Contents
International Business
Rationale
International Trade is the exchange of goods and services across international boundaries or territories. In most countries, it represents a significant share of GDP. While international trade has been present throughout much of history (see Silk Road, Amber Road), its economic, social, and political importance has been on the rise in recent centuries. Industrialization, advanced transportation, globalization, multinational corporations, and outsourcing are all having a major impact. Increasing international trade is the primary meaning of "globalization".
International trade is also a branch of economics, which, together with international finance, forms the larger branch of international economics.
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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
2. Understand the forces that drive international trade and the reasons why governments regulate it
3. Evaluate the reasons for companies to trade abroad or form strategic alliance
4. Understand the challenges of globalization for MNCs
5. Assess the potential advantages for global firms
6. Evaluate the structures and strategies which may lead to global success by
- Appreciating
the roles of formal analysis and creative work in approaching
global marketing problems.
- Analysing the origins, evolution and structure of trade strategies leading to trade agreements.
- Applying the principals of currency exchange to rate problems and opportunities in international trade.
- Comparing and contrast the economic advantages and disadvantages of increased foreign trade activities.
- Assessing corporate functional areas of management, marketing, accounting, HRM and finance as they relate to international business
- Analysing corporate policies for strengths and weaknesses in terms of economic, political and cultural factors.
Skills
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate skills useful in finding and analyzing information needed to make global management decisions.
- Demonstrate the communication skills needed by managers to function effectively in the global business world.
- Recommend appropriate global resource allocation policies and strategies multinational business environment
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Teaching and Learning Resources
Introduction
Globalization (or globalisation [1]), although often described as the cause of much turbulence and change, is in fact the umbrella term for the collective effect, the change itself. Globalization (i.e. the aggregate change we observe in our factories, storefronts, indeed generally across our economies and lifestyles) is caused by four fundamental forms of capital movement throughout the global economy. The four fundamental capital flows are:
Most
of the stresses and complexities confronted in the
general macro affairs of countries, communities,
and the interactions between them, can be traced
to these four flows. Connectivity available via cheaper
telecommunications and modes of travel-- made more
accessible to more people, facilitates these interactions
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The "Stocks and Stripes flag", the united stockholders of America. A protest flag signifying the alleged corporate influence over the U.S. |
Cultural and political frictions at all levels can thus be explained as arising from the difference in opinion between two or more parties about the origination, treatment, timing, ownership or value of one or more of the capital flows.
- Meaning and debate
- History
- Nature and existence of globalization
- Characteristics
- Anti-globalization
- Pro-globalization (globalism)
- Other uses
- Measurement of globalization
- References and notes
Assessing the Environment
- Country profile: Australia
- Country profile: China
- Country profile: Egypt
- Country profile: India
- Country profile: Kuwait
- Country profile: Malaysia
- Country profile: Saudi Arabia
- Country profile: Singapore
- Country profile: South Africa
- Country profile: United Kingdom
- Country profile: United States of America
- Economy Watch
- Market Profile on Chinese Mainland
Conflicts in Government Policy Objectives
These lessons seek to encourage students to consider a series of arguments for a particular set of policy proposals that have wide ranging implications not only to the non-economic objectives of a government but also to the wider efficiency and equity of the economy as a whole.
The Activity is centred around two groups, each of whom have a particular task - one section will act as a panel of Treasury ministers assessing the strengths of the proposal and the other section will consist of three groups working on presenting the case for a slice of the funds available for their particular project.
There is a series of simple guidelines for students but it should be emphasised that these are by no means exhaustive and that the strength and quality of the argument is what is likely to win them the lion's share of the funds!
Students should be encouraged to look in depth at the issue and not just follow the obvious argument - the Activity is meant to raise awareness of the wider implications of such policy decisions; the benefits of a healthy population on productivity, government spending, etc. for example, should all be explored.
