MWM005-Management in an International Context

Module Provider: International Business and Strategy
Number of credits: 15 [7.5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term 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:

Aims:

The module ‘Management in an International Context’ studies the variety of issues and challenges faced by managers of international firms in the international business environment. It considers the country-level/macro environment, industry-level/meso environment and firm-level/micro environment. The aim of the module is to enable students 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 students 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 models, frameworks and theories that make sense of the nature and extent of multinational enterprises operating in a world of globalisation. The four strategic questions of why, where, when and how to internationalize are addressed and what managers of internationally active firms do in order to leverage company-specific advantages in very different country-specific environments.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module, students should be able to:

• identify emerging trends and developments in the international business environment


• describe actors, their activities, drivers and impact on the international business environment


• describe the organisation of international business


• apply appropriate international business models, frameworks and theories


• compare and assess different strategies and structures of multinational firms


• explain the role of small and medium sized firms, innovation, strategic alliances and collaborative networks in the international business environment

These outcomes will be achieved through acquiring high levels of knowledge and understanding as well as cognitive and intellectual skills.  These skills will help students to develop and demonstrate personal competences, which are expected at senior executive level within organisations.

Additional outcomes:

Students will also develop team-working skills through the completion of a group project, including the development of assignment writing skills.

Outline content:

The module ‘Management in an International Context’ studies:

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


• the complexity of doing business across borders


• successful management of issues related to international business and strategy


• what managers of internationally active firms do in order to sustain their firm-specific advantages in very different country-specific environments


• conceptual frameworks that make sense of nature and extent of multinational enterprises operating in a global world


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


• latest developments in the international business environment

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module uses a blended-learning approach, incorporating self-study, face-to-face workshops, and group work. Key module content will be delivered in 5 one-day (7-hour) workshops. These workshops comprise a mixture of content delivery, discussion in class and group sessions. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

n/a

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1x Individual Assignment: 4,000 Words, Due date: Mid-April

1xTeam Report: 2,000 Words, Due Date: 1 week after last lecture

Formative assessment methods:

Team presentations of the team report before the report submission.

Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the standard University policy. 

Assessment requirements for a pass:
Assignments: 50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Students who fail to achieve an overall module pass mark of 50% will be re-assessed by the failed element only, as below.

• Reassessment by individual assignment (capped at 50%). Date of reassessment to be advised by Programme Admin

• Reassessment mode for project output (capped at 50%) to be advised by Programme Admin along with date of reassessment

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 31 May 2018