Course content
Understanding the dynamics of business strategy is essential in a globalized world for effectively managing organizations across both public and private sectors. This is particularly relevant in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, where diverse economic, political, and cultural contexts shape how firms define and implement their strategies.
Latin America has historically been integrated into the global economy as a supplier of raw materials and agricultural commodities. However, the region is undergoing a significant transformation. Local and international firms alike are navigating a more complex landscape marked by industrial diversification, regional integration efforts, and increased geopolitical competition—especially involving China, the United States, and the European Union.
This course is structured into three thematic blocks, each addressing the strategic challenges and opportunities faced by firms operating in or engaging with the LAC region. Students will explore case studies and theoretical frameworks across macro (global/regional), meso (sectoral), and micro (firm-level) perspectives.
Block 1: Examines the internationalization strategies of Latin American and European firms, analyzing how they adapt to institutional diversity, leverage regional networks, and engage with evolving market conditions.
Block 2: Focuses on entrepreneurship and the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in driving business development and innovation in the region, including how these firms scale, internationalize, and compete.
Block 3: Investigates Latin America's positioning in the global economy, considering how geopolitical trends and trade relations with China, the U.S., and the EU influence strategic decision-making and regional integration.
Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to reflect on how firms formulate strategies that respond to global pressures while remaining attuned to local realities. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, contextual analysis, and the development of original, well-founded strategic proposals relevant to the LAC region.
See course description in course catalogue