Basic microeconomics
Basic macroeconomics
OPEN TO IE STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE FOLLOWING DEGREES (SINGLE AND DUAL): BBA
It is well acknowledged that multinational firms are currently key players in the world economy. Moreover, processes of market integration and globalisation have increased multinationals´ activities. As a consequence, the geographical pattern of capital formation, trade and technological spillovers is to an increasing extent determined by the different business strategies chosen by multinational firms (Why, When, Where and How to invest). The emphasis of this course is to analyse the fundamentals of multinational corporations from an economic perspective and to understand their business strategies.
The overall aim of the course is to provide students with a conceptual and theoretical knowledge and skill set that will allow them to successfully perform in international business environments. The course first concentrates on defining and analysing the main concepts regarding multinational activity and its current facts and overall trends worldwide. Additionally, a comprehensive description and discussion of the international economic context is outlined focusing on globalisation, regionalism and the digital economy. After that, students will learn and understand a broad set of theories explaining the different forces, processes, methodologies and consequences in multinationals´ business strategies. Along the different lectures, relevant multinational firms’ examples will be provided for a better understanding.
Furthermore, the theoretical sessions are supported by real case studies and exercises about multinational corporations that will be carefully discussed in practical-discussion sessions.
The aim of the course is to provide students with a broad and up-to-date knowledge on a major dimension of international business:
multinational corporations. This course equips students with a clear insight into current trends, economic determinants, strategies and economic effects of multinational firms. Objectives to be attained along the course:
-Define the multinational firm and analyse its evolution, current trends and associate business decisions regarding why, when, how and where to invest.
-Address current globalisation, regionalism and digital economy to understand the challenges and opportunities that multinationals face in the current international context
. -Critically examine the economic determinants of multinationals activities.
-Provide a detailed understanding about FDI economic theories.
-Understand the various entry modes and organisational structures that multinationals may choose when entering in a foreign market.
-Analyse the potential economic impacts of multinational activity in host and home countries.
-Carefully discuss real world examples and relevant case studies about multinational firms.
-Prepare students for careers in the international business field. Skills to be acquired during the course:
-Apply theories and concepts to analyse the multinational firm and to formulate and implement international business strategies.
-Address and debate controversial issues and case studies related with multinationals strategies.
-Demostrate independence of thought during class discussions and coursework.
-Search, select, synthesise and analyse data in order to build arguments and present information effectively and logically.
