MMM143-International Business and the World Economy

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: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Davide Castellani
Email: davide.castellani@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module focuses on the economic analysis of firms' decision to engage in international business activity, including the choice to become an exporter or a multinational enterprise, and the economic effects of trade restrictions.

Aims:

This module focuses on issues relating to the role of international business activities in the world economy. It will review the economic theory and the empirical evidence relating to the firms' decision to engage in international business activity, including the choice to become exporters, multinational enterprises and engage in Global Value Chains. Finally, the module will address the economic effects of trade restrictions.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the unit students should be able to: 

• Understand the economic rationales of different international business activities 


• Appreciate the costs and benefits of different types of business activities on countries and firms 


• Develop the ability to collect, analyse and interpret economic data 

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop general analytical skills and will also master the ability to work independently under pressure of restricted time frames and make their own decisions on the organisation of their work. They will also develop generic skills for future employment and career development. 

Outline content:

1. The world economy and international business activity: facts and measures


2. Comparative advantages and international trade


3. Firms in international trade


4. The costs of international business activities


5. The role of distance in international business


6. The economic effects of trade restrictions

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Detailed guidance on the main topics of the syllabus and key references are provided in 10*2 hour sessions of lectures. Support on the preparation of the assignment is provided in 10*1-hours sessions of tutorials. Pre-recorded screencasts on basic microeconomic concepts and other topics relevant for the modules will be made available on Blackboard at the beginning of term.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

A 3,000 words (excluding cover page, tables, figures and references, 10% excess allowed) group assignment due in week 34. The group assignment has a weight of 40% in the overall assessment of the module. 

In-class Blackboard test, with a weight of 60% in the overall assessment of the module will be administered at the end of the Spring term.

Formative assessment methods:

Formative feedback will be provided on a 1,000 word outline of the groupwork assignment due in week 28. The submission of an outline for formative assessment is optional and will not be marked. 

Penalties for late submission:

University standard penalties for late submission on post-graduate programmes are applied. 

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50% 

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment via examination only during the August University Resit Period.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 30 March 2023