Module Directory

This module is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of the external context within which international businesses operate and the opportunities and challenges it poses to firms. The students will develop an understanding of the main forces that have increased the economic interdependence between nations and enable them to take a wider perspective to answer the question.

The module also introduces to students some basic economic and political concepts and applies these to the study of the international economic environment - in a historical and contemporary context. We are witnessing a retreat from globalisation in recent times which makes such an approach very salient. The module will draw on the current debates and fears surrounding Brexit inasmuch as they are related to the effects of international economic environment on UK industry.

The aims of this module are:

• To enable students to obtain a thorough and critical understanding of the complex process of international business activity and the different ways large and small firms manage the process of change associated with internationalisation.


• To develop students' understanding of the international environment through:
  
  
  
  • Understanding and use of basic economic concepts such as comparative advantage and technological change and appreciate their role in creating economic interdependence.
  
  
  • Understanding of political concepts of group power, bargaining and negotiation and their role in extending globalisation.
  
  
  • Understanding of the evolution of the international environment in a historical perspective.
  
  
  • Understanding contemporary economic systems and their effect on organisation and internationalisation.
  
  
  • Understanding factors that may spur a retreat from globalisation.
  
  
  
  

By the end of this module, students will be expected to have developed a critical understanding of:

1. The key features of the external context within which international businesses operate and the opportunities and challenges it poses to firms.


2. The drivers and consequences of globalisation and economic integration (including regional integration).


3. The role of national institutions and states in shaping international business activities.


4. The functioning/role of international systems and global governance/institutions.


5. The impact of international business activities.

Theoretical and Conceptual Issues

• Entrepreneurship in the international business environment


• International trade theories and practices


• The economics of international business; economic trends and transformations


• Cultural sensitivities and management styles

Strategic and Operational Issues

• International financial markets and sources of capital for entrepreneurs


• Entrepreneurship in developing and transition economies


• The impact of global (e.g. UN, WTO) and regional institutions (e.g. EU, NAFTA) on international businesses


• Trade laws and security issues for traditional and non-traditional (e.g. entrepreneurial firms, online businesses)


• The technological environment


• Global flows of ideas, knowledge, resources and people

This module will be delivered via:

• One 2-hour lecture per week, together with
• Seminars; discussion of case studies; discussion of journal articles; class exercises; group work; tutorials; signposting to other support.

Students are expected to undertake a range of self-directed activities. These include reading of core texts and suggested articles and the preparation of material for in-class discussions.