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This course is part of the Business in Society and Strategy track.
Global Business
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Global Business

Gain the Knowledge You Need to Thrive in Today's Interconnected, Global Economy

Global Business will help you assess opportunities, manage risk, and create and capture value for your organization. Explore the economic, political, and social factors driving change, and learn how decisions affect global markets—and your business.

Apply Now

What You'll Learn

Play an Introduction to Global Business video
Play an Introduction to Global Business video
Go to Course Syllabus
  • Build a foundation in macroeconomics to make more informed business decisions
  • Identify the challenges and opportunities that government and politics can create for you and your business from a strategic standpoint
  • Assess the impact of macroeconomic, political, and social indicators on business decisions
  • Discover the short- and long-term impact of interest rates, inflation, trade, and investment
  • Learn distinctive approaches and frameworks that help you think about the world and organize information

About the Professor

Professor Forest Reinhardt - Global Business

Forest Reinhardt is the John D. Black Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. He is the head of the Business, Government, and the International Economy Unit, and serves as faculty chair of the School’s Asia-Pacific Research Center and chair of HBS Executive Education in the Asia-Pacific Region. Reinhardt is the author of Down to Earth: Applying Business Principles to Environmental Management, which analyzes problems of environmental and natural resource management.

Who Will Benefit

Magnifying Glass over a Bar Chart

Forward-Thinking Strategists

Learn more about the broader macroeconomic and political landscape your organization operates in, so that you can develop business strategies that create and capture value.

Thinker

Entrepreneurs

Gain the skills and knowledge needed to grow your business internationally and more effectively manage global teams.

Checklist

Professionals in Heavily Regulated Industries

Develop distinctive approaches and frameworks that help you navigate complex industries, such as oil and gas, power, pharmaceuticals, and financial services.

Program Structure

Global Business consists of approximately 24-32 hours of material delivered over a four-week period. You can complete the coursework on your own time while meeting regular deadlines.

October 2022
  • Length: 4 Weeks
  • Program Dates: 10/5/22 – 11/2/22
  • Cost: $1,750
  • Application Deadline: September 26
  • Detailed Calendar
  • Course Platform
  • Certificate Program
Apply Now
February 2023
  • Length: 4 Weeks
  • Program Dates: 2/1/23 – 3/1/23
  • Cost: $1,750
  • Application Deadline: January 23
  • Detailed Calendar
  • Course Platform
  • Certificate Program
Apply Now

Global Business is part of the Strategy and Business in Society Learning Tracks. If you’re interested in developing deeper insights and expertise, you can choose to complete three strategy or three business in society courses within 18 months to earn a Certificate of Specialization.

Syllabus

Global Business will help participants assess opportunities, mitigate risk, and create and capture value for their organization. The course explores the economic, political, and social factors driving change, and participants will learn how decisions affect global markets—and their business.

Learning requirements: In order to earn a Certificate of Completion, participants must thoughtfully complete all 4 modules, including satisfactory completion of associated quizzes, by stated deadlines.

Download Syllabus

Modules Leaders Interviewed Takeaways Key Exercises
Module 1: Macroeconomic and Political Analysis
  • Bryant Ambelang, NatureSweet
  • Craig Boyan, H-E-B
  • Cynthia Carroll, formerly of Anglo American
  • Interpret data on countries’ macroeconomic and political performance
  • Unidentified Countries Exercise (Measuring and Interpreting Economic Indicators)
  • Quiz #1
Module 2: Economic Conditions and Your Business
  • Christopher Finn, The Carlyle Group
  • Andrew Gilchrist, formerly of Egon Zehnder and Financial Times
  • Understand effects of taxation, government spending, and monetary policy on the business environment
  • Current Accounts, Financial Accounts, and a Country’s Strategy
  • Hedging Exchange Rates
  • Quiz #2
Module 3: Political Order and Disorder
  • Ellen Guidera, Portillo Ski Resort and Tierra Hotels
  • Ray Mabus, former US Secretary of the Navy
  • Understand the role of government in the modern economy
  • Analyze political risks to business strategy
  • The Median Voter Theorem
  • Sources of Long-Term Growth
  • Quiz #3
Module 4: Business and the Interconnected World
  • Anand Mahindra, Mahindra Group
  • George Yong-Boon Yeo, Kerry Logistics Network
  • Understand how cross-border flows of goods and capital affect firms’ and nations’ competitive positions
  • Analyze effects of environmental change on the competitive landscape
  • Absolute vs. Comparative Advantage, the Production Possibilities Frontier, and Trade
  • Quiz #4

