MMM073-Theories of the Multinational Enterprise

Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2018/9

Email: r.narula@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The course aims to provide students with an understanding of the changes in our theoretical understanding of international business. The understanding of multinational enterprises (MNE) can serve as a basis for practical evaluation of the behaviour and performance of these companies. 

Aims:

A full understanding of how the theories of the MNE have evolved, and how the ‘Reading School’ of IB theory came to be established. Students will develop the ability to apply IB theory in assessing their role in the contemporary global economy.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

Explain how the theories of international business have evolved in response to contempofary changes due to globalisation. 

• be able to assess their role in the contemporary global economy

Additional outcomes:

To develop analytical skills that permit students to systematically analyse the world economy, and to compose complex analyses.  The ability to develop socio-economic arguments in writing is also an invaluable skill. 

Outline content:

• how the definition of the MNE and IB has changed over the last 70 years

• Historical emergence of MNEs

• The eclectic framework as an approach to MNEs 

• Other theoretical approaches to MNE  

• contemporary applications of the theory to evaluate the implications of MNEs

Global context:

Places international business and its theory in the context of the global economy.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures and class discussions. Guidance on extended reading of existing literature, combined with annual reports and press articles of current developments. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:
One 2-hour unseen written paper.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

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

Assessment requirements for a pass:

The pass mark is 50%+.

The merit mark is 60%+.

The distinction mark is 70%+.

Reassessment arrangements:

One two-hour exam to be held in August/September. Coursework is not considered in the reassessment. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 2 July 2018