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MN50452: International business strategy

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2014/5
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: School of Management
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 1
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: CW 30%, EX 70%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (CW 30%)
  • Examination (EX 70%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites: This unit is only available to students on the MSc International Management.
Further information on descriptions 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;
* 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);
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);
Transferable/Key Skills
* Ability to develop a holistic perspective on an international organization and an understanding of how different units interact with each other in the accomplishment of organizational goals (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 firms and start-ups. (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:
* Understanding the challenges faced by a firm doing business beyond domestic borders;
* Benefits and costs of becoming global
* Characteristics of global competition;
* Coordinating business units operating in different countries and contexts;
* Managing new product development and operations in a global context;
* Recognizing and evaluating ethical challenges that may affect international business strategies.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

MN50452 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

School of Management
Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2014/15 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2015/16 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2014/15.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.