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international businesses research paper topics

60 Exceptional International Business Topics To Score High

International business is today one of the most eyed professions in the world. As businesses continue to invest globally, it becomes necessary to explore markets in other parts of the world. But i t is not easy to write a research paper for a high grade. With that in mind, we explore global business topics to help you complete your business paper in no time.

What Is International Business?

It is an academic field that gives students an understanding of globalization in the different business management practices found worldwide. International business also prepares the students for graduate careers working abroad or in organizations engaged in business on a global scale.

How To Write International Business Topics

To outsmart your peers in such a paper, following the guidelines below in choosing a top-notch topic:

Have a topic that you have an interest in Avoiding picking narrow or broad-based topics Choose one that is based on the current affairs in the world of business Explore annual reports, periodicals, and news articles for unique topic ideas Ensure that the topic has sufficient sources

The structure of your topic will also determine whether it is viable or not. Reading previous international business topics will also give you an idea of coming up with a top-rated topic. However, we have 60 impressive ideas to jumpstart your international business paper.

Captivating International Business Topics

Why do most international companies prefer candidates with a Master’s degree?
The role of digitization in enhancing international businesses
How the coronavirus has made the international business a risky venture
Considerations when choosing to invest in developing countries
How e-commerce has made international business more accessible and manageable
Market segmentation as a factor in international business ventures

International Business Research Paper Topics For College Students

The impact of off-shore business accounts in combating corruption
How terrorism affects international businesses
The role of modern technologies in enhancing international businesses
What is the implication of the stock market exchange in international business?
How to strategically manage global business ventures in the technological age
How does cultural imperialism affect the effectiveness of the business in the international arena?

International Business Research Topics For High School Students

Discuss the impact of political upheavals in international business
Discuss the ethical dilemmas in conducting businesses globally
Why is Coca-Cola making inroads in the international world of business?
Evaluate the best HR management strategies for global businesses
Legislations and policies among countries that inhibit the performance of global companies
Does the presence of international companies on social media have an impact on their market?

Business Topics For Research Paper in Digital Marketing

The role of digital marketing in flourishing international businesses
Designing business strategies for international digital marketing
The impact of search engine optimization in increasing the online presence of international businesses
What is the effectiveness of email marketing for international businesses
The rise of site, video, and game advertising in international business marketing techniques.
The aggressiveness of paid reviews or articles and hiring influencers in digital advertising

Current Topics in International Business

How are mergers and acquisitions transforming international businesses?
Supply chain management and logistics in international companies – a case study of the risks involved
Training and development strategies in developing economies
Risks associated with global banking systems
How are regional trade blocks instrumental in international businesses?
How the World Bank and IMF are essential in facilitating international business ventures

International Business Research Papers For Master’s Students

How organizational culture is essential in innovation management
Impacts of employee turnover and measures of addressing them
How intercultural differences affect consumption patterns
How emerging small and medium business enterprises can get funding
Analysis of the Coca-Cola marketing strategy
The running of international non-governmental organizations: A case study of Red Cross

International Business Topics For Projects

Marketing strategies that have made KFC a global brand
The role of corporate leadership in international companies
How governments impact international trade
Impact of pandemics on international businesses
Effects of corruption on global business ventures
The success of Amazon as a global internet company

Hot Global Business Topics

Penetration of Chinese investors in Africa
An overview of the horticulture Industry
The rise of mask production companies
Impacts of crypto-currencies on international businesses
Who assesses the quality of products in the international markets?
The effect of BREXIT on global markets

International Business Research Topics List

Impact of war on global businesses
Economic consequences of Trump’s administration
How does artificial intelligence take part in the global market
A case analysis of companies that have succeeded and failed in the global arena
How labeling the country of origin on products affects its sales
Impacts of legislation on tobacco and marijuana globally

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International business research: The real challenges are data and theory

Counterpoint
Open access
Published: 30 October 2022
Volume 53 , pages 2068–2087, ( 2022 )

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Jean-François Hennart 1 , 2 &
Dylan Sutherland 3

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We agree with Aguinis and Gabriel that, contrary to Eden and Nielsen, international business (IB) is not uniquely complex, but argue that it faces two unique challenges. First, because it deals with cross-country phenomena, IB data are less plentiful and reliable. Second, because IB uses many imported theories, and they tend to be influenced by the national environment of their authors, they often have, taken as is, limited applicability in many of the contexts IB studies. We illustrate our twin points by examining the secondary data used in IB to measure the economic activities of multinational enterprises outside their home country, both at the country level, using foreign direct investment (FDI) data from balance of payments statistics, and at the firm level, using firm-level databases such as Orbis. We document the serious shortcomings of FDI data and the problems encountered in using firm-level data. We then highlight some of the cultural biases inherent in Williamson’s version of transaction cost theory (TCT) but show how they can be overcome to arrive at a richer and more general theory that is applicable to a wider variety of contexts.

Introduction: Impact of International Business: Challenges and Solutions for Policy and Practice

Firms’ Internationalisation Strategies: The Evidence

From the Editors: Can I Trust Your Findings? Ruling Out Alternative Explanations in International Business Research

Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.

INTRODUCTION

In a recent article in the Journal of International Business Studies, Eden and Nielsen ( 2020 : 1610) write that “complexity is the underlying cause of the unique methodological problems facing international business research.” For them, international business (IB) research is uniquely complex because of its multiplicity, multiplexity, and dynamism: IB researchers need to take into account multiple actors, engaged in multiple relationships, which unfold over time. Aguinis and Gabriel ( 2021 ) counter that organizational behavior, strategic management, and entrepreneurship deal with similar complexity. We agree with them that research in IB is not necessarily more complex than that in other disciplines. Nonetheless, we believe that it is uniquely challenging for two main reasons. First, accessing reliable data on the questions IB researchers address, for example those related to MNE activity, is difficult. Second, IB scholars study contexts which often differ from those in which the theories they borrow have been elaborated. They must therefore modify or replace them to ensure local relevance and, even more challenging, greater generalizability. We first address some of the data issues faced by IB researchers and then discuss the challenges posed by theory.

IB scholars use primary data obtained through interviews and surveys, and secondary data from national statistical offices, international organizations, industry associations, commercial data providers, and firms via their annual reports and other regulatory filings.

Primary Data

Comparing primary data across countries, as IB must, is challenging because cultural factors make international comparison of responses to interviews and surveys difficult. Cross-national data equivalence requires that respondents of different cultures, often speaking different languages, understand and score survey questions the same way. This is problematic because respondents live and work in different contexts and hence might well be expected to interpret questions differently. The frequent need for translation also opens the door to variations in the way questions are understood. In addition, respondents in different countries are likely to also score differently. Japanese survey respondents are known to cluster their answers in the center of Likert scales, perhaps because Japanese culture values harmony and discourages extreme positions. This can lead to erroneous inferences (Hult et al., 2008 ). Yet data equivalence is imperative if one is to draw solid conclusions from studies that compare results across countries. Hult et al. ( 2008 ) concluded from a review of 167 studies using cross-cultural data between 1995 and 2005 that that challenge had not been taken as seriously by IB scholars as it should have been.

Secondary Data

Secondary data are increasingly used in empirical IB research (Cerar, Nell & Reiche, 2021 ). The availability and reliability of such data poses its own challenges for IB scholars. Much of the data generated by national statistical offices has a national focus. IB phenomena are by definition international and hence at best partially covered by these data sources. Space constraints do not allow for a complete treatment here of all the problems caused by the use of secondary data in IB, so we focus instead on the measurement of just one IB construct, though undoubtedly a central one (Wilkins, 1997 ), the multinational enterprise (MNE), and more specifically, its activities outside its home country.

Measuring MNE foreign activity at the country level

Many IB research questions require data on the amount of economic activity (sales, value added, employment, investments) generated in a given host country by all the subsidiaries of MNEs based in another country. Dunning ( 1993 ), for example, attempts to determine the extent to which firms based in a given country have set up operations abroad, and where they have done it. Buckley et al. ( 2007 ) test a number of hypotheses on the factors that determine in which foreign countries Chinese firms operate. Researchers have also investigated which host-country characteristics affect their attractiveness to foreign investors (Habib & Zurawicki, 2002 ), and the effect of foreign-owned economic activity on various facets of host-country development (e.g., Kwok & Tadesse, 2006 ; Li & Liu, 2005 ).

Flows and stocks of foreign direct investment obtained from Balance of Payments statistics (hereafter FDI flow and stock data) have often, one could say predominantly, been used to measure the economic activity in a country of all the foreign subsidiaries of MNEs based in another country. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)’s yearly World Investment Report uses such data to document the level and evolution of the value of the activities of foreign firms in a host country. FDI flows and stocks have been used as dependent variables (e.g., Bruno, Campos & Estrin, 2021 ; Buckley et al., 2007 ; Mariotti & Marzano, 2021 ) as well as main independent variables (e.g., Kwok & Tadesse, 2006 ). As in the case of data equivalence in surveys on which we touched earlier, the IB literature has overlooked the serious problems inherent in using this type of data to measure the economic activities of MNE subsidiaries. 1 This is why we chose this as an example of the difficulty that IB researchers have in obtaining reliable data on the constructs they study.

FDI flow and stock data are collected by central banks to build their country’s balance of payments. FDI flows record the net value of financial transactions between two countries when the investor has control of the foreign investment (typically when it owns 10% or more of the equity of the foreign investment). FDI stocks record the value of the stake held in domestic firms by firms based in a foreign country. FDI flow and stock data are attractive as they are readily available for a large number of countries and can be downloaded for free from the websites of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the United Nations Commission for Trade and Development (UNCTAD), as well as those of national statistical offices. While ease of access is clearly a plus point, there are significant limitations to their use. Three of them apply to both flow and stock measures: FDI statistics only (1) record the immediate origin and destination of the flows, not the ultimate ones (see below recent efforts to remedy this); (2) show sums directly sent by parents to their subsidiaries, not those borrowed locally; (3) measure financial flows, not the economic value created with them. Additionally, most published figures of FDI inflows and outflows are on a net basis, which makes interpretation difficult, and FDI stocks are reported using a variety of methodologies, thus hampering their comparability. Let us now look at each of these points.

Until 2014, all FDI flows and stocks were recorded on the basis of their immediate origin and destination. Recently the OECD has started to push countries to publish data on both the immediate and ultimate owners of FDI flows and stocks coming into their country. So far, however, only 19 developed countries have collected such data, and some of it has not been made public. The extensive past and current use of FDI flows and stocks measured on the basis of the immediate investor poses a number of problems. First, it often leads to misclassifying the owner of the investment. For example, when in 1998 General Motors set up an auto assembly plant in Poland, the National Bank of Poland classified it in its FDI statistics as a German investment into Poland because the immediate investor was Opel, General Motors’ wholly-owned German subsidiary, even though the ultimate one was its US parent, General Motors. Likewise Deutsche Telekom invested in Macedonia through its majority-owned subsidiary Magyar Telekom so the investment was registered as a Hungarian one into Macedonia (Kalotay, 2012 ). Such “indirect investments” have been estimated to make up around 30% of global FDI flows (Aykut, Sanghi & Kosmidou, 2017 ). In the cases shown above, the ultimate owner is relatively easy to uncover, but this is not always the case. UNCTAD ( 2016 ) notes that the 100 MNEs with the highest transnationality index have on average seven hierarchical levels in their ownership structure and more than 500 subsidiaries each, located in more than 50 countries, and almost 70 of them are in offshore financial centers (OFCs) – countries that offer some or all of the following: low or zero taxation, moderate or light financial regulation, and banking secrecy or anonymity (Aykut et al., 2017 ). Many manufacturing subsidiaries are owned by special-purpose entities (SPEs) located in OFCs, which themselves are owned by other SPEs (SPEs are foreign subsidiaries established to pursue specific and temporary objectives such as the financing of other foreign subsidiaries and that have few or no local employees) (OECD, 2000 ). 2 This can pose problems when using subsidiary counts to, for example, calculate the extent of a firm’s multinationality, as we discuss below in the section on firm-level data. For BRIC countries the number of indirect investments dwarfs that of direct ones, with between 50 and 80% of their outward FDI flows channeled through SPEs located in OFCs (Sauvant, 2017 ). In 2008, 60% of the outward FDI flows of Brazil went to SPEs based in six countries, four Caribbean OFCs – the British Virgin Islands (BVI), the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, and the Netherlands Antilles – as well as the Netherlands and Luxembourg, while in 2014 70% of Russia’s inward and outward FDI flows originated from, and went to, OFCs based in Cyprus, the Netherlands, the BVI, Bermuda, Luxembourg, the Bahamas, and Switzerland (Aykut et al., 2017 ). Part of the flows going to OFCs may return to the investing country, a phenomenon called round-tripping, while the rest may be forwarded to other host countries, what Sutherland and Anderson ( 2015 ) call “onward-journey FDI” and the OECD “capital in transit”. Round tripping is a widespread phenomenon, undertaken by firms of every country, but especially prevalent in the case of China, Russia, Canada, and Indonesia, for which it accounts for more than 15% of inward FDI (Damgaard, Elkjaer & Johannessen, 2019 ). Round-tripping is undertaken to minimize tax, to hide the identity of the ultimate owners, and to reduce home-country political risk and capital controls (Borga & Caliandro, 2018 ; Karhunen, Ledyaeva, & Brouthers, 2021 ). It results in over-estimating the amount of investment, since funds sent from a country to an OFC and then round-tripped back to that country are counted twice, leading to volume biases.

Taking into account the sums that transit through OFCs can have a dramatic impact on the amount and geographic distribution of FDI flows and stocks. In 2013, for example, 70% of Chinese FDI outflows went to OFCs – Hong Kong, the BVI, and the Cayman Islands – with Hong Kong receiving 60% of these flows. Figures for 2016 are 71.4%, with 58.2% going to Hong Kong (Sutherland, Hennart & Anderson, 2019 , Table 2). Based on Xiao’s ( 2004 ) research, Casanova, Garcia-Herrera and Xia ( 2015 ) estimate that only 30% of the sums recorded as being sent to Hong Kong actually remained there, while 40% went back to China (round-tripping), and 30% were forwarded to other countries (onward-journey FDI). They assume that the final geographical destination of onward-journey flows was proportional to those directly sent from China. They also redistribute the sums sent to the BVI based on the share of direct flows received by each country (with Hong Kong excluded), while the sums sent to the Cayman Islands are redistributed to North America, Latin America, and Europe using the same formula. The results of this exercise are dramatic. The stock of Chinese investment abroad falls by 25% (from US $660 billion to $498 billion), while that in North America and Europe doubles. Recent estimates by the OECD that report both immediate and ultimate investors highlight the full extent of the problems caused by using FDI flow and stock data based on immediate rather than ultimate destinations: taking into account onward-journey Chinese investment flows increased the 2015 Chinese stock of FDI in Hungary by a factor of eight, in Italy by a factor of six, and in France by a factor of three (Sutherland et al., 2019 , Table 3).

As well as having huge impacts on the measured amount and geographic distribution of MNE activity, leading to volume and geographical biases, conventional FDI reporting results in industrial composition biases (i.e., biases towards services) because most SPEs are registered as providing business services. FDI statistics show that in 2012 only 6% of Chinese outward FDI stock was in manufacturing, while 33% was in business services (Zhou & Leung, 2015 ). These figures clearly understate the share of Chinese overseas activity in manufacturing and overstate that in services, since in China manufacturing was that year the recipient of 27% of private domestic loans while that going to business services was negligible. SPEs are the cause of a similar bias towards services in US FDI statistics. Because their MNE parents describe the activity of the large number of SPEs they own as services, US data show manufacturing accounting for only 21% of the US stock of outward FDI when reported by the industry of the subsidiary, but 59% when reported by that of the parent (Whichard, 2008 ). In short, the omission of round-tripping and onward-journey FDI flows in published FDI statistics leads to very serious inaccuracies.

The existence of volume, geographical, and industrial composition biases in FDI data owing to onward-journey capital flows has been known for at least three decades (Cantwell, 1992 ). Strangely, they have not been properly acknowledged or dealt with – most likely because of the considerable challenge of doing so. Buckley et al., ( 2007 ), for example, the most cited study of Chinese outward foreign direct investment and the 2017 winner of a Journal of International Business Studies Decade Award, study the geographical distribution of annual outflows of Chinese FDI to 49 countries, including Hong Kong (but excluding the BVI and the Cayman Islands). They do not address the fact that part of the funds going to Hong Kong and sent onwards to the other countries in their sample are not counted since these flows are not registered as coming out of China, but out of Hong Kong. The omission of these onward-journey flows from Hong Kong is likely to have seriously distorted their results (as is the omission of onward-journey flows from the Cayman Islands and BVI). To their credit, in their retrospective on the decade award prize, they acknowledge some of these data issues (Buckley et al., 2017 ). Sutherland et al. ( 2019 ) documents similar problems in other articles on Chinese FDI published in the Journal of International Business Studies over the past decade, further highlighting the scale and nature of these measurement problems. 3

A second problem with FDI flows is that they only measure funds coming from a parent to its subsidiary, not the total amount of investment made by the subsidiary in the host country. Yet, we know that a significant share of the financing of foreign subsidiaries is obtained from local sources. Lehman, Sayek and Kang ( 2004 ) found that in 1999 US majority-owned foreign subsidiaries (MOFAs) obtained 29.4% of their financing from such sources. One would expect the MNE preference for local financing to be greater the more competitive local financial markets, and it is therefore not surprising that the authors find the proportion of funds sourced locally to be higher in economically developed countries (39.6%) than in developing ones (30%). Taking advantage of the fact that the US publishes data on both the sales and value added of US subsidiaries (of MOFAs for value added) in a given host country, as well as on the stock of inward US FDI in that country, Beugelsdijk, Hennart, Slangen and Smeets ( 2010 ) look at the factors that affect the difference between the value of inward FDI and the value added and sales of all subsidiaries of a given country in a host country. They find that the underestimation by FDI stocks of subsidiary sales and value added is greater in countries with more developed financial markets, presumably because MNEs use more local financing in those countries.

A third limitation of FDI data lies in their recording only financial resources, yet the economic activity generated by a subsidiary also depends on the contribution of its employees, with labor productivity affected by the industry of the subsidiary and by country-specific factors. Everything else constant, the higher a host country’s labor productivity, the greater the extent to which inward FDI stocks will underestimate subsidiary activity. Since we would expect the use of local financing and labor’s contribution to sales and value added to be greater in more economically developed countries, the underestimation of economic activity by FDI stocks is therefore also likely to be greater in those countries than in less economically developed ones. This implies that using FDI stocks as a proxy for the amount of aggregate subsidiary activity introduces a systematic bias if that amount is correlated with the study’s dependent variable. Habib and Zurawiki ( 2002 ), for example, attempt to determine if a country’s level of corruption deters inward investment by foreign MNEs. They proxy that investment by FDI inflows. Because of the greater possibility of borrowing locally to finance the subsidiary, FDI inflows will cover a smaller part of the total investment made by a foreign subsidiary when that investment is made in a more economically developed country than when made in a developing country. Consequently, the FDI figures they use in their regressions systematically underestimate the real value of the investment made by subsidiaries located in more developed countries. Because a country’s level of corruption is likely to be inversely correlated with its level of economic development, the results of studies that use FDI inflows to look at the relationship between a country’s level of corruption and its ability to attract foreign economic activity will be biased as the measured level of inward foreign investment in developed countries will be systematically lower than the actual one. Habib and Zurawiki’s findings may then be an underestimate of the negative relationship between a country’s extent of corruption and the level of foreign economic activity it attracts.

