MMM173: The Evolution of Multinational Enterprises

Module code: MMM173

Module provider: International Business and Strategy; Henley Business School

Credits: 20

Level: Postgraduate Masters

When you'll be taught: Semester 1

Module convenor: Mr Karim Kirollos, email: k.r.w.kirollos@henley.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Cristian Luise, email: c.luise@henley.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: No

Last updated: 28 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The course aims to provide students with an understanding of the changes in our theoretical understanding of international business. The understanding of multinational enterprises (MNE) can serve as a basis for practical evaluation of the behaviour and performance of these companies. 

Aims:

A full understanding of how the theories of the MNE have evolved, and how the ‘Reading School’ of IB theory came to be established. Students will develop the ability to apply IB theory in assessing their role in the contemporary global economy.

Module learning outcomes

Explain how the theories of international business have evolved in response to contemporary changes due to globalisation and technology.

1. To critically assess the impact that multinationals have on the global economy. 
2. To assess the role of both home and host countries in the development of multinational firms.
3. To develop analytical skills that permit students to systematically analyse the world economy and to compose complex analyses.  

Module content

The module will cover the following themes:

• Historical emergence of MNEs
• International business theories 
• The role of multinationals in the global economy 
• Rise of multinationals from emerging markets 
• Born global firms. 
• The internationalisation of digital firms.
• Global Value Chains

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module comprises of 20 hours of lectures and 6 house of tutorials.  The lectures will develop the student’s knowledge and understanding of the key theories.  The lectures will also give students the opportunity to read mini case studies and have small group discussions, as a way to develop their application of knowledge and analysis skills. 
 
Tutorials are designed to develop both the student’s application of knowledge and analysis, as well as their critical evaluation skills.  

Study hours

At least 26 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 50% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Reassessment

Additional costs