International Strategy

COURSE OBJECTIVE
ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH SKILLS – STUDENTS CAN CONDUCT A BASIC INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH PROJECT FROM START TO FINISH ACADEMIC SKILLS (THREE AS)
After successfully completing this course, the student
• can analyze and demonstrate an understanding of theoretical frameworks developed about the internationalization pattern of MNEs (Analysis)
• is able to recognize fundamental structures and to leave out irrelevant information (Abstraction)
• is able to put forward well-founded, substantiated points of view, both in spoken and written format (Argumentation)

BRIDGING THEORY AND PRACTICE KNOWLEDGE: Demonstrates theoretical and empirical knowledge concerning the relevant areas in international business administration
After successfully completing this course, the student:
• can explain, contrast and compare basic theories, models and concepts of international strategy

APPLICATION: Can propose a solution to an international real-life business problem by applying relevant theories and methodologies.
After successfully completing this course, the student:
• Is able to provide practical solutions to a real-life case by applying internationalization theories and concepts

SOCIAL SKILLS – STUDENTS ARE ABLE TO EFFECTIVELY MANAGE DIFFERENT PROFESSIONAL ROLES IN A CROSS-CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT
After successfully completing this course, the student:
• is able to present (both orally and in writing) on substantive issues in international strategy and provide business recommendations
• has a thorough understanding of roles and needs a specific stakeholder, in this case a board of directors of an MNE
• can work well in a team and reflect on his/her own role in the team
• is sensitive to cross-cultural differences, understands how these translate into social contexts and is able to deal with those differences in social interactions

COURSE CONTENT
This course will provide students with a better understanding of the core strategic choices that firms must make when they expand abroad. The fast changing dynamics of industries caused by pressures of globalization have made it essential for organizations to understand the global competitive environment and to adapt quickly. As a result of the intensification of these pressures it is important that (future) managers understand how organizations internationalize and which consecutive strategic choices firms must make. The course aims to provide future managers with a better understanding on the way firms can create and sustain competitive advantage in an international environment and on the way organizations expand abroad. The course has a strong theoretical component as well as a practical component. In the latter, students will gain real life experience by investigating internationalization options for an existing organization. Students will work as consultants and provide strategic advices to the top executives of that organization for its expansion in three specific countries.

TEACHING METHODS
Lectures
Tutorials

TYPE OF ASSESSMENT
Essay - individual assessment
Assignments - group assessment
Written exam - individual assessment
Mandatory attendance tutorials

RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
International strategy is a course that builds on several elements of the previous 1,5 years and there are strong linkages with a number of specific courses. First, the theory discussed in the course People in Business and Society not only has an influence on the individual, but it has an effect on the internationalization process of firms as well. Second, the lessons learned during International Economics help students to better understand the international strategies that MNEs pursue. Third, the course builds on existing knowledge you gained in the course Organization Theory. Finally, it also builds on the content of the courses on HRM & OB as well as on BIS.