Masters level International business
Format: Essay
Double-space all body text
Reference Style: Harvard
References: 30, from various outlets
Word limit: 2,000
Number on each page
12-point text
Marking Criteria:
Show total mastery of the subject-matter, with a highly developed ability to analyse, synthesise and apply theories and concepts introduced in the subject. All objectives of the set assignment are covered, and work is free of errors with a very high level of technical competence.
There is evidence of a high level of critical reflection.
The assignment demonstrates originality of thought, with ideas and arguments expressed with strong logic and fluency.
Students should search information (e.g. from range of resources: newspapers and other media outlets) relevant to the case and analyse the case through reference to concepts and frameworks introduced in the unit.(Lecture material to reference to is attached)
Recommended journals and periodicals for research
• The Economist: http://www.economist.com
• Far Eastern Economic Review: http://www.feer.com/
• Harvard Business Review: http://www.hbr.com
• Journal of International Business Studies: http://www.jibs.net/
• Management International Review: http://www.springer.com/business+%26+management/journal/11575
• Journal of World Business: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-world-business/
• Journal of International Management: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-international-management/
• Apply relevant concepts, theories and techniques to identify and analyse key strategic issues in international business
• Evaluate complex strategic issues/problems in global business and develop recommendations to solve the problems
• Students will be able to design new conceptual frameworks and techniques for strategy analysis based on the economic principles (ideas, concepts etc.) introduced in the course
CASE QUESTION: From Sony Ericsson JV to Sony Mobile Communications: Can Sony compete in the global mobile phone market?
In October 2001, the Japanese consumer electronics giant Sony Corporation pooled resources with the Swedish phone maker, Ericsson, to launch a joint venture – Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications (SEMC). Despite that both sides had pledged resources into the venture, the JV’s profits, sales and market share continued to fall and by the end of 2009 SEMC had slashed its global workforce by around 5,000 people. In October 2011, Sony announced that it would acquire Ericsson’s stake in SEMC and turn the JV into a wholly owned subsidiary known as Sony Mobile Communications. The acquisition was completed in February 2012.
What problems the Sony Ericsson JV had encountered since the formation?
Given these problems, do you think Sony’s decision to take over the JV and turn it into a wholly owned subsidiary would allow Sony Mobile Communications to achieve competitive advantages in the global mobile phone market?
And why?
Search information (e.g. newspapers and other media outlets) relevant to the case and answer the case questions through reference to theoretical concepts and frameworks introduced in the lecture program.
