Summer University Course

Strategies of Multinational Enterprises
Yihan Wang, EM Normandie

Prerequisites

This is a 100-level introductory course with no prerequisites.

Course description

The course aims to showcase the corporate governance mechanisms for multinational enterprises as well as their motives, approaches and determinants of their internationalization strategies in the global market. Based on interactive lectures and team projects, the students will understand the opportunities and challenges of MNEs in the current global business landscapes. Furthermore, they will develop integrated skills in analyzing business cases of internationalization progress of multinationals.

Topics

Overview: Strategy and multinational enterprises
Motives and modes of internationalization
Innovation and internationalization
Sustainable development and MNE strategies
Case study: Multinational Enterprises and Industry 4.0

Learning outcomes

Define the essence of strategy and multinational enterprises.
Understand the corporate governance mechanisms of multinational enterprises.
Understand the motives and approaches of internationalization of multinational enterprises.
Identify the opportunities and challenges of digitalization and sustainable development for multinational enterprises.
Developing analytical skills in solving business cases.

Assessment

Students planning to obtain ECTS credits for the course will write a 45-minute in-class examination. Grading will be based on the class participation (10%), team project (30%), final assessment (60%).

Reading materials

Bartlett, Ch. A., Sumantra, G., Beamish P.W.: Transnational Management: Text, Cases and Readings in Cross-border Management. Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.
Peng M. & Mayer K.: International Business 3rd edition. Cengage Learning EMEA.

Yihan WANG is an associate professor at the Department of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and academic director of graduate program in International Business at EM Normandie Business School, France. He obtained his PhD in Administration at HEC Montréal, Canada and is actively engaged in research and teaching of international business in Europe, North America, Middle East and Asia.