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Department of Financial & Management Studies (DeFiMS)

International business strategy

Course Code:
151030008
Unit value:
0.5
Year of study:
Year 2
Taught in:
Term 1
This course analyses international business strategy and how strategic analysis and strategy implementation shape business performance. Students are introduced to the methods and tools of strategic analysis, including game theory. Strategy formulation and implementation are considered in a range of overlapping levels and contexts, including the internal organisation of the firm, the external business/competitive environment and the international context. Particular attention is paid to theories of the multinational enterprise and the strategy choices of multinational firms. Students are expected to understand the theoretical foundations of strategic analysis and to be able to apply the principles of strategy to different business problems in different contexts. The international context and applications to multinational enterprises will be emphasised throughout.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the course

At the end of this course students should be able to:

  • Understand the primary goals and objectives of international businesses and their impact on strategy;
  • Understand the main theoretical foundations of strategic analysis;
  • Understand theories of multinational enterprise;
  • Use game theory in strategy formulation;
  • Appreciate the different levels of strategic analysis, including: functional; business and corporate levels;
  • Understand the internal and external influences on strategy design;
  • Understand how firms may implement, monitor and adapt strategies at different levels and in different contexts;
  • Analyse case studies using principles of strategic analysis and theories of international business;
  • Understand the evolution of international business strategies.

Method of assessment

This course is assessed by 30% written coursework and 70% by one two hour examination

Suggested reading

Indicative Readings:

Main text:

  • Grant, Robert M, (2009) Contemporary Strategy Analysis, 7th Edition, Wiley (you do not need the extended edition with cases included)

Other texts that may be useful for part or all of the course are:

  • Barney, Jay B, and Clark, Delwyn N (2007) Resource-Based Theory, Oxford University Press
  • Dixit, A and Nalebuff, B (1991) Thinking Strategically: the competitive edge in business politics and everyday life, Norton, New York
  • Kay, J (1995) Foundations of corporate success, Oxford University Press
  •  Pindyck, R and Rubinfeld, D: Microeconomics, 7/E or 6/E, Pearson