89942 - Management of Diversities in the Internationalization Processes

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to: - identify major diversities involved in the internationalization processes; - structure decisional flow charts of the organizations willing to expand their operations abroad; - analyse the impact of the cultural, religious, geographical, economical and legislative diversities on the HRM, sales, marketing and manufacturing policies of the enterprises; - develop strategic marketing, sales and HRM internationalization plans; - design effective organizational structures aimed to support the expansion of the companies in other countries.

Course contents

To achieve these goals, teaching activities will focus on four main topics:

-analysis of the globalization and internationalization phenomena and their historical origins;

- flow chart of the decision-making processes of the internationalizing companies;

- strategies, policies, and techniques for organizing and managing human resources, selling, marketing and production activities in a multicultural context: relationships between these activities and different cultures and religions; topics, criticalities, evolutionary paths;

-different options of internationalization according to the diverse size, financial capacity and internationalization knowledge of the companies

Special focus will be put on the analysis of cultural and religious diversities.

Readings/Bibliography

Slides of the lectures, extracts of books and scientific articles will be indicated and distributed throughout the course.

Additional bibliography:

Ferdinandi M., 2009, Internazionalizzazione: le sue forme analisi delle diversità e gli investimenti diretti esteri, McGraw Hill.
Hofstede G., Hofstede G.J., Minkov M., 2010, Cultures and Organizations - Software of the mind, McGraw-Hill.

Teaching methods

The discussion of diversities impacting internationalization processes is based on the most recent management anthropological theories, on significant case studies and the personal professional extended experience of the teacher. The approach, based on the professional experience of the teacher will be based on his current role of Ambassador in Vietnam and at the ASEAN and past experience as the CEO of multinational companies. This approach will allow students to better understand the real world of business and how to use different theories to interpret organizational choices

Assessment methods

Written test composed of open questions. The student, basing on the theories introduced during the Course, have to be able to understand and interpret the main strategies, technicalities and choices affecting internationalization processes. The test covers both the theoretical part and the cases analyzed during the classes. It is not possible to bring books, personal notes or electronic devices in the exam. Registration (through AlmaEsami) for the exam is compulsory.

Teaching tools

Front teaching and group exercises.

Office hours

See the website of Massimo Ferdinandi