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The Theory of International Business: The Role of Economic Models

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  • Mark Casson

    (University of Reading)

Abstract

This paper reviews the scope for economic modelling in international business. It argues for a multi-level theory based on classical internalisation theory. The theory extends the ‘systems approach’ to the multinational enterprise in which modular activities, such as production, marketing and R&D, are linked by flows of semi-processed products and proprietary knowledge. It is shown how this theory can be extended from the firm level to the industry level in order to analyse inter-firm co-operation and rivalry. The theory can be extended to higher levels (e.g., the global economy) and lower levels (e.g., personal relationships within plants and offices).

Suggested Citation

  • Mark Casson, 2018. "The Theory of International Business: The Role of Economic Models," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 58(3), pages 363-387, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:manint:v:58:y:2018:i:3:d:10.1007_s11575-018-0342-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s11575-018-0342-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alchian, Armen A & Demsetz, Harold, 1972. "Production , Information Costs, and Economic Organization," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 62(5), pages 777-795, December.
    2. Mark Casson, 1979. "Alternatives to the Multinational Enterprise," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-1-349-04645-4, December.
    3. Peter J. Buckley & Mark Casson, 1991. "The Future of the Multinational Enterprise," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, edition 0, number 978-1-349-21204-0, December.
    4. Casson, Mark, 2016. "Alan Rugman’s methodology," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(3), pages 758-766.
    5. Peter J. Buckley & Mark Casson, 2010. "Models of the Multinational Enterprise," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: The Multinational Enterprise Revisited, chapter 7, pages 147-176, Palgrave Macmillan.
    6. Peter J. Buckley & Mark Casson, 2010. "Analysing Foreign Market Entry Strategies: Extending the Internalisation Approach," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: The Multinational Enterprise Revisited, chapter 8, pages 177-204, Palgrave Macmillan.
    7. John H. Dunning, 1977. "Trade, Location of Economic Activity and the MNE: A Search for an Eclectic Approach," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Bertil Ohlin & Per-Ove Hesselborn & Per Magnus Wijkman (ed.), The International Allocation of Economic Activity, chapter 12, pages 395-418, Palgrave Macmillan.
    8. Peter J. Buckley & Mark Casson, 1985. "The Economic Theory of the Multinational Enterprise," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-1-349-05242-4, December.
    9. Cheung, Steven N S, 1969. "Transaction Costs, Risk Aversion, and the Choice of Contractual Arrangements," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 12(1), pages 23-42, April.
    10. Mark Casson, 1985. "Multinational Monopolies and International Cartels," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: The Economic Theory of the Multinational Enterprise, chapter 4, pages 60-97, Palgrave Macmillan.
    11. Klein, Benjamin & Crawford, Robert G & Alchian, Armen A, 1978. "Vertical Integration, Appropriable Rents, and the Competitive Contracting Process," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 21(2), pages 297-326, October.
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    13. Morgan,Mary S., 2012. "The World in the Model," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9781107002975, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Peter Buckley & Mark Casson, 2019. "Decision-making in international business," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 50(8), pages 1424-1439, October.
    2. Aruna Gounder & Rod Falvey & Gulasekaran Rajaguru, 2019. "The Effects of Preferential Trade Agreements on Foreign Direct Investment: Evidence from the African Caribbean Pacific Region," Open Economies Review, Springer, vol. 30(4), pages 695-717, September.

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