Global Strategy (N1545)

15 credits, Level 6

Autumn teaching

This module is concerned with the totality of what a trading business or other organisation is trying to achieve. In other words, it assesses a wide variety of environmental and organisational aspects which, when considered overall, help us to understand why some organisations thrive and similar organisations may struggle.

The types of questions we address are:

  • Why do firms go aboard?
  • What differentiates a global from a multi-domestic industry?
  • How does a multinational enterprise compete?
  • Why and when do/should companies engage in cross-border strategic alliances, cross-border mergers and acquisitions? 
  • What are the associated risks and how to guard against them?
  • What potential roles can foreign subsidiaries play in the MNEs global strategy?
  • How do companies choose an optimal global structure?
  • How do companies ensure coordination between the headquarters and its subsidiaries, and among subsidiaries?
  • How do companies manage strategic change from one type of global strategy to another?

This module aims at developing strategic thinking in a global context. Our objectives are for you to:

  • get introduced to the domain of international and global strategy
  • gain understanding and processes of strategy formulation and implementation and apply them in a global setting
  • be aware of competing arguments behind a number of strategic approaches.
  • see the generalist nature of management work.

Teaching

67%: Lecture
33%: Seminar

Assessment

30%: Coursework (Group submission (written))
70%: Examination (Computer-based examination)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 33 hours of contact time and about 117 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.