INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

The course familiarizes students with comprehensive theoretical perspectives on the strategy and structure of the global firm. The course is concerned with the different strategy concepts and their applications to the multinational corporation (MNC).

Knowledge of economics, strategy, and the theory of the firm.

Students will develop skills in thinking independently and viewing business challenges from a global perspective. They will be able to evaluate international competitive strategies in multicultural environments, design alternative organizational forms for multinational firms, and identify appropriate forms of market entry. Emphasis will be given to comprehend the complexity of the environment, such as sustainability-thinking and volatile digital transformations.

Globalizing Business. Understanding Formal Institutions: Politics, Laws, and Economics. Emphasizing Informal Institutions: Cultures, Ethics, and Norms. Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility. Leveraging Resources and Capabilities. Theories of Market Entry. Equity versus Nonequity Market Entry Modes. Culture and Market Entry. International Strategy. Franchising. Networks. Strategic Alliances. Ownership and Control. Greenfield, Acquisition, Brownfield Investment. Market Entry Mode Dynamics. Digitalization. Born Globals.

• Cavusgil, S., G. Knight, & J. Riesenberger (2019), International Business: The New Realities, Global Edition. Pearson Education Limited. • Buckley, P.J., Enderwick P, and Voss, H., (2022), International Business, Oxford University Press. 9780198861898. • Welch, L. S., Benito, G. R., & Petersen, B. (2008). Foreign operation methods: Theory, analysis, strategy. Edward Elgar Publishing • Additional literature provided on learning platform

Each week topics on international business and market entry will be discussed, focusing on academic papers and the course’s main literature. In addition, cases will be analyzed, and class simulation games conducted during classes. Groups of students must present and discuss academic papers and case studies. In collaboration with an industry partner, students will work on a joint project with students from the universities of Vienna and Madrid.

The grade will be the result of: - written exam with open and /or multiple choice questions (15%); - paper presentation and discussion (group work) (20%); - case study presentation (15%); - oral and written class assignments (10%); - international group project (40%); - individual contribution to classes (0-2 additional points). For a positive final course evaluation, each activity must be passed.

Master thesis proposal