International Management

Based on the text book by Hill this module introduces global business. I use consulting projects that I completed for multinational companies to see if students can get the basic information from internet sources. These case studies are real world case studies, not artificially sanitised case studies. Students might even find information that I missed when I did this for a multinational company.

The objective of the module is to provide appropriate exposure to international business management to persons already involved in or considering international business with the aim of enhancing the international managerial capability and competitiveness of business organisations.


This is not a geography course.  In order to achieve international capability and competitiveness it is important to think about how one should strategically approach a business plan in a foreign environment.  This would include quantifying and comparing options in different countries.

During the past two decades, the continuing trend towards globalisation and increased competitiveness worldwide have necessitated many business organisations to look beyond the country's borders for new opportunities to expand their markets and enhance their profitability. 

Fundamental to successful international management, however, is the understanding of the global business environment, the nature of international business operations, and, most importantly, developing viable international business strategies.

  • Introduction,  The global context and Financial Management,  Chapter 1-2, 20  in Hill Structural and process-oriented forms of organisation
  • Theme:  Foreign direct investment Chapter 7-8
  • Theme: Culture and ethics Chapter 3-4
  • Theme:  International trade, chapters 5-6
  • Theme:  Global monetary system chapters 9-11
  • Theme:  Strategy and structure, Chapters 12-14
  • Theme: Counter trade and supply chain, chapters 15-16
  • Theme:  HR, chapter 18
  • Theme: Accounting, chapter 19

On successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding of International Management at the master's level that provides a basis for developing and/or applying new ideas, often within a research context.
  • apply knowledge, critical understanding, and problem-solving abilities in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study (International Management)
  • assimilate knowledge and formulate opinions with incomplete or limited information, but that include a reflection on social and ethical responsibilities.
  • communicate their assumptions, and knowledge regarding International Management and the rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously.
  • use the acquired skills to allow them to continue to study in a manner that may be largely self-directed and autonomous.
  • integrate knowledge from other courses of the master program and practical business and formulate critical judgments with incomplete data.

The course is offered as self-study in e-learning. The learning material is provided in the form of lectures, literature, and lecture notes. Independent learning is required. In the case of paper submissions, further research is expected in compliance with the given scientific standard. LIVE course sessions are offered to support the students with questions regarding the content. Students are supported in their scientific work by corresponding online seminars.

All lectures and learning materials are made available in the online campus GHU Campus. All lectures are recorded and are available for download 24/7. The lecture notes, as well as additional material provided by the lecturer, can also be accessed in the GHU Campus.

Documents for exam preparation consisting of lectures and lecture notes. Additional material provided by the lecturer serves as independent files and can be used to work on the exams. The examination comprises theory questions, reflection, and case study and is intended to confirm all learning objectives.

The assessment consists of a 5000-word International Management homework and assesses all learning outcomes. As a master-level assignment, the homework requires a command of a complex and specialized area of knowledge and skills. This implies that, in addition to demonstrating a sound grasp of the ideas and concepts relevant to the topic of thehomework, students will show that they can evaluate aspects such as conventions of approaches, their internal consistency, relevance, and applicability, as well as strengths and weaknesses.

To reach an assessment, students will consider competing approaches and draw on critiques put forward in scholarly literature. The position adopted in the assignment and any claims made must be based on a careful, coherent, and logical arguments, need to be appropriately supported with evidence from relevant scholarly sources, and should be presented in a coherent piece of writing. Sources must be referenced appropriately in-text and in a quote/reference list as set out in the GHU Referencing Guidelines.

Jan Walters Kruger

- Univ.-Prof. -