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 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
Code MKIB152
Coordinator Professor P Ganotakis
Strategy, IB and Entrepreneurship
P.Ganotakis@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2023-24 Level 4 FHEQ Second 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 24

 6

         30
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 120
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Assessment 2: Online Unseen Examination Assessment Type: Written Exam Duration: 24 hours Weighting: 70% Reassessment Opportunity: Yes Penalty for Late Submission: Standard UoL Penalty Applie  24    70       
Assessment 1: Online Mid-Term Assessment Type: Written Exam Duration 1 hour Weighting: 30% Reassessment Opportunity: Yes Penalty for Late Submission: Standard UoL Penalty Applies Anonymous  1    30       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             

Aims

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.

Learning Outcomes

(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 and Learning Strategies

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

Syllabus
 

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.

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