Within each topic area there might be further areas for analysis - for example, should the emphasis be on health prevention or health care? Should resources be devoted to heart disease, cancers, obesity or asthma? Should there be different proportions of resources put into primary education, secondary or higher education? Should those over 75 be treated differently than those aged 65+?
The three groups will have time to prepare their argument and presentation, during which time the panel will do some research into current government spending levels and policy on these areas.
After the groups have presented their arguments, the panel will be given time to consider their decision. During this time, the three groups should be given the opportunity of reflecting on their presentations together in an informal discussion.
After the panel has presented its verdict, there can be a whole class discussion on the verdict and basis on which the decision was made.
Read More ...
The General Electric Business Screen
The General Electric Business Screen was originally developed to help marketing managers overcome the problems that are commonly associated with the Boston Matrix (BCG), such as the problems with the lack of credible business information, the fact that BCG deals primarily with commodities not brands or Strategic Business Units (SBU's), and that cashflow if often a more reliable indicator of position as opposed to market growth/share. Read More ... |
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The
Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is a
self-sustaining federal agency that sells investment services
to small, medium and large American businesses expanding
into approximately 140 developing nations and emerging
markets around the world. OPIC's political risk insurance,
project finance and investment funds fill a commercial
void, creating a level playing field for U.S. businesses
and support development in emerging economies.
The
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is
an international organization dedicated to promoting the
use and protection of intellectual property. With headquarters
in Geneva, Switzerland, WIPO is one of the 16 specialized
agencies of the United Nations system of organizations.
It administers 23 international treaties dealing with different
aspects of intellectual property protection.
The
Global Coalition Against Corruption
Transparency International (TI) is a non-governmental organization
dedicated to increasing government accountability and curbing
both international and national corruption. The following
website provides an overview of the mission and goals of
Transparency International.
Managing Interdependence: Social Responsibility and Ethics
Tutorials
Readings
Social responsibility is an ethical ideology or theory that an entity, be it an organization or individual, has an obligation to act to benefit society at large. This responsibility can be passive, by avoiding engaging in socially harmful acts, or active, by performing activities that directly advance social goals.
Businesses can use ethical decision making to secure their businesses by making decisions that allow for government agencies to minimize their involvement with the corporation. (Kaliski, 2001) For instance if a company is proactive and follows the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines for emissions on dangerous pollutants and even goes an extra step to get involved in the community and address those concerns that the public might have; they would be less likely to have the EPA investigate them for environmental concerns. “A significant element of current thinking about privacy, however, stresses "self-regulation" rather than market or government mechanisms for protecting personal information” (Swire , 1997) Most rules and regulations are formed due to public outcry, if there is not outcry there often will be limited regulation.
Critics argue that Corporate social responsibility (CSR) distracts from the fundamental economic role of businesses; others argue that it is nothing more than superficial window-dressing; others argue that it is an attempt to pre-empt the role of governments as a watchdog over powerful multinational corporations (Carpenter, Bauer, & Erdogan, 2009).
- Corporate social responsibility
- Emerging Normative Status of Social Responsibility
- See also
- References
- Further reading
Case Studies
The
International Labor Organization
The International Labor Organization (ILO) is the UN specialized
agency which seeks the promotion of social justice and
internationally recognized human and labor rights. The
following website provides an overview of the ILO.
The
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) makes certain
payments by U.S. companies to foreign officials illegal.
However, many U.S. companies argue that this restriction
places them at a disadvantage, especially since bribery
is commonplace in many emerging economies where U.S. companies
are doing business. The following website provides further
insight into the FCPA.
Organization
for Economic Cooperation and Development
The OECD groups 30 member countries sharing a commitment
to democratic government and the market economy. The OECD
also plays a prominent role in fostering good governance
in public service and corporate activity. The following
website provides an overview of the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development.
