Integrated University

Code: UITB512EM   Title: International Business Strategy         Version: 1

Level: M                                   UIT credit rating: 3

Module type: Standard

Valid from: March 2003

Contributes towards: MBA (see notes)

Pre-requisites: None

Co-requisites: None

Excluded combinations: None

Learning outcomes:

On completion of this module successful participants should be able to:

a)         Knowledge and Understanding
appreciate the importance of globalisation and its impact on strategic choices of multinationals realise the significance of recent theoretical and institutional developments on the organisation and operation of international enterprises  understand the scope, limitations and boundaries of the subject and its relation to other subjects.

b)         Subject-specific Skills
compare and contrast the operational and decision-making differences between domestic and international firms appreciate the significance of business operations within different market settings understand the strategic roles of governments in creating competitive economic and business environments within their boundaries.

c)         Cognitive Skills
apply appropriate theories, models and concepts in the analysis of international business activities to achieve a competitive advantage assess the benefits, costs and risks of business operation within the global context demonstrate relevant skills to recognise and select appropriate techniques to solve particular business problems.

d)         Transferable Skills
select and apply appropriate organizational design within different business settings conduct an extended research into the areas of international economic management and write information concisely and objectively, using varied sources of information communicate with peer groups clearly and concisely at both professional and academic levels adapt thinking to new business situations as a result of global economic changes present written work in an appropriate thoughtful manner.

Syllabus Outline:

●  Internal and External Environments of Multinationals                                
●  Cultural Challenge
●  Economic and Political System and Corresponding Risks
●  Foreign Direct Investment
●  Government Intervention and International Business
●  Managing Exchange Rate Risks
●  The Strategy of International Business:                                                         

   -  Foreign Market Entry                        
   -  Manufacturing & R&D                                                      
   -  Marketing
   -  Organisational Structure
   -  International Regional Integration                                                      
   -  Global Emerging Markets                                                        

Teaching and Learning Approaches:

The lectures will be used to deliver 12 essential topics on the concept of international business strategy.  Workshops will be focussed on application, evaluation and critical assessment of theories and models, using real case examples.  They are aimed at developing and enhancing student’s analytical skills and problem solving abilities through self-motivation and value judgement.

Indicative Readings:

Buckley, P.J. (2002).  The Changing Global Context of International Business, Macmillan.

Butler, K. (2003). Multinational Finance, 2^nd Edition, South-Western.

Catlin, L.B. and White, T.F. (2003). International Business: Cultural Sourcebook and Case Studies, Thomson Learning.

Cullen, J.B. (2002). Multinational Management: A Strategic Approach, 2^nd Edition, Thomson Learning.

Daniels, J.D. & Radebaugh, L.H. (1998). International Business: Environments and Operations, 8th edition, Addison Wesley.

Hill, C. (2003). International Business: Competing in a Global Marketplace, 4^th Edition, McGraw Hill.

Hill, C. (2003). Global Business, 2^nd Edition, McGraw Hill.

McDonald, F. and et al. (2003). International Business, Palgrave.

Rugman, A.M. & Hodgetts, R.M. (2003). International Business: A Strategic Management Approach, 3^rd Edition, McGraw Hill.

Stonehouse, G., et al. (2001). Global and Transnational Business: Strategy and Management, Wiley.

Czinkota, M.R., et al. (2003).  International Business, 6^th Edition, Thomson Learning.

Assessment

Weighting:  Components A = 100%

 ATTEMPT 1 

First Assessment Opportunity
Component A
Description of each element                                                                             Element weighting
1. Supervised mini-project (3,000 words)                                                                         1

Second Assessment Opportunity (further participation is not required)
Component A
Description of each element
1. Supervised mini-project (3,000 words)                                                                        1

Specification confirmed by…………………………………..……Date…………….…………..
Faculty Dean/Programme Manager