MNM2IB-International Business

Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
Number of credits: 15 [7.5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Peder Greve
Email: peder.greve@henley.ac.uk

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.? 

Aims:

The International Business module 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

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 internationalcontext 

• 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

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 group work and practical exercises. 

Outline content:

The International Business module looks into the variety of issues and challenges faced by 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 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. 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 culture and institutions, and the relevance of international economic integration. Second, the course presents conceptual frameworks that makesense 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 firm-specific advantages in different country-specific environments. The module also sheds light on recent trends and developments in international business.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module uses a blended-learning approach, incorporating self-study, face-to-face workshops, 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 5000-word written assignment. Students choose one of the options outlined in the IB assignment brief. Submission dates are according to the programme schedule. Word counts are accepted within -10%/+20% lower and upper bounds. 

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

University standard penalties for late submission 

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment by 100% assignment (capped at 50%); 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):

Last updated: 30 March 2023