Understanding the Role of Culture
Tutorials
Readings
When working in the global commercial environment, knowledge of the impact of cultural differences is one of the keys to international business success. Improving levels of cultural awareness can help companies build international competencies and enable individuals to become more globally sensitive. The culture-focussed country profiles contained in the World Business Culture website are your passport to international business expertise. Read More ... |
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Organizational culture is an idea in the field of organizational studies and management which describes the psychology, attitudes, experiences, beliefs and values (personal and cultural values) of an organization. It has been defined as "the specific collection of values and norms that are shared by people and groups in an organization and that control the way they interact with each other and with stakeholders outside the organization."[1]
This definition continues to explain organizational values, also known as "beliefs and ideas about what kinds of goals members of an organization should pursue and ideas about the appropriate kinds or standards of behavior organizational members should use to achieve these goals. From organizational values develop organizational norms, guidelines, or expectations that prescribe appropriate kinds of behavior by employees in particular situations and control the behavior of organizational members towards one another."[1]
- Strong/weak cultures
- Typologies of organizational cultures
- Elements
- Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument
- Organizational culture and change
- Entrepreneurial culture
- Critical views
- Organizational communication perspective on culture
- Mergers, organizational culture, and cultural leadership
- Corporate culture vs. organizational culture
[http://www.senndelaney.com Senn Delaney is widely recognized as the leading international authority and successful practitioner of culture shaping that enhances the spirit and performance of organizations.
Organizational Culture and Institutional Transformation - From the Education Resources Information Center Clearinghouse on Higher Education Washington, DC.
What is Organisational Culture and how can you change it? - From iProCon HCM Insight London, UK.
http://www.companyculture.com An practical informational website for managers, with articles on the theory and principles for understanding company culture and how to change it.
Tool for measuring organisation culture by Geert Hofstede and Bob Waisfisz
Case Studies
Culture
in the Workplace
The cultural dimensions according to Hofstede are widely
used in the development of employees in a number of international
organizations. The following website provides a discussion
of a specific tool developed by "Geert Hofstede" called "the
"
Cultural
Savvy
Gift giving is a sensitive issue, especially when it relates
to doing business in a new country. The following website
provides several guidelines to the giving of gifts as a
part of being culturally savvy.
Cultural
Customs around the World
Doing business in different countries and among different
cultures is oftentimes tense and confusing. However, the
following website provides important and easy to use guidelines
that can help international managers conduct cross-cultural
negotiations more successfully.
Communicating across Cultures
Tutorials
Readings
Cross-cultural communication (also frequently referred to as intercultural communication, which is also used in a different sense, though) is a field of study that looks at how people from differing cultural backgrounds communicate, in similar and different ways among themselves, and how they endeavour to communicate across cultures.
- Origins
- Interdisciplinary orientation
- Global rise
- Incorporation into college programs
- International educational organizations
- Aspects of Cross Cultural Communication
- Cross-cultural
- Cross-cultural studies
- Cultural competence
- Cultural dimensions
- Human fit
- Intercultural cities
- Intercultural communication principles
- Intercultural competence
- Intercultural relations
- Interculturality
- Translation
- References
http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/focus/antisemitism/voices/transcript/?content=20100701 "Voices on Antisemitism" Interview with Diego Portillo Mazal] from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
Inter cultural Research: The Current State of Knowledge
A Dozen Rules of Thumb for Avoiding Inter cultural Misunderstandings
Inter cultural Communication portal reviews traditional aspect of language of diplomacy: analogy, ambiguity, interpretation and translation, texts and documents. Useful links point to other relevant sites.
