1996 Swinburne Higher Education Handbook

The subject will examine the role of information
technology in the context of multinational firms and the
more general globalisation of business. For
multinational firms, information technology and
international networks overcome the geographical and
temporal barriers among the different organisational
parts and ensure coordination of activities. Approaches
towards understanding the strategic importance of
information technology will also be studied and
particular attention will be given to inter organisational
systems and the resultant changing relationships with
business partners.
This subject also examines international market, policy
and cultural trends in many fields of communications
with special attention on the telecommunications
industry. It will examine many complex forces for
change, particularly the increasing international trend
towards privatisation, mega-amalgamation, liberalisation
and deregulation. The various schools of thought and
practices related to industry innovation and
development in the context of telecommunications and
information technology will also be studied.
Content
International information systems; the distributed
enterprise; inter organisational systems; IT strategy for a
multinational cor~oration: international market. ~olicv and
,L ,
cultural trends in telecommunications; innovation and
development in the information industry.
Recommended readina
Roche E.M., Managing ~nformation'i.echnolo~~ in Multinational
Corporations. New York, MacMillan Publishing Co., 1992.
B1822 International Logistics Management
2 hours per week Hawthorn Prerequistite: BI602 B1801.
Assessment: (i)Assignments (ii)Final Exam
A subject in the Masters of International Business
Credit may be given for a comparable unit at an appropriate
academic level
Objectives
The course is designed to examine and analyse the
international aspects of logistics and channel
management, and the role the logistics function plays in
the formulation of international competitive advantage
and best practice.
Attention is first directed to channels between countries
and then to distribution channels within overseas
markets.
Content
Designing international distribution strategies; export
o~tions: exDort documentation: channels of distribution
a .
within overseas markets; wholesale linkages to overseas
markets; international logistics and physical distribution;
evaluation of international channel alternatives; patterns of
retailing in international markets: international marketing
0 0
channels for counter trade; international sourcing; problems
in managing international channels; service standards.
Recommended reading
Stern, L.W. & El - Ansary AI : Marketing Channels. 4th
edn, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., Prentice Hall, 1992
B1823 International Business Policy
2 houw per week Hawthorn Prerequistite: All units in
Stages 1, 2 G 3 of the Masters program. Assessment:
(i)Assignments (ii)Case Study Presentations
A subject in the Masters of International Business
This is a core and capstone unit and no credit will normally
be given
Objectives
This unit is studied in the context of a dynamic global
environment of social and technological change. All basic
business skills must be integrated for strategic planning and
therefore learning from all other units this final unit will be
applied.
Special objectives of this unit are:
to consolidate the strategic planning process and the
range of techniques used in international business
planning as studied during the course;
to develop skills in using a variety of frameworks for
making strategic decisions;
to emphasise the importance of the current
development phase of the industry in which an
enterprise operates as a basis for appropriate strategy
development;
to develop skills in organising for effective business
planning and for the implementation of the business
planning process; and
to consider these issues and techniques, and their
implication, in the international context.
Content
Strategic management - a !global perspective; the ethical
dimension in international strategic decision making;
determining the international business mission; situation
analysis in the international environment; international ESC
Gap analysis; international strategy and competitive
advantage; selecting an international business strategy;
project management in the international environment;
implementation and review, evaluation and control.
Recommended reading
David, F.R., Strategic Management. 5th edn, Englewood
Cliffs, N.J., Prentice Hall, 1995
Porter, M. l%e Competitive Advantage of Nations. New
York, Free Press, 1990