Unit information: International Business in 2024/25

Unit name International Business
Unit code MGRCM0043
Credit points 20
Level of study M/7
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Dr. Luo
Open unit status Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)

None

Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)

None

Units you may not take alongside this one

None

School/department School of Management - Business School
Faculty Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Unit Information

Why is this unit important?

This unit explores the business practices of firms operating on a global scale and considers the theoretical, analytical and practical problems of managing international business across national borders. It aims to provide ideas about the social, institutional and political effects on international business, and insights on the interplay between firms and their business environment. The unit seeks answers to a range of important research topics. For example, how can firms effectively formulate and adapt their business strategies to navigate the complexities and differences of international markets? How do firms reconcile and align their operational processes with the diverse cultural and legal landscapes they encounter internationally? In what ways can firms assess and mitigate risks and maximise opportunities inherent in international business experience? The unit encourages students to examine the contemporary business operations of firms and their interaction with the changing international environment.

How does this unit fit into your programme of study

This unit offers practical insights through the study of global business strategies and market dynamics, enabling students to apply acquired theoretical principles to real-world international business scenarios. The unit’s focus on international business theories and practical case studies allows students to appreciate the interplay of economics, finance, and management in the global economy, and is useful in developing analytical and decision-making skills.

Your learning on this unit

An overview of content

This unit integrates mainstream international business theories with real-world applications. The unit content is designed to cover the current state of the global economy, studies of major international business theories and models, and the rise of new business forms and practices.

How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit

This unit is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is about preparing students to think, analyse, and act in the diverse and dynamic realm of international business. It emphasises the development of critical skills such as analytical thinking, global engagement, effective communication, and collaboration; these qualities are important professional and practical skills aimed at enhancing employability in international business settings.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. Comprehend and critically analyse international business theories and frameworks, demonstrating an informed understanding of their implications, applications, and limitations in varied international contexts
  2. Critically evaluate and adapt the internationalisation strategies and practices of firms for different international settings
  3. Develop analytical strategic solutions to complex problems encountered by firms in international business
  4. Articulate complex international business concepts succinctly and collaborate efficiently with diverse stakeholders within firm settings
  5. Demonstrate analytical, transferrable and practical skills

How you will learn

Teaching will be delivered in the form of lectorials (30 contact hours in total) with a combination of different learning activities including lectures, interactive seminar discussions, exercises and peer collaborative learning. Lectorials offer an innovative teaching and learning approach that enables a deeper understanding of the subject and makes learning more accessible and inclusive.

How you will be assessed

Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):

Reading materials are provided to facilitate learning, with a particular focus on the discussion of the global business environment, critical evaluation of international business theories and the understanding of business strategies and processes. Case studies are included to offer insights into actual business operations and assist in the critical appraisal of business practices.

Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):

Activities (weight 10%)

Group assignment: a two page executive summary (weight 30%)

Individual assignment: a research report of 1,500 words (weight 60%)

When assessment does not go to plan

When a student fails the unit and is eligible to resubmit, failed components will be reassessed on a like-for-like basis.

If you fail the activities task, you will be asked to submit a 500 word journal reflection (10%) [ILO 1, 5].

If you fail the group assignment, you will be asked to submit a 1,000 word individual analysis (30%) [ILO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

If you fail the individual research report, you will be asked to submit a 1,500 word essay (60%) [ILO 1, 4, 5].

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. MGRCM0043).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.

The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.