MM308-Institutions and Emerging Firms

Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Denise Tsang
Email: d.tsang@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

As the global economic dominance shifts away from the USA and Europe, an understanding of firms originating from emerging economies is essential. This module aims to introduce frameworks that allow description and understanding of national institutions and competitive dynamics related to emerging economies such as China, Russia, Brazil, India and South Africa. It aims to explore the features of emerging economies firms, their continuities and changes, as well as the associated opportunities and risks in relation to their business operation. The module aims to provide students with an understanding of how managers can address challenges of different national institutions in product markets, labour markets and financial markets in the face of competition.

Aims:

The global economic emergence of new competitors since the 1980s has re-shaped the rule of competition within the USA and Europe. It is therefore essential to have an understanding of the characteristics of firms originating from emerging economies; this module examines how the institutional constraints influences the nature, structure, culture and strategy of emerging economies firms.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the Module students should be able to:

• Discuss key models in which national institutions is conceptualized;

• Understand the political, economic, social and judicial situation encountered by firms in leading emerging economies

• Identify and explain the principal relationships between institution, competition and performance;

• Appraise and develop practical solutions concerning challenges arising for firms operating in different emerging economies.

Additional outcomes:

Students will have to work both independently, and in groups, leading to the development of time-management and team working skills. 

Outline content:

The module will introduce real-world case studies that highlight the contextual variations of national institutions and their impacts on the intensity of competition among firms. Topics may include:

• Institution, national context and emerging firms

• Country Risks and Opportunities

• Guanxi and the growth of Chinese software industry

• Brazil’s Global Latinas

• Oil and gas on the Russian shelf

• Country advantages and the development of electronic clusters in Thailand

• Competitive strategy and the globalization of Chilean wine

Global context:

Leading emerging economies.  Global perspective throughout. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures, Seminars, Case studies, Presentations and Essays.

Summative assessment- Examinations:
One 2-hour seen case study exam.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One individual/group presentation to be submitted before the end of November.? 

One individual/group essay of at least 1,000 words (to be submitted on the last week of the Autumn term)? 

Formative assessment methods:

Individual/Group discussion and consultation with the instructor. 

Penalties for late submission:

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

 

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A weighted average mark of coursework and examination of 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:
By examination only (one 2-hour seen case study) in August/September. Coursework will not be included in the re-assessment.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

None

Last updated: 30 March 2023