- Level Foundation
- Course by University of London
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Offered by
About
Studying international business is essential for everyone who wants to be a well-rounded modern individual. Understanding the main features of the international business environment, mechanisms of cross-border business activities, and motivations to engage in these activities, will help you to make sense of contemporary business context and navigate yourself in our complex world. This MOOC provides essential knowledge about international business, its key actors and recent trends. It combines relevant theoretical frameworks with contemporary business cases and practitioner-oriented learning materials. Students will be able to familiarise themselves with such concepts as globalization, internationalisation, multinationals and institutions, and see how they relate to each other, as well as draw implications to current business practices.Modules
Lesson 1: Introduction
1
Discussions
- Gaining success internationally
4
Videos
- Welcome to the Fundamentals of International Business MOOC!
- Introduction to International Business
- Key topics and terms
- Audio - International business: Mariya’s story
2
Readings
- Activity – Start your study journal
- Why study international business?
Lesson 2: Perspectives on globalisation
1
Assignment
- Check your understanding – Week 1
1
Discussions
- Reflecting on globalisation
1
Videos
- What do we mean by globalisation?
1
Readings
- Is globalisation a good or a bad thing?
Lesson 1: Motivations for internationalisation
1
Videos
- Internationalisation – what is it?
1
Readings
- Activity – Reflecting on internationalisation motives
Lesson 2: Internationalisation methods
1
Videos
- How do firms internationalise?
6
Readings
- Activity – Samsung’s story
- Samsung’s story – teacher's note
- FDI terminology
- Activity – Huawei’s investments
- Huawei’s investments – teacher's note
- The pandemic effect on internationalisation
Lesson 3: Peer review
1
Peer Review
- Evaluating the attractiveness of a country for FDI
Lesson 1: Institutions and their role on international business
1
Videos
- Institutions and introduction to political systems
2
Readings
- Activity – Investing in Uzbekistan
- Investing in Uzbekistan – teacher’s note
Lesson 2: Formal institutions
1
Discussions
- Activity – A tale of two political systems
1
Videos
- Audio - Institutions in practice: Mariya’s story
2
Readings
- Activity – Reflecting on political risks
- Challenges of digital firms in foreign markets
Lesson 3: Informal institutions
1
Assignment
- Check your understanding – Week 3
2
Discussions
- Activity – Culture and business
- Activity – Introducing your culture
1
Videos
- Audio – Avoiding cross-cultural frustrations: Mariya's story
2
Readings
- Activity – Learning from failure
- Cultural distance and firm internationalisation
Lesson 1: MNE in a global context
1
Discussions
- Attracting MNEs
1
Videos
- MNEs – what, why and how
3
Readings
- Activity – Reflecting on the history of MNEs
- Activity – MNEs in Switzerland
- Consequences of MNE activity
Lesson 2: Building a sustainable MNE
1
Assignment
- End of MOOC summative assessment
1
Discussions
- Activity – MNEs and responsibility
1
Videos
- What did we learn and why it matters?
2
Readings
- MNEs and sustainability
- Activity – Responsible MNEs
Auto Summary
"Fundamentals of International Business" is a foundational course perfect for those looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of the global business landscape. Taught by Coursera, this course delves into the intricacies of the international business environment, covering key concepts such as globalization, internationalisation, multinational enterprises, and institutions. Combining theoretical frameworks with real-world business cases and practical learning materials, this course prepares students to grasp the motivations and mechanisms behind cross-border business activities. It offers essential insights into contemporary business trends and practices, making it an invaluable resource for anyone aiming to navigate the complex world of international business. With flexible subscription options including Starter and Professional plans, learners can choose the level of commitment that suits their needs. This course is ideal for individuals at the foundation level, seeking to build a solid base in international business knowledge and practice.

Mariya Eranova