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 Fundamentals of International Business
Code MKIB101
Coordinator Dr BD Vera
Strategy, IB and Entrepreneurship
Brian.Vera@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2024-25 Level 4 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 24

 12

         36
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 114
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Assessment 2: Written Unseen Examination (In person) Assessment Type: Written Exam Duration / Size: 2 hours Weighting: 70% Reassessment Opportunity: Yes – students will have the opportunity to r  2    70       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Assessment 1: Group Report Assessment Type: Coursework Duration / Size: 1500 words Weighting: 30 % Reassessment Opportunity: Yes – students will have to incorporate the feedback received in th  0    30       

Aims

This module aims to:
• Introduce students to key International Business theories and concepts;
• Enable students to understand the challenges of international business and develop their knowledge and skills in the strategic issues multinational firms face;
• Enable students to understand key political, socio-economic, and cultural dynamics and trends that characterize the globalized business environment;
• Provide opportunities for the practical application of theories, concepts and analytical frameworks.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of processes of internationalization and globalisation

(LO2) Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the key International Business theories and concepts

(LO3) Students will be able to apply the necessary expertise required to apply theoretical ideas to empirical situations, particularly through an understanding of how business adapts to the international business environment

(LO4) Students will be able to evaluate and discuss how MNEs make their foreign market entry decisions

(LO5) Students will be able to evaluate and present the impact of political, economic, social and cultural conditions to MNEs international operations and expansion

(LO6) Students will be able to develop skills on academic writing

(LO7) Students will be able to develop skills on sourcing and referencing data

(S1) Ethically Aware

(S2) Commercially Aware

(S3) Internationally Aware

(S4) Team Player

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1: Lectures
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 24
Description: 12 lectures of 2 hours each – lecturer to deliver the learning materials/syllabus outlined above
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2: Seminars
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 12
Description: 12 seminars of 1 hour each
Seminars will be divided into 2 blocks. The first 6 seminars will focus on developing students’ key academic skills. In the remaining 6 seminars students will work individually, in groups and via the use of real-life case studies/examples. They will apply the knowledge they gained through the lectures and self-directed study in practice. Moreover students will have opportunities to receive feedback on upcoming assessments.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Self-Directed Learning Hours: 114
Description: Students are expected to engage on a weekly basis with the core and recommended reading for this module. Through the intendent learnin g students will develop critical thinking around the concepts taught and refine their academic writing skills.

Skills Mapping

Skill: Ethically Aware
How is it developed: In the lectures, seminars and assessments, students will have to take into account ethical consideration when operating in international markets
How is it assessed (if applicable): Group Report and Written Examination

Skill: Commercially Aware
How is it developed: Via the topics discussed in the module
How is it assessed (if applicable): Group Report and Written Examination

Skill: Internationally Aware
How is it developed: Via the topics discussed in the module
How is it assessed (if applicable): Group Report and Written Examination

Skill: Team Player
How is it developed: Working in groups in the seminars and via the assessment
How is it assessed (if applicable): Group Report

Syllabus
 

This module covers the following topics:
• Internationalisation, Globalisation and De-globalisation (key debates)
• International Business Theories (Internalisation, Uppsala model, Eclectic paradigm, Firm Specific Advantage)
• The Political, Legal and Economic Environment in International Business
• The Cultural and Normative Environment in International Business
• Modes of Entry for International Expansion:
- Foreign Direct Investment
- Franchising
- Licensing
- Exports
• Foreign market entry decisions (why enter a foreign market, which foreign market to enter, when to enter a foreign market, how to select among entry modes)
• Introduction to International Trade (theories, trade barriers, trade agreements, governmental influence)
• Leveraging Capabilities Globally
• International Supply Chain
• Global and Regional Integration

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