Hochschule München

Learning outcomes / skills:

This module is designed to develop students’ intercultural effectiveness in the context of international business strategies, creativity, and the process, difficulties, and opportunities of managing innovation across borders. The teaching objectives synthesize the theoretical aspects of international management with a focus on leadership, creativity and negotiation to foster individual cross-cultural competencies, team synergy and corporate competitive advantage. Throughout this module, students are actively encouraged to develop their own reasoning and problem-solving skills to address contemporary and future managerial challenges and responsibilities with informed analysis and innovation. This approach centers around an understanding of corporate functions embedded in a holistic view of global business dynamics and the need to think creatively to master future challenges.

Competence profile:

Professional competence building will include:

·       In-depth understanding of the influence of culture, particularly in the fields of leadership and creativity,

·       Critical understanding of leading theory in cross-cultural management,

·       Insight into how to work in, build and manage cross-cultural teams,

·       The skillset to identify, avoid and resolve potential sources of culturally based misunderstanding and/or conflict in business situations,

·       The tools to prepare and execute innovation strategies in a cross-cultural context.

Technical competencies will allow students to:

·        Independently research and further develop their knowledge of current trends in cross-cultural management for application in individual business situations,

·        Evaluate and develop further their own cross-cultural and communication skills for effective business practice,

·        Demonstrate practical experience in cross-cultural teamwork,

·        Evaluate, compare and present cross-cultural business theory and approaches in an academic and professional context.

Personal and social competencies in leadership will enable students to:

·        Reflect on and contribute to international and cross-cultural dialogue and co-operation in and beyond the business world,

·        Evaluate and develop their own creativity toolset and communication skills,

·        Understand, analyse and respond effectively to different leadership styles,

·        Interact appropriately and effectively in culturally diverse business environments,

·        Share their knowledge and experience to foster effective cross-cultural interaction among peers and teams.

Contents:

• Understand the context of managing innovation across borders. This requires the integration of knowledge from management, marketing, accounting, and finance courses.
• Understand the effect that country and regional culture, ethics and law have on the business practices and resources of global companies. 
• Assess risks and opportunities in terms of economic, social and environmental forces in resource planning and strategies. 
• Determine how direct investment and economic integration adjust to each other, and impact on barriers to the flow of knowledge, goods, services and technology on resources and business functions. 
• Examine internal and external forces that shape international markets, and the impact of these forces on business. 
• Determine how the choice of business model affects business success and requires adaptation in response to changes impacting on the business. 
•  Identify forces impacting on what global business managers and leaders need to know in uncertain times.
• Understand the importance of IT in successfully managing and leading international organizations.
• Understand and adapt direct and indirect influences of different national cultures on the management of businesses in various countries.
• Include management techniques and systems of US/EU organizations and the organizations of other nationalities.
• Borrowing management techniques and systems from another culture and the management of cultural diversity.

Models and Research Methods:

Content discussion and delivery follows a case-based research philosophy. Cases will be used to support student learning.

·       Quantitative-empirical methods (comparative – statistic, mathematic methods, data analyses):

·       In selected cases qualitative, inductive theory will be used to display the critical deficits in using (historical) data only.

·       Qualitative-interpretative methods (expert interview, surveys, standardized inquiry):

·       Current research findings will be continuously used in class to provide frameworks and content focus.

Methods of Teaching and Learning:
Prerequisites: To successfully pass this module you need to have a sound understanding of business and strategy as well as appropriate English language skills. 

The learning outcome will be accomplished through text readings, case studies, discussions, and presentations. In class activities students will analyze corporate actions, successes and failures, strategy effectiveness, profit results, in view of corporate objectives.

The assessment will be through participation and a final assignment.  Assigned readings will be the responsibility of the student and may not be part of the classroom lectures.  Students are expected to have read the class text assignments and be prepared to make quality comments during class discussions.

Self-awareness, reasoned analysis and group participation are key skills for developing cultural effectiveness. The module seeks to develop team and communication skills in addition to continual reflection throughout the semester. The module has a progressive assignment structure and a final group-based assignment to synergise independent critical thought, skilled and targeted application of acquired skills and teamwork.

Literature:

Further reading and resources will be listed on Moodle at the beginning of the course.

SUPPLEMENATARY READING AND MATERIALS

• The Economist, Business Week, The Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal.
• Class Handouts, Readings, Journal Articles and other business publications as announced in class.
• Students are required to follow Moodle for updates.