MN50795: International business
[Page last updated: 23 August 2022]
| Academic Year: | 2022/23 |
| Owning Department/School: | School of Management |
| Credits: | 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits] |
| Notional Study Hours: | 120 |
| Level: | Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7) |
| Period: |
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| Assessment Summary: | CW100 |
 Assessment Detail: |
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| Supplementary Assessment: |
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| Requisites: | |
| Learning Outcomes: | By the end of the unit, students will be able to:
* Demonstrate critical understanding, appreciation and application of the theories and perspectives that inform the literature on international business. * To apply this knowledge in practical situations to generate insight on options for action to improve firm performance. * Operates in abstract and unpredictably complex learning, work or practice contexts, requiring selection and application of advanced and specialist techniques and information sources. * The students will have an understanding of the practicalities of managing in complex international organisations. |
| Aims: | This course introduces students to international business theory and practice. The primary aim is to equip students with the understanding and tools they will need for effective management of international operations.
The unit begins by examining why a firm may seek to operate or collaborate beyond its own national borders. Looking at how companies seek to create competitive advantage in international markets. The unit explores salient issues in operating internationally; in particular the role of managers' global mindsets, the management of organisational culture, HR practices and the management of knowledge and intellectual property. The unit explores the role and pursuit of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in overseas activities. The unit also explores the growing trend of international entrepreneurship. In addition to the taught sessions of the unit the students explore the themes of the unit through meeting with executives and attending company visits (whether conducted in-person or virtually). |
| Skills: | Knowledge and understanding:
* Applies a systematic understanding of knowledge and specialist theoretical and methodological approaches, suggesting and incorporating interrelationships with other relevant disciplines in abstract and unpredictably complex contexts. Appreciation of the challenges and benefits of operating internationally. * Knowledge of how international firms create competitive advantage. * Appreciation of the complexities of operating internationally including the role of managers' global mindsets, the management of organisational culture, HR practice, the management of knowledge and intellectual property and the role and pursuit of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in overseas activities. * Appreciation of the phenomenon of international entrepreneurship Key skills: * Conceptualisation and critical thinking Selects and applies advanced principles, concepts, theoretical frameworks and approaches to critically develop systematic responses to existing discourses and methodologies, suggesting new ideas in unpredictably complex contexts. Ability to critically assess the benefits and costs of operating internationally * Synthesis and creativity Systematically synthesises advanced and specialist information and ideas and formulates and develops innovative proposals to address strategic issues or opportunities in unpredictably complex contexts. Ability to analyse and understand operating difficulties of international operations * Organisation and communication of information: Systematically organises and communicates advanced information, using criteria developed for specialist audiences in unpredictably complex contexts. * Interpersonal, team and networking skills: Applies and develops advanced interpersonal, team and networking skills to strategically enhance team performance in unpredictably complex contexts and contributes to specialist professional communities. * Ethical awareness and application: Systematically applies an advanced awareness of ethical and professional values and codes of conduct, to personal and strategic decisions, actions, responsibilities, outcomes and dilemmas, whilst working proactively with others to suggest and advocate appropriate solutions in unpredictably complex contexts. Ability to reflect on their earlier learning and practice, so as to integrate new knowledge with past experience and effectively apply it to new situations. |
| Content: | This unit will cover a range of different perspectives on understanding international business in the contemporary context.
Topics covered may include:
* The benefits, risks and costs of establishing and maintaining international operations * Alternative structural and operating models for international operations * Key management issues including Organisation Structurel, HR Policies, CSR, Organisational Culture, Brand and International Entrepreneurship. * Case-studies and live-interactions with executives and their organisations - that are operating internationally. * Developing leaders in a company operating internationally. |
| Programme availability: |
MN50795 is Optional on the following programmes:School of Management
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Notes:
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