| Module |
Credits |
Compulsory/optional |
|
The Global Economy
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| The Global Economy introduces the complex patterns, processes and institutional context in which international businesses operate. It emphasises the importance of measurement and considers the concepts, theories and narratives used to explain the global economy, emphasising its dynamic nature, vulnerability to shocks and how businesses can gain from greater understanding to gain competitive advantage. The module is divided into four units: i) the nature of economies and the changing balance of economic and political power; ii) interaction through trade, financial flows, labour and information; iii) the role of businesses in orchestrating the economy, in allocating resources and shaping patterns of development; and iv) the political and regulatory framework within which businesses operate. The latter illustrates the challenges of working across a mosaic of cultures and regulatory regimes. There is also a critical assessment of the role of the state, of supra-national institutions such as the IMF, the World Bank, the World Trade Organisation, intergovernmental groupings, and of sub-national institutions such as regional and local political bodies. |
|
International Business Strategy
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| This module explores the challenges faced by international firms in building and sustaining competitive advantage within a complex, uncertain and rapidly changing global business environment. It will use a range of theoretical tools and concepts to explore the meaning of both quantitative and qualitative case study evidence. Students will examine how and why firms develop a range of strategic approaches to international business challenges, balancing a consideration of internal organisational influences and stakeholder pressures against an evaluation of the impact of competitive rivalry and broader environmental forces. A range of theoretical perspectives and debates will highlight the conflicting tensions felt by managers engaged in the international
business strategy process, particularly the tension between demands to be responsive to national differences and economic pressures while also becoming more efficient and globally integrated. Students will generate and
critically assess a range of strategic options available to managers in specific case situations. |
|
International Supply Chain Management
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| The focus of this module is on the theory and practice of international supply chain management in the context of organisations. Topics to be covered include: supply chain strategy, performance and structure of supply chains; supplier relationships; managing quality; matching supply and demand; inventory control, sourcing and managing suppliers; risk management, sustainability; corporate social responsibility; humanitarian supply chain integration and future contemporary challenges of supply chain management. The module will introduce the students to the main methods and techniques commonly used in the management of international supply chains; these include techniques such as simulation, forecasting, optimisation, distribution, network analysis, and so on. |
|
Global e-Business
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| This module is primarily focused on areas such as the development of e-commerce components, E-commerce as part of the total company prof ile, E-commerce marketing, Internal and external effects of e-commerce, International methods of e-commerce, strategic advantage through e-commerce, payment Systems, privacy and security. |
|
Finance for International Business
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| The initial focus of the module is on the interpretation of financial statements. Participants will develop the skills to analyse financial statements, diagnose problems, and recommend a range of potential business solutions.
We then go on to consider alternative techniques for evaluating major investment projects and explore the ways in which they might be financed.
Students then learn how the firm's foreign exchange risk arises and how it can be managed using various foreign exchange hedging techniques.
The module then considers the strategic aspects of financial management and how business performance is monitored and managed with a view of building enterprise value. It is here that the notion of value drivers is explored along with how value is created and how it is distributed to stakeholders. |
|
Marketing Across Cultures
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| Students will investigate how marketing practice needs to adapt to take account of different international macro and micro environments and in particular cross cultural issues.
The marketing function and activities will be addressed to investigate how these may need adaptation to best suit their different trading environments.
Not only will the marketing function be addressed but also the management and control across different cultures.
The learning outcomes will be achieved through student investigation, research and case study analysis. |
|
International and Comparative HRM
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| This module is designed to provide an in-depth and theoretically informed exposition of the human resource complexities in managing across borders as a primary strategic concern of multinational corporations (MNCs). It is organised around international and comparative themes on an integrated basis. In exploring international HRM themes, students examine the challenges of managing staff in home and host localities, including the selection, training and rewarding of expatriates. Cultural awareness will be explored through the examination of diverse institutional and cultural environments in host destinations for MNCs. These include North America, 'Western' and 'Eastern' Europe, Japan, China and a selection of emerging/developing countries. |
|
Leadership and Management in International Business
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| The module explores a range of leadership and management attributes and skills in their application to people in a multicultural and international business context. Leadership and Management theory, models and styles are analysed, including their impact on individual and team performance. Key concepts of leadership, management, motivation, teambuilding, group behaviour, communication, feedback, power and conflict are explored and presentation, communication, critical thinking and self-assessment skills are developed. |
|
MSc IB Major Research Project
|
60 Credits |
Compulsory |
| The Major Research Project is an original piece of work incorporating research and evaluation. It is the culmination of a successful Masters programme demonstrating the student's ability to work independently. It is underpinned by a formal teaching module in Business Research Methods.
The project may focus on any aspect of the MSc International Business programme. Each student will be supported by a supervisor who will approve the final selection of the topic and offer guidance and support during the research and assessment process to ensure the learning outcomes are met. |
|
Business Research Methods
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| The module covers a range of research related skills in the business context. Areas covered normally include: understanding contemporary business issues; formulating research aim and objectives, identifying relevant literature; examining different approaches to data collection and data analysis; considering ethical guidelines for reliable and credible research. On completion of the module, students will have the ability to execute the next stage of their research. |
|
Accounting and Finance for International Business
|
15 Credits |
Compulsory |
| This module is designed to enable you to become more confident in the use and limitations of financial
information and, thus, interact more effectively with both financial and non-financial management. You will learn how to assess and use financial information, both that provided to external stakeholders (financial statements) and internal management reports essential tools to assist with management decision making across the organisation.
In addition, you will analyse financial information which you will develop to help solve business problems,
including alternative techniques for evaluating major investment projects and explore ways in which they may be financed.
The module also explores how financial management and business performance is monitored and managed.
A practical approach will be used. The use of scenario exercises and case studies will enable you to acquire and develop new financial skills and understand how to use them in a practical context. |
