International Business
Code
2338
Academic unit
null
Department
null
Credits
3,5
Teacher in charge
Youtha Cuypers
Teaching language
English
Objectives
The aim of this course is to provide students with a deeper understanding of the internationalization process of multinationals as well as small and medium sized firms, taking into account specific challenges and opportunities emerging from differences in the economic, political, institutional, cultural and competitive environments. The course will offer students theoretical frameworks that can act as practical tools to shed light on the different facets of doing business in an international context, ranging from motives for international expansion, timing of internationalization, market selection criteria, entry mode choice, to subsidiary management. Particular attention will be paid to the role of emerging markets in international business and the unique challenges and opportunities these markets present.
Prerequisites
N/A
Subject matter
Bibliography
Recommended Textbook/readings:
S. Tamer Cavusgil, Gary Knight, Pervez Ghauri, John Riesenberger, International Business, Global Edition, 2014 Pearson 3/E ISBN-10: 0273787063 ISBN-13: 9780273787068
Case studies: provided at beginning of the course.
All resources including lecture notes and suggestions for further readings will be made available through Moodle.
Teaching method
The course uses a combination of short interactive lectures, case studies and discussions. The theoretical tools and frameworks used in the course will be introduced during the short lectures. Subsequently, students will apply them to the assigned case studies which will be discussed in detail in class. We will use a range of cases throughout the course that will provide insights into a diverse range of countries, industries and companies.
Evaluation method
The final exam is mandatory and must cover the entire span of the course. Its weight in the final grade can be between 30 to 70%. The remainder of the evaluation can consist of class participation, midterm exams, in class tests, etc. Overall, written in class assessment (final exam, midterm) must have a weight of at least 50%.
Class participation: (15%)
The class participation grade is determined based on the quality and quantity of your contributions. Not participating in class discussions will affect your final grade significantly, even if you attend all classes. Without participating you will not be able to get a pass grade on the participation component. Class participation grades are at the discretion of the instructor and are not subject to debate, bargaining or appeal. Absences, excessive tardiness, or leaving early will hurt your individual participation grade.
Group project: (35%)
Each team is required to write a report outlining an internationalization plan for a specific company, i.e. either an initial international expansion or an expansion to a new country. Students should apply the concepts and frameworks discussed in class and discuss issues such as motivation and timing of expansion, market selection, entry mode and management of overseas operations, taking into account the differences in the environments between the home and host countries of the firm. Teams will consist of 5-6 students depending on the total class size.
Final exam: (50%) - The final exam is a closed book exam which will cover the entire contents of this course. More information will be made available during the course.