Research Seminar “Starting and Growing a Foreign Business in Russia and Abroad"

2019/2020

Academic Year

ENG

Instruction in English

5

ECTS credits

Delivered at:

School of World Economy

Course type:

Elective course

When:

4 year, 1-3 module

Instructor

Kratko, Irina

Course Syllabus

Abstract

The course is dedicated to pros and cons of doing business in Russia and abroad from a foreign investor’s perspective; understanding of the Russian and the foreign business environment. The goal is to challenge students to shift from being a receiver of ideas, facts, concepts and techniques, to a style of generating ideas, identifying problems, analyzing and evaluating alternatives and thus to develop the most important expert’s skills. The knowledge and skills acquired during the course will be useful to anyone considering international career in a multinational company and to those who prepare themselves to work as consultants and country experts or start their own business abroad.

Learning Objectives

• To highlight pros and cons of doing business in Russia and abroad from a foreign investor’s perspective
• To develop an understanding of the Russian and the foreign business environment
• To challenge students to shift from being a receiver of ideas, facts, concepts and techniques, to a style of generating ideas, identifying problems, analyzing and evaluating alternatives and thus to develop the most important expert’s skills

Expected Learning Outcomes

• to describe political, economic, financial and cultural context of doing business in Russia and abroad, and the unique opportunities and challenges of working in the international business environment.
• to use statistical data, analytical national and industry reviews, legislation and legal literature and research publications to analyze the current conditions of entering a foreign market and make strategic decisions regarding the ways of establishing a new business in Russia and abroad.
• to be aware of a conception of current problems facing foreign business, including those problems under discussion among the main participants, and possible methods of their resolution.
• to critically evaluate analytical and scientific materials on the given issues.

Course Contents

• Historical Overview: Brief history of business and entrepreneurship in Russia and abroad
  Main stages of development of Russian and foreign business; Examples of Russian and foreign entrepreneurs activity.
• Country Profile: Why to enter the Russian or foreign market, drivers offering growth opportunities, challenges of the international business environment
  Principal Economic Trends. Investment Climate: SWOT analysis; legal framework for foreign investors  Business Environment
• Overview of regulatory Framework in Russia and abroad
  Business Entities. Starting a Business in Russia and abroad (establishing a legal presence): resident vs non-resident, advantages of branches. Foreign Investment procedures. Customs: Importing and exporting. Business and personal taxation, Russian sourced income of foreign companies. Labor relations and social security. Currency regulations
• Dynamics observed in the key industries
  Oil, gas and mining. Banking, finance and insurance. Pharmaceuticals and healthcare industry  Telecommunications
• Living and working in Russia: useful tips

Assessment Elements

• Research project
• Lecture attendance
• Final test

Interim Assessment

• Interim assessment (3 module)
  0.4 * Final test + 0.3 * Lecture attendance + 0.3 * Research project

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Multinational business finance, Eiteman, D. K., 2007

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• Business law, Emerson, R. W., 1997