International Business: State-of-the Art Theories and Topics - 5 ECTS

Prerequisites

The course is designed for students with different backgrounds who have an interest in business and its applications to other fields and topics. Although a basic knowledge of management, strategy, and economics is helpful, no specific prerequisites are required. Students are expected to attend the entire course and take the final exam.

• curriculum vitae demonstrating your capabilities of doing research;
• a letter of recommendation of your local faculty supporting the application;
• a one-page description of your doctoral research, indicating the general objectives.

Aim

The course aims to offer a systematic foundational knowledge of the theoretical building blocks of international business research, the most updated debates on theories, and an overview of topics and areas of research in the field. The ultimate goal is to develop an ability to identify opportunities for future research. The course is organized into two parts. The first part focuses on different theoretical perspectives. The second part discusses state‐of‐the‐art research on specific topics and areas.

Course content

This is a discussion‐based course. Students are expected to attend and be prepared for every session. Session preparation includes reading all required assigned material for the session. During each session, the discussion will be based on the papers for discussion.

S1 - Day 1 - Faculty: GS 
Why and how companies became multinationals

S2* - Day 1  - Faculty: MML             
Behavioral perspectives on international business

S3 - Day 2 - Faculty: CGA

Internalization theory

S4* - Day 2 - Faculty: MM 
Stakeholder theory in the global context

S5 - Day 3 - Faculty: FZ – GS        
Proposal Development Workshop

S6* - Day 3  - Faculty: LR                   
Knowledge transfer across borders

S7 - Day 4  - Faculty: WS

Strategic human capital in international business

S8* - Day 4 - Faculty: TP
Backlash against globalization and mitigation strategies

S9 - Day 5 - Faculty: FZ        
Geopolitics and companies' strategies

S10* - Day 5  - Faculty: GS        
MNEs and Grand Challenges

• To demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of key concepts, assumptions, causal relationships and processes relevant to international business literature.
• To critically review assigned readings.
• To develop new ideas and approaches that advance some portions of theory and research.