This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module provides a critical introduction to the main theories and debates in International Business and uses these theoretical approaches to explain core phenomena in international business. Among the areas that will be considered are: international economic transactions, including trade theories and national competitiveness; key theories in relation to MNEs, including internationalisation and eclectic theories, and monopolistic advantages; the international business environment including institutional theory, resource dependence and evolutionary theory; an analysis of the growth and decline of MNEs, including stages model, network theory, market entry/expansion modes
A core module for the Pre-Masters in Business Management and Finance. The module will consist of formal lectures (1 hour per week) and seminar discussions/group-based learning workshops (2 hours per week) for 11 weeks - a total of 33 hours. In addition, there will be one reading week. Students will be expected to study a total of 117 hours independently, amounting to a total of 150 hours for the module.
Essay 1,800 words (40%)
Assessed seminar 20 minutes (20%)
Case Study analysis 1,800 words (40%)
Ball, D.A. and McCulloch W.H. (2012) International Business: The Challenge of Global Competition. 13th Edition. London: Irwin/ McGraw-Hill.
Buckley, P. and Casson, M. (2016). The Future of the Multinational Enterprise. Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Dunning, J. and Lundan, S. M. (2008) Multinational Enterprises and the global economy. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.
Ghoshal, S. and Westney, D. E. (2000) Organization Theory and the Multinational Corporation. 2nd edition. Basingstoke: Palgrave
Radebaugh, L.D., D.P. Sullivan and Daniels, J.D. (2016) International Business: Environments and Operations 15th Edition. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Upon completing this module students will be able to select and synthesise complex information from a variety of sources to structure and express coherent arguments using relevant concepts and theories in support. Students will have a greater understanding and evaluation of key theories concerning historical and contemporary issues in international business and consider their application in practice. Students will also be able to critically analyse why organisations engage in international ventures from a theoretical perspective and explain some of the challenges to the development of Multinational Enterprises (MNEs). Students will also be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and acknowledge and respond to feedback in a positive and constructive way, demonstrating effective time management skills and working well independently.
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