International Management

We live in an increasingly global and interconnected world. Over the past couple of decades, rapid technological advancement and disappearing trade barriers have completely transformed the business community. The world has gone digital and in order to be successful, companies have no choice but to go international.

The new millennium has given rise to new challenges and exciting new opportunities. On the one hand, competition is fierce in the globalized market of the 21st century. On the other hand, access to new markets, expertise and cheap labor is giving companies an unprecedented edge. Getting to grips with the international context is essential to successfully navigate the global arena. Companies need a wider set of strategies in their arsenal, focused on finding business opportunities around the globe and staying ahead of the competition. This requires an in-depth understanding of foreign cultures, international communication and employee diversification.

This interactive course teaches students the fundamentals of international business, through simulations, games, movies, in-class team assignments and fieldwork. The course will address the following topics:
- Why do companies engage in international business?
- What are the main benefits and challenges of doing business across borders?
- How does culture influence business?
- What is necessary for cross-cultural communication and negotiation?
- What are the differences between global and domestic competition?
- How do companies identify countries for foreign expansion?
- What do you need to enter a foreign market (on your own or with a partner)?
- What is important when leading or working in multicultural teams?

Contact hours listed under a course description may vary due to the combination of lecture-based and independent work required for each course. CEA's recommended credits are based on the contact hours assigned by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam): 15 contact hours equals 1 U.S. credit