INTBUS 7016 - Managing Multinational Corporations

North Terrace Campus - Trimester 3 - 2024

This course addresses specific practical managerial challenges faced by large and small multinational corporations, such as managing organizational complexity, international strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, international human resource assignments, political risk, corporate diplomacy and government relationships, innovation in multinational corporations, multinational operations and financial management, among others. The emphasis of this course varies on an annual basis mirroring contemporary trends and events in the global economy. This course is delivered by experts of international standing in their particular field who employ proven and highly effective teaching methods at their discretion, such as simulations, case studies and experiential learning projects.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code INTBUS 7016
    Course Managing Multinational Corporations
    Coordinating Unit Management
    Term Trimester 3
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 36 hours per Trimester
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Assumed Knowledge INTBUS 7500, COMMGMT 7006, MARKETNG 7104, ECON 7200, ACCTNG 7025
    Assessment Exam/assignments/tests/group projects as prescribed at first lecture
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Chanaka Wijewardena

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    The principal objective of this course is to familiarize students with the complexity of entering foreign markets through equity-based entry modes in form of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) by shedding light on the crucial issues that determine the success of M&As and thus, influence the effective management of multinational corporations (MNCs) undertaking these transactions.

    On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Understand the global strategic factors that determine the success of international mergers and acquisitions, and thus the effective management of multinational corporations undertaking these transactions.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to apply fundamental international business concepts and analyze the implications of the key global environmental forces for the effective management of MNCs entering foreign markets through mergers and acquisitions.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to effectively work in teams and successfully complete team-related tasks and assignments.
    4. Demonstrate oral presentation and report writing abilities in a business context.
    5. Identify and describe the complexities of managing international mergers and acquisitions and understand the challenges and opportunities of global economic, political, legal, and cultural differences for the management of multinational corporations conducting international mergers and acquisitions.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    2

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    3

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    4

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    3, 5

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    3
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Reading package (articles, notes and cases) will be discussed in the first class session of the term.

    Readings lists and case studies will be provided in the first class session and uploaded to myuni several weeks before the beginning of the course. 
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Interactive learning environment based on lectures, class discussions, team presentations and case analyses and discussions.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    INTBUS 7016 is a three-unit course offered in truncated (intensive) mode. In addition to attending class, students are expected to prepare readings and case assignments prior to class and review discussed class materials to gain an optimal learning outcome. Workload and time commitment are equivalent to similar courses at this level in the program.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Learning and teaching activities of this course is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing multinational corporations in the current global business environment. In this course, we will explore the real-life challenges and complexities of managing international operations including,
    • Strategy and structure of MNCs, 
    • International Mergers, Acquisitions, and Alliances 
    • Global value chains,
    • Global marketing,
    • International HRM and
    • Managing global operations ethically.
    The course follows a problem-based approach, where each session will focus on a real-life managerial problem faced by multinational corporations. To initiate interactive lectures, we will begin with case studies and then proceed to discuss essential concepts and theories, often using the case study as a reference. Your active participation in class discussions and group activities, such as group presentations and case analysis, will be expected.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Weighting Learning Outcome
    Exercises 10% 1,2,4
    Case Analyses 15% 1,2,4,5
    Quiz 1 25% 1,2,5
    Quiz 2 25% 1,2,5
    Team Article/Case Analysis and Presentation 25% 1,2,3,4,5
    Total 100%
    For specific due dates please see the MyUni page.
    Assessment Detail

    5.3 ASSESSMENT DETAIL

    Case Analyses and Exercises
    Students will be responsible for completing and submitting several exercises as well as written case analyses based on case guide questions for the cases we will discuss over the course of the term. Exercises and case analyses consist of individual work and each class member is expected to write his/her own case analyses and exercises. Further details regarding the exercises and case analyses including specific guidelines and submission details will be discussed in the first class session. Please also refer to information posted on the MyUni course website.

    Quizzes
    There will be two quizzes over the course of the term. Students will be provided with a review guide to facilitate a focused preparation. These quizzes are an opportunity to revisit the material discussed in class and to demonstrate familiarity with crucial concepts, knowledge and facts related to managing multinational corporations and international mergers and acquisitions.

    Team Formation & Composition
    The class will be divided into student teams. I will leave it up to you to find team members and form a student team, yet each team should have about the same number of members. Each team should select a team leader upon team formation who will be responsible for submitting assigned team tasks by the deadline in the required format. As the success of multinational corporations often depends on the synergy effects of cross-functional and cross-national teams, I strongly encourage you to make your team as diverse as possible. Furthermore, as it will be necessary for teams to work outside of class, I encourage you to assess whether team members are ‘compatible’ in terms of scheduling team meetings and working together efficiently. It is each team’s responsibility to collaboratively complete the assignments and work out possible conflicts team-internally. In other words, for the team projects, the professor will assign an overall team grade; no individual grades for team members will be assigned.

    Team Case/Article Analysis and Presentation
    Each team will be assigned to analyze (based on a written report) as well as discuss and present (based on power point slides) a case or to analyze (based on a written report) as well as discuss and present (based on power point slides) a set of articles. In the first class session, further details will be discussed and presentation dates will be announced once student teams have formed. Please also refer to information posted on the MyUni course website.

    Submission
    Submission Guidelines:

    Deadlines: Please refer to the MyUni course page for all assignment deadlines. It is important to submit your work on time to ensure timely assessment and feedback.

    Submission Method: All assignments must be submitted via the MyUni course page. Please follow the instructions provided on the course page for the submission process.

    Extensions: If you require an extension for individual assessments due to special circumstances, please contact the course coordinator before the submission deadline. Extensions should be arranged in advance to avoid any penalties.

    Late Submissions: Late submissions will be subject to a deduction of 10% per day. It is essential to submit your work on or before the specified deadline to avoid any penalties.

    Marking and Feedback: The lecturers strive to mark and return assignments to students within two (2) weeks of the due date. You will receive written feedback to help you understand your performance and improve your work.

    Please familiarize yourself with these submission guidelines and ensure that you adhere to the deadlines and requirements outlined on the MyUni course page. If you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to the course coordinator for assistance.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.