Department: DCSG
Scientific area: Management
Total contact time: 15
This course unit aims to provide an integrated understanding of international business and the global context in which companies operate. It begins with an analysis of globalization and its different dimensions—economic, political, technological, environmental, cultural, and social—as well as their impact on business activity.
The course also addresses the international business environment, the main risks and uncertainties associated with operating in foreign markets, and the influence of cultural differences on business. It further examines the main theories of internationalization, entry modes into international markets, and strategic choices between adaptation and standardization.
Throughout the course, concepts are applied to real business cases, enabling students to understand the opportunities, challenges, and decisions associated with the internationalization of companies in a global context.
Globalization, Internationalization, International Business Environment, International Strategy
By the end of this course unit, students are expected to be able to:
• Understand the concepts of globalization, internationalization, and international business;
• Analyze the international business environment and the main global risks;
• Understand the impact of culture on international business;
• Identify the main theories of internationalization;
• Compare entry modes into international markets;
• Analyze adaptation and standardization strategies;
• Apply the course concepts to real business cases.
1.Introduction to Globalization and Internationalization
2.Dimensions of Globalization
3.International Business Environment and Global Risks
4.Culture and International Business
5.Theories of Internationalization
6.Entry Modes into International Markets
7.International Strategy: Adaptation or Standardization
8.Global Business 360: Models and Applications
Required Bibliography
Dionísio, P., Rodrigues, V., Guerreiro, J. Canhoto, R. e Faria, H. (2025). AI_NOVATOR. Bertrand Editora.
Ferreira, M. P. e Reis, N. R. (2024). Negócios Internacionais. Ambiente e competição nos mercados globais. Edições Sílabo.
Finuras, P. (2023). Globalização das Diferenças Culturais. Edições Sílabo
Martins, J. M. (2024). Internacionalização e Globalização de Empresas. Edições Sílabo
Silva. E. S. (2024). Noções de Internacionalização. Tendências. Gesbook
Complementary Bibliography:
Brochado, A., Lobo, C., Pacheco, L. & Maldonado, I. (2020). Drivers of and barriers to the SME internationalisation process in a small open economy. Economics Bulletin. 40 (4), 2932-2942
Santos, M., Brochado, A. & Esperança, J. (2016). Foreign direct investment patterns of global hotel chains. Journal of Business Research. 69 (11), 5235-5240
Other Resources:
Presentations and case studies available on the e-learning platform.
E-learning; Asynchronous learning; Case studies; Self-assessment quizzes; Discussion forums; Interaction through Moodle
Continuous Assessment: E-Folio A (4) + E-Folio B (4) + P-Folio (12) or
Final Exam