The use of FDI flows and stocks has still further limitations. FDI inward and outward flows are the sum of net equity flows from MNE parents to their subsidiaries, the reinvested earnings of those subsidiaries, and net intracompany loans between parents and subsidiaries. Both inward and outward flows can be negative, for example when loan repayments by the subsidiaries of MNEs located in the country offset new equity coming into the country. While data on these three components of inward and outward flows are published separately by the OECD and the IMF, most researchers have used aggregate figures calculated on a net basis. 4 Yet without looking at the disaggregated figures one is unable to tell whether an outward flow of zero corresponds to the case of no investment flow or to that of outflows matching inflows. Kerner ( 2014 ) provides an interesting example. In 2010, US FDI outflows to Moldova were close to zero. That year, US MOFAs had only US $2 million in fixed capital and about 100 employees in that country. That same year, FDI flows to Poland were also approximately zero. Between 2004 and 2005, however, the 193 non-bank US MOFAs in Poland added 13,000 employees and produced $679 million in added value. The zero FDI inflows figure for Poland was due to the fact that equity outflows (minus US $30 million) and intercompany debt outflows (minus US $163 million) netted out reinvested earnings (plus US $194 million) but one would not have been able to know that when using aggregated figures – those published by UNCTAD, for example. Instead, one might have concluded that US MNEs made no new investments in Poland. The fact that both inflows and outflows are calculated on a net basis causes problems for studies that use aggregate FDI flows as a proxy for the economic activity of MNE subsidiaries in a country. Bruno et al. ( 2021 ), for example, investigate how much additional incoming direct investment a country receives if it joins a custom union such as the European Union. They measure new investment using UNCTAD data on aggregated FDI inflows, that is the sum of equity flows, reinvested earnings, and intercompany debt. When faced with negative values for these flows, the authors treat them as zero (Bruno et al., 2021 , footnote 7). This is problematic as a negative net value, caused for example by the repayment of intracompany loans by subsidiaries already in the country, may mask positive new investment into the country by new and/or incumbent firms.

The measurement of FDI stocks is also tricky. They should be estimated at market value, but often are at historical cost, or are obtained by cumulating flows. Databases of FDI stocks include estimates obtained from all three methods, making cross-country comparisons hazardous (UNCTAD, 2013 ). 5 The United States provides FDI stock data on both an historical and a market value basis, so we can get an idea of the size of the gap between these two estimation methods. On a market value basis, foreign FDI stock in the US in 2016, US $6.6 trillion, was almost double that on a historical cost basis, US $3.7 trillion (Sauvant, 2017 ).

All this said, it is easy to understand the attractiveness of FDI data. FDI datasets can be downloaded for free from public databases and purport to measure the sum of the activities of all subsidiaries of a given country into a host country; they cover many countries and are available for long periods – Mariotti and Marzano’s ( 2021 ) UNCTAD dataset covers 63 countries over 37 years. The potential alternatives pale in comparison. Recent attempts have been made to obtain better estimates of the final ultimate destinations and origins of FDI flows by stripping out onward journey flows from aggregate FDI figures (Damgaard et al., 2019 ; Borga & Callandro, 2018 ). These estimates, however, are obtained by marrying firm-level data (from Orbis) with newly published OECD data that report FDI by immediate and ultimate destination and by instrument (i.e., SPE or not), and require making fairly strong assumptions. Moreover, they only attempt to account for the problem of onward-journey flows, and do not address the other issues we have mentioned. Ideally, one would like to use data such as the value added generated by all subsidiaries of foreign MNEs in a given host country, or their sales, or even their employment. With some exceptions such as the United States, countries do not collect, or do not make public, such figures for inward subsidiary activity, or for the outward economic activity of the subsidiaries of their own MNEs. Some of the most comprehensive firm-level databases, such as Toyo Keizai ( 2022 ) which covers the foreign subsidiaries of Japanese MNEs, do not provide systematic data on subsidiary sales. Collecting such data from national firm-level databases requires a significant effort. In fact, as we see in the next section, some of the same problems present in country-level FDI data also afflict firm-level data.

Table 1 summarizes the problems identified in this section and makes some suggestions on how to alleviate some of them. Geographical and volume biases due to the classification of FDI flows based on immediate origin and destination can be partially remedied using databases that classify flows based on ultimate source (i.e., Germany rather than Hungary in our Deutsche Telekom example) and destination. Such data has been published by the OECD for 19 countries ( https://stats.oecd.org ). Damgaard et al. ( 2019 ) have made available at https://nielsjohnnessen.net/FDIdatabase their estimates for the countries not covered by the OECD database. Industrial composition biases can be minimized by classifying foreign subsidiaries by the industry of the parent rather than by that of the subsidiary. The best measures of the economic activity of foreign subsidiaries in a host country are its value added, followed by its sales, and then its employment. These measures avoid the biases caused by local financing, but are unfortunately only available for a few countries. The OECD and IMF (but not UNCTAD) break down FDI flows into their three components, net equity flows, reinvested earnings, and intracompany loans. Lastly, one can obtain very rough estimates of FDI stock at market value for countries that only provide values at historical cost by looking at the relationship between the two in countries that report both.

Measuring MNE activity at the firm level

IB scholars are increasingly using secondary data taken from firm-level datasets. These datasets are of many types. Some are produced from surveys undertaken by national statistical offices. The most complete are the censuses and surveys of foreign direct investment abroad and foreign investment in the United States produced by the US Department of Commerce. One drawback of such data is that firm-level information has to remain confidential, so statistical analyses at the firm level can only be made using the agency’s computers at its premises.

Scholars can also use country-specific commercial databases, for example CSMAR (China), Prowess (India), NEEDS (Japan), and Compustat (United States). These databases provide balance-sheet items for all firms based in one country. Their coverage of a firm’s foreign activities is uneven. Compustat, for example, publishes data on foreign sales extracted from firm 10K reports to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). However, the SEC lets firms define how they want to report their geographic segments, so firms vary on how they define them. Compustat only reports four geographic segments, including the home market, so it is difficult to make detailed comparisons of geographic reach across firms (Wieserma & Bowen, 2011 ). The national focus of these databases makes it also difficult to make international comparisons.

IB scholars can also tap global commercial databases of foreign entries, be it greenfield investments (Financial Times fDi Markets) or mergers and acquisitions (Thompson Financial Security Data Corporation; Bureau van Dijk Zephyr). However, these databases usually lack detailed firm-level data, and thus matching is often required. Orbis, a commercial database that provides a variety of financial information on parents (assets, sales, profitability) as well as on their subsidiaries and ownership chains (immediate and ultimate owners) for more than 300 million firms worldwide, has proved to be particularly attractive to IB researchers – a search of leading IB journals returns 120 recent articles using data drawn from that database. Orbis makes it possible to obtain large samples of foreign subsidiaries from different parts of the world. However, some of the problems identified in the previous section on country-level data arise also when dealing with firm-level data such as those provided by Orbis. Specifically, the presence of SPEs, and the difficulty of separating them from bona fide subsidiaries (i.e., subsidiaries engaged in value-adding economic activity), is likely to cause problems. Those problems manifest themselves in various ways, from how to identify MNEs to how to measure the extent and speed of their foreign expansion. Below we provide a few examples.

Estrin, Meyer and Pelletier ( 2018 ) use Orbis to compare the pattern of foreign countries entered by developed economy MNEs with that of their emerging market counterparts. They count the number of subsidiaries the MNEs in the two groups have established in target countries. In doing so, they do not seem to have distinguished between bona fide subsidiaries and SPEs, as indicated by their Table 2 which shows in which of 30 developed countries the emerging market MNEs in their sample located their subsidiaries. That table indicates that almost 40% of the subsidiaries of Brazilian MNEs were in the Netherlands, a surprising number given the relatively small economic size of that country. A hint of what is really going on is given by recent OECD data which breaks FDI stock down by “instrument” (i.e., whether it was in SPEs or bona fide subsidiaries), and which shows that 65% of the US $4.37 trillion FDI stock in the Netherlands was SPE-related. 8 This opens the possibility that many of the Brazilian subsidiaries in the Netherlands listed in Orbis might be SPEs. We looked in Orbis at the 173 Brazilian subsidiaries in the Netherlands in 2020 and found that 62 of them, or 35.8%, were investment holding companies (NACE code 6420) – the most common type of SPE – with very few employees or none at all. In Luxembourg, which Meyer and Pelletier’s Table 2 shows was host to 2.3% of all Brazilian subsidiaries, almost half of them were SPEs. SPEs, on the other hand, made up only 2.5% of all Brazilian subsidiaries in the UK and 6.1% of those in Germany. Given the large number of SPEs and their uneven distribution across host countries, not distinguishing them from bona fide subsidiaries is likely to affect the result of studies which, like Estrin et al., proxy the level of foreign investment by the number of subsidiaries. 9 We would expect the presence of SPEs to also contaminate the results of studies that rely on subsidiary counts to analyze the distribution of foreign investment over time and across industries.

One way to define an MNE is as a firm that owns at least one fully-controlled foreign subsidiary (Bruno et al., 2021 ; De Jong & van Houten, 2014 ). A significant number of MNEs, however, are only multinational by virtue of having SPE subsidiaries. This is quite common in the case of Chinese firms because of the use of such SPEs for round-tripping. Counting SPEs as bona fide subsidiaries will result in the inclusion of purely domestic firms in MNE samples (Sutherland et al., 2019 ).

Some authors have also measured a firm’s degree of internationalization by the number of its foreign subsidiaries, or the ratio of the number of foreign subsidiaries over all subsidiaries. Liang, Ren and Sun ( 2015 ) construct a degree of globalization index for Chinese MNEs as the average of their foreign sales to total sales, foreign assets to total assets, and number of foreign branches and subsidiaries over total number of branches and subsidiaries. One difficulty with this measure is the large number of SPEs among the foreign subsidiaries of Chinese firms. As of November 2021, there were 138,118 subsidiaries incorporated outside of China that had a Chinese ultimate owner. Of these, 10,653, or 7.7% of the total, are likely to be SPEs. 10 Hence, any major differences between firms in their use of SPEs is likely to bias the results. The same issue arises in, for example, Yang, Martins and Driffield ( 2013 ).

A common way to measure a firm’s internationalization breadth has also been to count the number of countries in which it has subsidiaries (e.g., Lu & Beamish, 2004 ; Tallman & Li, 1996 ; Zahra, 2003 ). The presence of SPEs, however, makes this an imperfect measure. This is because in some countries the only subsidiaries a firm has are SPEs. Orbis shows that China’s Fosun International, for example, had subsidiaries in 12 different countries. In four of these, however, i.e., Hong Kong, the Cayman Islands, Luxembourg and the US, the firm had no bona fide subsidiaries, its subsidiaries there being labeled as “investment holding companies” or being active in “business and other management consultancy activities”, “advertising” (in the Cayman Islands) and performing “other financial service activities” (in Hong Kong). Counting foreign subsidiaries that are most likely SPEs as bona fide ones will thus lead to an overestimation of the true breadth of an MNE’s internationalization. 11

The presence of SPEs is also likely to affect the results of studies that rely on subsidiary count to measure internationalization speed. This is the case with Kim, Wu, Schuler and Hoskisson ( 2020 ) who use data from 767 publicly listed Chinese MNEs to look at how speed of intra-regional internationalization versus inter-regional internationalization affects performance, with speed measured by the number of new subsidiaries created per year. They counted all foreign subsidiaries, “irrespective of where they were located” (Kim et al., 2020 : 1086). Yet not all subsidiaries are created equal: we have seen that many of those established by Chinese MNEs in Hong Kong, Singapore, the Cayman Islands, and the BVI are SPEs (Anderson & Sutherland, 2015 ), but this is also increasingly the case with those in the Netherlands and Luxembourg. The presence of SPEs thus contaminate measures of internationalization speed based on subsidiary counts because adding an SPE can be done at the stroke of a pen, considerably faster than setting up or acquiring a manufacturing plant.

Lastly, studies using secondary firm-level databases to compare MNEs originating from different countries assign country of origin, for example whether the MNE is based in a developed or emerging market, by identifying their global ultimate owner (Estrin et al., 2018 ; Jindra, Hassan, & Cantner, 2016 ; Jones & Temouri, 2016 ). This is problematic, however, as some MNEs may establish their legal domicile in a country that is not the one where they conduct most of their business, a phenomenon called corporate inversion (Whichard, 2008 ). Inversions became a hot political issue in the US when some US firms acquired foreign firms in low-tax countries (such as Ireland) and had the acquisition acquire the parents back so as to shift their legal domicile to the lower-tax country. They are, however, even more common outside the US. Chinese MNEs, for example, owing to the practice of round-tripping, have long been comfortable with inverting to OFCs such as the Cayman Islands (De Jong, Greeven, & Ebbers, 2017 ). The number of inverted Chinese MNEs is quite large: using Orbis, we identified 1087 MNEs (i.e., defined as owning at least one foreign subsidiary) with ultimate owners (using a 50% plus ownership stake) based in the Cayman Islands that were majority owner of at least one subsidiary in China. The business of these firms (which include major firms such as Alibaba Group Holding Limited, Tencent Holdings, Kingsoft Corporation Limited, Mengniu Dairy, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation, China Special Steel Wire Rod Group Ltd, Dynasty Fine Wines Group Ltd, and China Shanshui Cement Group Ltd.) was primarily in China so, for all intent and purposes, they are Chinese firms (though some may have bona fide , i.e., non-SPE, foreign subsidiaries). Scholars generating samples of MNEs from a given country based on ultimate ownership criteria, an approach most often employed by empirical studies using the Orbis database, need therefore to be mindful not to exclude inverted firms, which are sometimes a significant percentage of MNEs from that country. 12 While the full extent of inversions and their impact on studies using Orbis is unknown, Sigler, Martinus, Iacopini and Derudder ( 2020 ) found that 3% of MNEs they sampled using Orbis had been inverted. Their sample, however, did not include many emerging market countries, like China, in which the share of inverted firms is likely to be far higher.

As mentioned above, nearly one-third of global FDI transits through OFCs, well-known tax havens such as the BVI and the Cayman Islands, but also countries such as the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Ireland (Haberly & Wójcik, 2015 ). Authors of studies that identify foreign subsidiaries using firm-level databases need therefore to be very careful when building their samples. Yet very few studies explicitly attempt to exclude all SPEs. We suspect that this is not solely because it is difficult and time-consuming to do so, but also because there is a general lack of awareness of how pervasive SPEs are within MNE ownership and control chains. 13 To compound the problem, recent research (Borga & Callandro, 2018 ) shows that MNEs are increasingly transiting capital not only through SPEs but also through various kinds of other less obvious foreign subsidiaries – vastly complicating the process of tracking genuine MNE investments. Excluding SPEs may therefore not be sufficient to eliminate all onward-journey subsidiaries.

Table 2 summarizes some of the problems discussed here and possible remedies. SPEs should be removed when assessing whether a firm is an MNE, when calculating the overall level of economic activity by firms of country A in country B, and when counting the number of foreign countries in which a firm operates and the speed at which it creates new subsidiaries. One solution might be to eliminate all subsidiaries domiciled in known OFCs, such as the Cayman Islands, the BVI, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The problem is that some OFCs, like the last two countries mentioned, are also home to bona fide subsidiaries. A better way is to look at the industrial classification of the subsidiary given by Orbis and at their employee count. Subsidiaries with NACE code 6420 (investment holding companies) are likely to be SPEs. However, in some subsidiaries NACE 6420 is only listed as a secondary code, while the primary code might be something else, like “transmission of other information service activities” (NACE 6399) or “other information technology and computer service activities” (NACE 6209), for example. This again complicates the challenge of identifying SPEs. Whenever Orbis provides subsidiary employment data, SPEs can be identified as those having no or very few employees. The omission of inverted firms from country samples can be avoided by looking at a country’s most common inversion destination, for example Hong Kong, the Cayman Islands, and the BVI in the Chinese case, and then adding to the sample inverted firms registered there.

As we said at the outset, availability and reliability of data are a major challenge for IB researchers. A look at how IB scholars measure the foreign activities of a central actor in the field, the MNE, shows the extent of the challenge. We could have given other examples. 14 Our point is that IB scholars face additional data challenges compared to researchers in fields that study purely national phenomena, as the latter can rely on extensive domestic databases that provide the data they need. Theory poses a second challenge for those conducting IB research. Just as we have concentrated on one issue, the measurement of MNE activity using country-level and firm-level data, to illustrate data challenges, we focus on one theory, transaction cost theory, to highlight theory challenges.

It is generally agreed that concepts and theories are developed within the context of a particular culture. As Hofstede ( 1993 : 82) puts it, “management scientists, theorists, and writers are human too: they grew up in a particular society in a particular period, and their ideas cannot help but reflect the constraints of their environment”. Problems arise when theorists and their followers claim universal applicability for their theories when in fact there is not. Uncovering the hidden culturally-based assumptions behind many of our existing theories so as to correctly apply them to different contexts is a major challenge facing the IB field, one not faced by scholars who apply domestically developed theories to domestic issues.

There is overwhelming evidence that the field of management, including IB, is dominated by scholars from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, i.e., Anglo-Saxon countries. Between 1971 and 2015, three-quarters of the articles on IB topics in 14 top-rated journals (the three top-rated IB journals plus 11 top disciplinary journals) were written by scholars based in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Australia (Aïssaoui, Geringer & Livanis, 2020 ). 15 Harzing and Metz ( 2013 ) looked at the geographical location of the editors and editorial board members of 57 journals in five areas of management (operations management, international business, general management and strategy, human resource management/organizational behavior/industrial relations, and marketing) at 5-year intervals between 1989 and 2009. In 2009, 52 journal editors out of 57 were based in an Anglo-Saxon country (38 in the United States alone). The proportion of editorial board members based in those countries was 84.5% in 1989 and, in 2009, two decades later, still high at 77% (see also Meyer, 2006 ). While some of these scholars were born in non-Anglo-Saxon countries, many obtained their doctorates from Anglo-Saxon universities, and one can surmise that they have been influenced by their Anglo-Saxon training. 16 Note also that the percentage of Anglo-Saxons on the board of professional journals constitutes a lower bound on the influence of Anglo-Saxon ideas and beliefs in management – and on the IB field – given that many researchers outside the US and UK have been trained in Anglo-Saxon countries and that many European and Asian universities host visiting scholars from the US and the UK and encourage their faculty to co-author with them (Aïssaoui et al., 2020 ; Shenkar, 2004 ).

