Module Directory

Business is international in scope as managers take advantage of the comparative advantages countries around the world offer through complex and geographically dispersed value chains, not only to sell products but also to access intermediate goods, capital, knowledge and skills. This module addresses several questions. 'How can a domestic firm internationalise its operations?' 'How are its resources and capabilities challenged and transformed by internationalisation?' 'What factors determine the success of an international business operation?'

While many practical examples are provided, focus is given to developing an analytical approach to addressing these questions. The module considers political, economic, technological and sociocultural aspects of the environment, and the strategies companies adopt when conducting business across national boundaries. Through the final assessment project, students analyse the internationalisation of a real-life organisation, identifying the purpose of internationalisation, selecting the most appropriate target markets and considering the various means available to the firm to internationalise its operations.

Topical issues in international business are also discussed throughout the module, such as the impact of Brexit on the trading relationships of the UK, the re-emergence of emerging market MNEs, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on business and society globally.

The aims of this module are:

• To provide an understanding of the internationalisation process firms undertake while selecting and targeting opportunities overseas.


• To develop your awareness of trends in the international business environment and the opportunities and challenges internationalisation brings.


• To develop your knowledge of where, why and how to conduct international business in order to gain an understanding of what determines the success and failure of firms conducting international business.


• To facilitate the development of your skills in critical thinking, analysis and evaluation to enable you to make business decisions informed by a range of considerations and perspectives.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the complex interactions between various political, economic, technological and sociocultural factors that characterise the international business environment.


2. Evaluate the ways in which international business differs from domestic business and develop detailed knowledge on international business issues.


3. Apply theoretical principles to critically analyse the current business environment.


4. Evaluate relevant factors to make effective business decisions.

Skills for Your Professional Life (Transferable Skills)

By the end of the module, you will have developed your skills in the following areas:

1. Develop your commercial awareness through the study of current issues facing businesses in the international arena.


2. Enhance your understanding of communication in organisations, e.g. through the study of top management teams and issues pertaining to international management.


3. Develop your understanding of the wider context of business, e.g. through relating international business decisions to the external environment.


4. Enhance your presentation and communication skills by making active contributions in class case-study work.


5. Develop your teamwork skills through working with other students.

This module will be delivered via:

• Ten 3-hour learning and teaching sessions.

These will follow a general format of one-hour lectures and two-hour seminars, although the classroom time will be organised flexibly to suit the stage in the module development and students' learning needs.

The lectures introduce key concepts, frameworks and theories relevant to the field, while seminars revolve around understanding their practical relevance and application in the context of organisations operating in the international business environment. It is the students' responsibility to be prepared for each session. A student will benefit from belonging to a "study group" that meets and prepares for each session before class. Students are expected to contribute to class discussions and presentations on work-in-progress.

Students are required:

• To read the appropriate reading materials for each session prior to the class.
• To prepare for any exercises given.
• To participate in the preparation of the reports.
• To attend the sessions.