The HBS Online Advantage

Play an Introduction to the HBS Online Platform video
Play an Introduction to the HBS Online Platform video
  • World-class faculty
  • Edge-of-your-seat online learning
  • Global peer collaboration and networking
  • Real-world, case-based learning

Harvard Business School Online offers a unique and highly engaging way to learn vital business concepts. Immerse yourself in real challenges faced by a diverse group of leaders from the likes of NatureSweet, H-E-B, Kerry Logistics, and Mahindra Group. Step into their shoes and wrestle with the same issues they faced, while engaging with fellow learners from around the world.

Play Participants share their experiences video
Play Participants share their experiences video

Stories from Our Learners

  • "HBS Online was an invaluable and essential education. The information provided, the quality of presentation, and the high-level engagement among students surpassed my expectations."
    Rick Corbett,
    Harvard Law School, 2015
  • The platform was engaging, innovative, and allowed me to interact with the material in a way I never expected from an online course.
    Bethany Larson,
    HBS Online Participant


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Request More Information

Sign up to receive additional information about this course. Find out what other learners are doing with the skills they gained, and evaluate if this course is the right fit for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to log in at a set time? How does the grading process work? At this point, you probably have a few questions, and we’ve got answers.

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application

Enrollment Eligibility

Our easy online application is free, and no special documentation is required. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English, and committed to learning and engaging with fellow participants throughout the course. We confirm enrollment eligibility within one week of your application.

Apply Now

Apply Now


Global Business Certificate of Completion from HBS Online
Earn Your Certificate

Enroll today in Harvard Business School Online's Global Business course.

Apply Now
 
All FAQs

Top FAQs

How are HBS Online courses delivered?

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We offer self-paced programs (with weekly deadlines) on the HBS Online course platform.

Our platform features short, highly produced videos of HBS faculty and guest business experts, interactive graphs and exercises, cold calls to keep you engaged, and opportunities to contribute to a vibrant online community.

Do I need to come to campus to participate in HBS Online programs?

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No, all of our programs are 100 percent online, and available to participants regardless of their location.

How do I enroll in a course?

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All programs require the completion of a brief application. The applications vary slightly from program to program, but all ask for some personal background information. You can apply for and enroll in programs here. If you are new to HBS Online, you will be required to set up an account before starting an application for the program of your choice.

Our easy online application is free, and no special documentation is required. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age, proficient in English, and committed to learning and engaging with fellow participants throughout the program.

After submitting your application, you should receive an email confirmation from HBS Online. If you do not receive this email, please check your junk email folders and double-check your account to make sure the application was successfully submitted.

Updates to your application and enrollment status will be shown on your Dashboard. We confirm enrollment eligibility within one week of your application.

Does Harvard Business School Online offer an online MBA?

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No, Harvard Business School Online offers business certificate programs.

What are my payment options?

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We accept payments via credit card, wire transfer, Western Union, and (when available) bank loan. Some candidates may qualify for scholarships or financial aid, which will be credited against the Program Fee once eligibility is determined. Please refer to the Payment & Financial Aid page for further information.

We also allow you to split your payment across 2 separate credit card transactions or send a payment link email to another person on your behalf. If splitting your payment into 2 transactions, a minimum payment of $350 is required for the first transaction.

In all cases, net Program Fees must be paid in full (in US Dollars) to complete registration.

What are the policies for refunds and deferrals?

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After enrolling in a program, you may request a withdrawal with refund (minus a $100 nonrefundable enrollment fee) up until 24 hours after the start of your program. Please review the Program Policies page for more details on refunds and deferrals. If your employer has contracted with HBS Online for participation in a program, or if you elect to enroll in the undergraduate credit option of the Credential of Readiness (CORe) program, note that policies for these options may differ.

 

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