S1307 International Management: Managing Global Value Chains

In the last fifteen years, economic integration has been moving faster and farther throughout the world, thus triggering a substantial discussion on globalization and its consequences on firms and industries. Particular attention has been dedicated to a variety of topics related to international management and regional competitiveness and development. The course aims at framing the debate on globalization by highlighting the impacts of the international integration of markets for goods, labour and technologies on firms, territories and local production systems.

Introduction and objectives

The goal of this course is to familiarize students with the strategic options and challenges that firms face when competing in the global economy. Towards this goal, the course will expose students to current concepts, frameworks and theories relevant to the study of firms’ international development. The global value chains (GVCs) approach will be used as an analytic and interpretive means to understand paths of economic growth for both organizations and local industrial systems.

Students will be encouraged to undertake interdisciplinary team research projects focusing on global industries and related issues.

Course organization and supervision

The overall structure of the course and its thematic organization has been developed by Prof. Stefano Micelli (Università Ca’ Foscari di Venezia, Venice International University), and Giulio Buciuni (lecturer and course coordinator, Venice International University). The course is organized around different thematic areas, each developed through classes, seminars and field trips.

Course Requirements

Required readings will be designated on a weekly basis according to the themes listed in the course outline. Students will be expected to do the required readings and to attend class on a regular basis, as attendance is compulsory for all the participants.
Field trips for members of the class will be arranged. In addition to the 40 hours of in-class tuition, Globalization Program students must accumulate a minimum of 40 hours in seminars, field trips and VIU LECTURES. Participation in seminars, field trips and guest lectures is highly recommended to Semester Program students, although it is not compulsory.