The aim of this first part of the International Business elective module is to introduce students to corporate social responsibility (CSR) in international business. Special attention is given to managing operations of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in emerging markets.
Topics covered in thos course include, but are not limited to: what does it mean for a multinational enterprise to be socially responsible in a globalized world, approaches of multinational enterprises to social and environmental issues, the effect of internationalization of companies and globalization of markets on social responsibilities of business, monitoring and reporting on the social involvement of business, and the role of different corporate functions in the overall social performance of the multinational company.
This sub-module is a part of the Cross-Functional Management Program (Bachelor/undergraduate level).
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Upon completion of this course students will have understood:
• What is CSR and what does it mean for managers to act responsibly in a globalized world;
• The idiosyncrasies involved in developing CSR strategies in the era of globalization;
• How multinational enterprises respond to social and environmental issues;
• How different corporate functions (HRM, marketing, finance. etc.) are affected by ethical challenges in an international context, and how can they contribute to overall social performance of the company;
• Key analytical tools and frameworks helpful to managers working in global companies in managing responsibly.
COGNITIVE AND SUBJECT SPECIFIC SKILLS
After completing this course, students will have:
• The ability to appreciate the complexities involved in decision situations in a global context.
• The ability to contextualize these decisions in light of pressures from internal and external stakeholders.
• The ability to develop CSR system suitable for competing in the global arena.
• The ability to analyze cases that approximate business situations faced by managers of multinational companies.
KEY SKILLS
At the end of this course, students will have:
• Reinforced the principles that are essential for a creative, self-disciplined team to manage social performance of a multinational company in a fast changing global environment.
Teaching methods: Interactive lectures, large group discussions and presentations in mini-groups, case studies, role-playing.
Participation in all sessions is compulsory. Students are expected to read the literature and conduct research on the case studies covered in the course before the session as the seminars will be focused on the application and problem solving, including group workshops. Attendance is monitored and recorded. Students will be expected to work in international groups and present results of their work both orally and in writing.
Assessment is based on:
1. attendance and active participation in class, including discussions in class and mini-group presentations on case studies, as well as role-playing: 40% of the final mark.
2. pre-course written assignment (1,500 words essay): 20% of the final mark,
3. post-course written assignment (2,500 words report): 40% of the final mark.
Details of the written assignments will be provided on Learn@WU to registered participants.
Marking scheme:
1 (Excellent): >= 90%
2 (Good): >= 80%
3 (Satisfactory): >= 70%
4 (Pass): >=60%
For participants of the Cross-Functional Management Program and WU-incoming students.
The most important prerequisite (requirement) is you are able to attend all classes. It is also essential you are fluent in English, so you can actively participate in discussions in class, and contribute to the work of small groups.
For questions concerning enrolment and waiting lists please contact the Coordinator of the Cross-Functional Management Programme at cfm@wu.ac.at
Students who have already taken courses in international business ethics, sustainability in international business, or international corporate social responsibility should not enroll in this course. Also, those students who have already completed courses in corporate social responsibility based on case studies of multinational firms should contact the lecturer before making the enrollment decision.
Strong command of English, especially speaking skills.
At least one year of undegraduate studies in business, management, and/or economics.
Readiness to work in a multicultural and ethnically diverse group.
Openness for feedback and readiness to provide feedback to others.