Course content
The aim of the course is to explore and develop nuanced understandings of a range of contemporary issues and debates in International Business, and further develop the skills that will enable lifelong learning. To this end, emphasis is placed on ‘problematizing’ current understandings of contemporary issues in international business by placing them in their historical context, tracing the evolution of knowledge, and questioning taken-for-granted assumptions that inform current theory and business practice. Sources of contemporary issues include debates in the academic literature alongside current events in business and society. A focus on contemporary issues means that specific topics covered will vary over time. Nonetheless, indicative issues include: How do crises – such as global pandemics or financial crises – shape the location decisions of multinational enterprises and re-shape core IB theory? What are the implications of using English as a ‘lingua franca’ for relationships of power and the management of diversity within MNEs? How can innovative small firms shape international institutions for competitive advantage, or is this solely the domain of government and large MNEs? How do MNEs foster – and destroy – subsidiary initiatives and local entrepreneurship? In what ways do MNEs advance or detract from the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, such as ‘reduce inequality’ and ‘economic growth’? The exploration of these and similar questions will draw on the latest academic literature and case studies of international businesses. Students will be expected to make connections across contemporary issues and revisit prior learning with new understanding
See course description in course catalogue