Boyacigiller and Adler ( 1988 ) note, citing Triandis ( 1972 ), that identifying the impact of culture on the development of theories is difficult, but they convincingly show that American cultural values have influenced the particular ways some US scholars have thought about organizational commitment, individual motivation, and leadership. 17 Hofstede found that Anglo-Saxon countries scored high on individualism – 91 for the US, 90 for Australia, 89 for the UK, and 80 for Canada, vs. 20 for China and 48 for India. 18 He describes individualism as “the degree to which people in a country prefer to act as individuals rather than as members of groups” (Hofstede, 1993 : 89). One would expect scholars living in countries that rank high in individualism to emphasize the free will of actors while downplaying the influence of the social group to which they belong.

One would therefore expect Anglo-Saxon authors to over-emphasize individual action and to under-emphasize social processes. 18 We think it is possible to discern these biases in one of the dominant theories in IB, transaction cost theory (TCT). In the following paragraphs we give a few examples of this by looking at the way TCT has been used by IB scholars, and show that these cultural biases can be remedied without damaging the theory’s core. Indeed, by explicitly identifying these biases, scholars can arrive at a richer and more comprehensive version of TCT which, as we will show, retains strong predictive power in contexts that are significantly different from the Anglo-Saxon one in which it was principally developed.

Individualistic cultures stress the ability of individuals to unilaterally control their environment. Triandis ( 1993 : 158) notes that “The most important facet of collectivism is an interdependent self… the most important facet of individualism is an independent self.” It is therefore not surprising that early applications of TCT to the foreign entry mode choice (Anderson & Gatignon, 1986 ) assumed that, when it came to entering a foreign market, the MNE was always in the catbird seat and could, unless constrained by host governments, unilaterally choose whatever entry mode it wanted. In the words of Padmanabhan and Cho ( 1996 : 47), the entry mode choice for an MNE “involves tradeoffs related to the [MNE’s] level of resource commitment, the degree of control, the specification and assumption of risks and returns, and the degree of global rationalization.” Researchers with a less individualistic outlook have realized, however, that entry into a foreign country is a cooperative endeavor because the MNE almost always requires complementary inputs to exploit its intangibles there. These complementary inputs – labor, utilities, land, logistics, and access to local customers – are typically controlled by local parties, firms, and individuals. Ignoring these local suppliers of complementary inputs limits the explanatory power of the theory. First, it erroneously suggests that the entry mode decision is unilaterally taken by the foreign investor. In reality, MNEs have the liberty to choose between a wholly-owned subsidiary and a joint venture only when complementary inputs can be obtained on efficient markets. When they cannot, the only efficient way to access such inputs is to enlist the cooperation of their owners by offering them a share of the profits of the venture. In other words, MNEs do not always joint venture because they want to, as suggested by Anderson and Gatignon, but often because they have to. Understanding that MNEs need the cooperation of owners of local factors of production makes it possible to analyze how the transactional characteristics of these factors combine with those of the intangibles contributed by the MNE to determine the optimal entry mode (Hennart, 2009 ). Taking into account local owners of complementary inputs also explains why some local firms have been able to leverage control of these inputs to offset their initial technological handicap and successfully compete with large foreign MNEs in their home market (Hennart, 2012 ).

The Williamsonian version of TCT can also be criticized for its over-emphasis on the determinants of market efficiency relative to those of firm efficiency. This focus on markets is not surprising, given that, as Triandis ( 1993 : 160) notes, “the prototypical individualistic social relationship is the market.” The core argument of TCT is generally presented as follows: the chosen governance structure (market, hierarchy, or hybrid) is the one that is aligned with the attributes of the transaction, which are asset specificity, uncertainty, and frequency (Cuypers, Hennart, Silverman, & Ertug, 2021 ; David & Han, 2004 ). When these are high, markets will fail, and this failure will lead to hierarchical governance (i.e., firms) being selected. Hence the prediction that firms will be the chosen governance structure is based on the extent of market efficiency. However, there are no reasons why market failure should guarantee firm success. A governance structure (market or firm) is chosen if the benefits that arise from the organization of interdependences are higher than the costs of doing so. In some circumstances, these costs may be higher than the benefits for both markets and firms. Consequently, market failure is not a sufficient condition for the existence of firms. Consider the following example used by Hennart ( 1982 ). In the first 80 years of the 19th century, UK firms had a technological lead over their continental European and American rivals that can only be compared to that enjoyed by US firms after the Second World War. But while the US technological lead was exploited through the establishment of foreign subsidiaries by US MNEs, that did not happen in the UK case until the very end of the period (Jones, 1996 , 2000 ). Instead, UK technological advances were transferred overseas through other means: the sale of products, the smuggling of machinery, the hiring of skilled UK workers by foreign firms, and the emigration of UK entrepreneurs. The absence of UK MNEs cannot be explained by the superiority of the market processes used to transfer knowledge at that time since the licensing market was even more imperfect then than later in the 20th century when US technology was exploited abroad by US MNEs. The simplified version of TCT under which the choice of organizational form depends on market failure, itself a function of the levels of asset specificity, uncertainty, and frequency, is therefore only half of a comprehensive theory of governance choice. A full theory simultaneously considers the factors that affect the efficiency of markets and those that affect the efficiency of firms, and assess for each transaction their absolute and relative efficiency. Williamson was aware of that when he wrote that “one of the tasks of transaction cost economics is to assess purported bureaucratic failures in comparative institutional terms” (Williamson, 1993b :119) and indeed he addresses the issue in both his 1975 (Williamson, 1975 ) and 1985 books (Williamson, 1985 ). But he does not systematically develop the variables driving these hierarchical failures as he does those responsible for market failures.

TCT allows us to do that. TCT scholars recognize that to yield benefits interdependencies must be organized: parties must be apprised of the potential benefits of organizing the interdependence, and a way must be found to avoid excessive bargaining over the distribution of the potential gains and to make sure that promises are kept. This incurs costs because of the existence of two basic human characteristics – bounded rationality and opportunism. These two characteristics imply that it is costly to efficiently inform parties of what needs to be done and to reward them for their contribution. Hennart ( 1982 , 1993 ) has argued that there are two generic ways to perform these two tasks: one can decentralize information gathering and provide output-based incentives, i.e., use the price system, or one can centralize information and control behavior, i.e., use hierarchy. While all institutions use a mix of these two generic methods of organization, firms mostly use hierarchy. In firms, bosses centralize information and direct worker behavior. Output is generated through the control of behavior, either directly through real time direct observation or indirectly through bureaucratic control techniques, such as accounting. While we lack space here to go into details, one can show that the techniques available for directing employees and monitoring their behavior were just too crude in the 19th century to support the profitable operations of UK MNEs. Consequently, knowledge was transferred through other ways. By the 20th century, management techniques had improved sufficiently to make knowledge exploitation through MNEs possible, even though the market for knowledge had improved in the meantime (Hennart, 1982 ).

Williamson has used the term “high-powered incentives” to describe those used in markets, and “low-powered incentives” to describe those used in firms (see for example Williamson, 1985 : 140). This wording can be interpreted as suggesting that firms cannot use the strong incentives used in markets, and are thus at some inherent disadvantage. That Williamson sees markets as providing unique (and superior) incentives is reinforced by his writing a few pages later that “the market is a marvel… because of its remarkable capacity to present and preserve high-powered incentives” (Williamson, 1985 : 161). Such a stance neglects the fact that while the price system provides incentives to market actors to exert effort and show initiative by rewarding them based on their output, i.e., it offers output-based incentives, firms reward employees based on their behavior. Employees who do not follow managerial guidelines will be sanctioned, and there is no reason to expect that being docked one day of pay will be less effective in influencing their behavior than losing one day’s revenues will be to self-employed individuals. Williamson’s ( 1985 : 140) argument that “firms cannot mimic the high-powered incentives of markets without experiencing added costs” seems to overlook the fact that firms do not need to use output-based high-powered incentives because they can exert high-powered constraints on behavior. Providing high-powered output incentives stimulates high output, but often also the generation of negative externalities. For instance, the literature has shown that franchisees, who are subject to output-based high-powered incentives because they get to keep all of the income they produce minus the franchise fee, are tempted to reduce quality to maximize their income (Brickley & Dark, 1987 ). Trademark owners for whom consistent quality is important may prefer to use the high-powered behavior incentives provided by employment contracts and have their own employees run the outlets. Michael ( 2000 ), for example, shows that product quality in chains that run their outlets with employees is higher than in those that do it with franchisees.

Williamson’s distinction between personal interactions and business transactions, and his under-emphasis of the role social constraints can play in enforcing the latter, seems also to reflect the relatively greater focus that US culture puts on individuals than on the social context in which they operate. In an article where he discusses the notion of trust, Williamson argues that the word trust should be reserved for non-calculative relationships that are characterized by “(1) the absence of monitoring, (2) favorable or forgiving predilections, and (3) discreteness” (Williamson, 1993a : 484). For him, such trust “is warranted only for very special personal relations that would be seriously degraded if a calculative orientation were permitted. Commercial relations do not qualify” (ibid, 486). This suggests a strict separation between business transactions and personal relations, where the former are strictly calculative while the latter are not. This separation is not universal. In many – perhaps most – parts of the world, business is done with persons with whom one has close relationships, so trust, in the Williamsonian sense, is a feature of both personal and business relationships. 20 Why is this the case? Because, consistent with the TCT idea that governance needs to be aligned with the characteristics of transactions, and that these characteristics are influenced by the institutional environment, the absence of formal market-supporting institutions such as courts increases the attractiveness of doing business with family and close friends over that of dealing with outsiders. This in turn has important theoretical and practical implications for foreign market entry, as it explains the considerable advantage held by incumbents over new entrants in countries characterized by underdeveloped formal market institutions.

TCT scholars see the choice of governance as being influenced by the institutional environment which defines the rules of the games, i.e., property rights, contract laws, norms, customs, and the like (Williamson, 1993b , 2000 ). They have been interested in working out the mechanisms by which different rules of the game yield different types of optimal governance. With few exceptions (Williamson, 1991 ), Williamson’s research has mostly focused on market transactions and their enforcement in the US context. Some of these transactions are self-enforcing because of low asset specificity, while others require safeguards which usually take the form of contracts. Contracts are formal, usually written, legal documents by which parties enter into mutual obligations enforceable by courts or arbitrators based on a set of laws. Specifying ex ante these mutual obligations reduces the chance of ex post opportunism, which is especially useful to parties who have to make investments which are specific to their partners. Williamson has focused on the limits of such contracts (leading to vertical integration) and on the ways to make them more efficient, for example by making credible commitments (Williamson, 1985 , chapters 5, 7 and 8). 21 In this environment, found in the United States and in a few other – primarily Anglo-Saxon – countries, individuals contract with a wide range of partners, some known and some unknown, with dispute settlement handled by third parties, generally courts and arbitrators, a system that has been called “rule-based” governance. In many other countries, transactions are embedded in relationships, and their enforcement is effected through bilateral or multilateral social constraints – a system of relation-based governance (Li, 2003 ; Li, Park & Li, 2004 ). In China, for example, business transactions are conducted through guanxi, which Standiford and Marshall ( 2000 : 21), quoting Yang ( 1994 ), describe as “cultivating personal relationships through the exchange of favors and gifts for the purpose of obtaining goods and services, developing networks of mutual dependence, and creating a sense of obligation and indebtedness.” Guanxi has equivalents in many other countries, for example wa in Japan, inmaek in Korea, blat in Russia, and wasta in Arab countries (Michailova & Worm, 2003 ; Velez-Calle, Robeldo-Arialla & Rodriguez-Rios, 2015 ). In the countries listed above, and in many others, contracts and courts play a very limited role, an institutional environment very different from the one on which Williamson has mostly focused.

There is a temptation to ignore such differences, and to blindly apply the Anglo-Saxon version of TCT to East Asian contexts. Another one is to see guanxi as a uniquely Chinese phenomenon, a product of its Confucian philosophy (e.g., Chen, Chen & Huang, 2013 ). A more demanding, but also more promising, way to proceed is to attempt to see how the disconnect between the prediction of the theory and the empirical evidence can be used to modify and extend existing theories, making them more general (Shenkar, 2004 ). This is possible in the case of TCT because the theory posits that the chosen governance structure will be the one whose properties align with the characteristics of the transaction, with these characteristics in turn influenced by the institutional environment (Williamson, 2000 ). Hence applying TCT to different settings, especially non-Western ones, has the potential to enrich it and make it more robust. In our case, the task is to identify which features of the institutional environment make relation-based governance more efficient than rule-based governance (Hennart, 2015 ; Li, 2003 ; Li et al., 2004 ). Hennart ( 2015 ), for example, looks at how the characteristics of the networks in which transactions are embedded affect the costs of enforcing them. He notes that relational governance can be either bilateral or multilateral. Bilateral relational governance relies on mutual enforcement, and is based on appeals to friendship and on threats of discontinuing the relationship. One advantage of this solution over market contracts and multilateral relational governance is that one does not need to prove the existence of dishonest behavior to third parties. But this enforcement mechanism does require relationships to be long term, and hence works best when one can rely for a long period of time on a small number of geographically close partners. Multilateral relational governance relies on group reputation effects. These effects are stronger in closed networks of homogeneous members for which exit is costly. These considerations can be shown to explain not only the practice of guanxi in China, but also the use of bilateral and multilateral governance in countries such as the United States. Verbeke and Kano ( 2013 ) look at the wider, but related, phenomenon of “trading favors” and show how TCT can explain its occurrence, the form it takes, and its likely impact.

What is unique about IB research? Eden and Nielsen ( 2020 ) have argued that the field is particularly complex. Aguinis and Gabriel ( 2021 ) have responded that it is not necessarily any more complex than a number of other fields. We agree that differences in complexity between IB and domestic topics may have been overstated, but we also believe that IB researchers face some unique challenges, perhaps not due to complexity, but instead to the inadequate quantity and quality of data available and to the need to rethink the applicability of many of its imported theories in contexts that differ from the ones where they were originally elaborated.

We do not have the space to provide an extensive treatment of all the data problems faced by IB scholars. Instead, we point out to the serious issue of data equivalence in the collection of primary data. We briefly discuss how this affects interviews and surveys. We then turn to secondary data. In a recent article documenting their increasing importance in IB research, Cerar et al., ( 2021 : 1365) argue that such data needs to “be treated with the same healthy skepticism and quality checks as primary data” so as to mitigate ‘‘IB’s increasing exposure to the risks inherent in secondary data”. They note that a degree of complacency has crept into the use of such data: “references to the biases and weaknesses of such data are conspicuously absent in much of the literature. …. editors and reviewers do not consider the weaknesses and lack of mitigation possibilities inherent in secondary data as critical” (Cerar et al., 2021 : 1371). Our quick review of the pitfalls encountered in measuring just one IB construct – though a key one – the size of MNE activities outside their own country, certainly confirm their assessment. FDI flows and stocks (as epitomized by UNCTAD’s annual World Investment Report ) have been used to measure that activity at the country level without their authors seemingly aware of the limitations of such data. 22 We document the pitfalls involved and make some suggestions on how to avoid some of them.

Recently a number of firm-level databases, such as Orbis, have become available. While their broad coverage and user-friendly web interface hold out the promise of significantly improving our understanding of MNEs, we show that they are subject to some of the same problems that affect the use of FDI flow and stock data, and that the literature has not always recognized them. We suggest some partial fixes. The unavoidable conclusion from our brief foray into the use of both country-level FDI flow and stock data and firm-level data extracted from large databases is that data are a major challenge in IB.

IB researchers study phenomena in multiple contexts. Yet some of the theories they borrow were conceived by scholars working in specific environments and inevitably reflect those contexts. Often, they cannot be applied “as is” to the specific contexts being researched. Most theories used in IB were developed by scholars working in the United States and, to a lesser extent, the UK, Canada, and Australia, and hence reflect the cultural, economic, and social conditions of those countries. For that reason, their explanatory power is not always high when applied “as is” to other country contexts. In contrast to researchers in domestic fields trying to explain local phenomena with local theories, i.e., typically US phenomena with US theories, IB scholars have the challenging task of identifying the possible cultural biases of the theories they have borrowed and of extending them to fit other institutional contexts. Confronting theories to environments that differ from the ones in which they were originally developed offers the chance to enrich them by uncovering their hidden assumptions and boundary conditions, and to develop higher level, broader theories. Unfortunately, not all scholars have the confidence to tackle this challenge. Instead, some ignore the issue and simply try to apply, without modification, theories developed in Boston or San Francisco to Beijing or Singaporean contexts (see the discussion in Meyer, 2006 ). Others develop “indigenous theories” (Bruton, Zahra, Van de Ven, & Hitt, 2022). For example, some scholars have explained the relation-based governance prevalent in East Asia by Confucian philosophy, even though the use of this type of governance varies within the region and is also prevalent outside it (Li, 2013 ). Such indigenous theories fit the specific circumstances of their environment but remain unconnected to more general ones, resulting in a patchwork of incompatible theories. We have tried to show that identifying possible cultural biases in the theories we use and confronting them to diverse institutional environments can open new perspectives and enrich theories. IB scholars, who study different institutional environments, have unique opportunities to do so. But for this to happen a theory must have a built-in sensitivity to contextual differences (Muzio, 2021 ). We have shown that TCT is such a theory because it posits that the optimal governance structure depends on the specificities of the institutional environment and studies how this works out. It is therefore well equipped to accommodate different contexts. The result of the exercise, as we have attempted to show, is a version of TCT that is more general while remaining context-rich.

Is it fair to generalize from the specific data problems discussed in this article and argue that they are particularly daunting in IB? Are other theories used in IB less susceptible to cultural biases than our example of the Williamsonian version of TCT, or are those biases widespread? Is our unconscious use of theories that do not fit the varied contexts we study as big a limitation in IB as we argue it is? Are there other examples where IB researchers have used the disconnect between the empirical evidence and the predictions of borrowed theories as a lever to build more generalizable ones? Can all IB theories be leveraged in that way, as we have shown TCT can, or are other Western theories more context-specific, hence justifying an emphasis on indigenous theories, as advocated by Bruton et al. ( 2022 )? We hope our counterpoint will stimulate further debate on those issues.

We are not questioning the use of FDI data to measure equity flows between MNE parents and their subsidiaries, but only their use to measure the aggregate value added generated by these subsidiaries.

Enron’s 2000 10K filing provides a good example of that complexity. Dabhol, its ill-fated Indian power plant, was owned by a Mauritius SPE, itself owned by a Dutch SPE, itself owned by a Cayman Island SPE, which was then owned by a Delaware SPE, Enron India, LLC. So an observer looking at the first immediate owner could conclude that Dabhol was a domestic operation.

For a recent example, see Mariotti and Marzano’s ( 2021 ) study of the impact of changes in competition policy on the attractiveness of a country to foreign direct investors. They acknowledge the problems of using FDI data, but like Buckley et al. ( 2007 ), attempt to remedy them by omitting OFCs from their sample. This fix excludes genuine investments going to some of their omitted OFC (Hong Kong for example) but more importantly onward-journey investments from the eliminated OFCs to the countries that remain in their sample.

Available at https://stats.oecd.org/ and https://data.imf.org .

As an example, in the UNCTAD database Finnish FDI stocks were reported in 2013 on an historical-cost basis while US FDI stocks were on a market-value basis. Valuing FDI stocks on a historical cost basis results in an underestimation of the FDI stock of countries that are old investors relative to that of more recent investors (Bellak & Cantwell, 1996 ).

