ULMS Electronic Module Catalogue
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Code ULMS516
Coordinator Dr T Xia
Strategy, IB and Entrepreneurship
Tianjiao.Xia@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:
 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 21

 6

         27
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 123
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Examination There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :1  2 hours    90       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Individual assignment There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :1  750 words    10       

Aims

To introduce key definitions, concepts, theories and topics in international business;

To provide students with an overview of the analytical tools available for analysis of the global business environment;

To provide students with an overview of the analytical tools available for an evaluation of the international firm as it operates in the global business environment;

To provide opportunities for the practical application of theories, concepts and analytical frameworks to an international business.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Understand key areas of the economics of foreign trade and investment;

(LO2) Understand foundational definitions, concepts and theories in international business and communicate these ideas in verbal and written forms;

(LO3) Develop an understanding of the activities of multinational firms including the economic and business drivers of these activities;

(LO4) Develop an awareness of the global business environment;

(LO5) Critically apply theories and concepts to empirical situations.

(S1) International awareness

(S2) Communication skills

(S3) Team work

(S4) Commercial awareness

(S5) Research skills

(S6) Ethical awareness

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures will (i) highlight the major issues and themes in international business and relate them to theoretical models and frameworks; (ii) provide students with the relevant knowledge of the key concepts in international business and the global business environment; and (iii) facilitate the acquisition of analytical, research and writing skills through tasks and exercises designed to support students’ coursework preparation.
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: Seminars will reinforce students’ understanding. Case studies and group work are intended to provide students with the experience in the application of theories and frameworks required to study international business.
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided

Syllabus
 

Indicative:

The major concepts of globalization and how multinational firms are influenced by, and also influence, this globalization process;

The economics of trade and investment flows, including the effects of exchange rate regimes, and managing exchange rate risks;

The economics of regional trade blocs and free trading areas and their influence on trade and foreign direct investment;

The concepts of institutional and cultural distance and how they may be measured;

Major theories of foreign direct investment;

The major modes of entry and the importance of transaction costs and the principal agent problem for selecting entry modes;

Structures and trends in international business ventures.

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.