International Business

Aims of this Unit

This unit explores the theory and practice of global enterprise and aims to build competence in dealing constructively with international business conditions. It does so by developing awareness of the scope and complexity of micro and macro considerations that bear upon the international business environment, by familiarising participants with strategies to compete effectively and by requiring students to develop plans that match strategies with environmental conditions.

Knowledge and Understanding

This unit is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills to manage a business in the international arena and to familiarise them as managers and leaders with the range of strategies available to compete effectively in today’s rapidly evolving global economy.

The specific objectives include:
• Gaining insight into the development of the multinational enterprise and the process of firm internationalisation
• Understanding the impact of global environmental factors and national differences, including the concept of country risk
• Understanding the role of supranational organisations and regional economic agreements in affecting market access
• Analysing the modes of international involvement and explaining why and in what forms international operations take place

Learning Outcomes

Following completion of this course, participants should be able to:
1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of managing international operations
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the differences between operating in the local domestic market and global markets
3. Show advanced knowledge of the capacity to select appropriate policies and strategies for coping with the international business environment
4. Describe issues in governing international trading and investment
5. Apply principles that affect relationships with international trading partners, particularly those of a different political and cultural perspective
6. Develop strategic choices for global operations
7. Determine entry mode choice
8. Demonstrate a high order of skill in analysis, critical evaluation and professional application
9. Demonstrate creativity and flexibility in the application of knowledge and skills to new situations, to solve complex problems and to think rigorously and independently
10. Think and act in an ethical and sustainable manner