MNM2IB-International Business

Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
Number of credits: 15 [7.5 ECTS credits]
Level:NA
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2018/9

Email: peder.greve@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The International Business module is designed to provide key theoretical insights and analytical tools for practising managers who face the opportunities and challenges of a global business environment. 

Aims:

The International Business module is designed for practising managers to enable them to:

• develop insight into the variety of issues and challenges faced by managers of firms with international operations in the global business environment

• develop an ability to understand the complexity of international markets and capacity to successfully manage issues related to international business and strategy

• develop an understanding of how managers of internationally active firms can leverage their firm-specific advantages in very different country-specific environments

• understand and apply conceptual frameworks that make sense of the nature and extent of multinational enterprises operating in a world of globalisation

• understand and apply conceptual and analytical tools to critically assess why, where, when and how firms internationalize, taking into account their strategies and organisational structures

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module, programme members should be able to:

• define the main concepts, activities, drivers, players and trends in international business

• identify the key developments in the international business environment and critically assess their potential impact on international firms

• understand the process and organisation of international business and apply the appropriate models and frameworks for their management in an international context 

• compare and assess the different strategy and structure models of multinational enterprises

• understand the role of SMEs, innovation, strategic alliances and collaborative networks

• identify the emerging trends and developments in the global business context

• become aware of and understand some of the latest developments in the global business world



These outcomes will be achieved through acquiring high levels of knowledge and understanding, cognitive and intellectual skills. They will help programme members to develop and demonstrate personal and team competence and behaviours expected at senior executive level within an organisation.

Additional outcomes:

Students will also develop team-working skills and presentation skills through completion of group work.

Outline content:

The module International Business looks into the variety of issues and challenges faced by the managers of international firms in the international environment, considering both country-level issues and firm-specific characteristics, focusing on conceptual frameworks related to choosing the optimal strategy. The aim is for programme members to develop an ability to understand the complexity of international markets and the capacity to successfully manage issues related to international business and strategy. Therefore two parallel lines of thinking will be developed. First, the course material will help you to understand country-level issues in international business, i.e. the main modes of international operations (international trade and foreign direct investment) and their trends over time, the role of political and economic systems, the importance of international culture, and the relevance of regional economic associations (e.g. EU, NAFTA). Second, the course presents conceptual frameworks that make sense of the nature and extent of multinational enterprises operating in a world of globalisation. We address the four strategic questions of why, where, when and how to internationalize. We consider what managers of internationally active firms do in order to leverage their company-specific advantages in very different country-specific environments. The module also sheds light on the most recent developments in international business.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module uses a blended-learning approach, incorporating self-study, face-to-face workshop(s), group work and online tutor support. Key module content will be delivered in one-day (7-hour) workshops. These workshops comprise a mixture of content delivery, discussion in class and break-out into group sessions. The hours for the Flexible Executive MBA mode of study for this module are:

Tutorials - 2 hours

Practical classes and workshops - 14 hours

Guided independent study - 134 hours

Total hours - 150 

The table below refers to the Executive MBA mode of study

Summative assessment- Examinations:
n/a

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Assessment is based on a 5000-word written assignment. Programme members choose one of the options outlined in the IB assignment brief on Blackboard. Submission dates are according to the programme schedule.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

These are in accordance with the mode of study arrangements laid out in the Programme Specifications.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment by 100% assignment (capped at 50%); deadline to be advised by the Examinations Manager following the relevant Programme Examiners’ Meeting.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 20 April 2018