Zephyr also covers initial public offerings (IPOs), private equity, and venture capital deals.

Yang, Martins and Driffield ( 2013 ), for example, are able to build a sample of 16,000 MNEs operating in 46 countries over a 10-year period.

Over 95% of the US $3.5 trillion FDI stock in Luxembourg, 21% of US$1.45 trillion FDI stock in Switzerland, and 40% of US $1.97 trillion in the UK was sent to SPEs.

A search for subsidiaries active in NACE 6420, the most common code for SPEs, returned 23,908 subsidiaries in the Netherlands, 31,387 in Luxembourg, 1526 in Switzerland, and 21,589 in the UK, for a total of 78,440 SPE subsidiaries. For the 31 developed host countries included in Estrin et al. ( 2018 ), the total number of this type of SPE comes to 131,709. Limiting the number of such SPEs to those owned by the MNEs of the 14 advanced and emerging economy countries in the Estrin et al. ( 2018 ) sample does reduce the number of this type of SPE to 49,907, but this is still 3.1% of the total number of subsidiaries. On the other hand, if we choose a broader definition of SPEs as subsidiaries engaged in financial service activities (NACE 64) and insurance, reinsurance and pension funding (NACE 65), their number rises to 96,188, or 6% of all subsidiaries in their sample. This is too large a number to be overlooked.

Our estimation is based on the number of subsidiaries whose main activity is NACE 64 (financial service activities, except insurance and pension funding), NACE 65 (insurance and pension funding), NACE 66 (activities auxiliary to financial services and insurance activities), NACE 69 (legal and accounting activities) and NACE 77 (rental and leasing activities). It makes sense to include the latter category since many SPEs lease intellectual property to onshore Chinese operations.

As above, we define SPEs as subsidiaries whose main activity is in NACE 6420, investment holding companies. Looking at Orbis, we identified 5387 Chinese SPEs located in 49 different countries. The 1909 SPEs that were registered in 18 countries, including Singapore (1104), Luxembourg (489), the BVI (263), the Cayman Islands (11) and a few others, had a combined employee count of zero.

We searched recent articles that used Orbis to develop samples of MNEs by country of origin with ultimate ownership as a criterion and did not find any mention of special steps taken by their authors to account for inverted firms.

SPEs are not randomly distributed among all subsidiaries, so their inclusion causes more than noise: it may lead to bias. SPEs also make up a large share of all subsidiaries so the bias is not likely to disappear with an increase in sample size.

Linsi and Mügge ( 2019 ) document the poor quality of international statistics on merchandise and service trade and on portfolio investments. While accounting measures of firm profitability are fairly straightforward in a domestic context, they are problematic in IB because the published financial performance of a foreign subsidiary is affected by the firm’s internal transfer rules.

Adjusted means that in the case of jointly authored articles, the score attributed to an author is divided by the number of authors of the article. The dominance of scholars in those four countries lessened slightly to 63.8% in the 2001–2015 period, but is still high. The non-adjusted percentages for authors in the Journal of International Business Studies is similar – 74.9% in 1995–2004 and 63.9 in 2004–2014 (Cantwell, Piepenbrink, Shukla, & Vo, 2016 ).

We thank an anonymous referee for raising this point.

The topic has been recently the subject of a point-counterpoint in the Journal of Management Studies . See Filatotchev, Ireland, & Stahl ( 2022 ) and Bruton, Zahra, Van de Ven & Hitt (2022).

https://hofstede-insights.com . Accessed October 25, 2021.

There are some exceptions. Social exchange theory is attributed to George Homans, an American sociologist. We thank an anonymous referee for this insight.

This dichotomy between personal and business transactions seems rooted in the US culture with its emphasis on separation. Boyacigiller and Adler (1991: 276) note that “Americans low context orientation also underlies their concept of separation, for example, separation of church and state”.

Williamson was aware of the existence of social constraints. In Williamson ( 1985 : 120–122) he briefly describes Toyota subcontracting practices and concludes that “the hazards of trading are less severe in Japan than in the United States because of cultural and institutional checks on opportunism”. But he did not incorporate such constraints in his model.

In unpublished work, Beugelsdijk, Hennart, Slangen and Smeets surveyed the empirical articles published in main IB journals between 1981 and 2008 that use FDI data to measure MNE subsidiary activity. Only three of the 47 articles surveyed mention some of the data limitations we identify in this article. None of them mention them all.

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We thank the editor, Alain Verbeke, and the anonymous reviewers for their stimulating comments.

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Hennart, JF., Sutherland, D. International business research: The real challenges are data and theory. J Int Bus Stud 53 , 2068–2087 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41267-022-00566-y

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The Influence of Demographic Trends on Housing Demand
Residential Property Flipping Strategies and Risks
Health and Wellness Tourism: Trends and Opportunities
Medical Tourism Destinations and Quality of Care
Wellness Retreats and Spa Resorts: Business Models
The Impact of Technology on Healthcare Delivery
Telemedicine and Remote Patient Monitoring
Healthcare Data Security and Privacy Regulations
Healthcare Financing Models: Insurance vs. Out-of-Pocket
Value-Based Healthcare Delivery and Payment Models
Healthcare Workforce Challenges and Solutions
Healthcare Infrastructure Development in Emerging Markets
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Diagnosis
Precision Medicine: Personalized Treatment Approaches
Pharmaceutical Industry Trends and Drug Development
Biotechnology Innovations in Healthcare Solutions
Mental Health Awareness and Support Services
Telehealth Adoption and Patient Engagement
Chronic Disease Management Programs and Prevention
Health Information Exchange Platforms: Interoperability Challenges
Patient-Centered Care Models and Outcomes
The Influence of Healthcare Policies on Access to Care
Human Resource Management in the Hospitality Industry
Employee Training and Development in Tourism Sector
Quality Service Delivery in the Hotel Industry
Revenue Management Strategies for Hospitality Businesses
Destination Marketing and Tourism Promotion Campaigns
Sustainable Tourism Practices and Eco-Friendly Resorts
Technology Integration in Travel and Tourism Services
Cultural Heritage Tourism and Conservation Efforts
Adventure Tourism: Risks and Safety Measures
The Role of Online Travel Agencies in Tourism Distribution
Sustainable Transportation Solutions for Tourism
Food and Beverage Management in Hospitality Operations
Wellness Tourism: Trends and Market Segmentation
Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Market Dynamics
Wellness Retreats and Spas: Market Positioning Strategies
Community-Based Tourism Development Initiatives
Luxury Travel Market: Trends and Consumer Preferences
Aviation Industry Trends and Airline Marketing Strategies
Sustainable Event Management Practices
Convention and Exhibition Tourism: Economic Impact
Destination Management Organizations and Tourism Planning
Customer Relationship Management in the Tourism Sector
Online Reputation Management for Hospitality Businesses
Accessibility and Inclusivity in Tourism Infrastructure
Cultural Tourism: Heritage Preservation and Promotion
Agritourism: Farm-to-Table Experiences and Trends
The Impact of Climate Change on Tourism Destinations
Wildlife Tourism: Conservation and Responsible Practices
Wellness Tourism in Developing Countries: Challenges and Opportunities
The Role of Tour Operators in Sustainable Tourism Development
Virtual Reality Applications in Tourism Marketing
The Rise of Medical Tourism: Market Growth and Challenges
Responsible Travel and Ethical Tourism Practices
Event Marketing Strategies for Business Success
Sponsorship and Partnership Opportunities in Event Management
Technology Integration in Event Planning and Execution
Event Risk Management and Contingency Planning
Corporate Event Planning: Trends and Best Practices
Trade Show Marketing Strategies for Exhibitors
Sports Event Management : From Planning to Execution
Sustainable Event Certification Programs and Standards

How To Prepare Research Paper?

Preparing a research paper involves several key steps, from selecting a topic to writing and formatting the final document. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to prepare a research paper:

Select a Topic: Choose a topic that interests you and aligns with the requirements of your assignment or research objectives. Consider the scope of the topic, its relevance, and the availability of resources for conducting research.
Conduct Background Research: Read up on books and studies that talk about the same things you want to research. This will help you see what people already know, find out where there are still things we don’t know, and make your research questions or ideas better.
Develop a Research Question or Thesis Statement: Formulate a clear and focused research question or thesis statement that guides your study. Your research question should be specific, relevant, and capable of being answered through empirical investigation.
Create an Outline: Organize your ideas and research findings into a logical structure by creating an outline for your research paper. Outline the introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion sections, along with any subheadings or subsections.
Write the Introduction: Begin your research paper with an interesting introduction. Share some basic info about your topic, explain why your study is important, and clearly state what you’ll be focusing on in your research. The introduction should also outline the structure of the paper.
Review the Literature: Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant literature to provide context for your study, support your arguments, and identify gaps in existing research. Summarize key findings, theories, and methodologies from previous studies in your literature review.
Describe the Methodology: Clearly explain the research design, methods, and procedures used to collect and analyze data. Include details on the population/sample, data collection instruments, data analysis techniques, and any ethical considerations.
Present the Results: Report the findings of your study in a clear and concise manner. Use tables, graphs, or charts to present quantitative data, and provide descriptive analysis for qualitative data. Ensure that your results are relevant to your research question or thesis statement.
Discuss the Implications: Interpret the results of your study and discuss their implications that are for theory, practice, or policy. Analyze the strengths and limitations of your research, address any unexpected findings, and propose recommendations for future research or action.
Write the Conclusion: Summarize the key findings and contributions of your study in the conclusion section. Restate your research question or thesis statement, review the main points that you have discussed in the paper, and highlight the significance of your research in advancing knowledge in the field.
Revise and Edit: Review your research paper for clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Ensure that your arguments are well-supported by evidence, your writing is concise and precise, and your paper follows the appropriate style and formatting guidelines.
Cite Sources: Acknowledge the contributions of other scholars by properly citing their work in your research paper. Use a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) and include a reference list or bibliography at the end of your paper.
Proofread: Carefully proofread your research paper to correct any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Pay attention to formatting details such as margins, font size, and line spacing to ensure consistency throughout the document.
Get Feedback: Seek feedback from peers, instructors, or mentors to improve the quality of your research paper. Consider their suggestions for revision and make appropriate changes to strengthen your arguments and clarify your writing.
Finalize the Paper: Make any final revisions or edits based on feedback and proofreading, and then finalize your research paper for submission. Double-check all formatting requirements and ensure that your paper is properly formatted and ready for submission.

Final Thoughts

Researching business topics offers a unique opportunity to delve into the complexities of the modern economy and explore innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

Whether you’re passionate about leadership, marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, or corporate social responsibility, there’s a wealth of knowledge waiting to be discovered. So roll up your sleeves, sharpen your analytical skills, and get ready to make your mark in the world of business research! I hope you find the best and most relevant answer to business topics for research paper.

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The Top 10 Most Interesting Business Research Topics

Interesting and relevant business research topics are vital for students pursuing an MBA or an undergraduate degree in business . Aside from helping you get excellent grades in school, they can help you understand business problems and come up with solutions to vital business research questions.

Choosing a single business research paper topic can be daunting. There are tons of exciting topics to choose from. This article provides several examples of business research paper topics that can inspire your next paper or research project.

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What makes a strong business research topic.

A strong business research paper topic is clear, concise, well-phrased, and easy to understand. It is devoid of unnecessary jargon and may contain relevant business terms and widely known abbreviations. It also lays the foundation for the entire paper, summarizing the scope and aim of the business research project.

Tips for Choosing a Business Research Topic

Brainstorm: When choosing a research topic, begin by brainstorming topics that strike your interest or that you have substantial knowledge about. Make a list of ideas as you go.
Consider keywords and hot topics: Think about trends and hot topics in your field and academic network. Skimming the table of contents in a recently published business journal can be very helpful in this regard.
Research: Next, read up on your keywords to help you form possible topics for your research paper. Conduct a literature review to see what other researchers have discovered and how your research can add to the existing body of knowledge.
Sort your ideas: After your preliminary research, take your ideas and sort them into categories. For instance, keep topics on business law separate from international business topics.
Narrow down: Finally, narrow down your options. At this stage, consider the cost of running the project, your level of expertise, your interest, and the availability of research materials. Eventually, you’ll arrive at a single ideal research topic.

What’s the Difference Between a Research Topic and a Research Question?

A research topic is a subject that forms the foundation of your research paper—for example, the impact of gender discrimination. Your topic scope here may be fairly broad.

By contrast, a research question articulates a specific problem that your research aims to solve. Answering research questions should be the objective of your study or thesis. One example of a strong research question is “How do cultural contexts affect the impact of gender discrimination in privately owned companies?”

How to Create Strong Business Research Questions

Creating strong business research questions follows the same rules as choosing strong business research topics. However, this time you have to ask the following questions: how, why, and who? Research questions should relate to your topic of study. They should be clear, straightforward, and answerable.

2. Modern Methods of Increasing Employee Productivity

Monetary incentives, healthy work environments, and excellent work-life balance keep workers motivated and improve productivity. This research can explore the pros and cons of each method and its potential implications on employee motivation and morale. You can use data analytics methods to assess the effectiveness of these strategies.

3. Brand Influencing and Social Media Marketing Strategies

The International Chamber of Commerce formulated the international code of conduct on direct selling to guide local and international business marketing operations to ensure fairness in highly competitive business environments. Such online marketing operations include social media marketing and brand influencing.

4. Analyzing the Role of Copyrights and Trademarks in Business Transactions

Copyright, patent, and trademark policy are essential legal doctrines that prevent business people from unfairly profiting from others’ creations. When two businesses enter into a transaction, several potential issues could arise. One such issue is the protection of intellectual property. The purpose of this research is to explore the role copyrights and trademarks play in maintaining fair business transactions.

5. Analyzing the Structure of Transactions and the Role of a Director’s Guarantee in Business Law

Transactions, specifically in business law, play a significant role in the stability of companies. This paper on business law aims to analyze business laws and the structure of transactions. It will also recognize the role of a director’s guarantee in ensuring these aspects function to maintain the stability of companies in the American business sector.

6. Challenges to Transforming Small Local Businesses into Global Business Brands

Scaling a start-up or a small family business into a global brand involves several factors, including financing and financial management , technology, management, and the business environment. By studying international brands like Walmart and Spanx, you can identify core challenges that impede scaling and suggest solutions ranging from innovation management and technological innovation to a possible change in government policies.

7. Ethical Issues in Modern Business Management

Business ethics is a core aspect of business management . It defines the right and wrong ways of conducting business and guides business managers in the day-to-day running of their enterprises. With this research topic, you can explore ethical issues a business leader faces in the modern era, such as business corruption, harassment, and discrimination.

8. The Economic Development of Developing Economies in the Emerging Digital Economy

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s 2021 report revealed a fast-rising global data-driven digital economy. It also sparked several questions regarding the divide between developing economies and their developed counterparts. Some areas of focus were poor internet connection and lack of technological infrastructure.

9. The Role of Business Negotiation in Driving Sales Performance

With this topic, you can focus on the role of different negotiation tactics in achieving desired outcomes for both the organization and the customer. Managers can use these findings to help their team members negotiate more effectively and achieve better results.

10. The Role of Social Entrepreneurship in Societal Transformation

Social entrepreneurs are business start-ups formed with the primary aim of solving a societal problem and upholding moral principles, turning profit-making into a lower priority than it might be otherwise. You can study the business plans and business models of these kinds of ventures and highlight their roles in bringing about sustainable development and other forms of positive social change.

Business Research Questions

Do employee diversity and internal business communication play an essential role in productivity?
How can small companies impact global change?
What are effective strategies for maintaining vastly diversified organizations?
What role does human resource management play in ensuring proper crisis management in small businesses?
What is the role of start-ups in global business?

Choosing the Right Business Research Topic

Choosing the right business topic can be challenging, but it is essential to writing a compelling paper. Make sure to pick a topic that interests you. Also, ensure that your topic meets your professor’s requirements for the assignment.

Having a good research topic is the first step to writing an excellent research paper because it lays the foundation for the entire piece. Conduct in-depth research and take advantage of any resources available to you to facilitate the process.

Business Research Topics FAQ

The difference between quantitative research and qualitative research is that quantitative research uses numerical data to analyze problems, and it relies on statistical sampling and mathematical models to arrive at conclusions. On the other hand, qualitative business research collects data through interviews, focus groups, and observations.

You can find strong business communication research paper topics on research websites like Google Scholar and ResearchGate. You can also check many other online resources for suggestions on dissertation topics in business communication.

When starting a business, you should research your industry, target market, and competitors. It is also necessary to study business law, organizational behavior, and financial management.

Some examples of business research questions on racial and gender discrimination in the workplace include:

How does implicit bias impact employees and businesses?
What can companies do to prevent or mitigate discrimination in the workplace?
How can we create a more inclusive workplace for all employees?
What are the best practices for handling discrimination complaints?

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International Economics Research Paper Topics

This page explores a diverse array of international economics research paper topics , providing students with a comprehensive list of ideas for their research projects. From trade policies to exchange rates, economic development to international financial systems, this page covers a wide range of key topics in international economics. Additionally, expert advice is offered to guide students in selecting the most suitable research topic, and essential tips are provided to assist in the process of writing an international economics research paper. To further support students, iResearchNet offers custom writing services, allowing them to order a tailored economics research paper with the assurance of top quality, expert writers, and timely delivery. Embrace the opportunity to enhance your understanding of global economic dynamics through engaging and well-crafted international economics research papers.

