Strategie International Management

Abstract

This book intends to give a compact overview of the most relevant concepts and developments in International Management. The various strategy con- cepts of internationaHy active companies and their implementation in prac- tice are the core of this book. It is not designed as a traditional textbook or a collection of case studies, but tries to combine both. The book introduces the complex and manifold questions of International Management in the form of 20 lessons that give a thematic overview of key issues and illustrates each topic by providing a comprehensive case study. The book is divided into six major parts. Part I ("Introduction to Strategie International Management") lays the foundation by explaining basic con- cepts of International Management. In Part 11, the influence of the external environment on Multinational Corporations is described, looking into mar- ket barriers and regional integration, the competitive advantage of nations and the influence of country culture. Part III focuses on the coordination of internationally dispersed activities in a Multinational Corporation. An over- view of formal and informal instruments is given and some coordination instruments are discussed in more detail. Another core decision with regard to international activities, the foreign operation mode, is dealt with in Part Iv. After an overview of the basic types of foreign operation modes, the three

main options - market, cooperation and hierarchies - are explained in indi- vidual chapters. Part V is devoted to specific value chain activities, produc- tion & sourcing, R&D and marketing. Finally, human resource management and international control are discussed as highly relevant business functions in Part VI of the book.