MSc International Business Management

This module will teach you the most essential analytical tools required for economic decision makingsuch as: the concepts of economic systems, profit and utility maximisation, demand elasticity, marketequilibrium, market structures, macroeconomic objectives, government policies? (monetary, fiscal andtrade policies) tools and their impact on businesses. You will also learn how to evaluate theadvantages and disadvantages to the business of a range of sources of finance, how managers reporton the financial affairs and financial position of the business, and how to analyse financial reports inorder to evaluate business performance.

Further information

Overall the module emphasises the concept of the integrative nature of business and what matters most, in the need and desire to create and sustain business excellence, performance that can endure in the complex, global business environment.IntroductionIn the first instance the module introduces a number of tools and models that can be used to measure the success, or otherwise, of an organisation. This includes a review of relevant performance management approaches (e.g. the Balanced Scorecard, EFQM), which provide a holistic and integrated set of measures that gives a fast but comprehensive view of the business. Performance measurement approaches endeavour to collate important elements that reflect a business?s strategic position e.g. product and service quality measures, product and service development time, customer satisfaction, productivity and so on. Although, performance measurement models and approaches are introduced as a “whole”, this module focuses on two particular aspects as well as incorporating emerging issues in sustainability: • Internal business processes - What must a business excel at? This section takes an internal process perspective and investigates both the effectiveness and efficiency of the organisation. The focus is on Operations & Supply Chain Management including lean thinking, quality and improvement and role of information technology and e-business. • Customer/stakeholder focus - How does a business?s customers see the business? This section investigates just how well an organisation is meeting the needs of, and satisfying, its customers. The focus is on managing marketing matters, sales management initiatives and the relationship management challenges for both the selling and the buying organisation.Internal business processesThe context and principles of operations management and operations strategy are introduced. This is followed by a discussion of the main facets of planning and control processes, with a focus on modern methodologies, such as the philosophy and principles of lean thinking. Following this we examine one of the most significant elements of modern operational practice – Supply Chain Management. This includes examining the various aspects of the supply chain, including procurement, supply chain relationships, and logistics activity. The nature of “Quality” and improvement in an operational context is outlined and underpinned by the premise that all operations – regardless of quality - are capable of improvement. A variety of models and procedures of performance measurement will be evaluated and continues to consider a variety of methodologies for performance improvement.Customer/stakeholder focusBuilding and managing stakeholder resources are critical to creating and sustaining business excellence. Market entry and market development decisions will be introduced. Tools such as value chain analysis and market research resources will be introduced with a focus on critical evaluation of an organisation?s value proposition, potential competitive advantage and USP?s. The impact of digital communications and contemporary issues - such as personal data management collected by organisations and the importance of word-of-mouth - will critically discussed. Consumer focused tools will be introduced to help identify consumer journeys and wider societal concerns (i.e. consumerism, environmentalism, diversity). Recent research around stakeholder engagement, including employee engagement and co-creation, will underpin discussions around authentic stakeholder engagement and branding. Emerging Issues and SustainabilityCapability development will be considered in line with emerging issues and the latest thinking in business sustainability, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and other global and local initiatives. This includes the need to involve the customer/stakeholders in the co-creation of solutions and unlocking the potential of the supply chain to create value.

Further information

Research methodologies, critically reviewing literature, research design and ethics, data collection methods (qualitative, quantitative and mixed), analysis methods, research writing and dissemination. Individual research, production of a dissertation, reflection on work undertaken.

Further information

Research methodologies, critically reviewing literature, research design and ethics, data collection methods (qualitative, quantitative and mixed), analysis methods, research writing and dissemination. Individual research, production of a dissertation, reflection on work undertaken.

Further information

* Introduction to Global Marketing - A Strategic Perspective
* The Strategic Marketing Process and Global Marketing Challenges
* The Global Trading Environment
* The Social and Cultural Diversity and Complexity of Globalisation
* Global Market Research and Opportunity Analysis
* Globalisation and Market Entry Strategies
* Global Product and Service Marketing
* Global Channels of Communication
* Pricing for Global Markets
* The Management of Global Distribution and Logistics
* Global / International Niche Strategies for Small and Medium Size (SME) Organisations
* Sustaining Competitive Advantage in a Global Environment

Further information

After a brief introduction to models of national culture, the focus of the module is the HR issues and practices of organisations operating across national boundaries with a multi cultural workforce. It covers a range of key HRM areas: (1) global manpower planning, recruitment & selection (3) international performance management, training and development; (3) comparative employment regulation, employee voice and the management of conflict (4) the ethical considerations specific to international operations. These are explored through the use of examples and cases drawn from a range of international contexts and MNC practice. Students are encouraged to reflect on the approach to HRM in their own culture/country and contribute to the consideration of similarity and difference.

Further information

This module will provide you with a thorough understanding of specific theories of
culture and communication, cultural systems and dimensions offered by major
intercultural researchers and the critiques they have received in order to contribute to
a more widening debate of intercultural theory and research. Taught sessions will
address the notions of culture and intercultural business communication, and
theoretical frameworks about cultural systems, cultural complexity and acculturation.
There is also one session devoted to an intercultural workshop that helps you
rehearse, through practical activities, the input from the previous taught sessions.

Further information

Leadership, Strategy and Innovation covers a range of topics that address and explore contemporary approaches to leadership, innovation, and strategic decision-making processes, in business organisations. You will have the opportunity to learn and explore the role of leaders in encouraging and inspiring creativity in organisations. As corporations seek to increase and stimulate creativity and innovation across all their hierarchical levels, this module focuses on factors and processes that enable leadership and strategic thinking to generate transformational change. You will learn how organisations can efficiently and effectively harness the resources and the variety of creative talents available within their structures and systems to attain their goals. This module will also give you the opportunity to expand your knowledge and deepen your understanding of the role and importance of strategy, decision making and leadership processes in supporting creativity and innovation. This module includes relevant theoretical models to examine more closely the role that leaders play in setting the strategic directions of their organisations. You will explore leadership processes and critically analyse how leadership fosters creativity and innovation. Both the ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ aspects of leadership are explored in this module, which also gives you the opportunity to critically consider how leaders interact with their followers and promote a culture of innovation in organisations.

Further information

Research methodologies, critically reviewing literature, research design and ethics, data collection methods (qualitative, quantitative and mixed), analysis methods, research writing and dissemination.

Further information