Professor Mario Glowik, Delivers Lecture on Joint Ventures at MIUC under the ConnectEd Calendar
In March, as part of the ConnectEd Calendar at Marbella International University Centre (MIUC), Professor Mario Glowik, delivered a guest lecture on the subject of Joint Ventures in International Business, providing students with a critical examination of one of the most notable cases in the field of strategic management.
Professor Glowik is a highly regarded academic in the discipline of international strategic management, currently holding the post of Professor and Academic Director for the BSc in International Business Management at the Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin). His professional background includes senior roles at Samsung SDI, with postings in Germany, Brazil, Hungary, and South Korea. He holds a Doctorate in Economics from the Free University of Berlin and completed his Habilitation at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. His recent scholarly work focuses on renewable energy networks, sustainable investment models, and intercultural value co-creation.
During his lecture at MIUC, Professor Glowik presented a comprehensive case study concerning the joint venture between LG Electronics and Royal Philips Electronics, established in 2001 under the name LG.Philips Displays.
The lecture addressed the following key themes:
The strategic rationale behind the joint venture, namely the combination of LG’s manufacturing capabilities and Asian market position with Philips’ strong brand recognition and distribution network across Europe and the Americas.
The anticipated synergies, which included integration of cathode ray tube (CRT) operations, shared research and development, and economies of scale.
The cultural and managerial challenges that arose, particularly in relation to divergent time horizons, approaches to risk, internal communication practices, and differing attitudes to work-life balance.
The market-driven obstacles, including a rapid and unforeseen consumer shift from CRT to flat-screen technologies, which rendered the venture’s strategic direction obsolete within a few years.
The operational consequences, notably the closure of several production facilities in Europe, substantial financial losses, and eventual insolvency proceedings affecting the venture and its parent entities.
Professor Glowik’s analysis was particularly valuable in highlighting the interplay between strategic intent and cultural execution, as well as the risks associated with long-term alliances in fast-moving global markets. The lecture prompted engaging discussion among students and offered invaluable insights into the legal, financial, and managerial considerations inherent in international joint ventures.
This session formed a significant part of the ConnectEd initiative, reinforcing MIUC’s commitment to providing its students with direct exposure to leading experts and real-world business case studies that shape contemporary global practice.
