MMM001-International Strategic Management

Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Prof Rajneesh Narula

Email: r.narula@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The objectives of the course include: an understanding of the conceptual and analytical tools of strategic management and economics as applied to international strategy; an understanding of the complexity that accompanies international operations as a result of geographical diversification and changing market, and technological, conditions. 

Aims:

International strategic management is concerned with the factors that influence the development and the competitive positioning of multinational enterprises (MNEs). This requires an understanding of both the external international business environment and the internal nature of the firm, its structure and strategy. A company’s strategy provides the context within which managers decide what to do, and what not to do, with respect to resource allocation, market selection and organizational development. 

In this module we shall introduce students to: 

• the core concepts and models underlying contemporary international strategic management; 


• their theoretical and empirical foundations; 


• their limitations, and the arguments surrounding them; 


• their practical application to real issues facing real world companies. 

 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students should be able to: 

• describe the frameworks and models used in international strategy analysis. 


• explain the academic reasoning underlying them. 


• engage effectively in discussions concerning their relevance and appropriateness, both in general academic terms and in the context of particular firms, situations and environments. 


• analyse the strategic issues facing a particular company in a logical and disciplined way. 

Additional outcomes:

Students will learn to work independently under pressure of time and make strategic decisions on the organisation of their work. They will also develop generic skills for future employment and professional development. 

Outline content:

• International business theories, frameworks and introduction;  


• Internal resources and competencies of firms; 


• External environment in which firms operate; 


• The process of internationalisation; 


• Globalization and regional integration; 


• Collaborative behaviour and strategic alliances; 


• Integration/responsiveness framework and organizational structure; 


• Multinational/international strategy; 


• Innovation, entrepreneurship; 


• Generic strategies; 


• Value chain; 


• Entry/operation modes. 

Global context:

This module focuses on global business, international strategy and international management.  

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Detailed guidance on the main topics of the syllabus and key references are provided in lectures over 10 weeks, which includes debates, questions and discussions. Students are required to do a significant amount of reading of journal articles, chapters of books, statistical sources and websites of national and international organisations. There are tutorials. Tutorials are compulsory to attend. The purpose of the tutorial session is to help students understand the key concepts and some of the key theoretical frameworks. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	28
Seminars	1
Tutorials	3
Guided independent study:
Preparation for tutorials	10
Preparation for presentations	10
Revision and preparation	88
Group study tasks	60
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	30
Set exercise	10
Class test administered by School	60

Summative assessment- Examinations:
N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

(1) Students will be assigned to tutorial teams, which will be between 4 and 5 students. Tutorial attendance and participation (set exercise) is worth 10% of the total mark.? 

(2) The written team assignment/report will be a collective piece of work, based on the analysis of a case study, worth 30% of the total mark, submitted by a specific date (within week 22) 

(3) There will be two class tests; Test 1 is worth 20% (in week 10) and Test 2 is worth 40% (in week 15) 

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

The pass mark is 50% 

Reassessment arrangements:

By examination only (one 2-hour unseen written paper) in August/September. Coursework will not be included in the re-assessment. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Costs	Amount
1. Required text books	£46.00
2. Specialist equipment or materials
3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear
4. Printing or binding
5. Computers and devices with a particular specification
6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence

 

Last updated: 8 April 2019