325-231 International Business Strategy

One of 325-101 Management, 325-102 Business in the Global Economy, 325-103 The Asian Economies, 325-201 Organisational Behaviour, 325-202 Consumer Behaviour, 325-203 Operations Management, 325-209 Human Resource Management, 325-211 Principles of Marketing, 325-213 Marketing Communications, 325-228 Strategy, or 325-226 Business and Economy in Southeast Asia.

This subject introduces students to strategic decision-making by senior managers of international firms. It analyses the reasons for success or failure of international firms, which compete internationally for resources, customers and market dominance. The dimensions of the international economy (including trade in products and services, capital flows and trade regimes) and the operation of the global business environment (governments, labour, consumers and intergovernmental organisations) provide the context for the international activities of firms. Given this background, strategies for exporting, franchising, licensing, multinational firm expansion, and international alliance formation are examined. An understanding of the theory of foreign direct investment and the theory of multinational enterprise are introduced to provide a framework for the practical analysis of global competitive strategies. Key considerations include the forms of international involvement, entry modes (Greenfield, merges and acquisitions), competition by industry and market segment, and relations between sovereign states and MNEs.

A 2-hour end-of-semester examination (60%) and assignments totalling not more than 2500 words (40%).

To be advised.