Unit information: International Business in 2026/27

Please note: Programme and unit information may change as the relevant academic field develops. We may also make changes to the structure of programmes and assessments to improve the student experience.

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 multiple scales (global, regional and national) and unpacks the knowledge of managing international business across borders with a view to solve theoretical, analytical and practical problems. It aims to provoke thinking around the social, institutional and political effects on international business and the impact of firm actions on the global economy.

The unit seeks answers to a range of important research topics and the incorporation of issues following global trends. 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 international cultural and legal landscapes? In what ways can firms assess and mitigate risks and maximise opportunities inherent in international business experience?

This unit encourages you to examine the contemporary business operations of firms from macro-, meso-, and micro- levels and reflect on the interaction between firms and the changing global economy.

How does this unit fit into your programme of study

This unit offers an opportunity for you to develop a critical view of the global economy and market dynamics from a multidimensional perspective, enabling you to apply acquired theoretical principles to real-world international business scenarios. The learning process allows you to appreciate the use of economical, financial and managerial data sources and develop analytical 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, the emerging and growing industry sectors, and the rise of new business forms and practices.

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

This unit is more than helping you acquire knowledge; it aims at preparing you to think, analyse, and act in the diverse and dynamic realm of international business. The learning journey raises your awareness and engagement regarding the global economy and emphasises the development of important (transferrable) skills such as research ability, critical thinking and effective approaches to communication and collaboration. These qualities are important professional and practical skills aimed at enhancing your employability in international business workplace settings.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Comprehend and critically analyse international business theories, demonstrating an informed understanding of their implications, applications, and limitations in varied international contexts
  2. Evaluate critically internationalisation strategies and firm practices in different international settings
  3. Develop analytical strategic solutions to address complex problems faced by firms from varied sectors in the global economy
  4. Articulate and present complex international business concepts succinctly and collaborate efficiently with diverse stakeholders
  5. Reflect on critical knowledge and skills gained relevant to enhancing future employability in a workplace setting

How you will learn

Teaching will be delivered in the form of lectorials (30 contact hours in total) with a combination of various 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 economy, critical evaluation of international business theories and the understanding of business strategies and processes. Case studies and structured active learning resources 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):

Weekly Reflections (10%) [ILO 1, 5]

Group assignment: a two page executive summary (30%) [ILO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Individual assignment: a research report of 1,500 words (60%) [ILO 1, 2, 4, 5]

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, 2, 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.