International business is concerned with how firms engage in transactions & value-adding activities outside of their national boundaries. The course examines the various elements of international business strategy (e.g., entry mode, partner selection in joint ventures, location) & how the organisational structure of the firm is best configured to its strategy. Consideration will also be given to the impact of foreign direct investment on host & home economies.
English (Expected English proficiency: Greater than CEFR Upper B2)
The course consists of two lectures per week taught in the Spring Term. Each lecture lasts 2 hours on the Caniana campus in Weeks 1 to 12. Each lecture adopts active learning methods designed to encourage students to participate in class discussions. The lectures will be taught by Professor Dr. Norifumi Kawai. Attendance is highly recommended at all the lectures.
Class participation (25%)
Group presentation (25%)
Final exam (50%)
On completion of the course, students should be able to:
Understand economic, social, cultural, & political factors influencing the internationalization, strategy & value of the multinational organization;
Discuss the mechanism to organize value-creating activities within a group of subsidiaries, including how to achieve efficient knowledge flows across borders;
Evaluate different types of corporate & business strategy that help enhance the firm’s long-term profitability & competitive superiority in the age of globalization; &
Critically evaluate the diversity of formal & informal institutions in the international business domain & the effect of this diversity on the nature & form of international business arrangements.
