International Management

Please note- this is a sample syllabus only. Course content/format may change slightly semester-to-semester

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The international management is about how managers in firms, big or small, are affected by key environmental factors, such as politics and culture, and how they approach and resolve the differences and difficulties posed by international business opportunities and competition. The course discusses the role of the manager in the international firm. The great attention will be paid to the organizational structure, flow of authority and the process of decision making. Several alternatives of organizational structure will be presented and evaluated. Human resources in the international environment present the decisive role in the success of an international corporation. How to master and manage a cross- cultural issues - recruiting, selecting, training and compensating managers serving abroad especially in the EU. Which managerial skills are necessary for the success?

The aim of the course is to deepen and increase the knowledge of specifics connected with the activities of multinational companies (MNCs). Students will gain the knowledge about entry mode onto international markets, create organizational structures, managerial philosophy in host countries and techniques for increase of added value within multinational production and business chains (GVCs) and methods of managing international teams with corresponding situational managerial leadership style. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 

• to explain the specifics of international management in the cross-cultural environment;
• to evaluate possible entry modes on international markets;
• to learn how to work in compliance with multilateral treaties accepted by members of the WTO;
• will learn how to use models for evaluation of the international business environment;
• create international, transnational and multi-domestic strategy;
• will learn how to select the appropriate cross-cultural managerial style;
• will be able to apply the latest approaches and techniques of management in day to day business activities of a MNC.

STUDENT EVALUATION GRADING:
Class attendance 20%
Case studies (2x) 10%
Midterm test 20%
Team project 20%
Final test 30%

COURSE FORMAT:
The course will be conducted in seminar form, combining lectures and discussion. Therefore, it's important for students to read the assigned course materials. The course will also include group casework and discussion. Class discussion will focus on assigned readings and current business developments occurring in domestic, regional and global marketplaces and on managerial practice of international and global companies.

CASE ANALYSIS:
There are several case study sessions included in the course work. Students should be prepared to read and discuss cases in class sessions. Class work will include small group discussions of each case prior to a general class discussion or individual presentation of conclusions and/or recommendations. Two of the case studies will be graded.

EXAMS:
There will be one mid-term exam and final exam based on assigned readings and class discussions. The questions will be multiple closed-up type and will focus on issues related to the international management concepts and practices studied in the course. The dated for the exams will be found in the course schedule