MM230-Comparative International Management

Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Denise Tsang
Email: d.tsang@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module focuses on management variations across the globe. It is concerned with national variations in business system, innovation and organisation behaviour, and how these differences influence firm performance.  The module starts with an examination of globalisation before going on to consider topics such as governance, education and industrial relations at the country level; we will look across the  USA, China, Japan and Europe to explore different context, culture and behaviour of business management.

Aims:

This module examines, from an international comparative perspective, key issues in management such as corporate governance, management education, innovation and the increasingly entrepreneurial role of managers in modern business.

Assessable learning outcomes:

1. Describe the impact of globalization on the contextual background of international management.


2. Identify and explain areas of potential similarity (convergence) and difference (divergence) in international business and management practices.


3. Identify the role of technology towards knowledge accumulation and innovation across cultures.


4. Appraise critically the principal approaches to explaining the emergence of different international m anagement and business practices.


5. Describe the various approaches to comparing international management and business practices.


6. Identify and explain areas of potential similarity and difference in the management of technology and innovation.


7. Appraise critically the principal app roaches to explaining the emergence of different international management and business practices.


8. Organise their material and articulate their arguments eff ectively in writing, both under timed conditions and in assessed essays.

Additional outcomes:

Students will have to work both independently, and in groups, leading to the development of time-management and team working skills.

Outline content:

- Globalization and economic crises

- Comparative Systems of management education, technology accumulation and corporate governance

- Differences in business systems' models for innovation

- International dimension of management behaviour

Global context:

Country comparison.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures, seminars discussion, presentations, essays and independent reading.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20	2
Seminars		3
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		65
Wider reading (directed)		30
Peer assisted learning		5
Advance preparation for classes		5
Preparation for presentations		5
Preparation for seminars		5
Revision and preparation		30
Essay preparation		20
Reflection		10
Total hours by term	0	198	2
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	30
Oral assessment and presentation	10
Class test administered by School	10

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One two-hour written exam

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

In-class test. Pre-seen paper.  Students may decide to sit one or all three of the tests. Students should sit for at least one of the tests.  The mark from the test that scores the highest is taken to form 10% of the final module mark. 

Tests take place in the following weeks in the Spring Term; week 6 (enhancement week), week 7 of term; and the start of the Summer term.  

One essay of at least 2,500 words to be submitted during the last week of the spring term. 

One Group Presentation which will take place in weeks 9, 10 or 11 of term. 

Formative assessment methods:

Individual or group consultation. 

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A weighted average of at least 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:

By examination only during the summer re-sit period. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 20 May 2021