Global Business Environment
Code
1212
Academic unit
null
Department
null
Credits
7,5
Teacher in charge
Luís Brites Pereira
Teaching language
English
Objectives
The aim of Global Business Environment (1212) is for students to discover and understand the complexity of the international business environment by studying key economic, institutional and political factors that affect global trade and investment. After completing the course, students will be able to think critically about the global business world and also act independently in it when pursuing their professional interests, management or otherwise.
In practice, the course provides students with knowledge about WHAT environmental factors they must consider when developing and managing their global business projects. As such, it complements International Management (1211), which teaches students HOW to design and implement management strategies when a firm decides to enter the global market.
Students will also develop their analytical, communicational and organisational skills during the course, which will stand them in good stead for the world of work.
Prerequisites
Mandatory Precedence:
- 1101. Introduction to Macroeconomics
- 1200. Introduction to the Company
Subject matter
1. Globalization and Governance - Define the phenomenon of globalization and describe its driving forces, the advantages and disadvantages. Also address the impact of globalization on income, growth and development policies and discuss possible governance solutions.
2. The Global Economic Policy - Addressing the differences between countries and how they affect competitiveness, growth and business-friendly policies. Also consider some relevant aspects of international relations aimed at the current global geopolitics beyond the main strengths of Portuguese foreign policy.
3. Global Trade and Investment - Review global trade and investment theories, and discuss their implications for global management.
br>4. The Global Monetary System - Review theories of exchange rates, monetary and exchange rate policies and the international monetary system, and discuss their implications for global management.
5. The Global Strategy - Addressing the management strategy in the light of international opportunities and trends, and the Portuguese competitiveness strategy.
Bibliography
Course Textbook & Topics: - Hill , Charles W. L., Global Business Today, 8th ed., McGraw Hill , 2014 (required)
Teaching method
The teaching and learning methods are a blend of theoretical lectures, class discussion of readings and relevant research by students, both at an individual and team level. English is the language of instruction AND assessment (i.e. includes all course deliverables). The course comprises two theoretical lectures/week (1.5 hours each) and one tutorial lecture/week (1.5 hours). In addition to these 4.5 contact hours, the course also comprises at least 7 independent study hours/week during which students read & summarise, prepare for class discussions, research & write an essay and also do team work.
The theoretical lectures closely follow the course textbook, which covers theory, empirical evidence and also policy. Guest lectures will address relevant course topics drawing upon the guest-lecturers? professional expertise. The tutorial lecture, meanwhile, analyses and discusses the course readings, gives feedback on the essay and reviews the material covered in the theoretical lectures. Note that classes are designed to be interactive and student participation is expected whenever possible. Students are thus encouraged to ask pertinent questions (especially in relation to guest-lectures) and also actively participate in class discussions on readings. These actions will allow students to create and manage perceptions regarding their abilities and mind-set, as is also often the case in the working-world. Finally, students are expected to arrive on time for classes and will be asked to leave the room if their behaviour is deemed to be disruptive by the lecturers.
Evaluation method
Readings Discussions (10%)
Analytical Essay (15%)
Business Report & Presentation (25%)
Final Examination (50%)