INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS - 2023/4

Module Overview

This module focuses on key and latest topics in International Business in the context of the global economy. It first introduces students to the apparent globalization phenomenon and the 'hidden' role of international businesses. It then highlights the national differences across countries. It also looks at how these differences impact on industry and firm competitiveness in the international marketplace. The module also emphasizes the importance of firm internationalization in terms of three areas: Motivations, Decisions, and Processes, in light of the national and industry conditions. Finally, the module introduces students to the managerial strategies and organizational structures that international firms typically adopt to compete effectively in the global marketplace, as well as the future directions that these firms are likely to take. It is expected that students will bring the knowledge gained from this module with them to other subsequent modules whereby International Business plays an important and relevant part. 

Module provider

Surrey Business School

Module Leader

ZHAO Shasha (SBS)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicative content includes:

• Background to International Business


• National environmental differences


• Industry competitiveness


• Motivations of firm internationalization


• Decisions of firm internationalization


• Process of firm internationalization


• Strategic management of international operations


• Strategy for global innovation


• The role of emerging economies


• Future of international business

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate

• knowledge of the political, economic and cultural differences among countries and their impact on international business,


• knowledge of the models, concepts and theories related to international business,


• an ability to apply the knowledge on country differences and theoretical frameworks to real international business contexts,


• an ability to identify and critically evaluate strategic issues and dilemmas that managers face when doing business in the global marketplace,


• an ability to apply the theory in a critical and constructive way in order to solve strategic issues and/or balance strategic dilemmas in an international business context.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

Assessment 1: Individual Coursework – 40% weighting

• The individual coursework consists of a case analysis related to a specific company entering a foreign market.

Assessment 2: Individual Essay – 60% weighting

• The individual essay examines your critical thinking and writing skills and knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts and frameworks, and their limitations, relevant to international business.

Formative assessment and feedback:

We will provide students with feedback in weekly tutorials, where a variety of exercises, such as case studies and assessment workshops. Collectively, these exercises will prepare students for their assessments.

Module aims

• develop a solid theoretical understanding of International Business theories, models, and concepts
• develop analytical skills for assessing internal and external environmental conditions of international firms
• recognise the reasons behind the success or failure of international firms in international markets.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• develop an awareness  of country differences in order to understand how they impact international business


• critically understand and assess models, theories, and concepts related to international business


• evaluate the strategic issues and dilemmas that concern the development of firms in the international marketplace,

Students are expected to undertake regular reading of the topics discussed during each session.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• Each session consists of two parts:
  
  
  
  • Part 1 consists of a formal lecture aimed at providing students with the knowledge of relevant theories (1 hour lecture x 11 weeks)
  
  
  • Part 2 is aimed to be practical and interactive. Students will be encouraged to put their knowledge to practice by analysing cases related to international business (1 hour tutorial x 11 weeks).
  
  
  
  


• The teaching and learning methods will be supported by SurreyLearn, where lecture materials and other relevant information on the module will be made available on a weekly basis.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MAN2096

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.