21811 Global Strategic Management

Faculty of Business: Management
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level: Postgraduate

Result Type: Grade and marks

Handbook description

This subject provides an understanding of the contemporary international business environment and how business can formulate appropriate organisational strategies. A variety of strategic options available to organisations is explored. Emphasis is placed on the inevitability of changes in the global environment and on the need for strategic management in this changing environment in Asia, Europe and the United States.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

Understand the concepts of Global Strategic Management to define, develop and administer a strategy and structure for a world wide business
Understand both the theoretical and practical rationale for international business activities
Understand the basic concepts in world investment trends, currency, foreign exchange and financing issues
Understand the significance and complexity of culture in international trade, its impact in the Asia and Pacific region, and particular problems faced in developing countries
Identify the fundamental determinants of national competitive advantage in an industry
Develop a broad perspective on the dynamic interface between nation-states and the firms attempting to conduct foreign business activities
Develop a framework for the formulation and implementation of strategies in an international context
Understand the value of, and identify opportunities for strategic alliances and partnerships in international business.

Contribution to graduate profile

Global Strategic Management explores the issues of internationalisation and globalisation in business. Motives and drivers for international expansion are considered, and skills developed to allow the student to assess the options available to an organisation looking to move into foreign markets. Particular attention is paid to the impact and importance of culture in crafting and implementing strategies for international organisations. Guest lecturers from Australian and multi-national corporations operating in the Asia-Pacific region illustrate the theoretical models with practical examples. The subject develops the students' ability to determine both organisational and national advantage, and builds an awareness of the significant impact of government and regulatory agencies on international companies. Through case studies, research papers and strategy simulations, students are able to test and develop their understanding of Global Strategy theory, and to consider it in an applied environment.

Teaching and learning strategies

Classes will involve a combination of lectures, videos, guest speakers and simulation exercises. The UTS web-based communication tool (UTS Online) will be used to share information and encourage interaction between staff and students.

Content

The logic of global business - underlying forces and key concepts
Strategic management and the global environment - scanning
Taking a worldwide perspective on strategy - understanding foreign environments
International issues in strategy formulation and implementation
Framework for Worldwide Operating Strategies – understanding competitive advantage
E-Business in a Global Economy
Social-Cultural Elements of World Markets – The Borderless Economy
World Financial Environment and the impacts of e-Commerce
Strategic Leadership in the Borderless Corporation
Marketing Strategies – Standardisation vs Customisation
International Strategic Alliances, Joint Ventures and Networks
Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Globalised Corporation
Global Strategy Implementation and Control.

Assessment

Case Study (Individual)	50%
Business report of approximately 3000 words, structured to engage the student with the theory presented in lectures and with issues raised by guest speakers. Addresses objectives 3, 4, 5 and 6.
The Business Strategy Game Simulation (Group)	30%
Groups are set a range of strategy options to follow. Marks are awarded for the simulation outcome, and a 500 word executive summary reflecting upon insights and learning experiences gained integrating both theoretical and practical concepts. Addresses objectives 1, 2, 3 and 7.
Research Paper (Individual)	20%
The research paper focuses on one of a number of business enterprises currently facing challenges in the global business environment, and considers the options and constraints the firm must evaluate in the development of a competitive strategy. Addresses objectives 1–8.

Recommended text(s)

Lasserre. P. 2003. Global Strategic Management. Palgrave – Macmillan. New York USA.

Book of Readings.

Indicative references

Thompson, Arthur. A., and Strickland, A.J. 2002. 'Strategic Management: Concept and Cases' (13th Ed) Boston: McGraw-Hill/Irwin

Hibbert. E.P. 1997. 'International Business Strategy and Operations'. Macmillan London

Grosse. E. R. 2000. 'Thunderbird on Global Business Strategy'. The Faculty of Thunderbird. The American Graduate School of International Management. John Wiley and Sons Inc.

Yip. George S. 2002. 'Total Global Strategy II: Managing for World Wide Advantage'. Prentice Hall Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.