Articles on Cross Cultural Communication
Cross-Cultural Communication Strategies
International Business Etiquette and Manners
Asia:
Afghanistan Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh China Georgia India Iran Iraq
Kazakhstan Kuwait Lebanon Pakistan Russia Saudi Arabia Sri Lanka Turkey
Africa:
Algeria Angola Cameroon Egypt Ethiopia Ghana Kenya Libya Morocco Nigeria Senegal
Europe:
Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France
Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Netherlands Norway
Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden UK Ukraine
North & South America:
Argentina Bolivia Brazil Canada Chile Colombia Dominican Republic Ecuador El Salvador
Jamaica Mexico The Bahamas USA Venezuela
East Asia & Australasia:
Australia Brunei Cambodia Hong Kong Indonesia Japan Malaysia New Zealand
Case Studies
International Association for Intercultural Communication Studies (IAICS)
Correct understanding of cultures and gestures will likely
lead to more effective communication among employees in
global companies. The "Web of Culture" is an excellent
website that provides cultural as well as other pertinent
information on a number of different countries around the
world.
Barriers
to Effective Communication
Communication barriers exist in every organization and
understanding these barriers is the first step to maximizing
the effectiveness in a company. The following website discusses
the role of communication barriers in the communication
process.
Cross-cultural
Negotiation and Decision Making
Tutorials
Readings
Cross cultural negotiation is one of many specialized areas within the wider field of cross cultural communications. By taking cross cultural negotiation training, negotiators and sales personnel give themselves an advantage over competitors. There is an argument that proposes that culture is inconsequential to cross cultural negotiation. It maintains that as long as a proposal is financially attractive it will succeed. However, this is a naïve way of approaching international business. Let us look at a brief example of how cross cultural negotiation training can benefit the international business person: |
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There are two negotiators dealing with the same potential client in the Middle East. Both have identical proposals and packages. One ignores the importance of cross cultural negotiation training believing the proposal will speak for itself. The other undertakes some cross cultural training. He/she learns about the culture, values, beliefs, etiquette and approaches to business, meetings and negotiations. Nine times out of ten the latter will succeed over the rival. This is because 1) it is likely they would have endeared themselves more to the host negotiation team and 2) they would be able to tailor their approach to the negotiations in a way that maximises the potential of a positive outcome.
Cross cultural negotiations is about more than just how foreigners close deals. It involves looking at all factors that can influence the proceedings. By way of highlighting this, a few brief examples of topics covered in cross cultural negotiation training shall be offered.
Eye Contact: In the US, UK and much of northern Europe, strong, direct eye contact conveys confidence and sincerity. In South America it is a sign of trustworthiness. However, in some cultures such as the Japanese, prolonged eye contact is considered rude and is generally avoided.
Personal Space & Touch: In Europe and North America, business people will usually leave a certain amount of distance between themselves when interacting. Touching only takes place between friends. In South America or the Middle East, business people are tactile and like to get up close. In Japan or China, it is not uncommon for people to leave a gap of four feet when conversing. Touching only takes place between close friends and family members.
Time: Western societies are very 'clock conscious'. Time is money and punctuality is crucial. This is also the case in countries such as Japan or China where being late would be taken as an insult. However, in South America, southern Europe and the Middle East, being on time for a meeting does not carry the same sense of urgency.
Meeting & Greeting: most international business people meet with a handshake. In some countries this is not appropriate between genders. Some may view a weak handshake as sign of weakness whereas others would perceive a firm handshake as aggressive. How should people be addressed? Is it by first name, surname or title? Is small talk part of the proceedings or not?
Gift-Giving: In Japan and China gift-giving is an integral part of business protocol however in the US or UK, it has negative connotations. Where gifts are exchanged should one give lavish gifts? Are they always reciprocated? Should they be wrapped? Are there numbers or colours that should be avoided?
All the above in one way or another will impact cross cultural negotiation and can only be learnt through cross cultural training. Doing or saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, poor communication and cross cultural misunderstandings can all have harmful consequences.
Cross cultural negotiation training builds its foundations upon understanding etiquettes and approaches to business abroad before focusing on cross cultural differences in negotiation styles and techniques.
There are three interconnected aspects that need to be considered before entering into cross cultural negotiation.
