General provisions

Master programme course- track MIB.

Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish degree of at least 180 credits with at least 90 credits in Business Studies including an independently written academic work of at least 15 credits. Proficiency in English.

Exemption exchange students: The equivalent to 60 credits in Business Studies, though 90 credits is strongly recommended. Proficiency in English.

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to increase student’s knowledge of international business management and to develop student’s understanding, both in a theoretical and practical sense, of problems and phenomena related to the multinational corporation.

The course starts by looking at the contemporary research approaches to the management of MNCs. Contents will cover MNC evolution, HQ-subsidiary relationship, international strategies and structures, subsidiaries roles and headquarters role in the contemporary MNC. A central aspect in this course is to understand how differences in subsidiaries and their local business environment put constraints to headquarters managerial control. Another paramount feature of this course is subsidiary influence on strategic decisions in the MNC and subsidiary autonomy. By the end of the course the students will be able to:

• Understand the implications of operating across national borders;
• Analyse different international strategies and organisational structures;
• Analyse how different control mechanisms influence the development and the performance of the MNC;
• Tackle problems related to foreign operations’ control;
• Understand the basis for the competitive advantage of multinational firm.

Content

In the course central theories of organisations and structures, subsidiary evolution, and management of headquarters – subsidiary relation will be presented and penetrated. In this course students will study and discuss theories on formal and informal organisation, control mechanisms, influence and creation of competitive advantage.

Instruction

The in-class teaching comprises lectures, seminars and case analyses. Lectures will give knowledge about the central topics. Seminars and case analyses require teamwork and attendance is compulsory. The language of instruction is English.

Assessment

Examination includes active participation in seminars and cases, writing and presenting papers. The final grade of the course is determined after taking into consideration the different parts of the examination. Grading criteria are presented in the study guide provided at the start of the course. Grades will be given in accordance with the Swedish grading system. The following grades will be used: VG (pass with distinction), G (pass), and U (fail). Assignments and exams handed in late will not be graded except in special circumstances. In addition, any remaining assignments and supplements must be completed and handed in by the deadline specified in the study guide otherwise the entire course (all assignments included) must be redone the next time the course is given, provided there is space in the course.

Uppsala University takes cheating and plagiarism seriously, and disciplinary action will be taken against any student suspected of being involved in any sort of cheating and/or plagiarism. The disciplinary actions take the form of warnings and limited suspensions.

NOTE: Only completed courses can count toward a degree.