21873 Global Business Strategies

Subject level: Postgraduate

Handbook description

Global Business Strategies is the capstone subject in the Executive MBA degree. This subject challenges the traditional thinking about strategy and is designed for serious academic study by managers and practitioners who wish to apply high level conceptual and critical thinking skills to global business strategy and value innovation. The key issues addressed are how to plan and execute the steps required for initiating new international business ventures, how to meet the business challenges arising from international, social and environmental concerns, and technical innovation. The implications of cross-country differences in cultural, demographic and market conditions, strategy options for entering and competing in foreign markets, the growing role of alliances with foreign partners, the importance of locating operations in the most advantageous countries and the special circumstances of competing in such emerging markets are explored.

Subject objectives/outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate awareness of the relevant theoretical and practical dimensions of global business models that adhere to the principles of responsible corporate governance and social responsibility.
2. Understand the importance of locating operations in the most advantageous countries; and the special circumstances of competing in such emerging markets.
3. Develop a framework for the formulation and implementation of strategies in an international context.
4. Demonstrate a capacity for analysing and synthesising complex information and knowledge for tactical and strategic business decisions.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject focuses on the strategic aspects of managing an international business, the strategy options for expanding beyond domestic boundaries and competing in the markets of either a few or a great many countries. Emphasis will be on strategic issues unique to competing internationally. It will introduce a number of core concepts including multi-country competition, global competition, profit sanctuaries, cross-market subsidisation and evaluating the effectiveness of strategic alliances. The curriculum is strongly experientially oriented and will provide students with decision-making experiences that emulate the real world of business. This is an integrative subject and its aim is to develop the student's business acumen through an enhanced capacity for critical thinking, judgment, and intuition with particular focus on the strategic aspects of managing global enterprises.

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject is conducted in an intensive format, is highly interactive and challenges the traditional thinking about strategy. There is a commitment to intellectual debate in regard to the material covered, and students are encouraged to explore the relationship between the theories and research on global business strategies. Teaching strategies are primarily framed around action-based research combining lectures, guest speakers and a web-based simulation. These methods will be supplemented with both printed and electronic learning materials and resources. The UTS web-based communication tool (UTSOnline) will be used to share information and encourage interaction between staff and students.

Content

• The difference between competing internationally and competing globally
• Theories and models of international strategic management
• International strategies and the social and environmental impact of global business
• Cross-country differences in cultural, demographic, and market conditions
• Regional strategies, convergence versus divergence of practices
• Challenges in managing the global value chain: centralisation versus decentralisation
• Managing diversity; international business ethics in managing a global workforce
• Using cross-border transfer of competencies and capabilities to build competitive advantage
• Strategic alliances and joint ventures with foreign partners
• Defending against global giants: strategies for local companies in emerging markets
• Building world-class companies in developing countries; sustainable and innovative management

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Seminar Paper (Individual)

Assessment item 2: Applied Project (Group)

Assessment item 3: Report: (Individual)