment of the global firm • Dealing with cultural differences within the multinational firm • Cultural traits and HRM management • International business and the political environment and economic systems • International Business Ethics Material: DRS Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 Topic 2: Theory and practice of international business management Lecture 3: International business strategy • Strategy and firm performance • The organization of international businesses • Global strategy formation • Country selection and entry modes Material: DRS Chapters 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 Lecture 4: International business operations • International marketing management • Global supply chain management • Human resource management in an international context Material: DRS Chapters 16, 17, 20 Lecture 5: Multinational Finance International Capital Markets • Exchange rates and foreign exchange markets • International capital structure • Risk management • Taxation Material: DRS Chapters 9, 19 Topic 3: The policy environment of the multinational firm Lecture 6: International Trade and Investment • International trade patterns • International trade theories • Free trade and protectionism • Regionalism and international economic cooperation Material: DRS Chapters 6, 7, 8 Lecture 7: International financial relations • Exchange rate arrangements • The IMF • The financial crisis and international business Material: DRS Chapters 10 Set up of the lectures Part 1 (approx. 2 hours): Plenary interactive lecture Part 2 (approx. 2 hours): Group casework and discussion