Issues in Managing the Multinational

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Approximately 2.5 hours of personal study per hour of class time is required to achieve a satisfactory level of performance

Entry to Master of International Business, Master of Human Resource Management, Master of Commerce (Management), Master of Commerce (Marketing), Master of Management and Master of Management (Human Resources). (MC-MGTS, MC-MGMT, MC-MGTHRES, MC-MGMTHRE, MC-COMMGT, MC-COMMKT).

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For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements for this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.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 strategies of multinational enterprises (MNEs). This brings with it the question of organisational structure and design and aspects of the internal management of the MNE such as subsidiary tasks, control and coordination. Second, it delves into the many factors within host economies that impact on MNE operations. Third, it also deals with contemporary issues around managing MNEs such as MNEs from emerging economies and sustainability, ethics, and diversity in international business.

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;
• 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; and
• Critically evaluate different theories, models, ideas and concepts usefulness in addressing the problems of global management.

• 800 word individual short essay #1. Due in Week 5 (10%);
• 3000 word individual case analysis. To be completed between Weeks 6 -12 (Students have to select ONE case out of five cases that are discussed between Weeks 6 -12) (40%);
• 3200 word group case. To be completed between Weeks 6 -12 (Students will be allocated into groups and ONE case out of five cases that will be discussed between Weeks 6 -12 will be assigned to each group) (40%); and
• One 25 minute group presentation (around 5 minutes per person) based on the case allocated to the group. To be completed between Weeks 6 and 12 on the day the case will be discussed in class (10%).

To be advised.

To be advised.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

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

• 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 analysis in oral and written communication; and
• Ability to work co-operatively in teams within a culturally diverse environment.