This course will examine the management, organization and experience of modern business enterprise in the globalized economy; it will explore the theoretical models explaining the existence and evolving organisation of business firms and consider the role of those firms in the global economy. Issues to be investigated include: the relationships between business and the localities in which they are based and in which they operate; the nature of competitiveness; and how this can be influenced by government policy and fostered in developing economies; the drivers and impact of foreign direct investment; the structure of multinational enterprises and their effect on home and host economies, and the role of small and medium-sized enterprises in the global economy.

2 Hours per week over 10 weeks.

Assessment will be through coursework which could include individual essay, class presentation and group work - total equivalent to 4000 words 

■ to consider the theory of the firm in an international and globalized context

■ to analyse the relationship between business firms and competitive advantage - and how it may be constructed or pursued - across space and time.

■ to explore the role of small and large companies and their relationships in a globalized economic environment.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to understand and critically assess

■ the theory of the firm and its application to small and large companies in the globalized economy

■ the relationship between business firms and regional, national and supra-national authorities in the globalized economy

■ the role of business in shaping the globalized economy

■ the impact of multinational enterprises on both home and host economies

■ the role of innovation and technology in the globalized economy

Generic regulations apply