Universität Wien

040221 KU Global Strategy (MA) (2025W)

4.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 4 - Wirtschaftswissenschaften
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 50 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Monday 06.10. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 12 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 2.Stock
  • Monday 13.10. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 12 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 2.Stock
  • Monday 20.10. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 12 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 2.Stock
  • Monday 27.10. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 12 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 2.Stock
  • Monday 03.11. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 12 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 2.Stock
  • Monday 10.11. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 12 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 2.Stock
  • Monday 17.11. 08:00 - 09:30 Hörsaal 12 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 2.Stock
  • Monday 17.11. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 12 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 2.Stock
  • Monday 24.11. 08:00 - 09:30 Hörsaal 12 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 2.Stock
  • Monday 24.11. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 12 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 2.Stock
  • Monday 01.12. 08:00 - 09:30 Hörsaal 12 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 2.Stock
  • Monday 01.12. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal 12 Oskar-Morgenstern-Platz 1 2.Stock

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The course provides an overview of the most important strategic decisions to be taken in a globalized economy. As such, the course aims to introduce a set of contemporary strategy theories, concepts and frameworks that will allow students to identify important principles that a firm can use in taking decisions that will ultimately determine its success (or demise) in a global business environment.
Throughout the course we will outline key opportunities, challenges and risks of globalization. We will focus on global growth opportunities and market assessment techniques. We will investigate the impact of culture in strategic decisions and emphasize the need to balance local responsiveness and global synergies. We will analyse global competitiveness and we will look at ways in which firms achieve competitive advantage in a global marketplace. The most prominent digital trends will also be discussed, as well as the challenges that digitalization brings to the business models of international firms.
The approach used is both strategic and managerial. Strategic in that we will develop an appreciation of business strategies and understand the notion of competitive advantage. And managerial, in that we will look at global strategy tasks through the lenses of IB managers and executives.
The course uses a combination of interactive lectures, case discussions and group presentations. Attendance and participation in class discussions is critical to the success of the course and will determine your grade.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
The course aims to develop strategic thinking in a global business context. You will learn key concepts and tools used in developing global business strategies and in solving global business problems.

By the end of the course students will be able to:
• Appreciate the idiosyncrasies involved in developing strategies for global markets.
• Acknowledge the complexities involved in taking strategic decisions in a global marketplace.
• Contextualize these decisions in light of internal capabilities and external environment.
• Employ key analytical tools and frameworks helpful to managers developing global strategies.
• Understand global competition and competitive advantage.
• Analyse cases that approximate global business strategy situations.

Assessment and permitted materials

• 40% Case assignment (team task - reports and presentations)
• 40% Final Examination (individual, in class)
• 10% Class participation
• 10% Peer Rating*
*At the end of the course, you will be asked to rate the contribution of the team members in your study group.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

It is absolutely essential that all registered students attend the first session on October 6th (Introduction/Vorbesprechung) as failure to do so will result in their exclusion from the course. Students should also regularly check our homepage and Moodle for any changes in dates/times.

Attendance is compulsory throughout the semester. Absence from two course units is possible. A course unit is a 90-minute session. Further absences will automatically result in a “fail” grade. Attendance is compulsory during assessment (e.g. final exam, presentations etc.).

88% - 100% | 1
75% - 87% | 2
63% - 74% | 3
50% - 62% | 4

Examination topics

textbook & course slides

Reading list

Course Textbook(s):
• International Business Strategy – Rethinking the Foundations of Global Corporate Success. A. Verbeke & I.H.I. Lee, Cambridge University Press, 3rd edition, 2013.
• International Business – Competing in the Global Marketplace. C. W. Hill, McGraw-Hill, Ir-win, 13th edition, 2020.

Additional readings will become available (on Moodle) during the lectures.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Mo 06.10.2025 11:26