Module Description
Introduction to International Business
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Learning Objectives:
International business has become more important, but also more complex and dynamic due to the globalization in the last 30 years. These aspects require very careful strategic planning and operational implementation considering global integration, but also local market needs. The course covers these fundamental themes as well as the critical success factors of international business. The course equips students with specific strategy management models and best practice techniques needed to successfully manage international businesses. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to explain, recognize and evaluate the relevant strategic management models, and strategy, supply chain, pricing and risks aspects as well as the success factor and levers of global operating companies.
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Additional Required Knowledge:
Prerequisite: Course “Systemisches Management (SYMG)”
The course is accessible to students from different backgrounds and with varying levels of experience.
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Module Evaluation
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Performance Evaluation
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Courses in this Module
Introduction to International Business
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Plan and Learning Content:
1. Success factors of global operating corporations
- Management theories and models o Main reasons why international businesses fail?
- Country-specific tonics
- New global challenges
2. Global Supply Chain Management
- Management theories and models
- Challenges
- Best practices
3. Risk Management of global operating corporations
- Introduction to risk management theory
- Supply chain risk
- Currency exchange risk
- Country-specific risks
4. International Pricing
- Pricing strategies of global players
- Strategic pricing vs local pricing
5. Case study B2C (e.g. IKEA, Starbucks, McDonalds)
6. Case study B2B (about a Swiss global manufacturer)
7. Company visit to a global manufacturing company located in Eastern Switzerland
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Teaching and Learning Methods:
- Lecture, discussion, guided self-study, examples and case studies
- Company visit at a global manufacturing company to see the covered topics from a practical entrepreneurial perspective
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Execution according to timetable