The work is a practical examination of fundamental strategic issues confronted by firms competing in newly opened markets. It covers emerging markets in East Asia, Central and Eastern Europe and the new states of the former Soviet Union.

Bringing together an international and multidisciplinary group of experts, this is the first comprehensive volume to analyze conglomerates and economic groups in developing countries and transition economies. Using sixteen in-depth case studies it provides a comparative framework for the study of contemporary process of privatization, economic and financial liberalization and neoliberal globalization. Exploring the various causes and economic, social and political effects of the rise of ‘big business’ in Asia, Latin America, Africa and Eastern Europe, the main issues that are examined include: the nature of contemporary economic concentration the relations between ‘local’ and ‘external’ investors the impact on development, and on economic and political control over its direction the new role of the state towards conglomerates and economics groups the effects of economic and political changes on the legitimacy of the state and large companies. This volume is perfect as either a textbook or supplementary reading for students at all levels, as well as researchers and governmental and non-governmental professionals working and studying in the fields of international business and economic development.

Economic Transition and International Business brings together academic experts in International Business and sheds new light on the international phenomenon of transitions in the worldwide economy. It includes both academic investigations as well as in-depth empirical studies. The purpose of the book is to investigate how international transitions reshape the environment, as they reallocate and renew activities, and create new strategies for actors and stakeholders. It provides essential insights into a number of contextual changes that organisations are facing internationally, and is structured around three complementary themes. In the first part, recent economic and financial crises are analysed and presented as revealing transitions for the business world. In the second part, the impact of these transitions is assessed at the level of various key economic players in today’s societies (states, business networks, companies, associations, etc.). In the third part, certain decision-making and managerial transitions are retained to illustrate the new deal linked to international transitions. This book is recommended reading for scholars and students in management and economics, as well as international business managers. They will find insightful information, either theoretical or practical, including various countries impacted by socio-economic transitions.

Economic Transition and International Business brings together academic experts in International Business and sheds new light on the international phenomenon of transitions in the worldwide economy. It includes both academic investigations as well as in-depth empirical studies. The purpose of the book is to investigate how international transitions reshape the environment, as they reallocate and renew activities, and create new strategies for actors and stakeholders. It provides essential insights into a number of contextual changes that organisations are facing internationally, and is structured around three complementary themes. In the first part, recent economic and financial crises are analysed and presented as revealing transitions for the business world. In the second part, the impact of these transitions is assessed at the level of various key economic players in today’s societies (states, business networks, companies, associations, etc.). In the third part, certain decision-making and managerial transitions are retained to illustrate the new deal linked to international transitions. This book is recommended reading for scholars and students in management and economics, as well as international business managers. They will find insightful information, either theoretical or practical, including various countries impacted by socio-economic transitions.

The economic power of Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRICs) is rapidly increasing, changing the landscape of global economics and politics. Top scholars of international business address in this vital volume the markets, strategy implications, challenges and possibilities of this new economic reality. As these four nations acquire greater economic clout, the opportunities for other countries increase. The contributors describe the favorable circumstances these evolving economies could provide for the US and other countries, such as expanded markets and services, higher returns on investments, and new partners in building a more peaceful and prosperous world. In contrast, they also discuss risks to traditional industries and possible challenges to positions on human rights and intellectual property protections, environmental standards, free markets and democratic governments. The volume emphasizes the need for companies to adopt strategies to stay ahead in the changing business environment. Governments must also design and implement new policies geared toward mutually beneficial relationships with BRICs. This enlightening study will be of great interest to students and scholars of international business. Executives of large companies will find it of great practical use when planning their organization s future strategies.

This book explores the economic and social development of the Western Balkan region, a group of six countries that are potential candidates for EU membership. It focuses on the key economic issues facing these countries, including the challenge of promoting economic growth, limiting public deficits and debt, and fostering international trade relations. Given the severe impact of the recent economic crisis on social welfare in the region, it also investigates the nature and extent of social exclusion, a factor likely to produce future political instabilities if not effectively addressed by a return to sustainable economic growth. The contributions explore these issues in light of the major influence of EU policy instruments and advice, which are currently guiding the economies along an accession trajectory to future EU membership.

The GLOBAL BUSINESS: An Economic, Social, and Environmental Perspective is the 2nd edition of the book titled “Foundations of International Business” published by Information Age Publishing, Inc. in 2015. We have approached the 2nd edition from a forward looking perspective by incorporating economic, social, and environmental issues, which have strong links to stakeholders and are guided by the Triple Bottom-Line (TBL) concept. A TBL approach emphasizes the importance of Profit, People, and Planet, or PPP. The Triple Bottom Line concept is highlighted throughout each chapter. Successful Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) are increasingly linking the company’s profit maximization goal (the economic or Profit maximization components) to the social well-being of the community and corporate social responsibility initiatives of the firm (the social or People components), as well as the environmental consideration of scarce resources, climate change and sustainability (the environmental or Planet component). This approach enables readers to assess global business opportunities and risks in a comprehensive and integral manner. We also have made important modifications in terms of content organization of this book, as described below.