Students will be both introduced to relevant theoretical and conceptual frameworks and given a firm empirical understanding of the international business environment. The module will enable students to understand the challenges of international business and develop their knowledge and skills in the strategic issues multinational firms face.

The module will also help students become aware of key political, socio-economic, and cultural dynamics and trends that characterize the globalized business environment. Finally, the module will cover the ethical and social responsibility consideration when doing business in a global scale.

These aims will be achieved via a combination of lectures and seminars.

(LO1) Students will be able to develop an understanding of processes of internationalization and globalization

(LO2) Students will be able to develop an awareness of the activities of multinational firms and their relationship with the international business environment;

(LO3) Students will be able to develop an understanding of business models and their practical application in different international contexts;

(LO4) Students will be able to develop the ability to apply theoretical ideas to empirical situations, particularly through an understanding of how business adapts to the international business environment.

(LO5) Students will be able to develop an understanding of how diversity of moral and ethical norms in foreign locations affects key issues in corporate governance and corporate social responsibility.

(S1) Adaptability

(S2) Problem solving skills

(S3) Commercial awareness

(S4) Teamwork

(S5) Organisational skills

Teaching Method: Lecture
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 24
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method -Seminar
Description: Students will have to read in preparation for tutorials/seminars. Specific case studies will be provided to them with questions relating to the topics discussed during recordings but which would require from the students independent research, critical thinking and problem solving. The skills the students will acquire during these seminars are vital for their successful performance at the assessments.
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 6
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Self-Directed Learning Hours: 120
Description: Students are expected to engage on a weekly basis with the core and recommended reading for this module. They are particularly expected to engage with high-quality academic journal paper which they will use towards their assessment. Through the intendent learning students will develop critical thinking around the concepts taught and refine their academic writing skills.

Skills/Other Attributes Mapping

Skills / attributes: International awareness
How this is developed: Lectures and seminars
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Examination and Mid-term test

Skills / attributes: Commercial awareness
How this is developed: Lectures and seminars
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Examination and Mid-term test

Skills / attributes: Critical thinking
How this is developed: Seminars
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Examination and Mid-term test

Skills / attributes: Ethical awareness
How this is developed: Lectures and seminars
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Examination and Mid-term test

Skills / attributes: Problem solving skills
How this is developed: Seminars
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Examination and Mid-term test

Introduction: key issues in the international business environment and module overview;

Internationalisation and globalisation: Key debates;

MNEs (Multi-National Enterprises), FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) and business strategy in a global economy;

Direct investment and collaborative strategies;

Technological innovation and MNEs;

What are business models and how do they help us understand international businesses? Mini-case: D-Light;

Dilemmas of growth: Compsis case;

Sustaining and scaling up: KeBal Health case;

Final business case;

Political risks and international business;

Limits of globalisation.