Section outline

  • Unit Objectives
              1. Comprehend the history, drivers, and dimensions of globalization
              2. Explain the consequences of the Old and New Silk Road
              3. Contribute to the discussion on globalization
              4. Describe the development and motives of the multinational corporation
              5. Understand the models of MNCs: Centralized Hub, Decentralized Federation, Coordinated Federation, Integrated Network
    • The Silk Road (6:01) Page
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      Globalization means worldwide interconnections in economy, politics, culture, environment, and communication between individuals, societies, institutions and states and is fostered to a large degree by technical progress. Historians date the beginning of globalization with the discovery of new sea routes and countries. For centuries, the main players were Portugal and Spain. England became the world's leading maritime power (British Empire) in the early 19th century. Starting around 1880, many European countries tried to bring colonies under their influence. Later the USA and Japan followed. But even before the Middle Ages, international trade flows existed between China, Persia and Europe. Knowledge of the development of international economic relations promotes understanding of current geopolitical developments.


    • 2nd and 3rd Wave and Globalization 4.0 (6:57) Page
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    • The Globalization Debate (5:31) Page
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    • Motives For Internationalization (17:49) Page
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    • Historical Origins of the MNC (5:56) Page
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    • Alternative Models of the MNC (9:38) Page
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    • Intra- and Inter-organizational networks (4:32) Page
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    • The structure of the MNC as a Differentiated Network (4:54) Page
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      ♦ ♦ ♦ Did You Understand? ♦ ♦ ♦

    • 2. Self Assessment Quiz
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    • Essay Question Page
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    • Sample Answer Page
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      ♦ ♦ ♦ Exercise Materials ♦ ♦ ♦

    • Strategy exercise Page
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      ♦ ♦ ♦ Recommended Reading (optional) ♦ ♦ ♦

    • The History of Globalization URL
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      Link to the article by the World Economic Forum (for students who rather read than watch screencasts)

    • Levitt, T. (1984) The globalization of markets (optional) URL
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    • Hidden Champions (optional reading) URL
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