International Business Environment

Code

BUSI4589

School

Business

Level

4

Credits

10

Semesters

Autumn UK

Summary

This module examines various dimensions of the international business environment, such as economic, cultural, and political environment, on which multinational firms formulate their strategy. It also develops an understanding of the impact of the global business environment on business' international decisions. Detailed case-studies are examined, illustrating more general points by referring to how firms make sense of environment and make strategic choices. 

Target Students

Only available for MSc International Business students AND MSc Exchange students.

Classes

• One 2-hour workshop each week for 11 weeks

Two-hour workshop session involving a mix of lecture material and group exercises/discussions.

Assessment

• 100% Coursework: 3,000 words.

Assessed by end of autumn semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding 

This module develops a knowledge and understanding of:

•    The dynamics of the global economy and international business &/or an awareness of cultural, legal/regulatory, political, and economic differences across countries &/or an appreciation of management issues from a global perspective
•    Markets- the development and operation of markets for resources, goods and services
•    The importance of sustainability issues, including an understanding of the challenges and opportunities arising from the activities of people and organisations on the economic, social and environmental conditions of the future.
•    Strategic management- the development and implementation of appropriate strategies within a changing environment.

Intellectual Skills

This module develops:

•    Being able to think critically and be creative: manage the creative processes in self and others; organise thoughts, analyse, synthesise and critically appraise. This includes the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implict values, define terms adequately and generalise appropriately
•    Being able to solve complex problems and make decisions: establish criteria, using appropriate decision-making techniques including identifying, formulating and solving business problems; and the ability to create, identify and evaluate options; the ability to implement and review decisions.

Professional Practical Skills

 
This module develops:

•    The ability to conduct research and enquiry into business and management issues either individually or as part of a team through research design, the collection and analysis of qualitative data, synthesis and reporting
•    Effective performance within team environments and the ability to recognise and utilise individuals' contributions in group processes and to negotiate and persuade or influence others; team selection, delegation, development and the management.
•    Leadership and performance management: selecting appropriate leadership style for different situations; setting objectives, motivating, monitoring performance, coaching and mentoring.

Transferable (key) skills

This module develops:

•    Effective communication: networking, listening, oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments, using a range of media, including the preparation of business reports.
•    High personal effectiveness: critical self-awareness, self-reflection and self-management; time management; conflict resolution, displaying commercial acumen, the ability to continue to learn through reflection on practice and experience.

Conveners

• Dr Richard Common