Course overview
This course explores the growth and role of global firms and their significant interaction with the international trade architecture. It discusses how trade and investment are vital to the ongoing growth and sustainability of firms and why trade agreements and investment guarantee schemes can have a substantial impact on the investments and trade strategies used by Multinational Corporations (MNCs). The course offers a unique insight into how contemporary multinational businesses are dealing with both internal as well as external risk factors, with the aim of enabling students to undertake a balanced and critical analysis of the future role of Multinational Corporations in contributing to sustainable development outcomes.
Course learning outcomes
- Explain the theoretical basis and discuss the evidence of the role firms play in driving trade and the impact this has on productivity growth in the economy
- Discuss the nature of the choices firms make around internationalisation2 (trade, investment, licensing)
- Explain the structure and role of MNEs in trade, and demonstrate, review and analyse the economic and social environment in which MNEs operate
- Explain the relationship between firms and the global trade architecture
- Analyse and evaluate policy issues affecting trading firms such as regulatory characteristics ('trade facilitation'), corruption and bribery, competition policy and cartel behaviour