Framing International Strategy: Experiencing Cost Pressures and Local Responsiveness in the Undergraduate Classroom

This experiential classroom exercise immerses undergraduate students in the strategic dilemmas faced by multinational enterprises, using the Cost Pressures versus Local Responsiveness matrix as a decision-making framework. Small groups tackle realistic company scenarios, select and defend an international strategy, and rapidly adapt to simulated global disruptions. The exercise fosters assessment and application, encouraging debate, teamwork, and critical thinking. A structured debrief links student experiences to canonical international strategy theory and contemporary business events. Adaptable for face-to-face or online classes, this activity delivers active learning and immediate relevance for international business and management educators seeking to enhance student understanding of complex global strategy choices.