International Business

This module will provide you with the foundation for the remainder of the course. Within the wider context of globalisation you will learn about the reasons why firms engage in international business.  You will then consider how country and regional-level factors may influence international business decisions and activities. You will then be introduced to some of the key theories of international business and how these contrast with more recent ideas, before seeing how the context and theory of international business connect to emerging issues and trends in the fields of practice and research.

This module will focus on developing your cross-cultural leadership skills. You will begin by examining different approaches to describing and understanding cross-cultural similarities and differences between and within nations, organisations and associated varieties of capitalism. You will then develop a critical and practical understanding of cultural intelligence as a core capability to interact and lead effectively across cultures. You will then explore how cultural intelligence can be applied in key areas of cross-cultural leadership (communication, negotiation, motivation, leadership, team working).

This module will focus on key issues in international marketing - the interface between firms and their customers around the globe. You will be introduced to the topic through consideration of key international marketing concepts, models and theories. You will then examine cultural diversity and ethical issues and their implications for firms engaged in international marketing before going on to explore the various strategic decisions firms must make in order to successfully engage with different markets. The module will conclude by evaluating the use and impact of digital tools in international marketing.

On this module you will begin by examining key international supply chain concepts and practices and the contribution of international supply chains to an organisation’s competitive advantage. You will also develop an appreciation of the ethical challenges firms face in managing their international supply chains. You will examine and evaluate different international supply chain strategies such as outsourcing, offshoring and reshoring and the socio-economic and environmental impacts such strategies may have. Finally, you will appraise the challenges firms increasingly face in managing vulnerability within - and building resilience into - their international supply chains.

You will begin by examining key dimensions of international financial management and their significance for companies. The tools that financial managers can use in order to achieve their international market targets will then be explored. Consideration will then be given to the different risks managers face in international financial markets and the methods and instruments that can be used to help mitigate these risks. The module will conclude by appraising ethical issues and dilemmas in international financial markets and the implications of these for companies.

You will begin by considering the impact of digitization on globalisation and the emergence and growth of international digital business, followed by an exploration of the potential implications of the emerging fourth industrial revolution, Industry 4.0, for international business. The role of digital technologies and platforms in creating innovative international business models will then be considered. The module will conclude by exploring the issues of risk mitigation and sustainability in the Global Digital Economy and how firms can strategically respond to the challenges and opportunities that may arise.

You will develop a critical awareness of what it means for a business to demonstrate responsible leadership and responsible corporate citizenship in global, regional and local situations. You will begin by developing an understanding of the increasing expectations placed on business to respond to a range of global challenges, as expressed through frameworks such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. You will then learn about the purpose-led organisation and how - through enabling the simultaneous enhancement of a firm’s competitiveness and improvement of societal, economic and environmental conditions – globally responsible leadership and citizenship may be achievable

In order to prepare for this pathway, you will undertake the following 15-credit module in your second trimester:

• Research Methods for Managers (15 credits; taught module): This is an applied module that focuses on practical research methodologies and techniques for conducting research and prepares you for the Business Internship pathway (or Business Dissertation, should you be unsuccessful in securing a Business Internship).

You will then undertake the following:

• Work Placement (45 credits): A full-time placement of up to 12 months in a project management related role within a workplace (subject to availability and visa compliance).

Please note: Should you be unsuccessful in securing a work placement, you will instead be required to undertake a 45-credit business dissertation, where you will select a particular topic you are interested in for further in-depth study.

In order to prepare for this pathway, you will undertake the following 15-credit module in your second trimester:

• Research Methods for Managers (15 credits): This is an applied module that focuses on practical research methodologies and techniques for conducting research and prepares you for the business internship pathway.

 You will then undertake the following in your third trimester:

• Business Internship (45 credits): A 3-month experiential opportunity within an organisation, focusing on real-world project management issues (subject to availability and visa compliance).

Please note: Should you be unsuccessful in securing an internship, you will instead be required to undertake a 45-credit business dissertation, where you will select a particular topic you are interested in for further in-depth study.

You will begin this pathway by undertaking 2 15-credit modules:

• Researching International Market Opportunities (15 credits): You will examine different aspects of the international market opportunity assessment process and the methodologies and tools managers can use to undertake the research required. Internal aspects that are specific to a company – such as the extent to which a company is ready to internationalise - will be considered. External aspects of the wider international market environment, – such as country and industry attractiveness, will also be explored. On completion of the module, you will be able to source, analyse and evaluate data to develop recommendations for international market expansion.
• International Entry Strategies (15 credits): In addition to assessing international market opportunities, companies looking to expand overseas need to consider when to enter a chosen market, on what scale and in which way. You will begin by examining the dilemma of whether a company should standardise its offering for all international markets or adapt its offering according to the specifics of individual markets. You will then examine the issues of timing, scale and mode of entry into a chosen market and how these may vary according to the context of the company and its offering, the company’s competitive environment and the target market.

You will then undertake the following 30-credit final project:

• International Consultancy Project (30 credits): This capstone module follows successful completion of the above 15-credit modules. You will first learn about the key skills required to act as an effective consultant. You will then a project on behalf of a client organisation, which will provide you with the opportunity to engage in a piece of independent consultancy research that enables you to consolidate and apply the knowledge and understanding you have gained throughout the course while developing market insights and strategic recommendations to be shared with the client organisation