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The Global Enterprise course I took at Exeter University was really informative and enjoyable. Breaking common sense about global companies that we only knew about vaguely, we learned about companies that we didn't recognize but are closely related to our lives. It has also helped me broaden my horizons in various fields and view the world from a variety of perspectives while learning how global companies treat the world. If I have a chance, I want to take another course next time.
Kang, Peking University, China
Global Enterprise
This course focuses on the growth and management of global enterprises from the emergence of the modern multinational to the present day. In studying the dynamics of international business we take these enterprises (commonly referred to as MNEs, MNCs or TNCs) as our key actors, and use an interdisciplinary approach to assess the challenges associated with developing strategies and managing operations across national boundaries. We explore, therefore, the interplay between the multinational enterprise, the countries in which it does business, and the competitive environment in which it operates. This approach will ensure that global enterprise is framed in a wide political, social, historical and economic context.
Throughout the course we consider firms from across the globe, and draw particular attention to the rise of large-scale enterprises from the BRIC economies (Brazil, Russia, India and China). We will also address the classic problems of modes of entry, global coordination, and local responsiveness. Public and political attitudes to “foreign” firms are also considered, and we challenge our sense of what constitutes ethical business practice. Students will be encouraged to reflect on cultural values, question their own assumptions and develop knowledge of other cultures through class discussions and group work. Employability skills are further developed through the giving of presentations, case-study analysis, team-working, and report-writing.
Overall the course aims to improve students’ knowledge of the modern multinational, and to foster systematic and informed analysis of how multinational enterprises operate, thrive, stagnate or fail in an integrated global economy.
Module at a Glance
| Module Title | Global Enterprise |
| Module Code | ISS3007 |
| Module Convenor | Dr David Boughey |
| Credit Value | 7.5 ECTS |
| Scheduled Teaching | 23 x 2 Hour Sessions |
| Total Module Hours | 150 Hours |
| Guided Independent Study |
Pre-Reading Before Arrival |
| Formative Assessment |
Group Discussion and Presentation of Case Analysis – Varies, in class – Verbal Feedback |
| Summative Assessment |
Critical Commentary on an extract from a module text – 2000 words – 60% of credit – written feedback Group Presentation – 20 minutes – 40% of credit – verbal and written feedback |
| Sample Pre Reading |
Peter Dicken, Global Shift: Mapping the changing contours of the world economy, 7th ed. (Sage, 2015) |
| Sample Lecture Sessions |
Global Perspectives of Marketing |