International business

Academic year: 2007-2008 Course code module FTEMAJ0026 Semester: 1st semester Credits: 6 Study load (hours) 168 Theory (hours): 60,00 Practice/Exercises(hours): Other (hours): Part-time program: 1 Instructor(s) Liliane Van Hoof Language of instruction: Dutch Semester exam information: semester exam in January Contract restriction information: 1. Prerequisites *Algemene competenties Basic knowledge of economics and management *Sequentiality 2. Objectives (expected learning outcomes) Students should acquire some essential insights into the strategic approach, general policies and operational policies of firms operating internationally.  Moreover, students should understand that each firm operates within a particular context, which can be of great influence too.  Globalization and increasing international competition force companies to think and act internationally.  This means that firms have to adopt an adequate organizational structure.  The diverse forms of internationalization –ranging from exporting, licensing contracts, management contracts, various sorts of partnerships to direct investments– need to be clearly understood.   3. Course content We will discuss why and when it is necessary for firms to operate internationally.  Globalization and the wider context of international management will be analyzed, just like the basic theoretical concepts of international trade and investment.  The strategic implications of internationalization and the suitable organizational answers for international (multinational) enterprises will be comprehensively discussed.  We will also have a look at international operational management concerning marketing, logistics and financial management, corporate governance and human resource management.  We will clearly outline future challenges and will also devote attention to the difficulties encountered when operating in diverse cultural environments and also to the activities of various international agents such as e.g. governments, international organizations, pressure groups, etc.  Case studies and guest speakers will further illustrate the material at hand.     4. Teaching method Direct contact: Lectures Personal work: Assignments - individual 5. Assessment method Exam: Written, with oral presentation Closed book Multiple choice Open questions Continuous assessment: Assignments Case studies Written assignment: With oral presentation 6. Compulsory reading – study material Hill,Charles W.L. International Business. McGraw-Hill, 6th edition, 2007,728 p;  7. Recommended reading - study material 8. Tutoring laatste aanpassing: last update: 04/10/2007 09:43 liliane.vanhoof