ULMS Electronic Module Catalogue
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Multinational Corporations and Global Institutions
Code MKIB218
Coordinator Professor N Papageorgiadis
Strategy, IB and Entrepreneurship
N.Papageorgiadis@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2025-26 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:
 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24

 6

         30
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 120
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Assessment 1: Group presentation Assessment Type: Presentation Duration / Size: 15 minutes Weighting: 30 % Reassessment Opportunity: Yes – students will develop a 15 minute individual pre-  15    30       
Assessment 2: Group coursework Assessment Type: Coursework Duration / Size: 3000 words Weighting: 70 % Reassessment Opportunity: Yes – students will develop an individual report of 3000 word  0    70       

Aims

1. To critically analyse the activities and decisions that distinguish the global operations of MNCs
2. To identify, benchmark, and compare home and host country institutions, gaining insights into their implications for MNC activities
3. To examine MNC choices concerning countries, products, and entry modes
4. To prepare students for evaluating the influence of global institutions on shaping the behaviour and strategies of MNCs
5. To critically assess the reciprocal impact between MNCs and international business ethics, considering the consequences of globalization backlash, and the complexities posed by grand challenges
6. To build students critical thinking and critical discussion and presentation skills
7. To enable students to develop and express their own perspectives on the phenomena discussed and any other phenomena in a structured and convincing manner

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will be able to evaluate the role of global institutions in shaping the behaviour and strategies of MNCs

(LO2) Students will be able to analyse the key activities and decisions that distinguish the global operations of MNCs

(LO3) Students will be able to examine MNC choices related to countries, products, and entry modes, considering the influence of home and host country institutions

(LO4) Students will be able to identify, benchmark and compare home and host country institutions and implications for MNC activities

(LO5) Students will be able to critically assess the reciprocal impact between MNCs and international business ethics, the repercussions of globalization backlash, and the complexities presented by grand challenges

(S1) Ethically aware

(S2) Internationally aware

(S3) Team player

(S4) An excellent verbal and written communicator

(S5) Problem solver

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1: Lectures
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 24
Description: 12 lectures of 2 hours each
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2: Seminars
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 6
Description: 6 seminars to run every other week 1 hour each
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Self-Directed Learning Hours: 120
Description: Lecture slides, further reading, group-work exercises and any other module announcements will be posted on Canvas. Students are expected to prepare for and contribute to group discussions throughout the module. Students will also be expected to conduct additional reading in preparation for each element of assessment.

Skills mapping

Skill: Ethically aware
How is it developed: Through the module content, seminar activities and group discussions on international business ethics, the repercussions of globalization backlash, and the complexities presented by grand challenges.
How is it assessed (if applica ble): Group assignment

Skill: Internationally aware
How is it developed: Through the module content, seminar activities, and assignments
How is it assessed (if applicable): Group presentation and group assignment

Skill: Team player
How is it developed: By working in groups during the seminars and in both assignments
How is it assessed (if applicable): Group presentation and group assignment

Skill: An excellent verbal and written communicator
How is it developed: By having to discuss/present their rational and critical argumentation both in class and in the assignments.
How is it assessed (if applicable): Group presentation and group assignment

Skill: Problem solver
How is it developed: Through the module content, seminar activities and group discussions and in both assignments.
How is it assessed (if applicable): Group presentation and group assignment

Syllabus
 

The lectures will cover the following themes/topics;
1. Introduction to the Multinational Corporation (MNC)
2. Liability of foreignness and costs of doing business abroad
3. Institutional theory – Formal and Informal institutions
4. National culture and its effect on MNC decision making process
5. Institutional distance
6. MNC organization structure and design
7. Relationship between headquarters and subsidiaries
8. Managing global value chains
9. Managing global research and development (R&D)
10. Global human resource management

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.