Keio University
International Center
The Future Role of Multinational Firms in Japan
Course Description - spring 2002

Tom Pedersen
e-mail: tomp@gol.com
homepage: http://www2.gol.com/users/tomp/

Overview

Multinational corporations are rapidly changing as markets open and expand. Companies are constantly pressured to restructure, compete, and deliver timely products and services. This class will focus on the rapidly changing corporate landscape and the role of multinational firms in Japan in contributing to the local economy and global marketplace. The focus will be on cultural implications for management, and the particular challenges of adapting to local business practices and introducing change. We will look at what impacts multinational firms have on the local economy in terms of employment, innovation, and competition. The class will also focus on the cultural evolution of companies and how they adjust strategies to compete in a global business environment.

Overview/Student Information Sheets (click here to get the form)

Students must complete a student information sheet . Please affix a recent photograph and complete all of the questions. If you have an e-mail address, please include it on your sheet.

Text:

Atsushi Funakawa, Transcultural Management - A New Approach for Global Organizations (Jossey-Bass, 1997)

Nancy J. Adler, International Dimensions of Organizational Behavior (south Western College Publishing, 1997)

Jackson N. Huddleston, Jr., Gaijin Kaisha, Running a Foreign Busiiness in Japan (M.E. Sharpe, Inc., 1990)

Current newspaper and magazine articles; case studies distributed in class


Additional

E-mail and Internet access is necessary for this class.

Attendance

This class will be conducted in English and participation in class activities, case studies, and written assignments in English are required. Students will also have course projects and presentations focusing on case studies, readings, and research.

You must attend class regularly and participate in class activities.Assignments must be turned-in on time.If there is an unavoidable absence, please let the instructor or another student know in advance so that you will not miss assignments.

Evaluation

Your performance will be evaluated through assignments, participation in class activities, presentations, and attendance.@

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