Principles of International Business

Module description

Business is international in scope as managers take advantage of the comparative advantages countries around the world offer through complex and geographic dispersed value chains, not only to sell products but also to access inputs, knowledge and skills. This module provides the theoretical foundations of international business and its practical applications in explaining the dynamics and constraints of firms’ international strategies. It analyses changes in the international economic environment as a result of globalization as well as the increased interdependence between countries and firms in terms of flows of goods, services, finances and people. The module considers also political, economic and institutional differences around the world and the strategies companies adopt when conducting business across national boundaries. While many practical examples are provided, focus is given to developing an analytical approach to addressing these questions, drawing on several theoretical perspectives.

Internationalisation

This module focuses on how companies conduct business across borders and explores various economic systems, cultural differences in different economies, and discusses issues from around the world to give you a global awareness. Mini-case studies and discussion of selected cases further expose you to conducting business in an international and multicultural context by drawing upon real-world scenarios across different countries and cultural boundaries. 

External engagement

International experts/practitioners on topics relevant to the module will be invited to deliver in-module contributions.

Sustainability

As part of the University’s commitment to PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education - http://www.unprme.org/about-prme/the-six-principles.php ), examples are disseminated throughout the module that illustrate both the impact of business activity on the environment, and how some companies are addressing sustainability concerns through their products and processes.

Employability

In this module gain an understanding of what it means to internationalise a business, and through the assignments you acquire research, critical thinking, analysis and report writing skills. It provides the opportunity to develop discursive, analytical, and judgement skills, and a cosmopolitan perspective.

Full module specification

Module aims

ILO: Module-specific skills

• 1. Develop your understanding of the complex interactions between various political, economic and institutional factors that characterise the international business environment
• 2. Evaluate specific ways in which international business differs from domestic business and develop detailed knowledge on international business issues
• 3. Apply both the institution-based and resource-based view of the firm to international business issues

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

• 4. Apply theoretical principles to critically analyse the current business environment
• 5. Critically evaluate relevant factors to make effective business decisions

ILO: Personal and key skills

• 6. Analyse real world business problems and develop an ability to exercise judgement

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Formative assessment

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e., a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be required to submit a further assessment as necessary. If you are successful on referral, your overall module mark will be capped at 40%.

Syllabus plan

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

You are expected to own a copy of the core text: 

• Peng, M. and Meyer, K. (2016) International Business , London: Cengage Learning

There are many text books on international business in the University Library which can provide additional insights and examples of international business operations.

Relevant journals include (non-exhaustive list):

• Journal of International Business Studies
• International Business Review
• Journal of World Business
• Strategic Management Journal
• Management and Organization Review
• Thunderbird International Review
• Journal of International Management
• International Management Review
• International Studies of Management & Organization
• International Journal of Cross-Cultural Management
• Cross-Cultural & Strategic Management
• Harvard Business Review
• Academy of Management Journal
• Academy of Management Review
• Academy of Management Perspectives
• Critical Perspectives on International Business

In addition, papers on the international dimension of business can be found in other business and management journals. Good analysis of contemporary events affecting international business can be found in The Economist (available online) and quality financial newspapers such as the Financial Times.

Module has an active ELE page?

Yes

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

The module has a fully developed site on ELE where an extensive array of module materials can be found including lecture outlines, suggested reading on a per topic basis, and relevant journal articles, plus multiple choice tests for formative assessment.

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

None

Origin date

01/09/2007

Last revision date

10/05/2023