2015/16 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LUBS3815 Contemporary Research Topics in International Business

10 creditsClass Size: 120

Module manager: Professor Anniei Wei
Email: y.wei@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2015/16

Pre-requisites

LUBS1140	Principles of International Business
LUBS2405	Cross-Cultural Management
LUBS2415	Research Methods in International Business
LUBS2860	Managing International Business

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

In this module we will consider key up-to-date developments in both the theory and practice of international business research. It will shed light on contemporary research topics and intellectual debates with a view to support students doing dissertation and develop further critical thinking and analytical skills. It will bring together international business literature from across the curriculum to offer students an opportunity to integrate their knowledge, making connections between the news reported in the public domain and current topical debates, and international business literature. The delivery of the module will take advantage of the research expertise of academic staff in CIBUL and possibly external speakers. Each topic will be taught by a scholar in their area of expertise.

Objectives

This module aims to integrate the knowledge of international business environment, principles and strategies, and research techniques learned in Year 1 and Year 2 and apply them in the context of a contemporary research topic in international business. Disparate topics are introduced, which are of significance in international business research.

Learning outcomes
Learning Outcomes – Knowledge / Application
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
- Identify and explain the connections between international business theories/frameworks and contemporary issues;
- Analyse how recent and current events in the social, economic and political arenas are likely to influence the behaviour, decision-taking and strategy of international firms from both the industrialised and developing countries;
- Critically evaluate alternative arguments concerning how contemporary trends are likely to shape international business, at present and into the future;
- Debate a range of topical issues confronting international business scholars and practitioners.

Learning Outcome – Skills
Transferable
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Independently and critically analyse contemporary research topics in international business
- Make effective presentations
- Communicate effectively
- Work effectively in a team
- Appraise their own and others group working skills in a professional context.

Syllabus

The precise content of the syllabus may change each year to reflect the recent and current research topics in international business. Potential topics to be covered include:
- The impact of foreign direct investment on home and host countries
- The rising emerging market multinationals, the antecedents and its implications for established multinationals;
- Regional economic integration and its impact on international business;
- Technology and innovation management in high risk situations;
- R&D internationalisation and firm performance;
- Energy security and the international firm;
- International labour mobility and diaspora investments;
- The role of culture in international business and management;
- Geopolitical stability and the strategies of MNEs

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	2.00	22.00
Private study hours			78.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

Readings prior to and following each lecture and preparation for seminars, preparation for ACW (3,000 word essay) at the end of the module.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students' progress will be monitored through class discussion. During these sessions students will be expected to apply the knowledge gained during lectures and their private study to answering questions. Students will be given feedback on their responses by the lecturer during the class.

Students will submit an essay plan in week 9 and written feedback will be provided in week 11. Students will be offered opportunity for discussion in weeks 10-11 to identify areas of problematic understanding to enable them to prepare for the summative assessment at the conclusion of the module.

The marks and feedback from this in conjunction with class discussions during the module will enable students to gauge progress during the course of the module prior to the assessment at the conclusion of the module.

Students can also obtain feedback on a one-to-one basis from the module manager and lecturers outside the class setting.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	3000 words	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 01/04/2015

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