Being an informed global citizen requires an understanding of the global business environment. Organizations critical to the development of the global business environment include for-profit businesses, non-profits, governmental, non-governmental, and supranational agencies. This course introduces students to the interdependent relationships between organizations and the global business environment. A holistic approach is used to examine the diverse economic, political, legal, cultural, and financial systems that influence both organizations and the global business environment.

This course explores the opportunities and challenges businesses encounter creating and capturing value in the global environment. Areas of emphasis include: forecasting markets; why firms globalize; analyzing global competitors; the degree of globalization or regionalization; creating value for the firm globally which includes entry mode management, location decisions and timing, role of technology; and how to operate.

This course reviews the techniques and tools firms use to create a sustainable competitive advantage in the global economy. Cross-functional analysis is a core element in the course. Topics covered include the mission and vision of the firm, analysis of the external environment, analysis of internal resources and capabilities, the role of innovation in strategy development, analysis of global business strategies, developing and implementing business-level and corporate-level strategies, and managing strategy in the multi-business corporation. *Note: All MBA core courses.