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2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LUBS2820 Contemporary Topics in International Business

10 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Steven Liu
Email: S.Y.Liu@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2019/20

Pre-requisites

LUBS1140Principles of International Business

This module is mutually exclusive with

LUBS3820Contemporary Topics in International Business

Module replaces

LUBS3815

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

In this module we will critically analyse current key developments in international business through an application of international business theory. Through your reading and interpretation of the academic international business literature and recent news you will be encouraged to analyse and debate the class topic in order to form and express your own perspective in a structured and convincing manner. The module will draw on the research expertise of academic staff at the Centre for International Business, the University of Leeds, and appropriate external speakers.

Objectives

This module aims to develop your critical analysis and analytical thinking skills by integrating knowledge of the international business environment and by exposing you to both contemporary research topics in international business and to current, topical developments in international business practice. Diverse topics are introduced, which are of significance to both international business scholars and practitioners.

Learning outcomes
Knowledge / Application:

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
- Apply international business theories and frameworks to contemporary issues;
- Critically 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;
- Using the academic literature to develop alternative arguments concerning how contemporary trends are likely to shape international business;
- Confidently debate a range of topical issues confronting international business scholars and practitioners

Transferable Skills:

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Independently analyse and critique contemporary topics in international business
- Develop, structure, and justify arguments
- Identify problems and approach them systematically
- Communicate effectively verbally and in writing


Syllabus

The precise content of the syllabus will change each year to reflect the recent and current 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;
- Bilateral, multilateral and regional trade agreements and their impact on international business and protectionism and nationalism;
- Technology and innovation management; R&D internationalisation and firm performance;
- Energy, the environment and the international firm;
- International labour mobility and the impact on the firm;
- The role of culture in international business and management;
- Geopolitical stability and the strategies of MNEs;
- Regional and country contexts (e.g. USA, Russia, Middle East, Africa, China, Europe).

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture111.0011.00
Seminar51.005.00
Private study hours84.00
Total Contact hours16.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)100.00

Private study

Independent reasearch and readings of the academic literature prior to and following each lecture and preparation for the seminar as well as preparation for ACW (3,000 word essay) at the end of the module.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Independent research and readings of the academic literature prior to and following each lecture and preparation for the seminar as well as preparation for ACW (3,000 word essay) at the end of the module.

Students will be offered the opportunity for group feedback and one-to-one feedback from the module leader outside the classroom setting. Students will also be offered feedback during the seminar session to identify areas of problematic understanding to enable them to prepare for the essay assessment at the conclusion of the module. The feedback from this in conjunction with class discussions during the module will enable students to gauge their progress during the course of the module.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Assignment3,000 word Assignment100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

The resit for this module will be 100% by 3,000 word coursework.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 05/07/2019

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