Insegnamento a.a. 2008-2009

Go to class group/s: 31

MM-LS (6 credits - I sem. - AI) - AFC-LS (6 credits - I sem. - AI) - CLAPI-LS (6 credits - I sem. - AI) - CLEFIN-LS (6 credits - I sem. - AI) - CLELI-LS (6 credits - I sem. - AI) - DES-LS (6 credits - I sem. - AI) - CLG-LS (6 credits - I sem. - AI) - M-LS (6 credits - I sem. - AI) - IM-LS (6 credits - I sem. - AI) - ACME-LS (6 credits - I sem. - AI) - EMIT-LS (6 credits - I sem. - AI)

Course Director:
MARKUS VENZIN

Course Objectives

The aim of this course is to prepare students for a future position in a multination company (MNC). We address the essential tasks MNCs face when they attempt to create globally integrated strategies and work procedures. The course starts off with a review of the basic strategy concepts and the main strategic decisions managers face when embarking on internationalization processes. An introductory case study (Erste Bank) will help us to frame the big picture of the nature of multinational firms and global business environments. Module two will focus on the history of Unilever from the day the firm was created back in 1929 up to the year 1990. This module will provide an in-depth understanding of how MNCs were designed and how they evolved over time. The third module will then center around functional strategies such as global marketing, innovation management, acquisitions and divestments, human resource management or strategies in emerging markets. The Unilver case will again serve as a basis for discussion. We will however use a series of additional cases to integrate and compare the experiences from fast-moving consumer goods markets.

Course Content Summary

Module 1: Introduction to International Business Strategy Module 2: Strategy and Performance Module 3: Dynamics and Routines

Detailed Description of Assessment Methods

Student evaluation consists of a written exam at the end of the course and a project work completed during the course. 

Textbooks

Attending students

• Geoffrey Jones, Renewing Unilever: Transformation and Tradition, Oxford University Press

Additional readings, cases and slides which can be accessed at:

http://domino-04.uni-bocconi.it/lspace36/06318114/library.nsf/homepage

Non attentding students

• Geoffrey Jones, Renewing Unilever: Transformation and Tradition, Oxford University Press
• Mike Peng, Global Strategy, Thomson
• Birkinshaw et al, The Future of the Multinational Company, Wiley

Exam textbooks & Online Articles (check availability at the Library)

Last change 30/09/2008 10:01