100+ International Business Dissertation Topics

The first and most significant decision in international business or any other graduate course is topic selection. The right topic will set on a cross-road toward an academic path with tremendous impact on your future career path and profession. This article walks students through a step-by-step guide on how to choose interesting international business dissertation topics and presents various areas where one can orient his research efforts.

Why Topic Selection Matters

The dissertation topic you choose will:

• Define your research focus for months or even years
• Showcase your expertise to potential employers
• Potentially shape your early career trajectory
• Contribute to the existing body of knowledge in international business

Key Considerations When Selecting a Topic

1. Relevance: Select a topic that is sensitive or promises to answer emerging issues or phenomena in the world of international business.
2. Personal Interest: Select an area that genuinely excites you, as this will sustain your motivation throughout the research process.
3. Data Availability: Ensure that you can access the necessary data to support your research.
4. Originality: Aim to contribute something new to the field, even if it’s a fresh perspective on an existing issue.
5. Feasibility: Consider the scope of the project and ensure it’s achievable within your time and resource constraints.

List of 100+ International Business Dissertation Topics

The following are just examples. You may paraphrase, or put them in your own words. Take them as suggestions and modify their wording, if need be.

Globalization and International Trade

1. The impact of Brexit on EU-UK trade relations
2. China’s Belt and Road Initiative: Economic implications for participating countries
3. The role of the World Trade Organization in resolving international trade disputes
4. Effects of trade wars on global supply chains
5. Sustainability in international trade: Balancing economic growth and environmental protection
6. The future of free trade agreements in a post-pandemic world
7. Digital trade and its impact on traditional international business models
8. The role of e-commerce in facilitating cross-border trade for SMEs
9. Trade protectionism: Causes, consequences, and potential solutions
10. The impact of regional trade blocs on global economic integration

Cross-Cultural Management

11. Cultural intelligence and its role in effective global leadership
12. Managing virtual teams across different time zones and cultures
13. The influence of national culture on negotiation styles in international business
14. Expatriate management: Best practices for successful international assignments
15. Cross-cultural communication strategies in multinational corporations
16. The impact of cultural diversity on innovation in global organizations
17. Adapting leadership styles to different cultural contexts
18. Cultural differences in work-life balance expectations across countries
19. The role of language in international business communication
20. Managing cultural conflicts in international mergers and acquisitions

Emerging Markets and Developing Economies

21. The rise of African economies: Opportunities and challenges for international investors
22. India’s startup ecosystem: A comparative analysis with developed markets
23. The impact of foreign direct investment on economic growth in emerging markets
24. China’s transition from a manufacturing-based to a service-oriented economy
25. The role of microfinance in fostering entrepreneurship in developing countries
26. Sustainable development strategies for resource-rich emerging economies
27. The impact of remittances on economic development in low-income countries
28. Digital transformation in emerging markets: Challenges and opportunities
29. The role of state-owned enterprises in emerging market economies
30. Urbanization trends in developing countries and their impact on international business

International Finance and Economics

31. Cryptocurrency adoption in international transactions: Risks and opportunities
32. The impact of exchange rate fluctuations on multinational corporations’ profitability
33. Global financial crises: Causes, consequences, and prevention strategies
34. The role of sovereign wealth funds in international investment
35. Islamic finance: Growth potential and challenges in the global financial system
36. The future of the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency
37. International tax havens: Economic impact and regulatory challenges
38. The role of central banks in managing global economic stability
39. Foreign portfolio investment: Trends and impact on emerging market economies
40. Green bonds and sustainable finance in the international capital markets

Global Strategy and Operations

41. Reshoring vs. offshoring: Strategic decisions in global manufacturing
42. Localization strategies for multinational corporations entering new markets
43. The impact of artificial intelligence on global business operations
44. Sustainable supply chain management in international business
45. Global expansion strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises
46. The role of strategic alliances in international market entry
47. Corporate social responsibility in multinational corporations: A comparative study
48. Innovation management in global R&D networks
49. The impact of geopolitical risks on international business strategies
50. Digital transformation strategies for traditional industries in a global context

International Marketing

51. Influencer marketing strategies across different cultural contexts
52. The impact of country-of-origin effect on consumer behavior in international markets
53. Standardization vs. adaptation of marketing strategies in global markets
54. The role of social media in international brand building
55. Cross-cultural consumer behavior: A comparative study of luxury goods consumption
56. Global market segmentation strategies in the digital age
57. The impact of cultural values on advertising effectiveness across countries
58. Sustainable marketing practices in international business
59. The role of augmented reality in enhancing international marketing campaigns
60. Localization of global brands: Strategies and challenges

International Human Resource Management

61. Talent management strategies in multinational corporations
62. The impact of AI and automation on global workforce management
63. Cross-border knowledge transfer in multinational teams
64. Diversity and inclusion practices in international organizations
65. Global mobility trends and their impact on international human resource management
66. The role of corporate universities in developing global leaders
67. Performance management systems across different cultural contexts
68. Recruitment and selection strategies for international markets
69. The impact of remote work on global talent acquisition and retention
70. Employee engagement strategies in multicultural work environments

Technology and Innovation in International Business

71. The impact of 5G technology on global business operations
72. Blockchain applications in international trade and supply chain management
73. Industry 4.0 and its implications for global manufacturing
74. The role of innovation hubs in fostering international entrepreneurship
75. Open innovation strategies in multinational corporations
76. Technology transfer between developed and developing countries
77. The impact of big data analytics on international business decision-making
78. Cybersecurity challenges in global business operations
79. The role of Internet of Things (IoT) in transforming international logistics
80. Artificial intelligence and its impact on global customer service strategies

Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility

81. Sustainable business models in the circular economy: A global perspective
82. The impact of environmental regulations on international trade
83. Corporate social responsibility strategies in multinational corporations
84. The role of business in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals
85. Green supply chain management practices across different countries
86. The impact of climate change on international business strategies
87. Stakeholder engagement in global sustainability initiatives
88. Sustainable innovation strategies in multinational corporations
89. The role of NGOs in promoting responsible business practices globally
90. Measuring and reporting sustainability performance in international business

International Entrepreneurship

91. Born global firms: Success factors and challenges
92. The role of diaspora networks in international entrepreneurship
93. Social entrepreneurship in developing countries: Opportunities and challenges
94. International crowdfunding: A comparative analysis across different markets
95. The impact of incubators and accelerators on international startup success
96. Women entrepreneurs in global markets: Challenges and opportunities
97. The role of government policies in fostering international entrepreneurship
98. Cultural factors influencing entrepreneurial intentions across countries
99. Scaling strategies for international startups
100. The impact of digital platforms on global entrepreneurship ecosystems

Miscellaneous Topics

101. The future of work in a globalized economy
102. The impact of global health crises on international business operations
103. Ethical considerations in cross-border mergers and acquisitions
104. The role of soft power in international business diplomacy
105. Managing political risk in international business ventures
106. The impact of demographic shifts on global consumer markets
107. The role of business schools in developing global leaders
108. Intellectual property rights protection in international markets
109. The impact of urbanization on global business strategies
110. The future of global governance and its implications for international business