100 International Economics Research Paper Topics

To assist students in their quest to find compelling research paper topics in the field of international economics, we have curated a comprehensive list of diverse and engaging topics. These topics cover various aspects of international economics, providing students with a wide range of options to explore and delve into. The following categories present a collection of research topics that are both relevant and thought-provoking:

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International Trade and Policies Research Paper Topics

The Impact of Tariffs and Trade Barriers on International Trade
Regional Trade Agreements and their Economic Effects
Trade Liberalization and Economic Growth: A Comparative Analysis
The Role of International Organizations in Shaping Global Trade Policies
Trade Imbalances: Causes, Consequences, and Potential Solutions
Global Value Chains: Trends and Implications for International Trade
Bilateral vs. Multilateral Trade Agreements: Comparative Analysis
Intellectual Property Rights and International Trade
Trade in Services: Opportunities and Challenges for Global Economies
Trade Disputes and Resolving International Trade Conflicts

Exchange Rates and Currency Markets Research Paper Topics

Determinants of Exchange Rates: A Comparative Analysis
Exchange Rate Regimes: Pros and Cons
Exchange Rate Volatility and its Impact on International Trade
Currency Manipulation: Implications for Global Financial Stability
Optimal Currency Areas: Theory and Practice
The Role of Central Banks in Managing Exchange Rates
Exchange Rate Pass-Through: Effects on Domestic Prices and Inflation
Currency Crises and Financial Contagion
Foreign Exchange Market Efficiency: An Empirical Study
Exchange Rate Forecasting Models: Evaluation and Comparison

Global Financial Systems Research Paper Topics

Financial Globalization: Opportunities and Risks
Cross-Border Capital Flows: Implications for Emerging Economies
International Banking and Financial Intermediation
Financial Regulations and their Impact on Global Markets
Sovereign Debt Crisis: Causes, Contagion, and Resolution
Financial Innovations and their Effects on Global Financial Systems
Financial Stability and Systemic Risk in a Globalized Economy
International Capital Markets: Trends and Challenges
Foreign Direct Investment and its Economic Implications
Financial Inclusion and Economic Development in Emerging Markets

Economic Development and Globalization Research Paper Topics

Foreign Aid and its Role in Economic Development
Sustainable Development Goals and Global Economic Progress
The Role of Multinational Corporations in Economic Development
Human Capital Development and Economic Growth
Globalization and Income Inequality: Patterns and Policy Implications
Technology Transfer and Economic Development
The Role of Institutions in Promoting Economic Development
Infrastructure Investment and Economic Development
Gender Equality and Economic Empowerment in Developing Countries
Migration and its Impact on Economic Development

International Financial Crises Research Paper Topics

Causes and Consequences of the Global Financial Crisis
Financial Contagion: Spillover Effects of Financial Crises
International Financial Institutions and Crisis Management
The Role of Government Policies in Preventing and Managing Financial Crises
Currency Crises: Lessons from Historical Events
Banking Sector Stability and Crisis Resilience
Financial Risk Management in a Globalized Economy
Systemic Risk and Macroprudential Policies
Early Warning Systems for Financial Crises
Crisis Recovery and Post-Crisis Reforms: Comparative Analysis

Global Economic Governance Research Paper Topics

The Role of G7, G20, and International Monetary Fund in Global Economic Governance
International Economic Law and its Implications for Global Trade
Global Economic Governance and Sustainable Development
Regional Economic Integration and its Impact on Global Governance
International Taxation: Challenges and Policy Implications
Intellectual Property Rights Protection in Global Trade
Climate Change and Global Economic Governance
Labor Standards and Social Responsibility in International Trade
Digital Economy and its Implications for Global Governance
Cross-Border Data Flows: Privacy and Security Concerns

Economic Policies and Macroeconomic Management Research Paper Topics

Fiscal Policy and its Impact on Economic Growth
Monetary Policy Strategies in a Globalized Economy
Exchange Rate Policy and Macroeconomic Stability
Inflation Targeting: Theory and Practice
Public Debt Management in the Face of Global Economic Challenges
Financial Regulation and Macroeconomic Stability
Unemployment Policies: Comparative Analysis and Best Practices
Economic Integration and Policy Coordination among Nations
Structural Reforms for Sustainable Economic Development
Income Distribution Policies in a Global Economy

Trade and Environment Research Paper Topics

Environmental Policies and International Trade: Conflict or Compatibility?
Carbon Pricing and its Economic Implications for Global Trade
Sustainable Development and International Trade
Trade and Deforestation: Challenges and Solutions
Green Technologies and their Role in Global Trade
Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights and Environmental Conservation
Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and International Trade
Eco-labeling and Consumer Preferences in Global Markets
Circular Economy and its Effects on International Trade
Trade and Water Scarcity: Nexus and Policy Responses

International Labor Markets and Migration Research Paper Topics

Labor Mobility and Economic Integration: Implications for Global Labor Markets
International Trade and Labor Market Outcomes
Migration Policies and their Economic Impact
Remittances and Economic Development in Sending Countries
Brain Drain and Brain Gain: The Economic Effects of High-Skilled Migration
Labor Market Flexibility and Global Competitiveness
Gender Wage Gap in International Labor Markets
Skilled vs. Unskilled Immigration: Economic Consequences
Labor Market Regulations and Employment Dynamics in Global Economies
Migration and Social Integration: Challenges and Policy Approaches

Global Economic Challenges and Future Trends Research Paper Topics

Technological Innovations and their Effects on Global Economies
Global Economic Inequality: Causes, Consequences, and Policy Solutions
Aging Populations and the Economic Implications for Nations
Digital Disruption and the Transformation of Industries
Blockchain Technology and its Potential Applications in Global Business
Trade Wars and their Impact on International Trade
Economic Resilience and Crisis Preparedness in a Globalized World
Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Labor Markets and Productivity
Economic Implications of Pandemics and Health Crises
Economic Forecasting and Predictive Analytics in a Global Context

This list provides an extensive array of research topics in international economics. Students are encouraged to explore these categories and select a topic that aligns with their interests, research capabilities, and the availability of relevant data and resources.

International Economics Research Paper Writing Guide

Economics is a fascinating field that encompasses a wide range of topics, and one of the key areas within economics is international economics. As countries become increasingly interconnected, the study of international economics becomes vital in understanding the complexities of global markets, trade relations, and economic policies. For students pursuing a degree in economics, writing a research paper on international economics offers an opportunity to delve deeper into these intricacies and contribute to the field’s knowledge base.

This page serves as a valuable resource for students who are tasked with writing an international economics research paper. It provides a wealth of information, including a comprehensive list of international economics research paper topics, expert advice on selecting a suitable topic, and guidance on the research and writing process. Furthermore, students can take advantage of the custom writing services offered by iResearchNet to order a tailored economics research paper that meets their unique requirements.

Whether you are interested in exploring international trade, exchange rates, economic policies, or global financial systems, this page will assist you in finding an engaging and relevant research topic. Through careful examination and analysis of these topics, students can contribute to the understanding of international economics and its implications on global economic development.

Prepare to embark on a rewarding journey of research and exploration as we delve into the realm of international economics research paper topics. Discover the intriguing dynamics of the global economy and equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to make a significant contribution in this ever-evolving field.

Choosing International Economics Research Paper Topics

Choosing a compelling and relevant research paper topic in the field of international economics is a crucial step towards producing a high-quality and impactful paper. With the multitude of available topics, it can be challenging to narrow down your focus and select a topic that is both engaging and manageable. To help you navigate this process, we offer the following expert advice on choosing international economics research paper topics:

Identify your Interests : Start by reflecting on your personal interests within the field of international economics. Consider topics that resonate with you and align with your career goals. Engaging with a topic you are passionate about will not only make the research process more enjoyable but also enhance the quality of your work.
Stay Updated with Current Events : Keep abreast of current global economic issues and trends. Read reputable news sources, academic journals, and policy reports to identify emerging topics or areas of debate in international economics. Analyzing and addressing these contemporary issues will add relevance and significance to your research.
Explore Controversial Topics : Consider researching topics that have varying viewpoints or controversial aspects. These topics often spark interesting discussions and allow you to critically analyze different perspectives. However, ensure that you approach controversial topics with objectivity and rigor, presenting a balanced view in your research.
Consult with Professors or Experts : Seek guidance from your professors or experts in the field of international economics. They can provide valuable insights, suggest research areas, or share their expertise on specific topics. Their input can help you refine your research question and provide direction for your study.
Review Existing Literature : Conduct a thorough review of existing literature in international economics. Identify gaps or areas where further research is needed. Building upon existing knowledge or exploring new dimensions of a topic can contribute to the advancement of the field and make your research more impactful.
Consider Data Availability : Assess the availability of relevant data for your chosen topic. Data plays a crucial role in empirical research, and access to reliable and comprehensive data sets will strengthen the empirical analysis in your paper. Ensure that you have access to suitable data sources before finalizing your research topic.
Balance Breadth and Depth : Strive to strike a balance between the breadth and depth of your research topic. While a broad topic can provide a comprehensive overview, a narrow focus allows for a more in-depth analysis. Consider the scope of your research project, the available resources, and the time constraints when selecting the level of breadth or depth for your topic.
Collaborate and Discuss : Engage in discussions with your peers, classmates, or fellow researchers. Brainstorming and exchanging ideas can stimulate new perspectives and inspire unique research topics. Collaborative efforts can also lead to joint research projects, enabling you to explore complex topics or conduct cross-country studies.
Consider Policy Relevance : Evaluate the policy relevance of your chosen topic. International economics research often addresses real-world economic issues and informs policy decisions. Selecting a topic with policy implications can make your research more impactful and applicable in the context of economic development and global governance.
Seek Feedback : Once you have narrowed down your research topic, seek feedback from your professors, peers, or research advisors. Their insights can help you refine your research question, provide additional suggestions, or highlight potential challenges in your chosen topic.

By following these expert tips, you can select a compelling and relevant research topic in international economics that aligns with your interests, contributes to the field, and enables you to produce a high-quality research paper. Remember to approach your chosen topic with curiosity, rigor, and a commitment to advancing knowledge in the field of international economics.

How to Write an International Economics Research Paper

Writing a research paper in the field of international economics requires careful planning, rigorous analysis, and effective communication of your findings. To help you navigate the process, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to write an international economics research paper:

Understand the Assignment : Familiarize yourself with the assignment guidelines provided by your instructor. Clarify the research question, required format, citation style, and any specific requirements or expectations for your paper.
Conduct Preliminary Research : Begin by conducting preliminary research on your chosen topic. Review relevant academic literature, empirical studies, and policy reports to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic and identify key research gaps or areas for further investigation.
Develop a Clear Research Question : Formulate a clear and concise research question that defines the scope of your study. Ensure that your research question is specific, measurable, and aligned with the objectives of your research.
Create an Outline : Develop an outline that organizes your paper and outlines the structure of your research. A typical research paper structure includes an introduction, literature review, research methodology, data analysis, findings, discussion, and conclusion.
Conduct In-Depth Literature Review : Conduct a comprehensive literature review to identify the existing knowledge and research on your topic. Analyze and synthesize the findings from previous studies, highlighting the key theories, models, and empirical evidence that are relevant to your research question.
Choose a Suitable Research Methodology : Select an appropriate research methodology that aligns with your research question and data availability. Common research methodologies in international economics include quantitative analysis, econometric modeling, case studies, or qualitative approaches. Justify your chosen methodology and explain how it will address your research question.
Gather and Analyze Data : Collect relevant data to support your research findings. Ensure that your data collection methods are appropriate and reliable. Conduct rigorous data analysis using appropriate statistical techniques or qualitative methods, depending on the nature of your research.
Interpret and Present Findings : Interpret your research findings and present them in a clear and organized manner. Use tables, charts, or graphs to visually represent your data. Provide a detailed analysis and explanation of your findings, relating them back to your research question and existing literature.
Engage in Critical Discussion : Engage in a critical discussion of your findings by analyzing their implications, limitations, and significance. Discuss any discrepancies or unexpected results and provide possible explanations. Compare your findings with previous research and highlight their contributions to the field of international economics.
Write a Coherent Conclusion : Summarize your research findings and main arguments in a concise and coherent conclusion. Restate your research question and objectives, and discuss the implications of your findings. Suggest avenues for future research and areas where further investigation is needed.
Revise and Edit : Proofread your research paper carefully to ensure clarity, coherence, and proper grammar. Check for consistency in formatting, citations, and references. Revise and edit your paper multiple times to improve its overall quality and coherence.
Seek Feedback : Share your research paper with peers, professors, or research advisors to gather feedback and suggestions for improvement. Incorporate constructive feedback into your paper to strengthen your arguments and enhance its overall quality.

By following these steps, you can effectively plan, conduct, and present your research in the field of international economics. Remember to maintain a rigorous and objective approach throughout your research process and communicate your findings in a clear and concise manner. Good luck with your international economics research paper!

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International Business Research Paper Topics

International business is any business that runs in two or more countries. Some higher institutions offer international business as a course that teaches students how to run businesses in the international market successfully. Students who study the course or other related courses will sometimes have to do international business research and write papers on whatever international business research paper topics they discover. We have noticed that a lot of students find it challenging to get topics for their international business research paper, which is why we want to help them get the best topics.

As you read on, you will find some interesting international business research paper topics. Go through the business research topics for college students and select the ones that you are comfortable with. All the topics you find here are simple enough for students, so you wont need to do excess research before you know what to write about the topic you choose. We added both popular and unpopular international business research paper ideas to make students have many options to choose from.

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Business research is an essential aspect of the modern corporate world. The ability to understand the latest trends, consumer behavior, and market dynamics is crucial for any firm looking to stay competitive. With this in mind, we've compiled a list of 250 business research topics that can serve as an inspiration for your next paper. From the impact of technology on the workforce to the rise of sustainable firm practices, these research topics in business cover a wide range of subjects that are relevant to today's business climate. Whether you're a student or a researcher, this list of topics related to business is sure to provide you with ideas for your next work or thesis. Stay with our business essay writing service to discover amazing ideas.

What Are Business Research Topics?

Business research topics are areas of study that pertain to the various aspects of running an organization, such as marketing, management, finance, as well as operations. These topics can cover a wide range of subjects. They also focus on specific industries or geographic regions. Business related topics can be studied using various methods, such as quantitative or qualitative ones.It is important to note that business topics for a research paper are frequently evolving and adapting to the current business environment, which makes them very dynamic. As a crucial part of the corporate world, they provide insights and understanding of various aspects of such an environment. These insights can help firms make informed decisions, develop new strategies, and stay competitive in the marketplace.

Characteristics of Good Business Research Topics

There are several characteristics that make business research paper topics good. Here are a few examples:

Relevance The chosen topic should be relevant to the present business environment. Therefore, it seeks to solve issues that are essential to both researchers and practitioners.
Feasibility Good research topics in business should be feasible to research. It means that there are readily available resources and information necessary for the project.
Significance: the topic should have practical implications for practitioners and companies.
Clarity It must be specific and clearly defined.
Originality It should contribute new perspectives or insights to the existing body of knowledge.

All of these characteristics together will make a good research topic, one that is valuable, informative, and useful for the corporate industry.

How to Choose a Business Topic for Research?

When writing your research, you should get your foundation right, which starts with choosing a good business related topic. Here are the steps you can use to select a business topic for research:

Identify your research area Find out the broad area of enterprise that you want to focus on.
Review the literature Conduct a literature review to identify current research trends, gaps, and issues in your chosen area.
Narrow down your focus Based on the literature review, narrow down your focus to a specific topic that is relevant, feasible, and original.
Assess feasibility Consider the time frame, resources, and data availability for the topic. Make sure that you have access to the necessary data and materials to conduct the research.
Finalize the topic Choose a topic that aligns with your interests and that you are passionate about. This will make the research process more enjoyable.
Consult with experts Seek advice from professionals in the field to get feedback on your topic and to make sure that it is relevant.

Business Research Topics List

A well-curated business research paper topics list can help researchers identify current trends, gaps in the literature, and emerging issues in the field. Here are some top business topics that are very useful.

How sustainable business practices affect a company’s financial performance.
Blockchain technology’s role in business.
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on global supply chain management.
Impact of fintech on traditional financial institutions.
How digital transformation affects organizational culture.
Consequences of social media marketing for customer engagement.
Data analytics’ role in company performance and decision-making.
Impact of the gig economy on traditional employment model.
Abuse experienced by women in the workplace.
Revolution of firm operations and strategy due to artificial intelligence.

Interesting Business Topics for a Research Paper

We’ve compiled an interesting business topic list that can be helpful in your work. Before choosing research topics on business, you should understand the requirements, then select one that matches your interest from the list below.

Growth in tourism and its impact on the economy.
Limitations of global sanctions.
Determinants of consumer behavior.
Current changes in global labor unions.
History of economic thoughts.
Exploring trade embargo.
Comparative analysis of property rights.
Ways to maximize product profits.
Differences between tax bracket rates and fixed tax rate.
Factors to consider when choosing countries to invest in.
Relevant leadership styles for family-owned organizations.
Ways in which an organization can enter a foreign market.
Challenges of remote employment.
Advantages of franchising for the franchisee.
Languages used in international ventures.

These are just a few examples of the many topics that can be explored through research. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that influence organizational performance and to develop strategies for addressing any challenges that arise.

Easy Business Research Paper Topics

Business research is an important aspect of understanding various factors that drive organizational success. However, some business research topics can be complex and time-consuming to investigate. Here are 15 great research paper business topics that may be researched quickly.

Storytelling’s role in marketing.
Impact of online communication tools on team productivity.
COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts on consumer buying behavior.
How virtual meetings enhance team collaboration.
Workplace diversity and employee satisfaction.
Telecommunications effects on employee morale.
Artificial intelligence’s role in personalization of marketing efforts.
Impact of gamification on employee training.
Green initiative’s impact on customer loyalty.
How branding affects consumer purchasing power.
How does mobile technology enhance customer service?
Customer reviews’ role in enhancing online sales.
How digital marketing drives sales for small businesses.
Importance of flexible working hours for employee productivity.
Characteristics of monopolistic markets.

>> View more: Marketing Research Topics

Unique Business Research Topics

Business paper topics listed below are unique and challenging in the sense that they offer new perspectives and angles on the research, and they are not widely studied. It's also important to note that this category of research topic about business can cover ideas in any sector related to corporate world.

Virtual reality’s role in enhancing customer experience in luxury retail.
Artificial intelligence and human resources recruitment.
Using virtual and augmented reality in real estate.
LMS software for small businesses .
Greenwashing’s effect on consumer purchasing behavior.
Applying Internet of Things in predictive maintenance.
Virtual reality’s application in team building.
How mindfulness practices impact decision-making and productivity.
Application of augmented reality in e-commerce and retail.
Using blockchain technology in supply chain management.
Barriers to entering monopolistic markets.
How chatbots lead to employee satisfaction.
Emotional intelligence’s impact on effectiveness of leadership.
Impact of AI-generated content on company sales.
Effective advertising techniques for SMEs.

Controversial Business Research Topics

There are some research topics related to business that are controversial and can challenge widely held beliefs or societal norms. We’ve created a list of controversial business topic ideas below. You can choose any that interests you.

Automation’s impact on job displacement.
Corporate social responsibility’s role in addressing social issues.
Income inequality’s effects on firm performance.
Influence of Artificial Intelligence on privacy and ethical concerns.
Big data’s role in decision-making and potential biases.
Multinational companies’ impact on developing countries.
Sharing economy’s consequences on traditional industries and regulations.
Using blockchain technology in financial privacy and security.
How companies can be responsible for political lobbying.
Cannabis industry’s role in Canada’s economic development.
Ethical implication of AI in corporate world.
How surveillance affects employee privacy.
Effects of automation on the future of work.
Digital currency’s role in financial inclusion.
Social media’s impact on political polarization.

Business Research Proposal Topics

Whether you are an investor or a customer at a local grocery store, everyone is involved in some form of venture that prompts them to develop business research proposal ideas. Students in different academic levels may also be required to write a proposal before their research. Below are some business proposal topics to research that can help you explore your ideas.

Reducing workplace stress using virtual reality.
AI's potential impact on organizations venturing in healthcare.
How the current digital revolution has affected the corporate world.
Importance of video surveillance to organizations.
Potential solutions that private firms can implement to be economically secure.
Reasons why low self-esteem is detrimental at workplace.
Small independent organizations: lifelines in a world of giant franchises.
Solutions to the world's joblessness problem and how to implement them.
How workers’ motivation affects productivity.
A social problem: how altering consumer behavior affects retail sales.
Factors that determine the length of paternity leave given to employees.
The present-day world's environmental problems and their implications for business management.
Importance of leadership abilities in maintaining authority.
A methodical survey of investment approaches in real estate industry.
Comparing direct marketing with other types of advertisement .

Business Research Paper Topics for Students

Research topic ideas for business students can cover a wide range of areas, including management, marketing, finance, and operations. These themes are meant to be used as inspiration for students to conduct research on the business field and can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of the assignment. Research paper topics related to business may also be chosen from areas of interest such as customer service, digital marketing, e-commerce, and green business practices.

