The International Business Context
| Module title | The International Business Context |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEM1027 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Dr Melody Kuziwa Jombe (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 30 |
|---|
Module description
Businesses work across countries and there is a growing demand for business and management graduates with an international perspective, who are capable of operating effectively in a globalised world and across international boundaries and cultures. In this module you will learn how globalisation has brought about an increasing 'connectedness' of businesses, markets, people and information across countries.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of this module is to equip you with a foundational understanding and awareness of business and management practice in the international context. It will engage you with both long standing and emerging research throughout the lecture programme, and it will develop your ability to critically analyse international business contexts, trends, issues and impacts.
Internationalisation
You will identify and appreciate the global opportunities and challenges that businesses face while taking a global perspective in their critical review process.
Employability
During this module, you will acquire confidence and skills in presenting, writing reports, conducting independent research, working in teams, managing conflicts, and working to deadlines.
Sustainability
This module will recognise and investigate sustainability related issues within the international context, and where relevant will reference the Module Convenor’s own research as well as linking to Exeter’s sustainability research groups.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Explain the context and concept of international business
- 2. Develop critical understanding of current practices, challenges and impacts of international business
- 3. Identify and evaluate contemporary trends in the political, regulatory, economic, social and demographic environments in which international businesses compete
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Analyse environments that organisations are located and operate within, demonstrating awareness of international business behaviour and practice
- 5. Critically evaluate the models, theories and concepts used in exploring and understanding the international business context
- 6. Apply a range of models, theories and concepts in order to understand or justify international business
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. Work both on independent assignments and within group-based contexts, developing your ability to work positively with others, managing any conflict arising
- 8. Select and synthesize material from a range of sources (both academic and practitioner based) to support key ideas and recommendations
- 9. Present in-depth analysis in both written and verbal forms
- 10. Analyse, communicate and present ideas, principles and evidence that support a reasoned and consistent argument
Syllabus plan
Indicative content for this module includes:
- Introduction to International Business
- Globalisation and International Markets
- Institutions and Firm Resources
- International Trade and Investment
- Global Markets and Industries
- Regionalisation and Global Integration
- International Connection and Communication
- Global Business Models
- People and Culture in International Business
- Socially Responsible Business
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | 125 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 | Whole cohort lecture sessions |
| Tutorials | 5 | Small group sessions organised around content areas and study skills |
| Guided Independent Study | 125 | Reading, research and discussion |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutor feedback on draft group presentations | Written plan of 500 words outlining the focus of presentation, sources of data and academic literature, individual roles and tasks | 1-3, 7-10 | In class tutor feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | 0 | 30 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group presentation | 30 | Presentation of maximum of 20 minutes and group led discussion of a minimum of 5 minutes | 1-3, 7-10 | Written and verbal |
| Individual assignment | 70 | 3000 words | 4-7, 9, 10 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group presentation | Individual 2000 word written report | 1-3, 7-10 | July/August |
| Individual Assignment | Individual 3000 word written report | 4-7,9,10 | July/August |
Re-assessment notes
A student will be referred in all components of the assessment that they have failed, if the student fails the module with an overall mark below 40%.
A student if deferred via a single component will be re-assessed in that component only.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Core text:
- Peng, M. and Meyer, K. (2019) International Business, London: Cengage Learning
Additional Reading:
- Hamilton, L. & Webster, P. (2018) The International Business Environment. 4th Edition. Oxford, Oxford University Press.
- Wetherly, P. & Otter, D. (2018) The Business Environment: Themes and Issues in a Globalizing World. 4th Edition. Oxford, Oxford University Press.
Relevant Academic Journals:
- Harvard Business Review
- International Business Review
- Journal of International Management
- Academy of Management Journal
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
- Students are expected to keep up to date with contemporary issues for International Business by accessing current (and historical) news and opinion articles from reputable international sources and referencing these appropriately.
- Good analysis of contemporary events affecting international business can be found in The Economist (available online) and quality newspapers such as the Financial Times.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 05/01/2021 |
| Last revision date | 13/04/2021 |
