International Business Strategy

Introduction and Aims

This course aims to consolidate the theories related to international management, internationalisation and business strategy by applying them to practical cases of major international companies. It is also concerned primarily with the higher, strategic level of management decision making. International Business Strategy requires the analysis of complex, uncertain and incomplete information and the ability to bound this ambiguity and make, and implement, firm wide judgements.

This module, through mix of lectures, class discussions case study presentations provides the opportunity for the participant to develop and practice analysis, thinking, and judgement competencies at an international and strategic level.This is a core module to be taken by all MSc IB students and will introduce to them to the analytical frameworks, models and techniques commonly used in international business for the analysis, formulation and implementation of strategies.

The course will have a strong emphasis on theories and their practical implementation, and each session of the course will involve workshops focused on group work, Q&A sessions, as well as conventional lectures. Each group will be allocated a company around which their international business strategy analysis will be focused. Groups will make presentations that will be assessed.

Objectives and Learning Outcomes

These are to:

  • Understand the basic tools and techniques used in the analysis of company performance and strategic positioning.
  • Establish an understanding how these methods are applied in the re-evaluation and formulation of strategy.
  • Understand the specifics of theories, concepts, models and frameworks related to international business strategies.
  • Comprehend the problems and challenges of developing and implementing international business strategy.
  • Apply all of the above knowledge in both group and individual tasks to the strategic study of a major, real-word international company.
  • Develop your ability to work in ( case-study) teams and to present collective analysis effectively

Assessment

  • Group work (30%)
  • Individual assignment (70%)