ECM121-Strategic Diversity and the Political Economy of Multinationals

Module Provider: School of Politics, Economics and International Relations
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: marina.papanastassiou@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the strategic evolution of the multinational enterprise (MNE) in the context of an evolving global economy.

Aims:

The module aims to supply an overview of the strategic scope of MNEs (notably with regard to their generation and use of technology) and to show how this can reflect on the implications of their role in the global economy. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

A detailed appreciation of the global strategies of MNEs. A comprehensive understanding of how MNEs seek both current competitiveness (efficiency) and future competitiveness (knowledge), and the pursuit of these objectives has implications for national economies' development and interfaces with processes of globalisation. 

Additional outcomes:

An understanding of the need to appreciate what the MNE really is, and how it really behaves, before drawing conclusions on its role in global economic welfare. 

Outline content:

• Description of the competitive aims and strategic nature of the modern MNE.


• The organizational restructuring of the modern MNE


• The variety of roles played by individual subsidiaries and how they support an integrated global strategy.


• Technology and innovation strategies in MNEs.


• How MNEs use decentralised R&D to generate new technology and apply a globalised approach to product innovation.


• Co-loca tion.


• Digitization, industry 4.0 and the MNE


• Emerging market MNEs


• How the MNEs' behaviour affects industrialisation and development in national economies.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures and class discussion. Guidance on relevant formal literature. Advice on applying module content to current real-world issues. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:
One 2-hour unseen written paper, intended to be comprehensive of everything covered in the module.
Postgraduate examinations are held in the Summer term.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Coursework comprises one essay (40% of final mark), and an oral presentation (10%).

Formative assessment methods:

Strategic questions, in class case-analysis (groups), summaries.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A minimum weighted average mark of coursework and examination of 50%.

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination for all modules takes place in August/September of the same year.
Re-assessment is by examination only; coursework is not included at the second attempt.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:

2) Specialist equipment or materials:

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:

4) Printing and binding:

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 4 April 2020