Module: BMA5108-20 International Business

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Lu Liu

Module Tutor Contact Details: L.Liu@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

International business affects the daily life of many people on this world. Globalisation is one of the key challenges in today’s business environment, domestically and internationally. A growing number of companies are going global. On the international stage, businesses encounter a wide variety of opportunities and challenges that arise from their position as (initial) outsider to a local context different than their home country. As a result, it is becoming more and more important that business students possess the knowledge, the competences and the skills to do business across borders as well as to enhance career aspirations.

In this module you will be developing the following Graduate Attributes:

• Able to understand and manage complexity, diversity and change;

• Internationally networked: studying alongside students from overseas;

• Critical thinkers: able to express their ideas in written and oral form, and possessing information literacy.

• Ethically aware: prepared for citizenship in a local, national and global context.

2.Outline syllabus

The module syllabus will commence with an introduction to the international business environment and globalisation; an understanding to business ethics in the international context; and will progress to developing international strategies, which include entry strategies; international marketing strategies; international HR strategies and international operations strategies, etc. Appreciation of cultural differences and practice on inter-cultural communication are embedded in each of the topics above.

3.Teaching and learning activities

• This module is delivered in a 2 hour lecture and a 2 hour seminar. The teaching of the module will apply case studies generated in an international context, and give the opportunity to apply relevant theories into business situations.

• Teaching activities – lectures, seminars, guest speakers, open lectures

• Learning activities – lecture, seminar, group work, tutorials, formative tasks, summative assessments; field trip and self-study.

• Where appropriate additional selected readings designed to support learning and understanding will be presented as the module develops.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Individual Project (equivalent to 3,500 words)

• % Weighting: 70%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Group Presentation

• % Weighting: 30%