International Business Management induction information

About your programme

Module information

You’ll complete your course one block or ‘semester’ at a time. In each semester you’ll study modules. Some are core modules you have to take – others you’ll be able to choose between when you arrive, personalising the course to your interests.

In your first semester you will study the following modules:

• International Strategy Core

International Strategy (Core)

The module has a strong international component, it explores strategies, strategy processes, and strategy concepts associated with multinational organisations. The module helps students to develop an understanding of strategy formation in business organisations, as well as non-governmental organisations and other organisational forms.

The module will provide students with a comprehensive appreciation of strategy formulation and implementation from both an organisational and individual perspective. Themes like strategic decision making, organisational structure, organisational learning, and the organisational environment will feature on this module.

• Credits: 20
• Responsible and Ethical Leadership  Core

Responsible and Ethical Leadership (Core)

This module is concerned with the behaviour of managers and leaders when they are held responsible and accountable by standards other than shareholder value maximisation. The module is designed to ensure students understand how to reason ethically and how to approach ethical decision making within business and other management contexts, such as non-profit and third sector organisations.

Students will understand how unethical or reckless leadership of organisations can give rise to malpractice, undermine organisational viability and lead to reputational collapse whilst also harming wider society. In relation to business corporations, models of governance and frameworks that emphasise the primacy of shareholders will be considered as well as alternative models, and the importance of corporate purpose. In analysing how the principles of responsible decision-making should operate through management, ownership and governance, students will apply ethical thinking to real-life business and leadership situations thus helping them to become ethical decision makers and ethical leaders in the context in which they work.

The module will include a particular emphasis on tools to evaluate ethical behaviour in organisations.

The module will also address ethical and legal obligations in relation to personal data, the treatment of employees and environmental issues.

Assessment focuses on the development of a reflective personal leadership plan and the development of a case study.

• Credits: 15
• Economics and International Finance Core

Economics and International Finance (Core)

This module is about understanding the complexities of the role of international trade and finance in the global economy from an ethically sound perspective.

The purpose is to delve deeper into how firms could enhance and harness their knowledge of international economics and finance to prosper in the global environment and how this leads to higher living standards for people. Doing business across borders is different from doing it at home.

It entails a whole new set of managerial challenges:

• Understanding fundamental economic theories of international trade
• Measuring the impact of government rules and regulations on international trade and investment
• Reassessing competitive advantage
• Evaluating the role of international financial institutions
• Consider the effects of currency fluctuations on businesses
• Trading regimes and understanding the complication of interlinked global financial markets

The module builds a framework of analysis that enables managers to understand the challenges of international economics and finance and to capitalize on the opportunities they represent responsibly.

• Global People Management Core

Global People Management (Core)

This module is designed for students who want to embark on advanced level study of the strategic management of people in organisations in a global context. Students develop analytical and evaluation skills of comparative approaches that can be applied to real work situations.

The module recognises that people management is a key force for successful economic growth and thus emphasises the development of knowledge and understanding of a range of cultural, comparative and organisational perspectives on people management.

Students will not only explore theories and practices but also how to apply them effectively in an innovative manner. The module is also designed to give students an insight into the challenges and complexities in developing global leaders and their role in cross-border integration of international businesses.

• Independent Project Core

Independent Project (Core)

This module has two parts: a taught element and an element of independent work. The taught element enables students to develop their understanding of research skills and their practical applications in investigating managerial and business problems and covers the details of a research proposal. The second part (independent work) builds on the developed research skills and provides students with the opportunity to undertake an independent research project and requires the development of a substantive piece of work (dissertation).

Students demonstrate their ability to manage a research project from its conception to completion. Throughout this journey, supervisors are available to provide guidance and support to the students. Depending on the circumstances and availability, students can research challenges in specific organisations (consultancy project).

Note: This module starts in Semester 2 with classes throughout the term, and then carries on with their individual project. Students commencing the programme in September submit in August and students joining the programme in January submit the following January

Further information about the structure of your course can be found within the programme specification document.