MM231-Firms in the Global Economy

Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Davide Castellani
Email: davide.castellani@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module offers an integrated perspective on the (changing) role of nations and firms in the global economy. It serves as an introduction to international business, including a discussion of the essentials of international economics. By linking the different concepts in international economics and business, this module allows to 'get the big picture' and deal with key questions. What is the global economy? Why do countries trade goods and services? Why (and how) do firms go abroad and sell goods and/or source inputs? What are the economic rationales of different internationalization strategies? What are the consequences of international business activity for the nations, firms and people of the global economy?

Aims:

The module aims to offer an integrated perspective on the (changing) role of nations and firms in the global economy, and to serve as an introduction to international business, including a discussion of the essentials of international economics. In particular, the module revolves around the key questions of why (and how) to firms go abroad, and what are the consequences of international business activity for the nations, firms and people of the global economy.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the unit, students will be able to:

- understand the nature of the global economy, its causes and consequences, and its relevance for international business activities

- analyse how and why firms engage in international business activities, appreciating the benefits and costs of such internationalization choices

- relate firms' strategies to the bigger picture of the global economy

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop general analytical skills and will also master the ability to work independently under pressure of restricted time frames and make their own decisions on the organisation of their work. They will also develop generic skills for future employment and career development. The module will contribute not only to knowing, but to acting students sense of identity and relating to bigger issues in the world.

Outline content:

1. The global economy: concepts and facts

2. Trade, comparative advantage and competition

3. The role of the firm in modern international trade theory

4. Firms, location and distance

5. Trade Policy

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Detailed guidance on the main topics of the syllabus and key references are provided in 10*2 hour sessions of lectures. Support on the preperation of the assignment is provided in 10* 1 hour sessions of tutorials. Pre-recorded screenscasts on basic microeconomic concepts and other topics relevant for the modules will be made available on Blackboard at the beginning of term.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20
Tutorials	10
Guided independent study:
Exam revision/preparation	80
Advance preparation for classes	40
Preparation for tutorials	10
Essay preparation	40
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	40
Class test administered by School	60

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

3,000 words +/- 10% groupwork assignment, with a weight of 40% in the overall assessment of the module, normally due on week 1 of Spring term.

 

In-class Blackboard test, with a weight of 60% in the overall assessment of the module will be administered at the end of the Autumn term. 

Formative assessment methods:

Formative feedback will be provided on a 1,000 word outline of the groupwork assignment. The submission of an outline for formative assessment is optional and will not be marked.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A weighted average mark of coursework and examination of 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment is by examination only.

 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 5 September 2023