Course 2013-2014 a.y.

Course Objectives

This course centers on the strategic management of multinational corporations (MNCs). Global Strategic Management is an integrating module as it is concerned with the totality of what a trading organization is trying to achieve. The types of questions that we address are: Why do firms go aboard? What differentiates a global from a multi-domestic industry? Why and when do/should companies engage in cross-border strategic alliances, cross-border mergers and acquisitions? What are the associated risks and how to guard against them? What potential roles can foreign subsidiaries play in the MNEs global strategy? How do companies choose an optimal global structure? How do companies ensure coordination between the headquarters and its subsidiaries, and among subsidiaries? How do companies manage strategic change from one type of global strategy to another?

The aim of this course is to prepare participants for a future position in a multination company. In particular, the aims of the course are:

• To introduce students to domain of international and global strategy;
• To gain an understanding of processes of strategy formulation and implementation and apply them in a global setting;
• To be aware of competing arguments behind a number of strategic approaches;
• To emphasize the generalist nature of management work;
• To learn to work together as a team.

Course Content Summary

The course is organized in four interrelated parts.

Part I Foundations of Global Strategic Management introduces strategy in the global context and discusses how firms can achieve a global competitive advantage.

Part II Designing and Executing a Global Strategy looks into the main strategic decisions an internationalizing firm needs to make. It also discusses the organizational challenge the implementation of global strategy poses.

Part III Managerial Issues identifies a series of strategic issues managers in MNCs need to tackle, such as the creation of a cross-border knowledge management system, the facilitation of global innovation, the creation of regional structures or the competition in emerging markets.

Part IV The Future of Global Strategy depicts some of the currently most hotly debated issues in Global Strategy based on a topic screening.

Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

• 40% written exam;
• 20% indivudual class participation;
• 40% team assignment.

Textbooks

• Readings, cases and slides are made available via our weblearning platform.