Overview

To describe and assess the emergence and evolution of the modern day multinational, multidivisional business enterprise (MNC) in Britain in the context of globalisation, its relation with the state and its interaction with other organisational forms (namely family firms and mutuals).

An important part of the course will involve examining and reflecting upon multiple points of view regarding diverse topics.

Globalisation and its discontent; Engines of growth; Business and the state; Big Business; The Chandlerian firm; Business groups, mutuals and co-operatives; Technology and the digital economy; Business and business schools; Excellent firms - a longitudinal analysis (Presentations).

Learning Outcomes

• Apply significant facts of business history to other studies within management.

• Ascertain the process of globalization from the perspective of the enterprise.

• Know significant facts, events and developments relevant to business and managers who work in an international setting.

• Recognise the large number of cultural, political, social and economic factors relevant to explaining how business organisations have evolved.

• Understand the complexity that is involved in longitudinal studies of business organisations.