Part A: Course Overview
Course Title: Knowledge Acquisition and Transfer of Multinational Enterprises
Credit Points: 12.00
Course Coordinator: Prof Fuming Jiang
Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 4186
Course Coordinator Email: Fuming.jiang@rmit.edu.au
Course Coordinator Location: Building 080, Level 09, Room 067, Melbourne campus
Course Coordinator Availability: On appointment
Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities
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Course Description
This course provides you with both theoretical and practical insights into the dynamic process of knowledge acquisition and transfer between boundary-spanning managers of business partners in joint venture subsidiaries, among subsidiaries within the same multinational enterprises (MNEs), and between subsidiaries and their headquarters. The course will cover factors that promote or hinder effective knowledge sharing and transfer in MNEs, the role of informal and formal governance mechanisms to safeguard knowledge sharing and transfer, the organisational conditions and managerial capabilities that influence knowledge sharing and transfer, as well as the challenges and opportunities for mutual knowledge sharing and transfer in international joint ventures.
The course is focused on knowledge sharing and transfer at interpersonal and inter-organisational levels, covering two key themes:
1. Vertical knowledge sharing and transfer from headquarter to subsidiary and vice versa;
2. Horizontal knowledge sharing and transfer between business partners, managers, and subsidiaries.
The course will equip you with essential knowledge and skills required to effectively manage the acquisition and transfer of knowledge within the context of MNEs.
Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development
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On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
CLO 1: Evaluate key theories and processes of knowledge acquisition and transfer in cross-border and cross-cultural settings.
CLO 2: Identify and analyse macro and micro institutional conditions, organisational resources and obstacles, and managerial capabilities that may influence knowledge sharing and transfer within MNEs network.
CLO 3: Analyse and evaluate the challenges and opportunities as well as formal and informal governance mechanisms that may safeguard knowledge sharing and transfer between international joint venture partners.
CLO 4: Analyse how interpersonal, inter-organisational, and person-organisational relationships influence knowledge sharing and transfer within the MNEs network.
CLO 5: Evaluate the risks and develop effective strategies to govern the knowledge sharing and transfer process and mitigate risks associated with the knowledge exchanges.
CLO 6: Demonstrate effective communication and negotiation skills in team and/or group environment essential for managing multinational businesses.
Overview of Learning Activities
A range of individual and group activities are designed to help you achieve your learning outcomes. These may include lectures and tutorials or seminars, group discussions, practical scenario and/or case analysis, individual study and research. Presentation and case project by students individually and./or in groups may be required as part of the learning process.
Overview of Learning Resources
Various learning resources are available online through MyRMIT Studies/Canvas. The lecture notes and workshop notes are posted on Canvas.
RMIT Library provides extensive resources, services and study spaces. All RMIT students have access to scholarly resources including course related material, books, e-books, journals and databases. Contact: Ask the Library for assistance and information on Library resources and services: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library.
Study support is available for assistance with assignment preparation, academic writing, information literacy, referencing, maths and study skills.
Additional resources and/or sources to assist your learning will be identified by your course coordinator and will be made available to you as required during the teaching period.
Overview of Assessment
The assessment alignment list below shows the assessment tasks against the learning outcomes they develop.
Assessment Task 1: 20% (Individual)
Linked CLOs: 1, 2.
Assessment Task 2: 30% (group)
Linked CLOs: 1, 2, 3, 6.
Assessment Task 3: 50% (Individual)
Linked CLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. \
Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or in online forums through individual and group feedback on practical exercises and individual consultation.