International Business Management

Core Modules

This year we will be running the following insightful modules which are all mandatory:

• Economics, Finance and Accounting

  This module provides you with an understanding of the substantial issues a firm and its managers have to deal with. It contains two halves. The first half of the module introduces you to (a) the strategic decisions a manager must make in order to survive and compete in the marketplace, and (b) the resource allocation problems between and within firms, their consumers, and how to address them. The decisions to address these ‘big issues’ are discussed in the context of varying economic characteristics of a firm and the competitiveness of its environment. The second half of the module aims to give a fundamental understanding of key accounting and finance techniques and practices; provide awareness of the impact of contexts (different countries, industries, markets, and regulatory regimes) on accounting and finance ideas and practices; and develop an awareness of the analytical usefulness of accounting and finance data, in a manner that emphasises the importance of a wider business understanding for such analysis and the limitations as well as the strengths of the data.

   

• Strategy and Ethics in International Business Management

  In this module you will develop an understanding of how international strategy and entrepreneurship fit into the organisation and running of a commercial entity. You will look at the ways in which a firm can achieve sustainable competitive advantage through strategy and entrepreneurship, evaluating the processes that firms use to develop, renew and reconfigure these. You will also examine the theoretical frameworks of strategy and entrepreneurship in the real business world.

• People & Organisation

  This module provides you with an understanding of people management and organisational issues that a firm and its managers have to deal with. The aim of the module is twofold: a) to enable you to consider the impact of globalisation, culture and communication on people and organisation; and b) to enable you to examine managing people in the context of modern geopolitics and employment relations.

• Digital Business and Marketing

  This module provides you with an understanding of the substantial issues a firm and its managers must deal with. It contains two halves. The first half of the module introduces you to some key issues concerning digitalisation in today’s global business environment. Starting with the use of information systems and digital technologies for attaining competitive advantage, the module will address organisational and managerial concerns in the effective implementation and use of information systems. Emphasis will be placed on recent developments such as big data, digital business transformation, and the opportunities and challenges these create for organisations. A variety of case studies will help make explicit the problems involved in the management of technological change in organisations as well as the impact of information systems on organisational culture and context. The second half of the module explores how marketing practice fits into the organisation and running of a global corporation. After an introduction of key marketing concepts, this exploration is guided by a series of contemporary topics, ranging from the global marketing environment and the evaluation of standardisation and adaptation strategies to a discussion of cultural forces and their influence on consumer behaviour. The module concludes with a reflection on common criticisms of marketing practice and discusses typical responses from marketers.

   

• Professional Business and Applied Research Skills

  In this module you will develop an understanding of effective business communication, including public speaking in English, giving feedback and communicating in teams. You will consider the actions and attitudes that comprise professional conduct in the business environment and will look at typical recruitment processes. You will be introduced to a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods commonly used in management studies.

• Operation Management

  The aim of the module is to introduce you to some of the main topics in the important field of operations management. Operations management is concerned with the design, planning and control of operating systems for the provision of goods and services. This module provides you with an insight into the tools and techniques used in the management of operational systems and into the factors that affect the choice of operating methods. The module also provides you with a sound understanding of the essentials of modern operations practices and introduces principles of supply chain management, logistics and transportation required to support global supply chains.

• Academic Integrity

  This module will describe the key principles of academic integrity, focusing on university assignments. Plagiarism, collusion and commissioning will be described as activities that undermine academic integrity, and the possible consequences of engaging in such activities will be described. Activities, with feedback, will provide you with opportunities to reflect and develop your understanding of academic integrity principles.

   

Optional Modules

There are a number of optional course modules available during your degree studies. The following is a selection of optional course modules that are likely to be available. Please note that although the College will keep changes to a minimum, new modules may be offered or existing modules may be withdrawn, for example, in response to a change in staff. Applicants will be informed if any significant changes need to be made.

You will take one of the following:

• Independent Business Research Project

  This module provides you with the opportunity to investigate, analyse and make recommendations for a business project related to general management areas, developing the skills to critically evaluate and select the appropriate method to conduct the project. Analysis will then be communicated in the form of a project brief and 10,000-word report.

• International Business Study Field Trip

  The module will provide you with direct access to varied industry professionals and management practices in a cross-cultural, international setting. The aim of the module is to provide a variety of opportunities for experiential learning such as company visits, presentations by and discussions with business leaders, and in-class workshops. The study trip will provide you with the opportunity to learn from the business models and practices of major domestic and global businesses operating in the destination country or countries chosen for the field trip each year. An important learning outcome is to enhance your appreciation of the significant cultural challenges entailed in managing business operations in a global context. You will be required to engage in pre-trip preparatory work as well as post-trip reflection activities in-class in groups in order to embed the experiential learning gained through the study trip. You will also be required to submit an assignment that will challenge you to reflect on your study trip while addressing specific questions relating to one of the companies visited.