A Guide to the Global Business Environment

This MBA textbook provides a guide to the international institutions, both public and private, that exist to regulate and facilitate international business. William Kerr and Nicholas Perdikis explain how international business decision making should take into account the ideas and institutions that make up the international commercial environment, such as why trade theories are important to business; the ways in which governments can restrict trade; the role of international trade rules in reducing risk; the threats that anti-dumping and countervail actions pose; the pros and cons of operating multilaterally; the role of trading houses and the advantages of using private sector institutions to settle international business disputes.

Key features include:

• Economic theory presented in a business-friendly style;
• Major arguments in international trade theory outlined and critically assessed;
• An explanation of the role and rules of international organizations, such as the WTO
• Barriers to trade and how they can affect competitiveness;
• An exploration of the organizational choices (e.g. direct exporting, becoming a multinational, joint ventures, etc.) open to those participating in international business; and
• Discussion of the international private sector arrangements which ensure payment, facilitate the movement of products and resolve disputes.

This book will be essential reading for senior executives needing to familiarize themselves with the international commercial environment. It will also be an excellent resource for executive and international MBAs, as well as upper level international business students.

William Kerr, University Distinguished Professor, University of Saskatchewan, Canada and Nicholas Perdikis, Professor of International Business, Aberystwyth University, UK