MMM071-International Business Environment

Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: r.narula@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This course studies the contemporary international business environment from a macro, meso, and micro economic perspective. Theories from economics, political science, economic geography, and international business are examined. Students learn about global economic developments, the role of institutions and political economic systems, and the impact of technological changes and the differences of regional and national locations in international business.  

Aims:

The module aims to explore the opportunities and threats in the global economy stemming from global shifts. It allows students to gain knowledge on a basic set of frameworks, concepts and theories from economics, economic geography, political science and international business to understand the contemporary international business environment. Moreover, the module aims to provide an understanding of the role of institutions in global, regional and national environments, and the impact of political economic systems and varieties of capitalism. An in-depth knowledge of regions and regional trade agreements (e.g. the European Union, NAFTA) will be gained.? 

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module, students should be able to: 

• Discuss the nature of economic globalisation and its limits.? 


• Recognise national competitive differences and their significance to trade and international business. 


• Describe the roles of national, regional and global institutions in shaping international trade and investment activities.? 


• Discuss the impact of technological changes, i nnovation and geographic dispersion in an international business context? 


• Describe regions and regional trade agreements and their impact on the international business environment.? 

Additional outcomes:

In addition to gaining context knowledge, students will learn to work collaboratively in groups, under time pressure and as individual researchers (e.g. making strategic decisions on the organisation of own work). Moreover, generic skills for future employment and professional development are gained such as critical thinking and analytical skills, commercial awareness, as well as integration, and communication skills. 

Outline content:

• Globalisation and the new competitive realities? 


• Global, regional, and national institutions 


• The political economy and varieties of capitalism 


• Technological changes and innovation systems? 


• Global value chains and production networks 


• The business environments of: Europe, America, Africa and Asia 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Detailed guidance on the main topics of the syllabus and key references are provided in 10 x 2-hour sessions of lectures. Students are required to do some reading of journal articles, chapters of books, statistical sources and websites of national and international organisations. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 2-hour unseen written paper 

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One coursework assignment.

Submission date: Week 30.

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 C or 50%+. 

The merit mark is B or 60%+. 

The distinction mark is 70%+. 

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment arrangements: By examination only (coursework will not be included in the re-assessment) in August/September. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020