Enterprises and Globalisation

22B1913

Bachelor

English

5.0

winter and summer term

1 semester

The increasing interconnectedness of national economies and the growing intensity of competition on markets requires firm planning of company's internationalisation strategies and their implementation at a high conceptual level. The aim of this module is for students to understand the interplay of globalisation and change of socio-political and economic framework conditions on the one hand, and also the necessary strategic and operative adaptation processes on a microeconomic level. They also learn about the background and motivations, be they state, firms or organizations at the meso level

1. Foundations of international management
2. Determinants of internationalisation
3. Basic management needs in international companies
4. Function-related international management
5. Risk management for companies working internationally
6. Regional and cultural dimensions in international management

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

• Homework / Assignment or
• Written examination or
• Portfolio exam

The portfolio exam covers 100 points and consists of a one-hour written examination (50 points) and a written paper (50 points).

Written paper: approx. 12-15 pages

Written examination: in accordance with the valid study regulations.

Written paper of the portfolio exam: approx. 8 pages

The requirements are specified in the respective lectures.

A good understanding of the introductory courses in business management and economics is important for developing an understanding of international firms and their strategies and behaviour.

Students are able to recognise the significant challenges for companies which work internationally and are able to describe typical  strategies of companies and understand their logic, their advantages and disadvantages.

Students understand that internationalization implies complex changes in the strategic approach of firms, be it in their overall strategy, in marketing, in hr-management, in accounting or other aspects of firms' dealings.

Students are able to describe and analyse the development of trade relationships around the world or within regions, they are able to name possible causes for changes. They are able to assess the potential consequences of trade developments for the national economic and microeconomic activity.

Students have a good understanding of the world-economic order and its institutions, and recognise the significance of international legislation and treaties for decisions made by companies operating globally.

Students learn to see and reflect on the challenges for firms engaging in international trade and production. They learn the pros and cons of various strategic options the firms usually have.

They learn how firms engaging in international operations need to adjust their marketing, their human resource management, their financing of operations and other functions.

Students have a sound knowledge of theories in international management. Students have learned to apply the most important theories to real cases. Students learn to appreciate the complexity of decision making in the global context.

Students develop an understanding of the complex decision making in multinational enterprises. Students learn to see the rationality behind different and even competing arguments.

Students learn to see the interplay of national or supranational policy making and the beh

Students learn to apply the theoretical tools and concepts to real world cases. By analyzing the internationalization approaches of various firms, large or small, from industrialized countries of emerging economies, in manufacturing or in service, students learn to see the potential of the nexus between theory and practical work.

By doing so, students will produce new knowledge with respect to the companies they study or other case studies

When writing an academic paper about the internationalization strategy of firms, students will learn to apply theoretical knowledge, to work with hypotheses which might explain the behaviour. Students will think about methods to find out which strategy was chosen, how hypotheses are formulated and tested.

Students will do work on cases of internationalization in groups and will experience the benefit of team work.

Students will learn to present their findings. They will work with different kinds of methods to communicate, like power point presentations, flip charts, use of meta plan cards, role plays etc.

The module is introducing key theoretical concepts and models developed for shedding light on the internationalisation of firms and countries.

Students will learn to apply the theories and models, and by doing so to see the potential and limitations of such, to real internationalization experiences of companies and countries.

The strategies and behaviour of firms engaging in internationalization can only be understood when students learn how much political, social, legal and economic aspects influence the power of business decisions. The module is therefore extensively drawing on concepts from other modules, such as basics of the legal system, introductory economics, introduction into business management.

• Business Law, LL.B.

• International Business and Management, B.A.

• Business Management in the Health Sector, B.A.

• International Management, B.A.

• Business Administration and Management, B.A.

• Mayer, Peter

• Mayer, Peter