Multinationals and Internationalisation

Code:

2EGI01

Acronym:

MI

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Economics

Instance: 2013/2014 - 1S (of 09-09-2013 to 20-12-2013)

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Agrupamento Científico de Economia
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in International Economics and Management

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
ME	12	Bologna Syllabus	1	-	7,5	56	202,5
MEGI	37	Bologna Syllabus since 2012	1	-	7,5	56	202,5

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

This course aims to provide students with a solid knowledge of the International Business area, focusing on issues of firms’ internationalization, and strategy and impact of multinational firms.

Learning outcomes and competences

Knowledge:

·         Know key trends/patterns related to multinationals (MNEs) and internationalization

·         Master concepts and theories related to MNEs and internationalization

·         Understand distinct motivations for internationalization

·         Identify different strategic choices related to internationalization

·         Understand the modern MNE and headquarters-subsidiary relations

·         Understand the impact of MNEs’ activities

·       Understand the regulatory framework underpinning MNEs and foreign direct investment (FDI) and relevant policies and institutions

 

Skills:

·         Use acquired knowledge to analyze firms’ internationalization processes

·         Distinguish among several internationalization strategies and evaluate such strategies

·         Skills related to critical assessment of any internationalization case

·         Develop consulting skills in the area of internationalization

 

Competencies:

·         Competencies related to discussion of internationalization cases

·         Competencies of presenting in public

·         Competencies of teamwork and consensus-building

 

Working method

Presencial

Program

I. Multinationals and Internationalization: background concepts, trends and patterns. II. Theories related to foreign direct investment (FDI) and to the activities of multinational enterprises (MNEs). Motivations and drivers for FDI and for international production. III. Modes of entry and modes of establishment in foreign markets. Main strategic choices available (exports, contractual forms, and FDI): pros and cons, trade-offs and implications. IV. The internationalization process. The Uppsala Model versus other approaches (Born Globals; Network Theory). V. The modern multinational. Headquarters-subsidiaries’ relations. Subsidiary strategies and evolution. VI. The impact of MNEs’ activities. VII. FDI regulation and legal framework. Public policies and institutions related to FDI and MNEs.

Mandatory literature

Dunning, John e Lundan, Sarianna; Multinational Enterprises and the Global Economy, Edward Elgar Publishing, 2008. ISBN: 978-1-84720-122-5
Ietto-Gillies, Grazia; Transnational Corporations and International Production: Concepts, Theories and Effects, Edward Elgar Publishing, 2005. ISBN: 1-84542-255-4
Vários; The Oxford Handbook of International Business, Rugman, Alan, 2009

Complementary Bibliography

Navaretti, Giorgio e Venables, Anthony; Multinational Firms and the World Economy, Princeton University Press, 2004
Forsgren, Mats; Theories of the multinational firm: A multidimensional creature in the global economy, Edward Elgar Publishing, 2008. ISBN: 978-1-84844-586-4
Hill, Charles; International Business: Competing in the Global Marketplace, McGraw-Hill, 2007
Welch, Lawrence; Foreign operation methods: theory, analysis, strategy, Edward Elgar Publishing, 2008. ISBN: 978-1-84720-926-9

Teaching methods and learning activities

Interactive sessions: lecturers will present and discuss the course content, and it is highly encouraged that students will actively participate in the discussions, sharing their experiences and views on the topics under analysis. Students will also make a presentation of a teamwork in class (case studies).

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Participação presencial	10,00
Teste	60,00
Trabalho escrito	30,00
Total:	100,00

Calculation formula of final grade

Evaluation has 3 components, with the following weights:

1) Final test (covering all the course themes): 60% (minimum classification: 8); (ii) written group assignment (groups of 3 students): 20%; (iii) presentation and discussion of a case study, previously handed in by the lecturer: 20% (10% for a written document + 10% for its presentation and class discussion)