The Basis of the Relationship: in much of Europe and North America, business is contractual in nature. Personal relationships are seen as unhealthy as they can cloud objectivity and lead to complications. In South America and much of Asia, business is personal. Partnerships will only be made with those they know, trust and feel comfortable with. It is therefore necessary to invest in relationship building before conducting business.
Information at Negotiations: Western business culture places emphasis on clearly presented and rationally argued business proposals using statistics and facts. Other business cultures rely on similar information but with differences. For example, visual and oral communicators such as the South Americans may prefer information presented through speech or using maps, graphs and charts.
Negotiation Styles: the way in which we approach negotiation differs across cultures. For example, in the Middle East rather than approaching topics sequentially negotiators may discuss issues simultaneously. South Americans can become quite vocal and animated. The Japanese will negotiate in teams and decisions will be based upon consensual agreement. In Asia, decisions are usually made by the most senior figure or head of a family. In China, negotiators are highly trained in the art of gaining concessions. In Germany, decisions can take a long time due to the need to analyse information and statistics in great depth. In the UK, pressure tactics and imposing deadlines are ways of closing deals whilst in Greece this would backfire.
Clearly there are many factors that need to be considered when approaching cross cultural negotiation. Through cross cultural negotiation training, business personnel are given the appropriate knowledge that can help them prepare their presentations and sales pitches effectively. By tailoring your behaviour and the way you approach the negotiation you will succeed in maximising your potential.
- Cross Cultural Negotiation
- Cross Cultural Negotiation - How do negotiation styles and techinques differ across cultures?
Simple Processes for Problem-solving and Decision-making
Problem solving and decision-making are important skills for business and life. Problem-solving often involves decision-making, and decision-making is especially important for management and leadership. There are processes and techniques to improve decision-making and the quality of decisions. Decision-making is more natural to certain personalities, so these people should focus more on improving the quality of their decisions.
People that are less natural decision-makers are often able to make quality assessments, but then need to be more decisive in acting upon the assessments made. Problem-solving and decision-making are closely linked, and each requires creativity in identifying and developing options, for which the brainstorming technique is particularly useful. See also the free SWOT analysis template and examples, and PEST analysis template, which help decision-making and problem-solving.
SWOT analysis helps assess the strength of a company, a business proposition or idea; PEST analysis helps to assess the potential and suitability of a market. Good decision-making requires a mixture of skills: creative development and identification of options, clarity of judgement, firmness of decision, and effective implementation. For group problem-solving and decision-making, or when a consensus is required, workshops help, within which you can incorporate these tools and process as appropriate. Here are some useful methods for effective decision-making and problem-solving: First a simple step-by-step process for effective decision-making and problem-solving. See also the decision-making facilitative questions template. And definitely see the ethical decision-making quick guide. Read more ... |
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Case Studies
The importance of customer service at Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Depending on the personality of an individual, the decision
making process will vary according to the type of data
required by the individual to make the choice. The following
article presents an analysis of four different types of
decision-making styles.
Leadership
Decision Making
The leader of an organization plays an important role,
not only because he or she is involved in designing and
implementing strategic plans, but also because he or she
is responsible for making key decisions for the company.
The following website discusses the decision making process
of leaders.
Barriers
to Effective Communication
Communication barriers exist in every organization and
understanding these barriers is the first step to maximizing
the effectiveness in a company. The following website discusses
the role of communication barriers in the communication
process.
Formulating Strategy
Tutorials
Readings
Strategic management is a field that deals with the major intended and emergent initiatives taken by general managers on behalf of owners, involving utilization of resources, to enhance the performance of firms in their external environments.[1] It entails specifying the organization's mission, vision and objectives, developing policies and plans, often in terms of projects and programs, which are designed to achieve these objectives, and then allocating resources to implement the policies and plans, projects and programs. A balanced scorecard is often used to evaluate the overall performance of the business and its progress towards objectives. Recent studies and leading management theorists have advocated that strategy needs to start with stakeholders expectations and use a modified balanced scorecard which includes all stakeholders.
