This course integrates perspectives and frameworks in International Strategy with the broader issue of Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate Citizenship, and Stakeholder Management. As companies “go global”, their challenges go beyond economic issues to include socio-political concerns. The question for future managers, student scholars, and casual observers is how to do this in a way that makes a difference for the business and for the communities in which they operate.
| Approach and Objectives
Using key readings, a set of integrated cases representing a variety of industries, and discussion sessions, the learning objectives are: To develop students’ capacity to think strategically about a company, its business position, and how it can gain sustainable competitive advantage in a global marketplace. To broaden students’ perspectives on the role of multinational organizations (corporations, NGOs, governments) in a global economy To provide a deliberate inquiry into socio-political issues, personal and company values and socially responsible management practices.
Course Organisation
| Course Requirements
Each of these is worth 333 points. The first two will be assessed during your time on campus. The final paper is due March 27 via e-mail llad@butler.edu I will turn in grades by April 4, 2009.
| Class Participation
Come to class ready to discuss reading, case, or other assignment for the day. Preparation may involve more than a quick read of the material or case. Consider the questions posed in the readings and cases. Reflect on what you have read. Be ready to engage in the discussion. Ask questions, offer your personal perspectives, jump in the discussion, and take issue with the instructor and your classmates. Look for connections to other courses, cases, and current events.
| Current Event/Case Write-up/Discussion Leadership
As part of a team (3-6 members of the class selected in-class), prepare one 2-3 page write-up of a case for class and lead the beginning discussion (first 30-45 minutes) with the class. You choose which case of those assigned for Day 3, 4, 5 of the class. Link it to current events, frameworks and themes from this and other classes. We will use class time to organize teams and schedule the cases.
| Research Paper
Prepare an individual research paper on a topic linked to the class (5-10 pages plus references). You could examine an issue, an institution, an ecosystem, an industry, or a geographic region. At minimum, the paper should take into account the following: | a rationale for the topic, | detailed topic discussion and analysis, | a description of your learnings, | comments on your discovery process, | key concepts that had meaning or relevance, | implications for the future.
Where possible consider a financial/quantitative perspectives analysis, an ecosystems analysis, an assessment of the decision process(es) in the organization(s), or an institutions perspective(details will be covered in class). Collect information from popular business press, electronic, and other public sources. Where possible, conduct interviews with organization representatives or stakeholders. Be resourceful.
