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2015/2016  KAN-CCBDO1002U  International Business and Economic Development

English Title
International Business and Economic Development

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Full Degree Master
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Autumn
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for BSc og MSc in Business, Language and Culture, MSc
Course coordinator
  • Michael Wendelboe Hansen - Department of Intercultural Communication and Management (ICM)
  • Peter Ørberg Jensen - Department of Strategic Management and Globalization (SMG)
Main academic disciplines
  • Globalization and international business
Last updated on 05/11/2015
Learning objectives
To achieve the grade 12, students should meet the following learning objectives with no or only minor mistakes or errors: At the end of the course, and against the backdrop of the course literature in its entirety, students should be able to
  • Identify and describe patterns of MNC strategy, government strategy toward MNCs, and development; impacts of MNC activity in emerging markets and developing countries;
  • Understand and critically assess the quantitative methods that are employed to analyze MNC strategies and MNC development impacts;
  • Describe and discuss theories and approaches that address the complex interface between MNC strategy, host country regulation and development impacts;
  • Apply theories and approaches to analyze the interface between MNC strategies, host country regulation and development impacts. Compare and discuss the relevance and applicability of the various theories and approaches.
Examination
International Business and Economic Development:
Exam ECTS 7.5
Examination form Oral exam based on written product

In order to participate in the oral exam, the written product must be handed in before the oral exam; by the set deadline. The grade is based on an overall assessment of the written product and the individual oral performance.
Individual or group exam Individual
The oral exam is always individual. The written product can be handed in in groups of up to 4 students.
Size of written product Max. 3 pages
Assignment type Synopsis
Duration
Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
20 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Preparation time No preparation
Grading scale 7-step scale
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and external examiner
Exam period Winter, Please notice that the exam takes place in January
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Description of the exam procedure

Individual oral examination on all material covered in the course - based on a three-page written synopsis which is to be handed in app. two weeks before the exam. The subject of the synopsis is chosen by the student. The synopsis serves as a starting point for the examination.
Course content and structure

The aim of this course is to provide the student with a comprehensive theoretical, methodological and empirical understanding of the complex interface between the strategies of multinational corporations (MNCs) and host country development strategy, emphasizing MNC strategies in emerging markets and developing countries. One of the most significant economic developments of recent decades is the economic globalization process as reflected in the rapid growth in international trade and the surge in foreign direct investment (FDI). This process is driven by MNCs. A growing share of MNC trade and investment activities are conducted with non-OECD countries, that is with emerging markets and developing countries. Evidently, MNCs are seeking to exploit the vast but also precarious market and resource potentials of these countries. Simultaneously, emerging markets and developing countries are increasingly embarking on economic development strategies aimed at attracting MNC investment as a means to access technology, capital, organizational and marketing know-how, etc.

The course includes the following main elements:

  • Introduction: Mapping trends in MNC activity and foreign direct investment

  • Investment strategies: Investment motives and sourcing strategies of MNCs in emerging markets and developing countries;

  • Dragon multinationals: The growing importance of MNCs coming from emerging markets;

  • Upgrading and spill overs: Development impacts of MNC activity on host countries; Spillover effects and upgrading from collaboration between MNCs and local firms in developing countries; FDI’s role in building and sustaining national competitiveness.

  • Investment policy, regulation and standards: Home and host country measures to promote and control activities of MNCs; the role assigned to MNCs in industrial development strategies; Global governance and regulation of MNCs.

Dealing with the above issues, the course will present the major theoretical and analytical contributions to the study of the interface between MNC strategies and host country development. Empirically, the course will draw mainly on examples and cases of Danish and OECD based MNCs’ investments in developing countries and emerging markets. The course will furnish students with tools that allow them to conduct and evaluate quantitative analysis of large data sets. 
Teaching methods
Classes will be a mixture of lectures with discussions, cases, exercises and student presentations. Students are expected to make a presentation during the course and participate actively in exercises on quantitative methodology. Course literature amounts to 800-1000 pages.
Expected literature

Articles and extracts from

 

- Journal of International Business Studies (JIBS);

 

- Journal of World Business;

 

- World Investment Report;

 

- Strategic Management Journal

 

 

Selected publications by e.g.

 

- John Dunning

 

- Alan Rugman

 

- Peter Buckley

 

- John Caves

 

- Magnus Blomström

 

- John Barney

 

- Johan Forsgren
Last updated on 05/11/2015