This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the economic and strategic aspects of international business, focusing on the firm-level perspective.

(LO1) Students will be able to analyse a firm’s competitive advantage by using their understanding the role of resources and capabilities in building sustainable competitive advantage

(LO2) Students will be able to apply the economic theories underpinning international business and applying frameworks to assess a firm’s internationalisation strategies.

(LO3) Students will be able to analyse the role of individual and organisational behaviour in international business decisions.

(LO4) Students will be able to create strategies to promote diversity and inclusion in international business operations.

(LO5) Students will be able to analyse the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving international business growth.

(S1) A problem solver

(S2) Numerate

(S3) Commercially aware

(S4) An excellent communicator

(S5) IT literate

(S6) Internationally aware

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

Teaching Method: Seminar
Description: The seminar and student-led study group programme will provide structured practice in core analytical and problem-solving methods applicable to each topic, strengthen student intuition regarding the nature of particular issues covered in the course and their methods of analysis and solutions. They will also provide a forum where students can clarify areas of partial understanding with the tutor and their peers and allow students to discuss possible extensions of the basic analysis presented in class.
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 6
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Self-Directed Learning Hours: 120
Description: In addition to scheduled directed learning, tutorial and student-led study group hours, students will be expected to self-study and complete fortnightly problem sets largely on their own.

Skills/Other Attributes Map ping

Skills / attributes: A problem solver
How this is developed: The lectures and tutorials will develop problem-solving skills with the use of case studies and stimulating questions with opportunities for students to apply the main concepts to practical scenarios
Mode of assessment: Examination and report

Skills / attributes: Numerate
How this is developed: The lectures, tutorials, case studies and readings will familiarise students with how data is used and how to discuss data and statistics
Mode of assessment: Report

Skills / attributes: Commercially aware
How this is developed: Analysing real-world business cases as part of lectures and tutorials will expose students to the complexities and challenges of business world with a focus on different industries and their competitive dynamics.
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Report

Skills / attributes: An excellent communicator
How this is developed: Through engaging in debates and discussions with diverse perspectives in lecture and tutorial sessions and through receiving and providing constructive feedback as part of the tutorial sessions, students will gain the skills to listen intently to others, contribute to the conversation with insightful questions and comments, and to respect others
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Examination and report

Skills / attributes: IT Literate
How this is developed: Through navigating academic databases for tutorial preparation, using search engines to find information and using Word or Google Docs for formatting text and creating tables and diagrams students will develop their IT literacy.
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Report

Skills / attributes: Internationally Aware
How this is developed: The lecture and tutorial sessions analysing real-world business cases from different countries and cultures will expose students to diverse business practices, providing them with a broader unde rstanding of the interconnectedness within international business and economics.
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Examination and report

Firm’s competitive advantage via internal and external sources
Internationalisation strategies
Dunning’s OLI framework to assess a firm’s ownership, location and internalisation advantages
Importance of institutions in shaping location advantages
The role of individual and organisational behaviour in international business decisions
Strategies to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in international business operations
Role of innovation and entrepreneurship in international business performance