The students in this course will:
1. develop understanding of theoretical and empirical issues in international business;
2. apply theory to real world cases;
3. advance teamwork and communication skills.

This course is designed to improve students’ understanding of the complexities presented by managing businesses in an international environment. It begins with a historical background of globalization and the development of institutions to support international transactions. Potential similarities and differences between countries in economic development, political and legal systems, culture, government policies on trade and in accepting foreign investments are discussed. Differences in national monetary systems and capital markets are considered with reference to globalization and the integration of world markets. The second part of this course reviews the role of location, the strategy and organization of multinational corporations (MNC), cross-border alliances and international mergers and acquisitions, and the formation of international knowledge networks for technology creation. The course concludes with ethical issues faced by international businesses.

We’ll be using Hill’s 14th edition of ISE International Business: Competing in the Global Marketplace. Students will also need to register on the Harvard website (www.hbr.org) and purchase assigned cases using a link included in the course manual.

Advanced level of English.