Concept, domains and distiguishing features of international business (IB). International vs global business. Globalization trends. Internationalization of the firm - introduction: definition of the internationalization, key firm-level actors in IB. Passive and active internationalization, motives of firms' internationalization..Internationalization modes - an overview
Internationalization process of the firm- theoretical explanations. How do firms internationalize: Uppsala model, early internationalization concepts (international new ventures, born globals), How can internationalizing firms gain/sustain competitive advantage: FDI-based explanations (monopolistic advantage theory, internalization theory, Dunning's eclectic paradigm -OLI) non-FDI-based explanations (international collaborative ventures, network approach to the internationalization).
Internal and external determinants of firms' internationalization. Macro-economic, legal-political, technological and socio-cultural environments - an overview.
Competitive environment in IB. Strategic orientations of firms in IB: global integration - local responsiveness frmawork. International strategy, multinational (multidomestic) strategy, global strategy and transnational strategy. Determinants and implications of strategy selection.
Internationalization of SMEs and large companies. Internationalization of family firms.international entrepreneurship, International orientation and management commmitment. Internal (resource-based) and exteranal barriers to firm internationalization
Internationalization procedures - process and methods of foreign markets selection and assessment.
Forms of firms' international engagement (foreign market entry modes): export-import, contractual (collaborative) ventures/strategic alliances, .
Forms of firms' international engagement (foreign market entry modes) - cont'd:
Foreign direct investments (FDI) - FDI modes, benefits and limitations. Suitability of various entry modes - a firm perspective.
Inter-organizational cooperation in IB. Scope, benefits and limitations. Cooperation partners. Building collaborative linkages in IB.
Value chain management in the firms internationalization context-selected aspects: knowledge management in IB, internationalization of R&D and innovation processes.
Value chain management in the firm's internationalization context-selected aspects (cont'd): international sourcing and manufacturing operations and conducting .other value-creation activities abroad (offshoring). Selecting technology, location, scale of operations and specialization of manufacturing units.
Value chain management in the firm's internationalization context-selected aspects (cont'd): marketing and sales in IB .
Support activities in international value chain - selected aspects: human resources management.
Support activities in international value chain - selected aspects (cont'd): financing international investments and operations .
Internationalization of firms. Additional case studies and student presentations
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