MMD006-International Business, Development and Policy

Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:NA
Terms in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Rajneesh Narula
Email: r.narula@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Doctoral

Summary module description:

This module is intended for doctoral and post-doctoral researchers. It will provide an introduction to the role multinational enterprises (MNEs) can play in development, and how governments are able to influence the positive and negative outcomes associated with this interaction. Delivery of this module will take two days. 

Aims:

The module will focus on issues relating to the role of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in the process of industrialization and economic development. It will review the theory and evidence relating to how foreign direct investment affects economic structure and industrial development in host countries, taking special interest in developing countries, but also drawing on the experience of the developed world. Finally, applying theory, empirical evidence and case studies the course will home in on context-driven potential policies that governments can and do apply to optimise the impact of MNEs at the national and international level. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students should be able to:? 

•Develop awareness of the theory and evidence related to FDI impacts on economic structure and industrial development.? 

•Understand the role MNEs can potentially play in development, and how this role can be influenced by governments in the interest of host economies and local communities.? 

•Understand how the role of MNEs in the global economy and in development is changing, especially in the light of international initiatives such as the SDGs and in climate change. 

Develop awareness of how the impact of MNEs at the national and international level can be optimised, now and in the future.? 

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop transferrable skills such as critical thinking, analytical and communication skills. 

Outline content:

The module will run over two days. It will consist of the following content: 

Day 1 

Part 1 Historical and Current Trends 

a. An overview of MNEs, FDI and development; definitions 

b. Trade and investment since the 1400s: a long-term perspective on globalization and development. 

c. The changing structure of the MNE: trade, FDI and non-equity modes. 

d. The political economy of MNEs and development 

e. IB theory and development 

Day 2 

Part 2 The Key Literature 

a. Trade meets FDI – the early literature and basic concepts 

b. Externalities, spillovers and linkages – catch-up, divergence and convergence? 

c. Global value chains, global production networks 

d. Responsible and sustainable investment 

e. The cutting edge: MNEs in the context of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) 

Part 3 Policy Tools and Options 

a. National policies – the role of industrial, FDI and development policies 

b. An introduction to policy tools – carrots versus sticks? 

c. International investment governance: international investment agreements, supranational groupings and related entities 

d. The international policy framework for sustainable development 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The session will be a mixture of formal lectures, tutor-led discussions in small groups and 'role play' activities.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
5000 word essay. This can be submitted at any time up to 1 July of the academic year and the assessment process will be completed within one month of submission.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx 

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy. 

where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A minimum mark of 50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of an essay by 1st October of a given year. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 28 June 2023