About this course: This course explores the ways firms overcome challenges when operating globally. The global economy is characterized for its high complexity and uncertainty. Corporations trying to succeed in the global economy need to develop different types of strategies depending on where they are conducting business or what type business they are in. Students taking this course will learn how to determine the best strategy to follow when expanding globally, the advantages and disadvantages of those strategies, and the appropriate responses to external pressures. This course is part of the iMBA offered by the University of Illinois, a flexible, fully-accredited online MBA at an incredibly competitive price. For more information, please see the Resource page in this course and onlinemba.illinois.edu.
Created by: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Taught by: Marcelo Bucheli, Associate Professor
Department of Business Administration, College of Business
| Basic Info | Course 4 of 7 in the Global Challenges in Business Specialization |
| Language | English |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Course Orientation
You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course.
2 videos, 6 readings, 2 practice quizzes
- Video: Welcome to Global Strategy II: Doing Business in the Global Economy!
- Video: Meet Professor Bucheli
- Reading: Syllabus
- Reading: About the Discussion Forums
- Reading: Glossary
- Reading: Brand Descriptions
- Practice Quiz: Orientation Quiz
- Practice Quiz: Demographics Survey
- Reading: Updating Your Profile
- Discussion Prompt: Getting to Know Your Classmates
- Reading: Social Media
Module 1: How Should Firms Operate Globally? What Determines Their Global Strategy?
The main challenge of managers going global is to determine the important differences between countries and how to manage them. This class provides an analytical framework on how to manage those differences inside the firm and when competing with other corporations.
5 videos, 1 reading
- Reading: Module 1 Readings and Resources
- Video: Pressures and Corporate Global Strategy
- Video: The Global Value Chain
- Video: Sources of Responsiveness and Cost Reduction Pressures
- Video: The Four Basic Global Strategies
- Video: Managing Pressures and International Differences
Graded: Module 1 Peer Review Assignment
Graded: Module 1 Quiz
WEEK 2
Module 2: Entering Global Markets: Aggressively? Cautiously? Big? Small?
How and when to enter a particular foreign market is a complex decision. While sometimes it makes sense to enter aggressively to earn first-mover advantages, in some other occasions waiting for others to enter first might be the best strategy. Similarly, entering small sometimes makes more sense than entering big. This module explores the advantages of each strategy and when to use them.
4 videos, 1 reading
- Reading: Module 2 Readings and Resources
- Video: Questions and Concerns about Going Global
- Video: Where to Go?
- Video: When to Go?
- Video: How Big or Small Should We Go?
Graded: Module 2 Quiz
WEEK 3
Module 3: Entry Strategies of Multinational Corporations
When entering foreign markets, multinational corporations have different options from which to choose. They are determined by the factors studied in the OLI and CAGE frameworks as well as the strategies chosen based on the cost reduction and differentiation pressures. This section studies how to evaluate which way to enter a foreign market, and the associated advantages and disadvantages.
6 videos, 1 reading
- Reading: Module 3 Readings and Resources
- Video: Export
- Video: Licensing
- Video: Franchising
- Video: Joint Ventures
- Video: Wholly Owned Subsidiaries
- Video: Strategic Alliances
Graded: Module 3 Peer Review Assignment
Graded: Module 3 Quiz
WEEK 4
Module 4: How Do Multinationals Strategize in an Increasingly Complex Political Environment?
When operating globally, managers need to carefully analyze the political environment and develop strategies to deal with issues such as instability, xenophobia, or nationalism. This module explores the options firms have when dealing with political uncertainties, the type of analysis they need to conduct, and the political strategies they can develop.
5 videos, 1 reading, 1 practice quiz
- Reading: Module 4 Readings and Resources
- Video: The Uncertainties of Politics
- Video: Basic Tools to Analyze Global Politics
- Video: General Principles of Geopolitical Risk
- Video: Elements of Domestic Politics Affecting Multinational Firms
- Video: Political Strategies of Multinational Corporations
- Practice Quiz: End of Course Survey
Graded: Module 4 Quiz
FAQs
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Coursework
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Creators
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a world leader in research, teaching and public engagement, distinguished by the breadth of its programs, broad academic excellence, and internationally renowned faculty and alumni. Illinois serves the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and finding solutions to critical societal needs.
Pricing
| Audit | Purchase Course | |
|---|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Not available | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Not available | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Not available | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
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Excellent course, fascinating content. I have worked abroad for 7 years in various countries. This course provided me with practical tools and concepts that already makes me think differently about international strategy. I would recommend this course to anyone.