Global Strategy II: Doing Business in The Global Economy from Coursera

This course explores the ways firms overcome challenges when operating globally – a process characterized for its complexity and uncertainty. Corporations trying to succeed in the global economy need to develop different types of strategies depending on where they are conducting business or industry they are in.

You will be able to:

• -Determine the best strategy to follow when expanding globally

• -Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of those strategies

• -Develop appropriate responses to external pressures.

This course is part of Gies College of Business’ suite of online programs, including the iMBA and iMSM. Learn more about admission into these programs and explore how your Coursera work can be leveraged if accepted into a degree program at https://degrees.giesbusiness.illinois.edu/idegrees/.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Orientation

You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course.

Module 1: How Should Firms Operate Globally? What Determines Their Global Strategy?

The main challenge of managers going global is to determine the important differences between countries and how to manage them. This class provides an analytical framework on how to manage those differences inside the firm and when competing with other corporations.

Module 2: Entering Global Markets: Aggressively? Cautiously? Big? Small?

How and when to enter a particular foreign market is a complex decision. While sometimes it makes sense to enter aggressively to earn first-mover advantages, in some other occasions waiting for others to enter first might be the best strategy. Similarly, entering small sometimes makes more sense than entering big. This module explores the advantages of each strategy and when to use them.

Module 3: Entry Strategies of Multinational Corporations

When entering foreign markets, multinational corporations have different options from which to choose. They are determined by the factors studied in the OLI and CAGE frameworks as well as the strategies chosen based on the cost reduction and differentiation pressures. This section studies how to evaluate which way to enter a foreign market, and the associated advantages and disadvantages.

Module 4: How Do Multinationals Strategize in an Increasingly Complex Political Environment?

When operating globally, managers need to carefully analyze the political environment and develop strategies to deal with issues such as instability, xenophobia, or nationalism. This module explores the options firms have when dealing with political uncertainties, the type of analysis they need to conduct, and the political strategies they can develop.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the various challenges and strategies when operating globally, which is standard in business education

Taught by Marcelo Bucheli, who is recognized for their work in business strategy

Examines how political uncertainty impacts multinational corporations, which is highly relevant in today's global landscape

Develops knowledge and skills in global business strategy, which are core for professionals in the field

Requires strong background knowledge in business and strategy, which may not be suitable for all learners

Reviews summary

Well-received course for global business

Learners say this course is well-received, with largely positive reviews regarding its engaging content and well-prepared lectures. Many reviewers agree that the course is very interesting and easy to follow. It is beneficial for those interested in or practicing global business.

The course is useful for global business.

"A must do course for students or professionals interested or practicing global business."

"Very interesting course on how a company might be affected by a country's political background and how to approach internationalization."

"Excellent course, fascinating content. I have worked abroad for 7 years in various countries. This course provided me with practical tools and concepts that already makes me think differently about international strategy."

Students say lectures are well-prepared.

"Well-comprehensive course with well-prepared contents."

"Very well designed course. Which clear the concept about the topic very easily."

"Prof. M Bucheli has explained it very well."

Many find this course engaging.

"Great input !"

"Great content!"

"Excellent course with very simple way of teaching."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Global Strategy II: Doing Business in The Global Economy with these activities:

Volunteer with a non-profit organization focused on international development

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Gain practical experience in cross-cultural collaboration and global citizenship

Browse courses on International Development

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Identify organizations involved in international development
Inquire about volunteering opportunities and select a suitable role
Contribute to the organization's programs and activities
Attend events, webinars, and training sessions to enhance your knowledge

Summarize key international business concepts

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Reinforce your grasp of concepts before taking this course

Browse courses on International Business

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Review notes and slides from previous international business courses
Read articles and case studies on international business topics
Participate in an online forum or discussion group on international business

Conduct a competitive analysis of global markets

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Apply concepts to real-world scenarios

Browse courses on Competitive Analysis

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Identify target markets and relevant competitors
Gather data on market size, growth rates, and competitive landscape
Analyze strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for key competitors
Draw insights and recommendations for global market entry strategies

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Attend a workshop on global business negotiation

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Develop practical skills in negotiating in a global context

Browse courses on Cross-cultural Collaboration

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Identify industry-specific or region-specific negotiation workshops
Register for the workshop and actively participate
Apply the techniques and strategies learned to real-world negotiation scenarios

Host a roundtable discussion on global business challenges

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Engage in peer learning and exchange insights

Browse courses on Global Business

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Identify a topic for discussion
Prepare talking points and examples
Moderate the discussion, encouraging active participation
Summarize key takeaways and insights

Develop a global marketing campaign strategy

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Enhance your skills in planning and executing global marketing campaigns

Browse courses on Global Marketing

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Explore case studies of successful global marketing campaigns
Analyze target markets and cultural differences
Develop a global marketing strategy that addresses cultural sensitivities
Create a detailed marketing plan and budget
Evaluate the effectiveness of the campaign and make adjustments as needed

Contribute to an open-source project related to international business

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Gain hands-on experience in global collaboration and software development

Browse courses on Open Source

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Identify a project that aligns with your interests and skills
Join the project community and familiarize yourself with the codebase
Contribute code, documentation, or test cases to the project
Participate in discussions and provide feedback on the project
Share your learnings and contributions with the class

