The Department of Strategy and International Business (SIB) focuses on leading disciplinary and interdisciplinary research and teaching that is relevant to organizations and individuals in the global economy. Members of the department publish in world-leading journals such as Academy of Management Review, Strategic Management Journal, Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of World Business, Journal of Management, Research Policy. Our publications are highly cited, and our researchers successfully gain funding for a wide range of research and impact projects. We translate our insights into our teaching through our postgraduate programmes and undergraduate modules that combine excellent research with real-life business experience and innovative teaching methods.

Organisations and Sustainable Development in the World Economy

Our research addresses some of the global challenges in terms of achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) in the international economy, such as the role of MNCs in the transition towards more sustainable strategies through capability development for international business and entrepreneurial co-creation opportunities. This involves strategic change to adapt to the UN SDGs, for example zero-waste policies and circular economies, climate change, clean air and green energy. We focus on the role of organisations and technology in solving societal problems and facilitating positive change, but also address corporate social (ir-)responsibility, misconduct and organizational corruption. Our research examines issues ranging from base-of-pyramid business approaches and the role of business in poverty reduction to the wider political, economic and social issues in cities and regions across the world, critically reflecting on the role of the natural and built environment.

SIB members researching in this area include:

• Samuel Adomako
• Roshan Boojihawon
• John Bryson
• Stephanie Decker
• Lin Dong
• Pervez Ghauri
• Michael Mol
• Shlomo Tarba

Associated Research Projects:

• Multinational Enterprise and Sustainable Development 
• Organizational Remembering of Corporate (Ir-)Responsibility 
• Shaping East African Cities as Systems to Work Better for All
• West Midlands Air Quality Improvement Programme

Innovation and Collaboration in Global Value Chains and Multinational Strategies

Academics in the Strategy and International Business Department focus on management innovations and collaborative strategies in the global economy, including international strategic alliances, mergers & acquisitions, global value chains and lean production, outsourcing and reshoring. Our global strategy research addresses issues such as strategic agility and resilience, corporate governance, global innovation networks, with a particular focus on emerging economies and emerging MNCs. We consider issues in global business from an interdisciplinary lens, critically investigating current issues such as political activities of multinationals or the impact of digital strategy and AI-applications on organizations and industries.

SIB members researching in this area include:

• Samuel Adomako
• Mahmoud Alajaty
• Roshan Boojihawon
• Aggie Chidlow
• John Child
• Stephanie Decker
• Lin Dong
• Saneesh Edacherian (Dubai campus)
• Linda Hsieh
• Pervez Ghauri
• Xiaohui Liu
• Michael Mol
• Amir Qamar
• Paulina Ramirez
• Oded Shenkar
• Shlomo Tarba
• Joachim Timlon
• Chengang Wang

 Associated Research Projects:

• Digital Trust and Smart Healthcare in Taiwan
• Discovery environments for using email archives (EMCODIST)

SMEs and International Entrepreneurship 

International expansion is increasingly undertaken by Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and our researchers are internationally recognised for their work on how SMEs make decisions and develop their networks when internationalizing, as well as how they develop business models and international new ventures. Staff also address the specific challenges faced migrant entrepreneurs and other types of diaspora networks as well as returnee entrepreneurship – a major driver of economic development in emerging economies.

SIB members researching in this area include:

• Samuel Adomako
• James Blackmore-Wright
• John Child
• Carole Couper
• Linda Hsieh
• Xiaohui Liu
• Laura Salciuvene
• Veselina Stoyanova
• Chengang Wang

Living in a World of Global Organizations

Academics in the Department are experts in international negotiations and the role of language and culture in multinationals. Multi-linguality and cross-cultural management can be challenging to manage for international organizations. Our researchers also continuously develop and approve research methods to better appreciate the changing global environment, including, cross-country surveys, qualitative multilingual and secondary qualitative research. These insights contribute to our teaching practice and are further developed through purposeful educational research, focusing on the internationalisation of higher education, the impact of digital technology on student learning and the role of executive education.

SIB members researching in this area include:

• Mahmoud Alajaty
• James Blackmore-Wright
• Aggie Chidlow
• Carole Couper
• Emma Gardner
• Pervez Ghauri
• Amir Qamar
• Oded Shenkar
• Shlomo Tarba
• Matthew Thomas

Interested in a PhD in Strategy and International Business?

The Department of Strategy and International Business welcomes applications from students intending to research strategy and international business in different contexts and draw on a range of theories and methodological approaches. Applicants are advised to consult the staff profiles in the department to identify a possible supervisor.