Principles of International Business
| Module title | Principles of International Business |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEMM116 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Himadree Phookan (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 10 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 550 |
|---|
Module description
Business is international in scope as managers take advantage of the comparative advantages countries around the world offer through complex and geographic dispersed value chains, not only to sell products but also to access inputs, knowledge and skills. This module provides the theoretical foundations of international business and its practical applications in explaining the dynamics and constraints of firms’ international strategies. It analyses changes in the international economic environment as a result of globalization as well as the increased interdependence between countries and firms in terms of flows of goods, services, finances and people. The module considers also political, economic and institutional differences around the world and the strategies companies adopt when conducting business across national boundaries. While many practical examples are provided, focus is given to developing an analytical approach to addressing these questions, drawing on several theoretical perspectives.
Internationalisation
This module focuses on how companies conduct business across borders and explores various economic systems, cultural differences in different economies, and discusses issues from around the world to give you a global awareness. Mini-case studies and discussion of selected cases further expose you to conducting business in an international and multicultural context by drawing upon real-world scenarios across different countries and cultural boundaries.
External engagement
International experts/practitioners on topics relevant to the module will be invited to deliver in-module contributions.
Sustainability
As part of the University’s commitment to PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education - http://www.unprme.org/about-prme/the-six-principles.php), examples are disseminated throughout the module that illustrate both the impact of business activity on the environment, and how some companies are addressing sustainability concerns through their products and processes.
Employability
In this module gain an understanding of what it means to internationalise a business, and through the assignments you acquire research, critical thinking, analysis and report writing skills. It provides the opportunity to develop discursive, analytical, and judgement skills, and a cosmopolitan perspective.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of the internationalisation process firms undertake while selecting and targeting opportunities overseas. The module will develop your awareness of trends in the international business environment and the opportunities and challenges internationalisation brings along. It will develop your knowledge of where, why and how to conduct international business in order to gain an understanding of what determines the success and failure of firms conducting international business. The module will develop your skills in critical analysis and evaluation to enable you to make business decisions in an international setting and identify some of the key challenges faced by managers of multinational firms.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate your understanding of IB concepts, frameworks, and complex interactions between various political, economic and institutional factors that characterise the international business environment
- 2. Evaluate specific ways in which international business differs from domestic business and develop detailed knowledge on international business issues
- 3. Apply both the institution-based and resource-based view of the firm to international business issues
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Apply theoretical principles to critically analyse the current business environment
- 5. Critically evaluate relevant factors to make effective business decisions
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Analyse real world business problems and develop an ability to exercise judgement
Syllabus plan
Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:
- Introduction to International Business
- Globalization
- Institutions and Firm Resources
- Trade theories
- Foreign direct investment (FDI) theories
- Entry-mode strategies
- Global business strategy
- Ethics, Social Responsibility and Sustainability
- Supply Chain Responsibility
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 130 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 15 | 10 x 1.5 hour lectures |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 5 | 5 x 1 hour seminars |
| Guided independent study | 130 | Pre and post session reading plus assignment preparation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sample MCQ questions | 30 minutes | 1-3 | Automated feedback |
| Seminar discussion exercises | 5 x 1 hour | 1-6 | Verbal feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 100 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple choice exam | 20 | 45 minutes | 1-3 | Automated feedback (delivered via ELE) |
| Written exam | 80 | 120 minutes | 1-6 | Written feedback (script); generic exam feedback (ELE) |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple choice exam | Multiple choice exam (45 minutes, 20%) | 1-3 | Referral/deferral period |
| Written exam | Written exam (120 minutes, 80%) | 1-6 | Referral/deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e., a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
You are expected to own a copy of the core text:
- Peng, M. and Meyer, K. (2023) International Business, 4th Edition, London: Cengage Learning
There are many text books on international business in the University Library which can provide additional insights and examples of international business operations.
Relevant journals include (non-exhaustive list):
- Journal of International Business Studies
- International Business Review
- Journal of World Business
- Global Strategy Journal
- Journal of International Management
- International Management Review
- Critical Perspectives on International Business
- Harvard Business Review
- Strategic Management Journal
- Academy of Management Journal
- Academy of Management Review
- Management and Organization Review
- Thunderbird International Review
- International Studies of Management & Organization
- International Journal of Cross-Cultural Management
- Cross-Cultural & Strategic Management
- Academy of Management Perspectives
In addition, papers on the international dimension of business can be found in other business and management journals. Good analysis of contemporary events affecting international business can be found in The Economist (available online) and quality financial newspapers such as the Financial Times.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
The module has a fully developed site on ELE where an extensive array of module materials can be found including lecture outlines, suggested reading on a per topic basis, and relevant journal articles, plus multiple choice tests for formative assessment.
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
None
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/09/2007 |
| Last revision date | 30/04/2024 |