Business Research Topics for College Students

Business topics for college students provide an opportunity to conduct research and gain a deeper understanding of the various factors that drive organizational success. Here are 15 potential business topics to write about.

Ways to ensure diversity in the workplace.
Virtual and augmented reality’s role in enhancing customer experience.
Effectiveness of various quality leadership styles in different industries.
Corporate governance’s impact on organizational performance.
Digitalization and its influence on the news industry.
Effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence in personalization of marketing efforts.
How virtual teams affect productivity and communication of employees in an organization.
How does the sharing economy affect traditional industries and regulations?
Ways in which privacy concerns influence consumer purchase behavior.
How the Internet of Things impacts supply chain management.
Digital currency’s role in financial inclusion and inequality.
Different insurance forms for a company.
Benefits of personalizing a firm website.
The future of virtual reality in organizations.
How greenwashing affects consumer purchasing behavior.

Business Research Topics for MBA Students

Business research project topics cover a wide range of areas and can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of the assignment or the student's area of interest. These topics are also relevant to the current business environment and can provide MBA students with a chance to explore the various challenges and opportunities that companies face today. Highlighted below is a list of business research paper ideas that you can consider.

Digitalization’s impact on the financial industry and its regulation.
Artificial Intelligence’s role in the healthcare industry.
How corporate social responsibility affects financial performance and reputation.
E-commerce’s effect on brick-and-mortar retail firms.
Big data’s role in marketing.
COVID-19 pandemic on global trade and investment.
Importance of time management in an organization.
Using virtual and augmented reality in real estate and construction.
Digital transformation’s impact on the public sector and government.
Applying blockchain technology in logistics and transportation.
What are the sustainable firm practices that an organization should adopt?
How social media affects consumer behavior and decision-making.
Digital marketing’s role in the B2B industry.
Artificial Intelligence’s impact on human resources management.
The impact of political and economic changes on renewable energy.

Research Topics on Business in Different Fields

Business research topics cover various industries and sectors, including finance, healthcare, marketing, as well as logistics. They can provide insight into the different business challenges and opportunities that different industries face today. Researchers dive deeper into specific fields to understand how business practices and strategies differ, as well as how they can be improved. These research business ideas can also be tailored to match the specific requirements of the assignment or the student's area of interest.

International Business Research Paper Topics

International business topics for research can encompass various aspects of cross-border trade as well as investment, including market entry strategies, cultural differences, and global supply chain management. Listed here are 15 potential research paper topics on international business.

How cultural differences affect international business negotiations.
An examination of the challenges and opportunities of international franchising.
The impact of currency fluctuations on international business performance.
Different forms of international business ownership.
Role of international trade agreements and their impact on companies.
Brexit’s impact on international business .
Corporate social responsibility and its effect on international business reputation.
Impact of language barriers on international business communication.
How international organizations promote sustainable development.
Most effective market entry strategies for emerging markets.
Political and economic instability’s role in international trade.
Role of technology in facilitating cross-border e-commerce.
Impact of international enterprise on host-country workers.
Influence of international ventures on environmental sustainability.
International business’ influence on local cultures and traditions.

Business Law Topics for a Research Paper

Business law research paper topic ideas can encompass various legal issues that organizations face, including contract law, intellectual property law, and corporate governance. Here are 15 potential research paper topics for business law class.

Effectiveness of different forms of alternative dispute resolution in business disputes.
Consumer protection laws.
Challenges and opportunities of cross-border litigation in international business.
The effects of corporate governance on organizational performance and accountability.
Securities laws on initial public offerings and capital raising.
The role of intellectual property law in protecting innovation and creativity in the digital age.
Challenges and opportunities of merger and acquisition regulation.
The impact of labor laws on human resources management and recruitment.
Effectiveness of different forms of corporate social responsibility in addressing social and environmental issues.
The role of competition law in promoting fair competition and protecting consumer welfare.
Limitations of international trade law and its impact on firms.
Data privacy laws on company operations and decision-making.
Contract law on e-commerce and online business.
The role of property law in real estate and construction enterprises.
Limitations and opportunities of corporate governance in family-owned firms.

Check more: Law Research Paper Topics

Research Topics in Business Administration

Business administration research topics can encompass various aspects of organizational management, including leadership, strategy, and operations. They are also relevant to the current business environment and provide an opportunity to explore challenges that companies face in the field of business administration. We’ve compiled a list of business administration topics for a research paper that can be helpful to you.

Effective leadership styles for different types of organizations.
The impact of organizational culture on employee engagement and performance.
Opportunities and limitations of virtual teams and remote work.
The effects of innovation management on organizational performance.
Digitalization’s impact on organizational structure and processes.
The role of project management in driving organizational success.
Reasons to implement mergers and acquisitions.
The impact of corporate social responsibility on organizational reputation and brand image.
Automation and machine learning influence organizational processes and decision-making.
Human resources management’s role in promoting a healthy and inclusive work environment.
Limitations of international expansion.
The impact of data analytics and big data on organizational decision-making and performance.
Effectiveness of different organizational change management forms.
Operations management’s role in driving efficiency and productivity.
Sustainable firm practices and their impact on organizational performance.

Business Management Research Topics

Are you specialized in management and looking for related business management research paper topics? This article lists business report topics below that can be useful to you.

Applying artificial intelligence in business management.
Gig economy and its impact on workforce management.
Innovative Human Resource practices to improve employee resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ways to promote sustainable development in an organization.
How virtual reality impacts human behavior and well-being.
The use of technology in strategic management.
Gender disparity and discrimination in wages.
Strategies to encourage more women leaders in organizations.
Team building strategies.
Connection between labor productivity and salary.
Enhancing employee retention rate.
Conflict management in a company.
Ways to motivate employees.
Social media’s impact on business.
How do you ensure diversity in leadership?

These topics cover a wide range of areas and can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of the assignment or the student's area of interest. They provide insight into the field of business management and can help equip you with necessary skills needed in that study area.

Business Ethics Topics for a Research Paper

Business ethics research paper topics can encompass various issues related to moral and ethical principles in the business world, such as corporate social responsibility, diversity and inclusion, and integrity in decision-making. Highlighted below are topics for a business ethics essay or paper that you can consider.

Corporate social responsibility and consumer trust.
Forms of corruption in private sector organizations.
Ways to promote sustainable development.
Diversity and inclusion policies.
How corporate governance impacts organizational integrity.
Forms of whistle-blower protection.
Organization’s role in addressing social and environmental issues.
Challenges of implementing a code of conduct.
Ways to enhance organizational reputation and brand image.
Different forms of corporate social responsibility reporting.
Principles of ethical management.
The impact of ethics on employee engagement and motivation.
How to address issues of social and environmental justice.
Business ethics’ impact on the financial performance of a company.
How do companies address human rights issues?

Business Communication Research Topics

The success of a business depends significantly on the communication between stakeholders. Business communication topics can include different aspects within and between organizations, including cross-cultural, digital, and crisis communication. If you want to study it, here are some business research topics ideas to consider.

Essential digital tools used in business communication.
Forms of multimedia communication in organizations.
Communication’s role in promoting a healthy and inclusive work environment.
Cross-functional communication in organizations.
Communication technology’s impact on networking and relationship building.
Forms of internal communication in different industries.
How communication promotes transparency and trust.
Ways of communicating during mergers and acquisitions.
How communication technology impacts the financial industry .
Nonverbal communication in firm interactions.
Using social media in organizational communication.
Enhancing team dynamics and collaboration through communication.
Crisis communication in the digital age.
Language barriers in international organizations.
Intergenerational communication in the workplace.

>> View more: Communication Research Paper Topics

Business Speech Research Topics

Research topics in business include various aspects of oral communication in the corporate world, such as public speaking, presentations, as well as pitch deliveries. Do you have a speech that you want to deliver related to enterprise and still not sure of the topic to choose? Here are general business research topic ideas you can use.

Types of corporate crimes you should look out for as our employees.
Never be afraid of your competitors.
How to deliberately think and plan for your success.
Moving your company a generation ahead.
How to ensure effective leadership in your company.
How to reward your employees.
Ways to motivate your employees.
Encouraging innovation in your firm.
Why should everyone have a business plan before starting one?
How we can deal with breach of contract.
Types of insurance cover we should consider for a company.
Ways to improve our company’s reputation in public.
How to write effective business letters.
Why we should actively participate in corporate social responsibilities.
How to increase our sales.

Read more: Demonstration Speech Ideas for Students

Business Debate Research Topics

Business research questions for debate involve various aspects of public discourse as well as arguments in the corporate world, such as ethical dilemmas, industry trends, and policy decisions. These themes can provide an opportunity to explore different perspectives and arguments on a particular issue and to evaluate their strengths as well as weaknesses. Some of the debatable business research project ideas include the following:

Is investing in stocks like taking a chance on the lottery?
Do you think cryptocurrencies should power the corporate world?
Is it true that men account for more successful company owners?
Do women fare better than men in the corporate world?
When it comes to commerce, how trustworthy are cryptocurrencies, and how does advertising them increase their customer base?
Are corporations with a global reach causing more harm than good?
If a company invests in advertisements, do they see a return on its investment?
Do jobs in cooperation constitute a new form of slavery?
Should it be possible to blend politics with corporations?
Do you think getting an MBA is worth the cost?
Does technology make people less productive?
Are companies overlooking the issue of cybersecurity?
Has the introduction of emails improved communication within companies?
Is artificial intelligence bad for the corporate world?
Unlike theft, infringing on copyright does not deprive the victim of the original product.

>> Read more: Political Science Research Questions

Bottom Line on Business Research Paper Topics

There are numerous categories of topics for business research paper. The chosen topic should be a reflection of your expertise. Before deciding on the research paper topic about business to write on, you must first establish your specialty besides ensuring you have the necessary facts as well as resources. Provided in this article are 250 business research ideas. Feel free to choose from any category depending on your area of interest. Don't forget to proofread as well as modify your final paper several times before submission. All the best! Just in case you need to conduct a study in another field, remember that we have a huge arsenal of topics in various disciplines. From psychology research topics to sociology research paper topics , you can spot any title idea for an A-grade work.

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Research Topics & Ideas: Business

50+ Management Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re looking for a business/management-related research topic , but aren’t sure where to start. Here, we’ll explore a variety of research ideas and topic thought-starters for management-related research degrees (MBAs/DBAs, etc.). These research topics span management strategy, HR, finance, operations, international business and leadership.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the management domain. This is the starting point, but to develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. In it, we cover the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from start to end. Be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic.

Overview: Business Research Topics

Business /management strategy
Human resources (HR) and industrial psychology
Finance and accounting
Operations management
International business
Actual business dissertations & theses

Strategy-Related Research Topics

An analysis of the impact of digital transformation on business strategy in consulting firms
The role of innovation in transportation practices for creating a competitive advantage within the agricultural sector
Exploring the effect of globalisation on strategic decision-making practices for multinational Fashion brands.
An evaluation of corporate social responsibility in shaping business strategy, a case study of power utilities in Nigeria
Analysing the relationship between corporate culture and business strategy in the new digital era, exploring the role of remote working.
Assessing the impact of sustainability practices on business strategy and performance in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry
An analysis of the effect of social media on strategic partnerships and alliances development in the insurance industry
Exploring the role of data-driven decision-making in business strategy developments following supply-chain disruptions in the agricultural sector
Developing a conceptual framework for assessing the influence of market orientation on business strategy and performance in the video game publishing industry
A review of strategic cost management best practices in the healthcare sector of Indonesia
Identification of key strategic considerations required for the effective implementation of Industry 4.0 to develop a circular economy
Reviewing how Globalisation has affected business model innovation strategies in the education sector
A comparison of merger and acquisition strategies’ effects on novel product development in the Pharmaceutical industry
An analysis of market strategy performance during recessions, a retrospective review of the luxury goods market in the US
Comparing the performance of digital stakeholder engagement strategies and their contribution towards meeting SDGs in the mining sector

Topics & Ideas: Human Resources (HR)

Exploring the impact of digital employee engagement practices on organizational performance in SMEs
The role of diversity and inclusion in the workplace
An evaluation of remote employee training and development programs efficacy in the e-commerce sector
Comparing the effect of flexible work arrangements on employee satisfaction and productivity across generational divides
Assessing the relationship between gender-focused employee empowerment programs and job satisfaction in the UAE
A review of the impact of technology and digitisation on human resource management practices in the construction industry
An analysis of the role of human resource management in talent acquisition and retention in response to globalisation and crisis, a case study of the South African power utility
The influence of leadership style on remote working employee motivation and performance in the education sector.
A comparison of performance appraisal systems for managing employee performance in the luxury retail fashion industry
An examination of the relationship between work-life balance and job satisfaction in blue-collar workplaces, A systematic review
Exploring HR personnel’s experiences managing digital workplace bullying in multinational corporations
Assessing the success of HR team integration following merger and acquisition on employee engagement and performance
Exploring HR green practices and their effects on retention of millennial talent in the fintech industry
Assessing the impact of human resources analytics in successfully navigating digital transformation within the healthcare sector
Exploring the role of HR staff in the development and maintenance of ethical business practices in fintech SMEs
An analysis of employee perceptions of current HRM practices in a fully remote IT workspace

Topics & Ideas: Finance & Accounting

An analysis of the effect of employee financial literacy on decision-making in manufacturing start-ups in Ghana
Assessing the impact of corporate green innovation on financial performance in listed companies in Estonia
Assessing the effect of corporate governance on financial performance in the mining industry in Papua New Guinea
An evaluation of financial risk management practices in the construction industry of Saudi Arabia
Exploring the role of leadership financial literacy in the transition from start-up to scale-up in the retail e-commerce industry.
A review of influential macroeconomic factors on the adoption of cryptocurrencies as legal tender
An examination of the use of financial derivatives in risk management
Exploring the impact of the cryptocurrency disruption on stock trading practices in the EU
An analysis of the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance in academic publishing houses
A comparison of financial ratios performance in evaluating E-commerce startups in South Korea.
An evaluation of the role of government policies in facilitating manufacturing companies’ successful transitioning from start-up to scale-ups in Denmark
Assessing the financial value associated with industry 4.0 transitions in the Indian pharmaceutical industry
Exploring the role of effective e-leadership on financial performance in the Nigerian fintech industry
A review of digital disruptions in CRM practices and their associated financial impact on listed companies during the Covid-19 pandemic
Exploring the importance of Sharia-based business practices on SME financial performance in multicultural countries

Free Webinar: How To Find A Dissertation Research Topic

Ideas: Operations Management

An assessment of the impact of blockchain technology on operations management practices in the transport industry of Estonia
An evaluation of supply chain disruption management strategies and their impact on business performance in Lithuania
Exploring the role of lean manufacturing in the automotive industry of Malaysia and its effects on improving operational efficiency
A critical review of optimal operations management strategies in luxury goods manufacturing for ensuring supply chain resilience
Exploring the role of globalization on Supply chain diversification, a pre/post analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic
An analysis of the relationship between quality management and customer satisfaction in subscription-based business models
Assessing the cost of sustainable sourcing practices on operations management and supply chain resilience in the Cocao industry.
An examination of the adoption of behavioural predictive analytics in operations management practices, a case study of the
Italian automotive industry
Exploring the effect of operational complexity on business performance following digital transformation
An evaluation of barriers to the implementation of agile methods in project management within governmental institutions
Assessing how the relationship between operational processes and business strategy change as companies transition from start-ups to scale-ups
Exploring the relationship between operational management and innovative business models, lessons from the fintech industry
A review of best practices for operations management facilitating the transition towards a circular economy in the fast food industry
Exploring the viability of lean manufacturing practices in Vietnam’s plastics industry
Assessing engagement in cybersecurity considerations associated with operations management practices in industry 4.0 manufacturing

Research Topic Kickstarter - Need Help Finding A Research Topic?

Topics & Ideas: International Business

The impact of cultural differences in communication on international business relationships
An evaluation of the role of government import and export policies in shaping international business practices
The effect of global shipping conditions on international business strategies
An analysis of the challenges of managing multinational corporations: branch management
The influence of social media marketing on international business operations
The role of international trade agreements on business activities in developing countries
An examination of the impact of currency fluctuations on international business and cost competitiveness
The relationship between international business and sustainable development: perspectives and benefits
An evaluation of the challenges and opportunities of doing business in emerging markets such as the renewable energy industry
An analysis of the role of internationalisation via strategic alliances in international business
The impact of cross-cultural management on international business performance
The effect of political instability on international business operations: A case study of Russia
An analysis of the role of intellectual property rights in an international technology company’s business strategies
The relationship between corporate social responsibility and international business strategy: a comparative study of different industries
The impact of technology on international business in the fashion industry

Topics & Ideas: Leadership

A comparative study of the impact of different leadership styles on organizational performance
An evaluation of transformational leadership in today’s non-profit organizations
The role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership and productivity
An analysis of the relationship between leadership style and employee motivation
The influence of diversity and inclusion on leadership practices in South Africa
The impact of Artificial Intelligence technology on leadership in the digital age
An examination of the challenges of leadership in a rapidly changing business environment: examples from the finance industry
The relationship between leadership and corporate culture and job satisfaction
An evaluation of the role of transformational leadership in strategic decision-making
The use of leadership development programs in enhancing leadership effectiveness in multinational organisations
The impact of ethical leadership on organizational trust and reputation: an empirical study
An analysis of the relationship between various leadership styles and employee well-being in healthcare organizations
The role of leadership in promoting good work-life balance and job satisfaction in the age of remote work
The influence of leadership on knowledge sharing and innovation in the technology industry
An investigation of the impact of cultural intelligence on cross-cultural leadership effectiveness in global organizations

Business/Management Dissertation & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a business-related research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various management-related degree programs (e.g., MBAs, DBAs, etc.) to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

Sustaining Microbreweries Beyond 5 Years (Yanez, 2022)
Perceived Stakeholder and Stockholder Views: A Comparison Among Accounting Students, Non-Accounting Business Students And Non-Business Students (Shajan, 2020)
Attitudes Toward Corporate Social Responsibility and the New Ecological Paradigm among Business Students in Southern California (Barullas, 2020)
Entrepreneurial opportunity alertness in small business: a narrative research study exploring established small business founders’ experience with opportunity alertness in an evolving economic landscape in the Southeastern United States (Hughes, 2019)
Work-Integrated Learning in Closing Skills Gap in Public Procurement: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study (Culver, 2021)
Analyzing the Drivers and Barriers to Green Business Practices for Small and Medium Enterprises in Ohio (Purwandani, 2020)
The Role of Executive Business Travel in a Virtual World (Gale, 2022)
Outsourcing Security and International Corporate Responsibility: A Critical Analysis of Private Military Companies (PMCs) and Human Rights Violations (Hawkins, 2022)
Lean-excellence business management for small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in Kurdistan region of Iraq (Mohammad, 2021)
Science Data Sharing: Applying a Disruptive Technology Platform Business Model (Edwards, 2022)
Impact of Hurricanes on Small Construction Business and Their Recovery (Sahu, 2022)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Fast-Track Your Topic Ideation

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Effect of Leadership, computerized accounting systems, risk management and monitoring on the quality of financial Reports among listed banks

May you assist on a possible PhD topic on analyzing economic behaviours within environmental, climate and energy domains, from a gender perspective. I seek to further investigate if/to which extent policies in these domains can be deemed economically unfair from a gender perspective, and whether the effectiveness of the policies can be increased while striving for inequalities not being perpetuated.

healthy work environment and employee diversity, technological innovations and their role in management practices, cultural difference affecting advertising, honesty as a company policy, an analysis of the relationships between quality management and customer satisfaction in subscription based business model,business corruption cases. That I was selected from the above topics.

