An introduction to international business

In the first lecture, we explore the definition of the multinational enterprise. In particular, we explore the motivations for foreign direct investment. Lecture one introduces participants to the concept of internationalisation. Lecture 2 is international business strategy. This lecture defines different types of market entry modes and extensively discusses international business strategy using business case analysis. Lecture 3 introduces participants to the complexity of implementing international business strategy, especially with Mergers & Acquisitions. We analyse acquisition integration using the dynamic acquisition integration model. Lecture 4 discusses international operations management, highlighting the importance of new technology such as Blockchain technology to data management and the introduction of drones to supply chain management. Lecture 5 concludes the course with a discussion on global governance and globalisation as key factors regulating and driving multinational business activity respectively.

Learning outcomes:

1. A clear understanding of the meaning of Internationalisation
2. A fundamental understanding of International Business Strategy
3. An appreciation of the complexity of managing the Multinational Enterprise

Session titles:

1. Internationalisation
2. International Business Strategy
3. Complexity of Mergers & Acquisitions
4. International Operations Management
5. Governance & Globalisation

All course content will be delivered online via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). You will be taught largely through a series of pre-recorded talks (which may be audio and/or video), designed to help you address different aspects of the main topic. You will normally have access to a range of useful resources and suggested activities.

There will also be an element of interactive work, and the opportunity for you to engage in written form with other course participants and discuss questions set by the Course Director via the Course Forum. The Course Director will generally respond to a selection of key questions and comments on a daily basis.

Some courses may also have elements of optional live discussions via Zoom.

There are no pre-requisites for courses, unless specified, and all are open to adult learners over 18 years old. Courses are taught at approximately first-year undergraduate level.

Content will be made available on each day of the course, Monday to Friday, from 8.00am BST. Course content will normally amount to c 1.5hrs per day across the 5 days, comprising of material delivered by the Course Director and activities/reading set, which would include discussions via the course forum. You may also need to complete reading or other preparation suggested in advance of the course.

We therefore suggest that you set aside approximately 1.5 hours of study per day to complete each day’s content and activities. However, this does not need to be done in one sitting, and you have the flexibility to access content when and where you want, and to go back and review it as often as you wish. Each course runs for one week and content will remain available to access on the VLE for 2 weeks after the course has finished.

A Certificate of Participation for the course(s) will be sent electronically, upon request via email, after the end of the Summer Festival. Details will be provided on the VLE.