Career center

Learners who complete Global Strategy II: Doing Business in The Global Economy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Global Business Strategist

Global Business Strategists leverage data and analysis to identify and exploit business opportunities in foreign markets. The Global Strategy II: Doing Business in the Global Economy course provides valuable insights into the challenges and complexities of operating globally, and helps students develop the strategic thinking, analytical skills, and global perspective necessary for success in this role. The course covers various entry strategies, political risk assessment, and the impact of cultural and regulatory differences, all of which are essential considerations for Global Business Strategists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Global Business Strategist

International Marketing Manager

International Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing strategies for products and services in global markets. The Global Strategy II: Doing Business in the Global Economy course provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence consumer behavior, market dynamics, and competitive landscapes across different countries. Students learn how to adapt marketing campaigns to cultural and linguistic differences, and develop effective strategies for entering and expanding into new markets.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Marketing Manager

International Business Consultant

International Business Consultants advise clients on global business strategies, market entry, and risk management. The Global Strategy II: Doing Business in the Global Economy course provides a solid foundation in the theories and frameworks used in international business, and equips students with the knowledge and skills to analyze global markets, assess risks, and develop effective strategies for clients.

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Global Supply Chain Manager

Global Supply Chain Managers oversee the planning, execution, and optimization of supply chains across geographical boundaries. The Global Strategy II: Doing Business in the Global Economy course provides insights into the challenges and opportunities of managing global supply chains, including issues related to logistics, transportation, sourcing, and risk management. Students learn how to design and manage efficient global supply chains that meet the demands of international customers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Global Supply Chain Manager

International Economist

International Economists analyze and forecast economic trends and policies in global markets. The Global Strategy II: Doing Business in the Global Economy course provides a strong foundation in international economics, including topics such as exchange rates, trade policies, and economic development. Students gain the knowledge and skills to conduct economic analysis, assess risk, and develop strategies for operating in complex global economic environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Economist

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are responsible for the overall leadership and management of organizations, including those with global operations. The Global Strategy II: Doing Business in the Global Economy course provides CEOs with a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and opportunities of operating in global markets. The course covers topics such as strategic planning, risk management, and cross-cultural management, which are essential for CEOs seeking to guide their organizations toward success in the global economy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

International Trade Specialist

International Trade Specialists advise businesses and governments on matters related to international trade and investment. The Global Strategy II: Doing Business in the Global Economy course provides a solid understanding of the principles and practices of international trade, including topics such as trade agreements, tariffs, and export financing. Students develop the skills to navigate the complexities of global trade regulations and develop strategies for maximizing export potential.

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Global Policy Analyst

Global Policy Analysts research and analyze global political, economic, and social issues to inform policy decisions. The Global Strategy II: Doing Business in the Global Economy course provides insights into the political and regulatory environments of different countries, as well as the impact of global events on business operations. Students develop the skills to monitor and analyze global trends, assess risk, and develop policy recommendations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Global Policy Analyst

Foreign Service Officer

Foreign Service Officers represent their country's interests abroad and promote diplomacy. The Global Strategy II: Doing Business in the Global Economy course provides a deep understanding of international relations, diplomacy, and cross-cultural communication. Students develop the skills to negotiate, build relationships, and represent their country effectively in a global context.

See salaries and explore the career path for Foreign Service Officer

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts provide investment advice and analysis to individuals and organizations. The Global Strategy II: Doing Business in the Global Economy course may be useful for Financial Analysts seeking to expand their expertise in international finance and global markets. The course covers topics such as exchange rate forecasting, cross-border investment, and the impact of global economic events on financial markets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Actuary

Actuaries assess and manage financial risks for insurance companies, pension funds, and other financial institutions. The Global Strategy II: Doing Business in the Global Economy course may be useful for Actuaries seeking to gain a better understanding of the global economy and its impact on financial risk. The course covers topics such as currency risk, sovereign risk, and the implications of global economic events on insurance and pension liabilities.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing strategies for products and services. The Global Strategy II: Doing Business in the Global Economy course may be useful for Marketing Managers seeking to expand their expertise in global marketing. The course covers topics such as cross-cultural marketing, market research, and the impact of global economic events on consumer behavior.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead and manage sales teams to achieve revenue targets. The Global Strategy II: Doing Business in the Global Economy course may be useful for Sales Managers seeking to expand their expertise in global sales. The course covers topics such as cross-cultural selling, international distribution channels, and the impact of global economic events on sales performance.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and deliver projects within budget and on time. The Global Strategy II: Doing Business in the Global Economy course may be useful for Project Managers seeking to expand their expertise in managing global projects. The course covers topics such as cross-cultural team management, global supply chain management, and the impact of global economic events on project timelines and budgets.

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Accountant

Accountants prepare and maintain financial records, and ensure that financial information is accurate and compliant with regulations. The Global Strategy II: Doing Business in the Global Economy course may be useful for Accountants seeking to expand their expertise in international accounting. The course covers topics such as international financial reporting standards, tax implications of global operations, and the impact of global economic events on financial statements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Accountant