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International Business Dissertation Topics

Published by Owen Ingram at January 4th, 2023 , Revised On April 16, 2024

Most students find it difficult to select the perfect international business dissertation topic for their dissertation project. In fact, many students end up choosing very narrow and specific topics due to the vastness of the field and the growing issues within the field of international business.

We understand that choosing a suitable international business dissertation topic may not be a straightforward task for many students, so we have compiled a list of the perfect international business issues you can explore and address as part of your research.

We aim to empower our students with the knowledge and abilities needed to choose an international business research paper or dissertation topic. At ResearchProspect , we help students with their research proposal and the full dissertation paper.

You may want to read about our business writers to see how we can help ease your workload.

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International Business Dissertation Topics For 2024

MNCs’ use of a standardised approach to business strategy
Impact of the coronavirus outbreak on global business operations
Management and globalisation governance appendix
Factors affecting MNCs’ decision about their corporate political approach in emerging economies
effects of corporate globalisation on their foreign business activities
MNCs and the consequences of culture
Effects of the evolving international legal environment on MNCs
MNCs’ methods for entering emerging markets
Challenges to the global banking system’s security brought on by Toyota’s Total Quality Management
Foreign workers’ challenges and opportunities in a global strategy
The value of English as an international business language and the reasons Chinese companies win contracts in Africa
A quantitative study of the Canadian Honey Industry
the US auto industry’s expansion under the Trump Administration
fake honey’s effects on the world’s honey business
Management quality in global markets
Coronavirus and BREXIT’s effects on the world’s aviation sector
Impact of corporate privatisation on worldwide marketplaces
Branding’s function in the global tourism sector
Information technology management for global businesses
Effects of efficient human resource management in global businesses
Impact of efficient channels for corporate communication in global companies
Acceptableness of government engagement in creating CSR restrictions
Result of senior management interference in a company’s plans
When accidents are every day, can the economic model for developing driverless cars still be viable?
How social media branding gives companies a competitive edge in the age of globalisation
Value ramifications of multinationals’ cross-border expansion trends in emerging markets
How do public disclosure policies affect corporate operations management in a more globalised society?
The elements affecting the success of building firms in the United Arab Emirates
Important aspects for Carrefour to succeed in the current global market
financial options for developing small and medium-sized businesses
The impact of legislation on the marketing and production of tobacco.
Is the government gaining revenue from the war?
Companies that are successful both nationally and internationally.
It is acquiring knowledge of the global IT market and sector.
The impact of artificial intelligence on the workforce.

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ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service!

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Choosing the best international business dissertation topic in your graduate programme is a prerequisite to writing a first class dissertation paper.

Are you having trouble deciding what to write about for your dissertation or how to choose a topic? Search no further; we can assist you not only with the topic selection but the full process.

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How to find international business dissertation topics.

For international business dissertation topics:

Study global economic trends.
Analyze cross-border challenges.
Explore trade and market dynamics.
Research cultural influences.
Examine multinational strategies.
Select a topic aligning with your expertise and career aspirations.

International Business Research Paper Topics & Writing Help

FAQs about Business Research Papers

Scroll down and find 300+ free international business research topics we have sampled for you. Alternatively, place an order for a custom topic created just for you and refined as required by your professor or instructor. Get custom topics for FREE and high-quality paper written for you.

Yes, we have expert MBA and business writers who can write a paper for you now. We write international business papers perfectly, using scholarly sources, and deliver on time. Our business writers have vast knowledge about current issues in global business, trade relations, technology, culture, climate change...

We can also write a research proposal, dissertation, term paper, or thesis about international business. Business students hire our expert business writers with the knowledge and experience to write research proposals that get approved instantly. We can also edit your proposal for free.

Category: Business

Updated: July 23, 2023

Good international business research paper topics enable students to write quality papers, proposals, and projects that meet requirements. However, many students struggle to comprehend the complex issues in the international business environment. Issues like cultural diversity, political differences, races, taxation, legal barriers, unions, treaties, and trade organizations.

Some college students struggle to pick good topics related to international business, while others fail to write quality papers that meet requirements. So, how do students get interesting research papers on international business topics and help write research papers on global business issues?

Here we offer a complete guide on how to write business papers. We also have free international business research paper topics and expert writers ready to help with writing your paper accurately.

What is International Business?

International business is the interaction of people, goods, and services across countries. It involves trade, exploration, immigration and emigration, emulative activities, comparative advantage, international organizations, and global markets.

For instance, in early 2022, Tesla Inc . opened the Berlin Gigafactory in Germany after another successful launch in China, as it continues to sell in global markets. This is an American company entering the international business market and industry. Yet the United States, China, and Germany have different politics, economic conditions, cultures, laws, and consumers.

What is the difference between a multinational corporation (MNC) and an international business? A multinational corporation (MNC) is a large company operating in multiple countries with centralized control, while international business encompasses all cross-border economic activities involving firms of varying sizes engaging in trade, investment, and services globally.

College students explore this through international business research papers, essays, and projects. Similarly, students can craft good research topics in international business from the relevant concepts, current trends, global business news, and personal interests. However, most business students hoping to write a research paper on international business may struggle to find the best global issues topics.

Therefore, we assist students with quality global issues topics for research papers related to trends, theories, concepts, and issues in international business. Our expert writers are ready to write quality papers about international business for you.

Get Help Writing International Business Research Paper

Although many students know some global issues affecting multinational corporations, compiling relevant information and content into a research paper remains challenging.

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Our experts can write custom research papers on international business with original arguments, relevant legal and scholarly citations, format, and grammar. Our writers deeply understand concepts of globalization, cross-culture, laws, regulations, employment issues, and emerging technologies. Also, we are familiar with research and trends on international trade organizations like WTO, ILO, bilateral treaties, and unions.

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You can now pay professionals to write international business research papers, proposals, or essays for you. This ensures you get high-quality papers that address all the requirements and delivered on time.

Getting a good topic on international business and tips on writing a business-related paper do not guarantee a perfect paper. Students still struggle to write essays on international business ethics and deliver original papers without plagiarism. Others deliver papers that lack critical analysis and comprehensive articulation of theories, issues, data, or arguments relevant to global business.

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The surest way to write an international business paper is to delegate the writing to professionals who can get everything done perfectly. Our expert business writers have adequate knowledge and experience in writing papers, proposals, and projects related to global business.

We can articulate the theories, concepts, and data in international business management, trade, regulations, and practices. So, let us experts help you if you are looking for an international business research paper, essay, proposal, or business plan.

However, some students can write the paper if they get an outline or tips. We also got you covered - the business research paper outline below can help you:

Pick an interesting and relevant international business topic
Write a good introduction and clear thesis statement
Write the body paragraphs with proper structure and in-text citations
Write a perfect conclusion and recommendations. Here is a guide on how to write a good conclusion .
Include a bibliography, a list of references, or works cited
Format as required (APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago)
Proofread and edit to perfection

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Free International Business Research Topics

Below are sample international business research topics for college students. We can also create for you original global issues topics for research papers for Free, provided we write the paper for you.

Get a topic for free, and we will write your research paper for a small fee.

Business entry strategies for foreign corporations.
Can the world economy survive sustainably without Russia?
Digital marketing's role in the growth of the international business
Effects of climate change on the Global Economy?
Effects of cybersecurity on the growth of international trade
Energy price levels and how it affects economic growth
Factors behind the continued fluctuation of the cryptocurrency value
How do the rising unemployment levels affect international business?
How intellectual capital relates to stunted industrial growth in developing countries
Impacts of corruption on international trade
Impacts of Foreign Direct Investments policy on the international growth business.
International corporations from the US suffered from the Russian-Ukraine Invasion
Policies enacted by the US government affect international business?
Potential Impacts of Brexit on the Global Economy?
The impacts of global financial crises on the economy.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine affects the international business environment
Threats posed by the coronavirus to the world economy?
Types of emerging markets in international trade
What are the effects of sanctions on the Russian economy?
What are the impacts of the 5G network on international business?

Global Issues Research Paper Topics

When looking for good research papers about global issues affecting businesses, think about politics, cultures, the economy, laws, and trends. If you want to score an A on your research paper, hire a writer from our team to write it for you properly and fast.

We can create an original research topic for free and write the paper for a small fee. Some of the global issues research paper topics you can use for brainstorming include:

Advancement in social network platforms essential for global business
Challenges facing international businesses because of insecurity
Corruption affects the international business sector.
Cultural diversity affects multinational firms
Developments in the transport sector on growth of international trade
Economic implications of nuclear energy on the European Union economy
Effective management is the pillar for success in a multinational corporation.
Effects of globalization on a business entity
Growth in the ICT sector led to the growth of international business
How does the emergence of new markets impact the global economy?
How has the development of e-commerce promoted global marketing?
How is cultural understanding essential in international trade?
Impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on the business world
Impacts of the introduction of artificial intelligence on the human workforce
Possible motives for the Russian-Ukraine invasion
Setbacks businesses encounter in establishing the international business
Strategic planning and management across the borders of a country
The theory of international business and technology
Why would a business prefer to trade in a franchise model?
Why would a company succeed in the local market but fail internationally?

Current Topics in International Business

Some current global business topics are related to global economic issues and major economies like the US, China, the UK, and the Middle East. Other current topics are changes in corporate affairs, international markets, financial sectors, and more.

Our research paper helpers can easily craft an original topic in international business for you for FREE and then write the paper for you at the lowest rates. Just place the order and leave everything to the experts. Some sample global issues topics you could use for brainstorming include:

Advancements in the transport networks and movement of goods and services.
Big box stores are an emerging form of warehousing for corporations.
Business branding to match the customers' tastes and preferences.
Cause influenced marketing targeting the ever-changing needs and culture.
Cultural globalization is essential in international business
Development of new technologies in the business sector
Effects of social media on global marketing
Establishment of mergers to control a large market pool
How is climate change impacting the global economy?
Impact of travel restrictions on the global business entities
Introduction of circular economic models
Roles of nations in enhancing international trade
Technological advancements like 5G networks enhance communication.
The development of the telecommunication industries.
The economic power of the emerging markets.
The emergence of new economic blocs has enhanced competition.
The impacts of coronavirus on business establishments worldwide.
The strategies are aimed at controlling climate change.
Venturing into franchises globally
What are the internationalization strategies?

Interesting International Topics for Research Papers

When you are hoping to submit a quality research paper that exceeds the requirements, it is wise to get help from experts. Our research writers are ready to create for you an original topic and then write the paper for a small fee.

We guarantee a 100% original paper with excellent grammar, format, and citations. Meanwhile, some of the sample international business research topics for brainstorming include;

Challenges and opportunities of doing business in emerging markets
Effects of social media on global marketing?
How foreign exchange policies affect international business.
Human resource challenges in the international business sector.
Impact of economic and political instability on international business
Impacts of email and newsletter marketing on international business?
Importance of language and culture in the foreign business world
Innovations like the introduction of robots essential in global business
Multinational corporations use brand awareness strategies to capture new markets.
Positive impacts realized by the development of cybersecurity in international business
Risks encountered by businesses engaging in international trade
Role of international business in sustainable development
Role of multinational corporations in the global economy
What are the common mistakes start-up businesses do that lead to their downfall?
What are the factors influencing the choice of foreign direct investments?
What are the factors leading to the balance of payment deficits?
What are the strategies employed by successful international companies?
What is the importance of security laws to a business?
What is the significance of the international business field?

International Business Topics for Presentation with Speaker Notes

Are you hoping to get high-quality international business presentation topics? Then we've got some good news for you. We have sampled some good international business topics for presentation that should jump-start the process for you.

Also, we have top professional research paper writers for hire, ready to select original research topics for you for FREE and then write your PPT for cheap. You will receive a quality presentation with speaker notes and relevant visuals. Meanwhile, some sample topics you could use include;

Competition and trademark lawsuits amongst multinational corporations.
Corporate managers are responsible for the implementation of sustainability plans.
Corruption in the international business decision-making
Effects of inflation on businesses operating in the international environment?
Foreign Direct Investment over forms of businesses in global trade.
How globalization affects international companies and business activity.
How the US sanctions against Russia affect corporations
How the tourism industry could grow using current digital technologies
What impacts of international trade on the economies of various countries?
Impacts of Russian-Ukraine invasion on oil prices?
International trade relations affected by the Russian-Ukraine invasion
Management functions in multinational trade are complex and broad
The current changing patterns of international productions.
The current trends in the international business world.
The fundamental licensing issues for international businesses.
The impact of technology in advancing international business activities.
The impact of the internet in enhancing globalization.
The political factors that are influencing international businesses.
The risk mitigation factors for businesses operating internationally.
The significance of monetary policy governing multinational companies.

International Commercial and Business Law Research Topics

Research topics about international commercial and business law are related to international trade and the relations among foreign entities. Students often need help with this area challenge of the comparative study of extensive policies, treaties, relations, and concepts.

Luckily, we always have experts ready to craft original international business law topics for free. Our best research paper writers for hire are ready to write for you a perfect paper on international business law.

We will offer free original topics, drafts, Grammarly reports, plagiarism reports, and copies of sources. Some sample international commercial and business law dissertation topics you could use include;

Can contract law cope with the impact of modern technology
Challenges businesses encounter in acquiring the commercial lease
Comparing UK and USA human rights abuses committed by their subsidiaries overseas
Comparison between arbitral procedure under ICC Rules and other ad hoc procedures
Components of commercial lease laws and their importance to the business
Effects of cultural differences on international business negotiations
Essential roles of business law in the interpretation of contractual engagements
EU intellectual property laws
How are contract termination agreements important concerning business law?
Impact of technological advancements on international business
Roles of the law of contracts in international business transactions
Scope of International trade laws
The application of English admiralty jurisdiction
The scope of the Vienna law system
Trends in International taxation laws
Types of agreements business entities can engage in and their terms
What are Arbitration Laws regarding international business?
What are copyright and patent laws and their importance to a business entity?
What are the advertising laws and their importance to a business?
What are the Banking regulations controlling international businesses?
What are the rules regarding environmental conservation?
What is the importance of foreign investment policies to a business entity?

Get Original International Business Dissertation Topics

International business dissertations involve much research, extensive secondary data, and legal policies. This area has much to cover, from international trade agreements to laws and economic terms. This can make it challenging for students to find information relevant to their dissertation topic.

So, students must choose international business dissertation topics relevant to today's business world. Also, a good international business dissertation topic should be researchable, specific, trending, and relevant to the study area.

We have dissertation experts ready to create an original international business dissertation topic for FREE. You will get a free original topic then we will write the paper for you at a small fee. Meanwhile, here are some sample topics you could use;

Benefits of the current innovations in the global business
Challenges faced mergers by mergers and acquisitions
Challenges facing the management in international business
Cultural differences impact innovation in the business
Development of information communication technology
Effects of the coronavirus pandemic on business
Impact of corporate governance on business performance
Impacts of privatization and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs?
Impacts of social media on global business operations
Management of emissions and wastes from factories essential for sustainability
Market knowledge is essential for solving success
What outcomes are associated with Brexit in the global economy?
Pros and cons of international joint ventures
Role of corporate social responsibility in ensuring customer loyalty
Strategies do businesses use to address the ever-changing consumer needs
Students should study the latest issues in international trade
Technological advancements in the agricultural sector improved the world economy
Globalization and its impact on international business
Cross-cultural communication in international business
International trade and its role in the global economy

International Business Management Research Topics for Students

International business management is managing a company's global activities, including marketing, production, human resources, finance, and research and development. Writing an international business management research paper or dissertation can focus on any area.

Students get free international business management research topics from our expert writers. Once you order a free original topic, we can write the research paper for you at a small fee. As the best research paper helpers online, we will help with all your needs. Some topics you can use include;

Developing an effective brand to compete in the international market
Expansion strategies for international markets
Flexible operation procedures the multinational business employs to be efficient
How can a business adopt e-commerce policies to enhance marketing?
How can a business diversify its operation base?
How to manage an environmentally friendly business venture?
Innovative ideas a business can employ to enhance its growth
International business corporate social responsibility in diverse markets
Policies adopted by a business to survive competition in foreign markets
Strategies a business can employ to grow to an international level
Strategies that can be in place to establish an effective human resource management ?
Strategies the multinational business use to improve its supply chain
The multinational company effectively use intellectual capital to boost production
What measures can ensure a practical accounting and management system?
What risk mitigation measures can the business employ?

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Don't Stress Over Business Research Papers; We Got You!

Business Research Paper Topics: Management, Commerce, Entrepreneurship, etc

When it comes to business and entrepreneurship, a business research paper is the key to opening doors. Narrowing down the immense universe of business research to just one research paper may be a daunting task. For aspiring company executives and students of business, these business research papers are like treasure troves of invaluable information.

You will delve into many different areas of study, including international trade, business law, business management, business communication, and business ethics. A good research paper subject may help you learn more about economics, markets, financial management, operational logistics, and even the effects of global events.

How to Find a Good Business Research Topic?

The quest for the best business research topic might be time-consuming and difficult. These guidelines, however, should make it easier for you to select the ideal business topic with which to dominate the business world.

Stay updated with the trends : Explore the most recent publications and events related to the study of international trade and business negotiation (or any other topic of interest). Trending topics like business laws and consumer behavior are worth keeping an eye on.
Make a list of interesting points to discuss : Write down a few of the best business research topic options that interest you, and zero down on the research topics that really excite you. If you’re interested in business law topics, for instance, you may zero down on the fascinating area of laws on international businesses.
Dig into the research : Before diving in, be sure to narrow down your options to good business research topics that have sufficient supporting evidence. To make your research paper sparkle like a disco ball, look for up-to-date data, statistics, and rock-solid proof to back up your statements.

Business Management Research Topics

Research topics for business management are ones that can provide significant returns. By delving into these research topics, we can learn more about many facets of strategic management, make better judgments, and promote growth/sustainability. Use our collection of suggestions if you need ideas for management research paper topics in this field.

Conflict Management Strategies For Business Teams And Business Managers.
Examining The American Business Sector Through The Lens Of Consumer Behavior.
Crisis Management In Business Organizations.
Relationship Between Wages And Employee Motivation.
Social Entrepreneurship And Sustainable Business Models.
Comparing Startup And Multinational Management Techniques.
Team-Building In Dynamic And Distant Workplaces.
Performance Management Systems In Promoting Employee Development And Accountability.
Emotional Intelligence In Leadership Effectiveness And Business Management.
Employee Empowerment And Organizational Success.

Global Business Research Topics

Discover more about the international trade landscape by doing research on global business topics. They contribute to resolving the intricate issues of international business, which arise from the globalized character of today’s business world. We can encourage innovation management and push for sustainable development by studying phenomena like international investment and global market trends.