Strategic management is a level of managerial activity under setting goals and over Tactics. Strategic management provides overall direction to the enterprise and is closely related to the field of Organization Studies. In the field of business administration it is useful to talk about "strategic alignment" between the organization and its environment or "strategic consistency". According to Arieu (2007), "there is strategic consistency when the actions of an organization are consistent with the expectations of management, and these in turn are with the market and the context." Strategic management includes not only the management team but can also include the Board of Directors and other stakeholders of the organization. It depends on the organizational structure.
“Strategic management is an ongoing process that evaluates and controls the business and the industries in which the company is involved; assesses its competitors and sets goals and strategies to meet all existing and potential competitors; and then reassesses each strategy annually or quarterly [i.e. regularly] to determine how it has been implemented and whether it has succeeded or needs replacement by a new strategy to meet changed circumstances, new technology, new competitors, a new economic environment., or a new social, financial, or political environment.” (Lamb, 1984:ix)[2]
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- The Journal of Business Strategies
- Advantages of Strategic Management
- Strategic Planning Society
- The Association of Internal Management Consultants -The nationwide network of Strategic Management and Planning professionals
- Formulating Strategy
- Strategy dynamics
Case Studies
Competitive
Strategy
Having current information about trends and competition
in the global environment is critical to an firm’s
global success. The following website provides a gateway
to accessing essential data useful in creating an effective
international business strategy.
Developing
Core Competencies
Properly developed and managed, core competencies can place
an organization in the lead compared to its competition.
The following website provides a synopsis of the process
to developing and implementing a competitive strategy for
an IT organization.
Developing
an Effective Global Strategy
Without well-planned and implemented global strategies,
a potentially successful international business can fast
become the loser in the competitive global environment.
The following website provides precise information on sources
of well-designed global strategies as well as drivers that
determine an industry's globalization potential.
Global Alliances and Strategy Implementation
Tutorials
Readings
A Strategic Alliance is a formal relationship between two or more parties to pursue a set of agreed upon goals or to meet a critical business need while remaining independent organizations.
Partners may provide the strategic alliance with resources such as products, distribution channels, manufacturing capability, project funding, capital equipment, knowledge, expertise, or intellectual property. The alliance is a cooperation or collaboration which aims for a synergy where each partner hopes that the benefits from the alliance will be greater than those from individual efforts. The alliance often involves technology transfer (access to knowledge and expertise), economic specialization [1], shared expenses and shared risk. |
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Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals, Inc. Professional organization that serves those who manage strategic alliances and corporate partnerships.
SMART- Strategic Merger & Alliance Resource Training program Metropolitan Detroit program assisting nonprofit organizations with the strategic alliance process.
/ Example of Strategic Alliance program Example of strategic Alliance program with Oracle and Unisys.
Example of coaching approach to cooperations smE-MPOWER approach for coaching the formation of strategic alliances developed within a European Union funded public project. Resulting international network of cooperation coaches as a learning community.
Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals, Inc. Professional organization that serves those who manage strategic alliances and corporate partnerships.
Joint Venture Web Articles, tutorials and a discussion forum about strategic alliances, joint ventures and advanced partnership strategies.
Alliance Strategy Offers resources and readings on alliance strategy and management.
Case Studies
Exporting
and the Small Business
One of the most common reasons businesses don't export
is an inability to develop a successful export strategy.
The SBA's website provides an excellent resource for small
business managers who plan to use exporting as a supplement
to growing their companies.
The
Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals
Strategic Alliances is quickly becoming recognized as the
fastest way for a company to expand globally, sharing the
risk associated with the expansion, but also the profits
reaped from the partnership. The following website provides
a useful forum for businesses interested in exploring the
opportunities associated with strategic alliances.
The
Evaluation of a Franchise
Franchising, one of the modes of internationally expansion,
continues to grow at a consistent rate. However, the franchising
concept can be a complex one, especially if the evaluation
of a franchisor's services is required. The following website
provides several simple steps in making this evaluation
simple and fast.
