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21811 Global Strategic Management

UTS: 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:

  1. understand the concepts of global strategic management to define, develop and administer a strategy and structure for a world wide business
  2. understand both the theoretical and practical rationale for international business activities
  3. understand the basic concepts in world investment trends, currency, foreign exchange and financing issues
  4. 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
  5. identify the fundamental determinants of national competitive advantage in an industry
  6. develop a broad perspective on the dynamic interface between nation-states and the firms attempting to conduct foreign business activities
  7. develop a framework for the formulation and implementation of strategies in an international context
  8. 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

Assessment item 1: Case Study (Individual)

Objective(s): 3, 4, 5, 6
Weighting: 50%
Length: 3000 words
Task: 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.

Assessment item 2: The Business Strategy Game Simulation (Group)

Objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 7
Weighting: 30%
Length: 500 words
Task: 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

Assessment item 3: Research Paper (Individual)

Objective(s): 1-8
Weighting: 20%
Task: 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.

Required text(s)

Lasserre, P, 2007, Global Strategic Management, Palgrave Macmillan, Hampshire

UTS Faculty of Business, Guide to Writing Assignments, UTS Sydney 1999.

Indicative references

Students are also expected to draw on materials from academic journals. Some useful journals that are available in the library include:

  • Journal of Business Strategy
  • Strategy & Leadership
  • Academy of Management Review
  • Harvard Business Review
  • International Trade Journal
  • Advances in International Comparative Management
  • Advances in International Marketing
  • Australian Journal of Management
  • California Management Review
  • Global Competitiveness
  • International Marketing Review
  • International Studies of Management and Organization
  • Journal of International Business Studies
  • Journal of World Business
  • Management International Review
  • Multinational Business Review
  • Sloan Management Review
  • Journal of Management Studies