International Business Strategy

Code

BUSI4585

School

Business

Level

4

Credits

20

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

The module examines theories of firm internationalization and various strategic choices facing international managers. Detailed case-studies are examined, illustrating more general points by referring to firms and entrepreneurs that have set important benchmarks in business performance and globalisation.

Target Students

Available for MSc International Business OR MSc International Tourism Management and Marketing students OR MSc Exchange students.

Classes

• One 3-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks

Assessment

• 100% Coursework: 4000 words

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding: This module develops a knowledge and understanding of:

The dynamics of the global economy and international business &/or an awareness of cultural, legal/regulatory, political, and economic differences across countries &/or  an appreciation of management issues from a global perspective.
Markets - the development and operation of markets for resources, goods and services 
Marketing and sales – different approaches for segmentation, targeting, positioning, generating sales, and the need for innovation in product and service design
Customers and stakeholders - customer expectations, service and orientation
People – strategic  and operational HRM, meeting future organisational requirements, people development, HR systems
The management of resources
The management of operations
Business innovation – creativity, intrapreneurial – and entrepreneurial behaviour and enterprise development, and the management and exploitation of intellectual property  
The importance of sustainability issues, including an understanding of the challenges  and opportunities arising from the activities of people and organisations on the economic, social and environmental conditions of the future.
Strategic management - the development and implementation of appropriate strategies within a changing environment

Intellectual Skills: This module develops:

Being able to think critically and be creative: manage the creative processes in self and others; organise thoughts, analyse, synthesise and critically appraise. This includes the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implicit values, define terms adequately and generalise appropriately
Being able to solve complex problems and make decisions: establish criteria, using appropriate decision-making techniques including identifying, formulating and solving business problems; and the ability to create, identify and evaluate options; the ability to implement and review decisions
Using information and knowledge effectively in order to abstract meaning from information and to share knowledge, including the use of quantitative skills

Professional Practical Skills: This module develops:

The ability to conduct research and enquiry into business and management issues either individually or as part of a team through research design, the collection and analysis of qualitative data, synthesis and reporting
Effective performance within team environments and the ability to recognise and utilise individuals' contributions in group processes and to negotiate and persuade or influence others; team selection, delegation, development and management.  Leadership and performance management: selecting appropriate leadership style for different situations; setting objectives, motivating, monitoring performance, coaching and mentoring

Transferable (key) Skills: This module develops:

Effective communication: networking, listening, oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments, using a range of media, including the preparation of business reports
High personal effectiveness: critical self-awareness, self-reflection and self-management; time management; conflict  resolution, displaying commercial acumen, the ability to continue to learn through reflection on practice and experience
Soft skills: understanding the needs of others and empathy towards them; sensitivity to diversity in people and in different situations
 

Conveners

• Professor Chengqi Wang