Type of module:

Summary module description:

The International Business module is designed to provide key theoretical insights and analytical tools for practising managers who face the opportunities and challenges of a global business environment. The module includes an International Business workshop and a Global Immersion Study week.

Aims:

The module International Business with Global Immersion Study is designed for practising managers to enable them to:

• develop insight into the variety of issues and challenges faced by managers of firms with international operations in the global business environment

• develop an ability to understand the complexity of international markets and capacity to successfully manage opportunities and challenges related to an international business strategy

• develop an understanding of how managers of internationally active firms can leverage their firm-specific advantages in different country-specific environments

• understand and apply conceptual frameworks that make sense of how multinational enterprises operate in a world of globalisation

• understand and apply conceptual and analytical tools to critically assess why, where, when and how firms internationalise, taking into account their strategies and organisational structures

-  interact with internationally active companies while working effectively in multinational teams with other experienced professionals and applying strategic concepts and frameworks in an international business context

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• define the main concepts, activities, drivers, players and trends in international business

• identify key developments in the international business environment and critically assess their potential impact on international firms

• understand the process and organisation of international business and apply the appropriate models and frameworks for their management in an international context 

• compare and assess the different strategy and structure models of multinational enterprises

• understand the role of SMEs, innovation, strategic alliances and collaborative networks in an international business context

• identify and understand emerging trends and developments in the global business context

-  apply key concepts and frameworks from the field of international business to real-life cases

These outcomes will be achieved through acquiring knowledge and understanding, cognitive and intellectual skills. They will help students to develop and demonstrate personal and team competence and behaviours expected at senior executive level within an organisation.

Additional outcomes:

Students will also develop team-working skills and presentation skills through completion of consulting projects, group work and practical exercises.

Outline content:

This module will provide insights into the variety of issues and challenges faced by managers of international firms in the global business environment. The module includes an International Business workshop and a Global Immersion Study week. The aim is for students to develop an ability to understand the complexity of international markets and the capacity to successfully manage issues related to international business and strategy. A number of key frameworks will be introduced and applied i n developing strategies for international expansion as well as strategies for managing complex operations across national, regional and global markets.

The Global Immersion Study week will take place in the US or China and involves small consulting projects offering the opportunity to directly interact with internationally active companies while applying core strategic concepts and frameworks from the module to real-life cases. The Global Immersion Study week will also offer the opportunity to visit and interact with leading multinational enterprises operating in a variety of countries and industries. The global immersive experience is further fostered by the opportunity to work in multinational teams of experienced professionals from across the international campuses.

Global context:

The module is global in its coverage. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module uses a blended-learning approach, incorporating self-study, face-to-face workshops, company visits, group work and tutor support. Key module content will be delivered in workshops, which comprise a mixture of content delivery, class discussion, and practical application exercises.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Assessment is based on a 2000-word written group project (30%) and a 5000-word written group project (70%). Submission dates are according to the programme schedule. 

Alternative assessment:

1. For students who are unable to participate in both parts of the group project (30% + 70%), the alternative assessment is a 5000-word individual assignment for 100% of the mark, following the standard IB assignment brief for non-EM cohorts


2. For students who participate in the pre-GIS part of the group project (30%) and do not participate in the Global Immersion study trip, the alternative assessment for the remaining 70% of the mark is a 3500-word individual assignment. This alternative assessment follows the standard IB assignment brief for non-EM cohorts, albeit with adjusted expectations commensurate with the 3500-word limit. As this form of alternative assessment is only applicable in exceptional circumstances, students are expected to contact the IB Module Convenor directly to discuss the adjusted expectations in detail.

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:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment by 100% assignment (capped at 50%), following the standard IB assignment brief for non-EM cohorts; to be submitted within 6 weeks of notification of module failure, date dependent on cohort entry and to be advised by the Programme Administrator.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Travel, accommodation and subsistence: Unspecified 

Last updated: 4 April 2020