Syllabus for The Global Firm

Decisions and guidelines

Master's Programme in Business and Management - specialisation Marketing, International Business, Organisation.

Learning outcomes

The purpose of this course is to gain a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of the multinational firm and its role in the global economy and society. In the course, we will discuss challenges arising both in terms of how multinational firms are affected by the context in which they act as well as the impact of multinational firms on local countries and societies. We will also discuss management and the corporate responsibility of the multinational firm.

After participating in the course, the student will be able to independently analyse and discuss the multinational firm in a global economy, covering issues such as:

• Understanding multinational firms from different theoretical perspectives
• Applying perspectives and theories related to multinational firms to a broad range of issues and problems facing MNCs in their global context
• Developing an in-depth understanding of research on multinational firms to be able to critically analyse theories and perspectives
• Critically reflecting on and evaluating the impact of the multinational firm as a whole on the local economy, e.g., different market and industry-specific characteristics or on developing and emerging economies and the social, ethical, political and managerial implications of this impact
• Explaining why different theories and models of the multinational firm offer different answers to the question of the economic, political, social, and managerial consequences of international business

Content

This course focuses on the multinational firm and its impact on both local host economies and on the global economy. To gain a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of the multinational firm, we will examine it from different theoretical perspectives and when we know more about the multinational itself, we continue to explore its impact on the local host economies around the world as well as on the global economy as a whole.

The content of the course will cover the economic, political, social and managerial

consequences of international business in the context of:

• various markets
• various industries
• developing or emerging economies

Instruction

The course uses a combination of pedagogical forms: lectures, interactive seminars, group assignments, and individual assignments. The course is taught in English.

Assessment

The student will get one single grade, equivalent to 7,5 credits.

Examination includes written assignments and presentations. Examination will be done both individually and in groups. The grade for the entire course is based on an assessment of all parts of the examination.

Grading criteria are presented in the study guide that applies to the course section. The following grades will be used: pass with distinction (VG), pass (G), and fail (U). Examinations handed in late will not be assessed except under special circumstances. Any remaining supplemental work must be completed and handed in by the deadline specified in the study guide. Otherwise the entire course (all examinations included) must be retaken during subsequent course sections.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.

Uppsala University does not accept cheating or plagiarism. Suspected incidents of cheating or plagiarism are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, which may issue a formal warning to the student or suspend the student from studies for a certain period.

NOTE: Only completed courses can count toward a degree.

Other directives

The course overlaps The International Firm in a Global Economy 2FE805, 8FE805 and The Global Firm (Contract Education) 8FE859.