Systems and Processes for Successful Implementation of Organizational Strategy and Business
Development Plans
Despite the experience of many organizations, it is possible to turn strategies and plans into individual actions, necessary to produce a great business performance. But it's not easy. Many companies repeatedly fail to truly motivate their people to work with enthusiasm, all together, towards the corporate aims. Most companies and organizations know their businesses, and the strategies required for success. However many corporations - especially large ones - struggle to translate the theory into action plans that will enable the strategy to be successfully implemented and sustained. Here are some leading edge methods for effective strategic corporate implementation. These advanced principles of strategy realisation are provided by the Farsight Leadership organization, and this contribution is gratefully acknowledged.
Most companies have strategies, but far fewer achieve them.
Various studies support this view, for example:
A Fortune Magazine study suggested that 70% of 10 CEOs who fail do so not because of bad strategy, but because of bad execution. (Source: Why CEOs Fail - R Charan & G Colvin, Fortune Magazine, 21 Jun 1999.)
In another study of 200 companies in the Times 1000, 80% of directors said they had the right strategies but only 14% thought they were implementing them well, no doubt linked to the finding that despite 97% of directors having a 'strategic vision', only 33% reported achieving 'significant strategic success'. (Source: Why do only one third of UK companies achieve strategic success? - I Cobbold & G Lawrie, 2GC Ltd., May 2001.)
The message clear - effective strategy realisation is key for achieving strategic success.
Read more ...
Organization
Structure and Control Systems
Tutorials
Readings
An organizational structure consists of activities such as task allocation, coordination and supervision, which are directed towards the achievement of organizational aims.[1] It can also be considered as the viewing glass or perspective through which individuals see their organization and its environment.[2]
Many organizations have hierarchical structures, but not all.
Organizations are a variant of clustered entities.
An organization can be structured in many different ways, depending on their objectives. The structure of an organization will determine the modes in which it operates and performs.
Organizational structure allows the expressed allocation of responsibilities for different functions and processes to different entities such as the branch, department, workgroup and individual.
Organizational structure affects organizational action in two big ways. First, it provides the foundation on which standard operating procedures and routines rest. Second, it determines which individuals get to participate in which decision-making processes, and thus to what extent their views shape the organization’s actions.[2]
- Corporation
- Cross-functional team
- Group development
- Leadership
- Management
- Management consulting
- Organization development
- Organizational culture
- Parent company
- Team building
- Value network
- References
Business Planning and Control System is an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.
BPCS, the acronym for the software, is pronounced as "Bee picks".
Case Studies
Aligning
Structure and Strategy
The proper balance of an organization's structure and strategy
is necessary for a company to effectively compete against
its rivals. The following website discusses the importance
of properly aligning a company structure with its strategy.
Corporate
Culture in Mergers and Acquisitions
A healthy corporate culture is essential to the success
of any organization and the importance of compatible corporate
cultures become even more critical in the case of mergers
and acquisitions. The following website discusses key factors
used to determine the compatibility between potential permanent
organizational partners.
Organizational
Change
Organizational change is needed in most organizations to
generate a new sense of mission among employees and leaders
in a competitive firm. The following website provides a
useful method to determining the proper steps to implementing
organizational change.
Staffing,
Training, and Compensation for Global Operations
Tutorials
- Staffing, Training, and Compensation for Global Operations 1
- Staffing, Training, and Compensation for Global Operations 2
Readings
Human resource management (HRM) is the strategic and coherent approach to the management of an organization's most valued assets - the people working there who individually and collectively contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the business.[1] The terms "human resource management" and "human resources" (HR) have largely replaced the term "personnel management" as a description of the processes involved in managing people in organizations.[1] In simple words, HRM means employing people, developing their capacities, utilizing, maintaining and compensating their services in tune with the job and organizational requirement.