Impact Of Globalization On Multinational Corporations
Political Instability And International Trade Operations.
Digital Technologies In Transforming Global Supply Chains.
Effects Of Trade Liberalization On Developing Economies.
Climate Change And Global Business Strategies.
Cross-Cultural Management Strategies For International Businesses.
How Digital Technologies Is Transforming Small Local Businesses In The Global Marketplace.
Competitive Strategies Of Local Companies In The Era Of Globalization
Dynamics Of Foreign Direct Investment In Emerging Markets.
Entrepreneurship And Economic Growth In Developing Countries.

Business Communication Topics for research paper

There are many different aspects of business communication that might be the subject of a research paper. By delving into these business topics, you’ll get insight into both the theoretical and practical sides of business communication. Explore the business research examples on communication below to examine its issues and techniques and add new information to the subject.

Digital Communication Tools and Workplace Communication
Role of Nonverbal Communication in Business Negotiations
Crisis Communication and Business Management in the Digital Age
Use of Technology in Internal Communication within Organizations
Power of Storytelling in Business Communication and Marketing
Influence of Social Media Marketing on Brand Communication
Ethical Issues in Business Communication
Role of Communication and Improving Customer Loyalty
Gamification in Business Communication and Training
Business Communication Strategies and Cultural Differences

Business Law Research Topics

This section of business research offers a pool of ideas for business law topics for research paper works. They merit analysis in order to decipher legal complications that have an impact on enterprises, improve legal compliance, and promote business law in the context of in-depth business research projects and papers.

Intellectual Property Rights And Business Protection In The Digital Age.
Legal Implications Of Data Privacy And Cybersecurity In Business.
Legal Challenges In E-Commerce.
The Legal Aspects Of Mergers, Acquisitions, And Corporate Restructuring.
Challenges Of Cross-Border Legal Frameworks And International Transactions
Employment Law And The Legal Rights Of Employees.
Contract Law: Its Application In Business Agreements And Negotiations.
Corporate Social Responsibility And Legal Obligations Of Companies.
Legal Framework Of Trade Agreements And International Treaties On Business Operations
Social Media For Marketing/Advertising; Legal Considerations

Strategic Business Research Topics

This section of business research topics contains suggestions for areas worthy of in-depth study and analysis within the business world. Furthermore, they provide excellent jumping-off places for research papers, allowing you to investigate new developments, get new understandings, and spark new ideas, all of which improve creative and financial accounting. Here are some examples of potential topics for business research paper works below.

Digital Transformation On Business Strategy
Strategies For Achieving Sustainable Business Growth
How Corporate Culture Can Shape Successful Business Strategies
Artificial Intelligence (AI) And Machine Learning In Shaping Business Strategies
Consumer Preferences And Trends On Business Strategy
Building And Maintaining Strong Customer Relationships In The Digital Era
Globalization On Business Strategy And International Expansion
Geopolitical Factors On Business Strategy And Decision-Making
Leveraging Partnerships And Collaborations For Business Growth
Adapting To Economic Fluctuations And Market Volatility

Basic Business Research Topics

This section covers business topics that can be explored and analyzed further. When time, experience, or workload prevent you from creating a good business writing assignment, you can pay someone to write a paper . You can use these topics which enhance understanding, facilitate informed decision-making, and keep individuals updated with the latest trends and developments.

Impact Of Digital Marketing On Consumer Behavior.
Improving Customer Retention In The Retail Industry.
Employee Motivation On Organizational Productivity.
Implementing E-Commerce For Small Businesses.
Social Media In Brand Building And Customer Engagement.
Leadership Styles On Employee Satisfaction And Performance.
Pricing Strategies On Consumer Perception And Purchasing Behavior.
Customer Reviews And Ratings On Consumer Purchasing Decisions.
Data Analytics In Improving Business Decision-Making And Performance.
International Expansion For Small Businesses.

Interesting Business Topics for a Research Paper

Here, you’ll find a hand-picked selection of interesting business research topics or ideas to go into. It discusses current trends, problems, and potential solutions in a number of different economic sectors. These themes and a full guide on how to write a research paper can help you learn more about modern business difficulties and improve your writing abilities.

Ai And Business Processes
Corporate Governance And Business Practices.
Social Media Marketing; Enhancing Brand Visibility
Blockchain Technology; Impact On Business Transactions And Data Security
E-Commerce And Traditional Retail Business Models.
Data Privacy Regulations (E.G., Gdpr) On Customer Data Management.
Corporate Mergers/Acquisitions On Market Competition And Consumer Choice.
Innovation; Competitive Advantage And Driving Business Growth.
Disruptive Technologies (Such As Virtual Reality Or 3d Printing) On Traditional Business Models
Corporate Social Media Presence On Brand Image

Easy Business Research Paper Topics

If you need ideas for your conventional and easy business essay topics or a business research project, this area has you covered. They give background information and solutions in the ever-changing business management environment. Take a look at this list of potential easy business topics to write about before you start your great business research paper.

Effectiveness Of Online Advertising In Reaching Target Audiences.
Celebrity Endorsements On Consumer Purchasing Decisions.
Benefits And Drawbacks Of Outsourcing Certain Business Functions.
Social Media Marketing And Consumer Behavior.
How E-Commerce Can Drive Small Business Growth.
Emotional Intelligence In Effective Business Leadership.
Sustainability Practices And Business Profitability.
Customer Service’s Significance In The Modern Corporate World.
Employee Training And Organizational Performance.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems On Customer Satisfaction.

Controversial Business Research Topics

Many times, controversy can serve as excellent examples of business research. Ethical conundrums, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and new technology are just a few of the hot-button subjects they can help you investigate. You may also identify interesting international business topics and viable business proposal topics by researching controversial issues.

Corporate Social Responsibility: Effectiveness And Ethics
Ethical Implications Of Marketing To Children
Impact Of Big Data On Consumer Privacy
Workplace Diversity: Challenges And Benefits
The Role Of Business Lobbying In Shaping Government Policies
Impact Of Minimum Wage Laws On Businesses And Employment
The Ethics Of Ai In Business Decision-Making
Labor Exploitation And Sweatshops In Global Supply Chains
Influence Of Corporate Political Donations On Policy-Making
Consumer Manipulation Through Neuromarketing Techniques

Business Research Topics for College Students

Academic studies are excellent examples of business research. Having students investigate a wide range of business-related research topics is a great way to build their analytical and problem-solving chops. College students may find business research topics that can assist them in getting insights into real-world difficulties, which can aid in both their academic and professional development.

Variations In Developing-World Business Practices
Evaluation Of Business Dangers
Family-Run Businesses
Market Monopolies
The Effect Of New Businesses On Existing Ones
Variations In Cultural Management Practices
Variations In Copyright Regulations Across The World
Marketers’ Choice: Online Or Offline?
Online Reviews On Consumer Purchase Decisions
The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Outsourcing Workers

Business Research Topics for MBA Students

There is a great deal of unresolved business research questions in the academic community. Research paper topics on business are a great place to start for MBA students looking for a thesis for their research paper . Students benefit from these discussions because they foster analytical thinking, problem solving, and practical business acumen.

Recent Developments In Consumer Habits
Strategic Administration In Business
Customs And Practices Unique To An Organization
Diplomacy And Negotiation In Business
Proven Methods Of Advertising
Changing Patterns In National Exports And Imports
Locational Advantages And Commercial Success
Boosting Brand Recognition Has Several Positive Effects.
The Rise Of The Social Media Market
Workplace Wellness And Cultural Diversity

International Business Research Paper Topics

International business research topics cover a wide range of issues pertinent to the study of international transactions, including business ethics. By opening up dialogue on these issues, we may all get a deeper appreciation for the moral dilemmas that arise when doing business on a global scale.

Cultural Intelligence In International Trade Negotiations.
Technology And International Trade Expansion.
Foreign Direct Investment And Host Nation Economic Growth.
Ethical Considerations In International Business
Currency Swings And Multinational Firms’ Finances.
Cultural Distinctions On Foreign Consumer Behavior.
International Virtual Team Management Problems.
Politics And International Trade.
Trade Agreements And Global Supply Networks.
International Corporate Social Responsibility: Opportunities And Challenges.

Research Topics in Business Administration

Research Topics Business Administration range from strategy and finance to marketing and operations. Organizational performance and competitiveness may both benefit from these discussions because they increase knowledge, encourage creativity, provide context for decisions, and stimulate the development of best practices.

Effective Methods For Boosting Worker Enthusiasm
Leadership Styles In Driving Organizational Innovation And Change.
Team Conflict Management Professional And Business Networking
Crisis Management In An Organization
The Role Of Social Entrepreneurs
Factors Contributing To A High Turnover Rate
Comparing Management Of Large Corporations To Those Of Startups
Team-Building Techniques
Marketing Methods And Consumer Loyalty.
Wages And Productivity: A Look At The Data

Business Ethics Topics for a Research Paper

Topics for business ethics research paper offers suggestions for papers that investigate the moral elements of doing business. Ethics research paper topics help students develop their analytical and deliberative abilities and improve their capacity to make morally sound decisions. Look at these suggestions for business ethics topics for research paper works.

Role Of Leaders In Promoting Ethical Behavior In Organizations.
Workplace Diversity And Inclusion.
Ethical Decision Making.
Business Ethics In International Transactions.
Ethical Marketing And Advertising.
Environmental Ethics In Business.
Privacy And Data Ethics.
Ethical Supply Chain Management.
Fair Trade and Ethical Consumerism.
Ethical Implications Of Artificial Intelligence.

Business Debate Research Topics

The interesting business article topics are discussed in this section. Discussing these business essay topics is beneficial since it helps people develop skills like critical thinking, trend awareness, creativity, and the ability to grasp intricate business ideas.

Impact Of Automation On Job Creation And Unemployment Rates.
Remote Work And Its Potential Long-Term Implications For Organizations.
Data Collection And Privacy In The Digital Age.
Implementing A Circular Economy Model In Businesses.
Globalization On Local Economies And Cultural Preservation.
Role Of Business Leaders In Climate Change And Environmental Sustainability.
Universal Basic Income Benefits And Drawbacks For Economic Stability.
Government Regulation And Innovation And Entrepreneurship.
E-Commerce’s Prospective Impact On Brick-And-Mortar Retail.
Ai In Financial Investing And Trading: Pros And Cons.

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Title: Business ecosystem concept in supply chain management research

Authors : Evgeniya Tsytsyna; Katrina Lintukangas; Veli Matti Virolainen

Addresses : Business School, LUT University, Yliopistonkatu 34, 53850, Lappeenranta, Finland ' Business School, LUT University, Yliopistonkatu 34, 53850, Lappeenranta, Finland ' Business School, LUT University, Yliopistonkatu 34, 53850, Lappeenranta, Finland

Abstract : The concept of a business ecosystem (BE) is gaining attention among scholars in many fields, including supply chain management (SCM) literature. This paper aims to examine the BE concept in SCM literature, reveal research streams and research gaps. By conducting a systematic literature review and a thematic analysis, we revealed eight main research streams: sustainability, digitalisation, ecosystem architecture, collaboration and trust, ecosystem lifecycle, complexity and risks, financial performance and indicators, and services. Topics of sustainability and digitalisation represent the most widely researched BE topics in the SCM literature. The study also revealed significant research gaps, both at the company (micro) level and at the BE and policy (macro) level, that need to be addressed in future studies. The study extends the SCM view beyond the dyadic relationships and opens the possibilities for future research in the field of SCM and BEs.

Keywords : business ecosystem; supply chain; network; supply chain management; SCM; sustainability; digitalisation.

DOI : 10.1504/IJPM.2024.138364

International Journal of Procurement Management, 2024 Vol.20 No.2, pp.240 - 266

Received: 24 Feb 2023 Accepted: 28 Feb 2023 Published online: 01 May 2024 *

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Immigration's Effect on US Wages and Employment Redux

In this article we revive, extend and improve the approach used in a series of influential papers written in the 2000s to estimate how changes in the supply of immigrant workers affected natives' wages in the US. We begin by extending the analysis to include the more recent years 2000-2022. Additionally, we introduce three important improvements. First, we introduce an IV that uses a new skill-based shift-share for immigrants and the demographic evolution for natives, which we show passes validity tests and has reasonably strong power. Second, we provide estimates of the impact of immigration on the employment-population ratio of natives to test for crowding out at the national level. Third, we analyze occupational upgrading of natives in response to immigrants. Using these estimates, we calculate that immigration, thanks to native-immigrant complementarity and college skill content of immigrants, had a positive and significant effect between +1.7 to +2.6\% on wages of less educated native workers, over the period 2000-2019 and no significant wage effect on college educated natives. We also calculate a positive employment rate effect for most native workers. Even simulations for the most recent 2019-2022 period suggest small positive effects on wages of non-college natives and no significant crowding out effects on employment.

We are grateful for Rebecca Brough for her research assistance and suggestions. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Bureau of Economic Research.

MARC RIS BibTeΧ

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60 Best International Business Topics For Your Paper
How To Write International Business Topics. To outsmart your peers in such a paper, following the guidelines below in choosing a top-notch topic: Have a topic that you have an interest in. Avoiding picking narrow or broad-based topics. Choose one that is based on the current affairs in the world of business. Explore annual reports, periodicals ...
80+ International Business Research Paper Topics With Samples
The list is quite impressive - more than 80 examples of research paper topics about business from our college paper writer. Good luck finding your perfect idea! Table of contents hide. 1 International business topics for research papers on general concepts. 2 International business research paper topics on companies.
Research on international business: The new realities
1. Introduction. This year (2021) marks the thirtieth year of the establishment of the International Business Review (IBR), 1 and this anniversary provides an appropriate occasion not only to reflect on past developments in the global economy and International Business (IB) research but also to offer our thoughts on the important issues that we believe IB scholars should address in the coming ...
Research in International Business and Finance
Methodologies and conceptualization issues related to finance. Research in International Business and Finance (RIBAF) seeks to consolidate its position as a premier scholarly vehicle of academic finance. The Journal publishes high quality, insightful, well-written papers that explore current and new issues in international finance.
International Business Research
The selection, use, and reporting of control variables in international business research: A review and recommendations. Bo Bernhard Nielsen, Arpit Raswant, in Journal of World Business, 2018. 4.2.1.2 IB implications. IB research is particularly vulnerable (or subject) to changes in theoretical boundary conditions due to contextual variation (Teagarden et al., 2018).
Research methods in international business
Research methodology in international business studies is experiencing a rise in visibility combined with an increase in its rigor and sophistication. Nearly every issue of the Journal of International Business ( JIBS) in 2020 features at least one article on research methods, such as offering methodological assessments of and new insights into ...
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International business research: The real challenges are data and
In a recent article in the Journal of International Business Studies, Eden and Nielsen (2020: 1610) write that "complexity is the underlying cause of the unique methodological problems facing international business research."For them, international business (IB) research is uniquely complex because of its multiplicity, multiplexity, and dynamism: IB researchers need to take into account ...
Two Decades of International Business Research: A Review based on Topic
This study identifies and analyzes the intellectual structure of the international business research in the six leading IB journals (GSJ, MIR, IBR, JIBS, JIM and JWB) over the period from 1996 to 2015. To achieve this aim we apply a novel method of topic modelling, a machine learning approach, to extract 23 topics from 3696 articles. The quantitative nature of the method allows us to analyze ...
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211 Business Topics For Research Paper. The Impact of Leadership Styles on Employee Motivation. Strategies for Managing Multicultural Teams Effectively. The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Success. Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses on a Limited Budget. The Influence of Social Media Marketing on Consumer Behavior.
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International Economics Research Paper Topics
100 International Economics Research Paper Topics. To assist students in their quest to find compelling research paper topics in the field of international economics, we have curated a comprehensive list of diverse and engaging topics. These topics cover various aspects of international economics, providing students with a wide range of options ...
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Top International Business Research Paper Topics. The options when writing a research paper about business are endless. And to narrow them here are some examples of business research topics you can use as inspiration, or just use when writing your international business essay. These international business research paper topics should be of ...
250 Business Research Paper Topics: Best Ideas for Students
International Business Research Paper Topics. International business topics for research can encompass various aspects of cross-border trade as well as investment, including market entry strategies, cultural differences, and global supply chain management. Listed here are 15 potential research paper topics on international business.
International Business Review
The International Business Review (IBR) is a premier international journal in the discipline of international business, and the official journal of the European International Business Academy (EIBA). The journal publishes original and insightful papers on the theory and practice of international business, broadly defined to embrace firms' internationalization strategies, the cross-border ...
MBA Research Topics In Business (+ Free Webinar)
Here, we'll explore a variety of research ideas and topic thought-starters for management-related research degrees (MBAs/DBAs, etc.). These research topics span management strategy, HR, finance, operations, international business and leadership. NB - This is just the start…. The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps.
International Business Dissertation Topics
For international business dissertation topics: Study global economic trends. Analyze cross-border challenges. Explore trade and market dynamics. Research cultural influences. Examine multinational strategies. Select a topic aligning with your expertise and career aspirations.
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Free International Business Research Topics. Below are sample international business research topics for college students. We can also create for you original global issues topics for research papers for Free, provided we write the paper for you. Get a topic for free, and we will write your research paper for a small fee.
Business Research Paper Topics: Management, Commerce, Entrepreneurship, etc
International Business Research Paper Topics. International business research topics cover a wide range of issues pertinent to the study of international transactions, including business ethics. By opening up dialogue on these issues, we may all get a deeper appreciation for the moral dilemmas that arise when doing business on a global scale. ...
Sustainability
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Founded in 1920, the NBER is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to conducting economic research and to disseminating research findings among academics, public policy makers, and business professionals.
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PDF The effects of working time on productivity and firm performance: a
a research synthesis paper Prepared by Lonnie Golden1 Research synthesis paper initially prepared for the Tripartite Meeting of Experts on Working Time Arrangements (2011) INTERNATIONAL LABOUR OFFICE - GENEVA 1 Professor of Economics and Labor Studies, Penn State University, Abington College, [email protected].
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This research stream builds on the papers about the EU, FCPA, and OECD conventions to formulate international and national laws against corruption in international business. Therefore, it is essential to explore the real effects of these conventions on corruption in bribe-demanding and bribe-supplying countries ( Darrough, 2010 ).
Article: Business ecosystem concept in supply chain management research
This paper aims to examine the BE concept in SCM literature, reveal research streams and research gaps. By conducting a systematic literature review and a thematic analysis, we revealed eight main research streams: sustainability, digitalisation, ecosystem architecture, collaboration and trust, ecosystem lifecycle, complexity and risks ...
Immigration's Effect on US Wages and Employment Redux
In this article we revive, extend and improve the approach used in a series of influential papers written in the 2000s to estimate how changes in the supply of immigrant workers affected natives' wages in the US. We begin by extending the analysis to include the more recent years 2000-2022. Additionally, we introduce three important improvements.

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Introduction: Impact of International Business: Challenges and Solutions for Policy and Practice

Firms’ Internationalisation Strategies: The Evidence

From the Editors: Can I Trust Your Findings? Ruling Out Alternative Explanations in International Business Research

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