In this course, we will look into some globalstrategy topics such as internationalization and knowledge transfer with theparticular methodological lens of micro-foundations. The micro-foundationsmethodology requires breaking down macro-level phenomena into actions andinteractions at lower levels. In particular, we will investigate howheterogeneity at micro-levels (e.g. in individuals) influence strategicorganizational decisions (e.g. firm boundaries).

In order to understand how theseorganizational-level outcomes emerge, we will use concepts from theorganizational behavior literature (e.g. biases, motivation) as well as fromorganization theory (e.g. behavioral theory of the firm).

The types of questionsthat we will address are:

• How do individual characteristics influenceperceptions of distance and internationalization decisions?
• What are the underlying mechanisms of the linkbetween multi-nationality and firm performance?
• What motivates employees located ingeographically dispersed units to share the knowledge that can lead to a bettercompetitive position of the firm?
• How do biases impact individual decisionsregarding outsourcing/offshoring strategies?
• What motivates subsidiary managers to developinitiatives?
• How do biases influence the process of globalinnovation?
  

Knowledge and Understanding: Students on completion of the course will possess:

• Knowledge and understanding of the micro-foundations of global strategy
• Understanding of the role that individuals play on organizational-level outcomes across different markets
• Familiarity with many examples of key research on the topic of microfoundations of global strategy
  

Cognitive & Subject Specific Skills: Students on completion of the course will possess:

• The ability to understand the goals, structure and content of scientific articles
  
• The ability to analyze global strategic problems by breaking down a macro phenomenon into micro phenomena
  
• Experience in working in multi-cultural teams
• The ability to think through cause-effect relationships and to critically assess common management principles

Key Skills: Students on completion of the course will possess:

• The ability to rapidly structure ideas and presentations both as individuals and as members of a team
• Organizational abilities in relation to teamwork including presentation and writing skills
• The ability to understand and develop scientific research (this would be beneficial when writing the bachelor/master thesis)

• Their knowledge of the basic concepts of microfoundations of global strategy
  
• Their ability to understand and discuss academic research
  
• The quality of the presentations, the 1000-words essay, and oral contributions

The final grade will be based on the following elements:

Group Level (35%)

• 2 presentations of scientific articles (35%)

Individual Level (65%)

• Participation in class (30%)

• Final Essay (35%)