Full-Time MBA concentration in Global Business

If you want to be an effective manager in a complex and evolving global business environment, the MBA concentration in Global Business will help you get there.

A Global Business concentration is especially valuable when paired with a primary concentration in a functional field, like finance or supply chain management. By pursuing a Global Business concentration, you send a signal to employers that you have mastered a functional specialization while also having a broad, strategic view of how to manage in a global economy.

Curriculum

Expanding on a foundational course in international business, you will select from a range of courses that address contemporary issues involved in managing in a global environment—courses such as leading across cultures, negotiations, strategic alliances and technology transfer. You can also choose from courses in international trade or finance, procurement, marketing, and even travel abroad courses.

Rutgers STEM MBA

You can now choose to earn a STEM degree with any of our MBA concentrations. To qualify, you must complete 50% of the total required degree credits for your program with courses that fall under STEM. The Core Curriculum provides 9 STEM credits. I you are seeking the STEM certification, you should take Data Analysis & Decision Making as a Foundation course, at least 3 STEM-designated Concentration Courses, and additional STEM Foundation or Elective courses.

(*) Indicates a STEM-designated course

Course Descriptions

Required Course: Global Management Strategy [22:553:621]

Addresses the creation of competitive advantage in the multinational firm as well as the complexities of managing a multinational firm. Examines the nature of global industries and global competition to assist managers in understanding how to create and administer a successful global strategy.

Leading Across Cultures [22:620:648]

This course is designed to address the needs of executives with leadership and/or senior management responsibilities in global businesses. It focuses on the uniquely different aspects of leading a multinational organization across different cultures and interacting with a globally dispersed workforce. Many businesses today do not grant full autonomy to their foreign-based subsidiaries choosing instead to centralize decision-making using a global or transnational strategic platform while implementing these strategies at a global, regional, and local level. This approach requires leaders with global responsibilities to understand the cultural differences that exist in various regions and countries in which they operate and the implications of those cultural differences in making and implementing strategic decisions regarding marketing strategies, operations/supply chain strategies, HR strategies including hiring and engaging key executives and managers, and business development strategies.

Doing Business in China [22:553:671]

This unique course features a study trip to China. The objective of the course is to learn about China's dynamic economy and business environment through hands-on learning. This course is open to all students (MBA, Masters, and undergraduate) and alums. Students should consult with the department chair of their concentration to see if this course will count toward their concentration. For anyone interested in doing business in China, or knowing more about one of the most important developing economies today, this course is a must.

For Doing Business in China and Doing Business in Southeast Asia, students may count only one, not both, of these courses towards a concentration in Global Business. Other travel courses supervised by RBS faculty may be offered from time to time which may also be considered. Travel courses that do not involve RBS faculty cannot be counted toward the concentration.

Executive Leadership [22:620:603]

Examines the characteristics and skills that allow leaders to make positive contributions to their organizations. Offers students the opportunity to improve their skills through the use of simulations, role-plays, case analyses, and discussions. Skills examined and practiced in this course include developing and communicating a vision, systems thinking, team building, and decision making.

Management of Innovation and Technology [22:620:601] *

Examines a variety of problems in the management of science and technology with emphasis on the strategic management of technology. Topics include integration of business strategy with technology, the product development process, manufacturing/process technologies, time to market, technology-based strategic alliances, and technology venture development. Case studies will be used extensively. Should be of interest to people working or intending to work in any functional area in an organization which develops or uses new technology-based products or services.

Managing Organizational Diversity [22:620:615]

Helps students understand themselves at their own place (within cultures and subcultures) and their responses to difference; other people (bosses, coworkers, subordinates, clients, and customers); differences among organizations; and the skills for managing diversity well. Develops the point that managing diversity well is the essence of good management for the coming decades.

Managing Technological Breakthroughs [22:620:602]

Examines the impact of disruptive technologies on established and start-up organizations. Identifies best practices in each type of organization to take advantage of the emergence of breakthrough technologies such as the Internet, the cellular telephone, or the personal computer. Examines successful start-ups in the personal computer industry and contrasts organizations "built-to-last" with those "built-to-flip." Should be of interest to people working or intending to work in a technology-based start-up, an eCommerce company, or any functional area in an organization that develops or uses new technology-based products or services.

Negotiations [22:620:617]

Provides an introduction to the principles, practice, and processes of negotiations as a management skill with bosses, subordinates, peers, clients, and customers. Discussion of the preparation and planning for negotiation, the strategy and tactics of negotiation, issues regarding both distributive and integrative bargaining, and ethics in negotiation.

Global Procurement and Supply Management [22:799:608]

Supply Management is the overarching cross-functional management framework that integrates all activities related to the acquisition and management of resources for the organization.  It includes global sourcing, supplier relationship management, procurement and purchasing.  Supply Management is now recognized as a key strategic initiative to create value for the corporation. This course reviews the demands placed on today's procurement and supply management from the firm’s stakeholders and demonstrates their impact on the competitive success and profitability of the organization. Furthermore it describes ethical, contractual and legal issues faced by procurement, and recognizes the expanding strategic nature of supply management. The major areas covered are procurement as a functional activity, and how effective supply management impacts on total quality, cost, delivery, technology, and responsiveness to the needs of a firm's external customers (insourcing/outsourcing, supplier evaluation, supplier development, and global sourcing). We introduce the tools, techniques, and approaches for managing the procurement and sourcing process (cost/price analysis, negotiations, and contract management). Case studies and outside speakers will be used to illustrate the issues discussed in lectures.

International Financial Markets [22:390:606]

Offers an understanding of the international financial structure and studies its impact on business and individuals in various nations. The course is divided into three parts: the study of the adjustment mechanism used by nations to solve balance of payments difficulties; the examination of international liquidity and the new techniques being developed to replace gold; and a brief look at the implications of these developments in guiding the international operations of banks, other financial institutions, and business firms.

New Product Commercialization [22:799:653]

It is critical for the success and survival of most organizations to effectively launch new products into the market. New Product Commercialization is the process and associated set of activities related to the development of new products and its subsequent product launch and commercialization into the marketplace. The supply chain plays a critical role in this process. This course will cover the new product design phase, make vs. buy decisions, optimal sourcing decisions, early involvement of suppliers and the use of strategic partners and, finally the eventual launching of the product to the market and end customers. In many progressive companies, the Supply Chain takes a leadership role to align the business across multiple departments to ensure successful new product launches.

Career Opportunities

Global Business MBAs have gone on to work for major corporations in a variety of roles, such as global business developer, global supply chain manager, international brand managers and global merchandising and development.

Faculty Spotlight

John Cantwell

Distinguished Professor and Former Editor-in-Chief of Journal of International Business Studies

Dr. Cantwell came to Rutgers as Professor of International Business in 2002. Coming from a Chair in International Economics at the University of Reading in the UK, he has also been a Visiting Professor at the University of Rome "La Sapienza", the University of the Social Sciences, Toulouse, and the...


I came to Rutgers Business School as a 'career changer.' I had started in the non-profit sector on the business side, and I really fell in love with business. I knew that to get to the next step in my career, I needed a thorough understanding of the analytic tools and skills to help firms succeed in the global economy.
—  Lisa Podhayny, MBA 2012