Managing the Multinational

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Entry into the Master of International Business, the Master of Applied Commerce (Management) or the Master of Applied Commerce (International).

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject explores two important areas of concern facing managers of multinational corporations. First it examines the relationship and balance between global integration and local responsiveness that lies at the heart of understanding multinational activity. This brings with it the question of organizational structure and design and aspects of the internal management of the MNC such as subsidiary tasks, control and coordination. Second, it delves into the many factors within host economies that impact on MNC operations. This includes issues such as the complexities and ambiguities of business ethics especially questionable payments, the problems of operating in emerging and transition economies, comparative corporate governance, relations with governments and special enterprise zones.

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Understand the centrality of the Integration-Responsiveness grid and its application in modern corporations, comprehend how the internal functioning of MNC is managed, how resources such as materials and labour are accessed, how government-MNC relations are managed, how global variations in corporate governance affect the MNC and the sensitive area of ethics and corruption.
• Appropriately apply these theories, models, ideas and concepts to different scenarios as presented in case studies and exercises
• Analyse and synthesise different theories, models, ideas and concepts
• Critically evaluate different theories, models, ideas and concepts usefulness in addressing the problems of global management.

Assignments totalling 8,000 words, consisting of 1 group assignment of 3,000 words (40%) and 2 individual assignments of 2,500 words (30%) each.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

• The ability to apply concepts and theories to the real world;
• Analytical and interpretative skills in international management;
• Research skills involving the use of written and electronic sources and other forms of data and information;
• A range of analytical approaches to critically evaluate complex arguments in international management;
• The ability to evaluate, interpret and present independent points of view in oral and written communication;
• Ability to work co-operatively in teams within a culturally diverse environment