The Organisation of the Firm

In recent years there has been a growth in work on the organization of the firm. The same period has also seen a corresponding rise in literature dealing with the organization of the multinational firm, but the two literatures have developed quite separately, even though insights from each have much to offer the other. This unique collection of essays from respected academics aims to bridge this gap, addressing questions of the theory of the firm and international business.The material is presented in three sections:* The first section deals with theoretical issues underpinning multinational enterprise. These are the issues of information, re-engineering and change management and international trade.* The second section concentrates on the inter-firm relationships of multinationals, assessing the interplay of co-operation and adversarial behaviour.* The third section deals with applications of the principles presented in the first two sections. The applications concern the defence equipment industry, the world automobile industry and corporate governance under European Union Regulations.The Organisation of the Firm is aimed at researchers and students in the field of international business, and is likely to appeal to advanced undergraduates and postgraduates, as well as academics.

Chapter 1: Economic Organisation and the Multinational Firm Part I - Theoretical Issues: Introductory Note Chapter 2: The Economics of Internal Organization with Special Reference to the Multinational Enterprise Chapter 3: The Economics of Business Process Design in Multinational Firms Chapter 4: Incorporating the Multinational Enterprise into the Theory of International Trade Part II - Interfaces and Organization: Introductory Note Chapter 5: The Conjunction of Competition and Collaboration in International Business Chapter 6: A Model of Buyer-Supplier Relations with Implications for the Multinational Firm Part III - Current Applications: Introductory Note Chapter 7: A Single European Market for Defence Equipment: Organization and Collaboration Chapter 8: European Union Regulations and Corporate Governance Chapter 9: Supplier Relations in the UK Car Industry: Good News - Bad News