Type of module:

Summary module description:

Aims:

Assessable learning outcomes:
Assessable outcomes

On completion of the module, programme members should be able to:
£ define the main concepts, activities, drivers, players and trends in international business
£ identify the 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 interna tional context
£ compare and assess the different strategy and structure models of multinational enterprises
£ understand the role of SMEs, innovation, strategic alliances and collaborative networks
£ identify the emerging trends and developments in the global business context

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

£ become aware of and understand some of the latest developments in the global business world

Additional outcomes:
Students will also develop team-working skills through completion of group work, as well as IT skills and presentations skills.

Outline content:
The module International Business looks into the variety of issues and challenges faced by the managers of international firms in the international environment, considering both country-level issues and firm-specific characteristics, focusing on conceptual frameworks related to choosing the optimal strategy. The aim is for programme members to develop an ability to understand the complexity of international markets and the capacity to successfully manage issues related to international business and strategy. Therefore two parallel lines of thinking will be developed. First, the course material will help you to understand country-level issues in international business, i.e. the main modes of international operations (international trade and foreign direct investment) and their trends over time, the role of political and economic systems, the importance of international culture, and the relevance of regional economic associations (e.g. EU, NAFTA). Second, the course presents conceptual f rameworks that make sense of the nature and extent of multinational enterprises operating in a world of globalisation. We address the four strategic questions of why, where, when and how to internationalize. We consider what managers of internationally active firms do in order to leverage their company-specific advantages in very different country-specific environments. The module also sheds light on the most recent developments in international business.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module uses a blended-learning approach, incorporating self-study, face-to-face workshop(s), group work and online tutor support. Key module content will be delivered in one-day (7-hour) workshops. These workshops comprise a mixture of content delivery, discussion in class and break-out into group sessions.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Total hours by term
Total hours for module

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method

Percentage

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/files/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmissionPGflexible.pdf
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:

Reassessment arrangements:

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 29 March 2022