School of Management, Unit Catalogue 2010/11 |
MN50452: International business strategy |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Masters |
| Period: | This unit is available in... |
| Semester 1 |
| Assessment:
| CW 30%, EX 70% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| This unit is only available to students on the MSc International Management. |
| Description:
| Aims: * to develop powers of strategic thinking, analysis and judgement; * explore the strategic options by which firms can make best use of the business opportunities arising in the global economy; * provide students with an in-depth appreciation of the strategic challenges facing businesses in an international environment, notably challenges for decision making regarding uncertain or unfamiliar contexts. Learning Outcomes: By the end of this unit, the student should be able to: * display a sound understanding of theories of strategic management as they apply to international contexts, and be able to appraise models and evidence critically; * determine how the international environment (economic, legal, social, political) conditions the strategies of an organization; * evaluate and interpret new information and theory, and engage in problem solving, thereby demonstrating a capacity to think clearly, logically and practically about a range of international business issues; * identify feasible strategic responses in a given situation; * assess strategic responses for suitability; * advocate a strategic option after assessment. Skills: Intellectual Skills * facility to apply subject-specific knowledge into a range of complex international business situations, taking into account the overall implications for the other areas of the business (TFA); * critical awareness of current issues and frameworks in management (FA); * understanding of theoretical concepts and frameworks that enable the student to meaningfully link theory and practice, and the ability to critically appraise both theory and practice (TFA); * assess challenges of operating across national institutional frameworks, and interacting with supra-national organizations (TA); * recognize and evaluate challenges arising from operating across cultures (TF). Professional Practical Skills * deal with complex issues and make sound judgements in the absence of complete information, and to communicate their conclusions clearly and competently (FA); * assess and further develop the strategic position of an organization operating on an international stage (F); * operate effectively within cross-cultural teams and assume leadership roles where appropriate(F); * Communicate and manage effectively in cross-cultural contexts (TF) Transferable/Key Skills * ability to develop a holistic perspective on an international organization and an understanding of how operations at different locations interact with each other (TFA); * appreciation and in-depth understanding of the resources and competences required for successful operation in international contexts (TA); Personal/Interpersonal * facility to communicate including presenting and marketing themselves and their ideas; preparation and production of effective management analysis (F); * ability to recognise intra/entrepreneurial risks and opportunities and to use enterprise skills to advantage established and start-ups. (F). * ability to operate effectively in an unfamiliar institutional and cultural context (F). Content: The unit introduces students to the core theories, issues, themes and perspectives on business strategies, which are throughout applied to companies operating in an international context. Building on students prior understanding of management, the course covers the following areas: * Managing institutional differences and supra-national institutions; * Developing and maintaining strategic capabilities through global operations; * Developing foreign entry and growth strategies; * Establishing and coordinating global supply chains and purchasing; * Coordinating business units operating in different countries and contexts; * Recognizing and evaluating ethical challenges that may affect international business strategies. |