- Features
- Academic theory
- Business practice
- Careers and education
- Professional organizations
- Functions
- See also
External links
Case Studies
Gaining
the GlobalEDGE on the Competition
GlobalEDGE is an useful database that provides the international
manager with updated data to track and counteract the competition.
The information is arranged in various categories and allows
the manager to access critical decision making information
quickly and easily.
Selecting
the Right Expatriate
With the high cost of training and relocating an expatriate,
it is essential that a company select the right person
for the expatriate position. The following website provides
insight to several important traits necessary for expatriates
to possess in order to succeed on a foreign assignment.
Developing
a Global Management Cadre
Tutorials
Readings
Developing a Global Management Cadre : COMPENSATING HOST-COUNTRY NATIONALS Developing a Global Management Cadre : Training Host-Country Nationals Developing a Global Management Cadre : Integrating Training with Global Orientation Developing a Global Management Cadre : Training Techniques Developing a Global Management Cadre : Subculture Shock Developing a Global Management Cadre : Culture Shock Developing a Global Management Cadre : TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT Developing a Global Management Cadre : TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT Developing a Global Management Cadre : Problems with Expatriation Developing a Global Management Cadre : Exhibit 9-3B Developing a Global Management Cadre : GLOBAL SELECTION Developing a Global Management Cadre : Exhibit 9-2 Developing a Global Management Cadre : STAFFING PHILOSOPHIES FOR GLOBAL OPERATIONS Developing a Global Management Cadre : STAFFING PHILOSOPHIES FOR GLOBAL OPERATIONS Developing a Global Management Cadre : Opening Prole : Oleg anti Mark |
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Case Studies
Organizational
Performance
The 360-degree feedback system is perhaps one of the most
comprehensive evaluation techniques used by organizations
to determine the performance of employees. The following
website discusses the proper design and implementation
of this popular and effective evaluation system.
Expatriate
Networks
Taking on an expatriate assignment can be uncomfortable
especially when the country of relocation is very different
in terms of culture and economic and political stability.
The following website provides useful background information
regarding several countries around the world.
Expatriate
Repatriation
Many global companies fail to focus on repatriation issues
taking for granted that expatriates will easily readjust
to the home country culture and organizational issues.
However, this lack of repatriation focus has caused many
firms to lose top talent and as a result, lose a competitive
advantage. The following website discusses some of the
effect of proper planning in the repatriation effort.
Motivating
and Leading
Tutorials
Readings
Case Studies
Leadership
Styles
Leadership styles differ significantly and it is important
for a leader to understand how to develop his or her traits
to become a more effective role model. The following website
provides a useful segmentation of nine different leadership
styles.
Leadership
Styles
The study of leadership is an extensive one and many models
exist on the variations of differing leadership styles.
The following website discusses the variations among leaders
in organizations.
Assessment
Once per week, individual students will make a presentation and lead discussion of assigned readings about the practical realities of international management. In addition to class participation, students will be expected to write an in-depth case study.
Final Examination 70%
Recommended Texts
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International
Management:
Managing Across Borders and Cultures: International Edition Helen Deresky
Check the availability and buy your books from our Bookshop.
|
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International Business, 1st Edition Shenkar, Luo
Check the availability and buy your books from our Bookshop. |
 |
Multinational
Management Check the availability and buy your books from our Bookshop. |
Resources
- Internet Center for Corruption Research
- Country at a glance tables
- Development Indicators
- Economic Growth (from the World Bank)
- European Union Internet Resources
- Official Paul Krugman Home Page
- World Economic Outlook and International Capital Markets -- Interim Assessment
- The World Trade Organization
- Globalization Links
- Douglas Roche's proposal for UN Parliamentary Reform, in PDF
- Index of Globalization
- Latin American Globalization Index
- The Global Small Business Blog
- Globalisationguide
- Globalism/Antiglobalism
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
- Globalization Essays, Documents, etc
- The North American Free Trade Agreement
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