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2019/20 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
LUBS5861M International Business and the Global Factory
15 creditsClass Size: 200
Module manager: Professor Frank McDonald
Email: f.e.mcdonald@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: 1 Nov to 28 Feb View Timetable
Year running 2019/20
This module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
The module provides knowledge on how differing perspectives on the evolution of globalisation processes influences the strategic policies and managerial practices of firms. The acquired knowledge is applied to enhance capabilities for the analysis and evaluation of the efficacy of management approaches and systems in cross-frontier business transactions that seek to enhance the value obtained from such transactions. The module emphasises the importance of considering the institutional environment, with a focus on cultural and ethical diversity, in the various host locations of firms.Objectives
The module will enhance student awareness of the differing perspectives on globalisation processes and how they influence cross-frontier business transactions.This will include examination of the variety of views on the evolving nature of globalisation such as the growing importance of the emerging economies and the increasing opposition to many of the political, economic, social and environmental effects of global business transactions.
The module will develop students’ ability to evaluate how the differing perceptions about globalisation processes influence the strategic policies and managerial practices of multinational corporations (MNCs) including location decisions and developing business transactions in developed and emerging economies, at national and sub-national level.
Analysis of these influences in the context of decision-making on cross-frontier business transactions will enable students to better assess the effectiveness of the management of the global business transactions of large and small MNCs, as well as those domestic firms that are linked to global value chains. The global value chain concept of the Global Factory will provide a means of analysing the opportunities and challenges for firms seeking to enhance value from their engagement with the global economy.
The module will develop the capabilities of students to take proper account of the importance of diversity in national and sub-national economic, political, cultural and ethical conditions for global business transactions.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge outcomes:
Upon completion of this module participants will be familiar with and able to critique theories relating to:
1. The major implications of globalisation and its evolution for the internationalisation of business transactions by small and large firms.
Academic skills outcomes:
Upon completion of this module participants will be able to:
2. Analyse the major issues involved in the selection of entry mode, business models and organizational systems in different national and sub-national locations, including in cities.
3. Identify and apply the core theories and concepts of international business management to evaluate the effectiveness of the major strategic policies and managerial practices used by multinational corporations
4. Synthesise the major components affecting cross-frontier business transactions and to analyse how these factors influence the creation and development of the global value chains of small and large multinational corporations in the manufacturing and services sectors.
5. Assess the effectiveness of strategic and managerial plans in diverse international settings.
6. Evaluate the importance of economic, institutional, and cultural differences between home and host locations for the selection and development of effective means to achieve the strategic objectives of organisations.
7. Synthesize political, economic, institutional and ethical constraints and advantages in different locations with the development of effective strategic and managerial objectives.
Workplace skills outcomes:
Upon completion of this module participants will be able to:
8. Assess the suitability and quality of data in relation to cross-frontier related decisions/scenarios within the workplace
9. Evaluate complex global environments and how changes in these environments may affect the ability of the organisation to secure value from engaging in cross-frontier economic transactions.
10. Critically discuss how their organisation may/has developed its global value chain and the challenges faced by the company from currently developments in the global economy
11. Contribute to the identification of major challenges and opportunities connected to the strategic plans of organisations that involve engagement with cross-frontier transactions e.g. exporting, importing and foreign direct investments
Interpersonal skills outcomes:
Upon completion of this module participants will be able to:
12. Formulate, assess and communicate coherent strategic plans in the context of diverse types and quality of information.
13. Evaluate and communicate effectively plans for the successful management of organisations that operate in complex political, economic, social and institutional environments.
14. Communicate effectively on the strategic and managerial plans for an organization in the context of the major ethical implications of these types of activities.
Skills outcomes
Successful students of the module will evidence:
Subject specific skills:
- Critique the various perspectives on the evolution of globalisation
- Synthesise the key factors impacting on cross frontier business transactions
- Evaluate the global implications within the supply chain and identify possible threats and challenges
- Examine global strategic and managerial plans within a corporate social environment
- Synthesise the micro and macro challenges on a global basis
Transferable skills:
- Collect, analyse and critically reflect upon the research data gathered
- Communicate numerically and descriptively to a high standard
- Contribute to the global challenges and opportunities within the work place
- Critically evaluate the relevancy and accuracy of data
Syllabus
1. The differing perspectives on globalisation and the implications for cross-frontier business transactions.
2. The use of the global value chains and the concept of the Global Factory to understand and analyse how firms can enhance value from cross-frontier business transactions.
3. Foreign market entry strategies; exporting, franchising/licensing, offshoring/reshoring, joint ventures, wholly owned subsidiaries - greenfield vs merger and acquisition.
4. Location decisions – the role of cultural, economic, geographical, institutional, political, and technological conditions at national and sub-national level (including in cities).
5. Strategic policies and the development of global value chains.
6. Managerial policies and the development of global value chains.
7. Ethical considerations and corporate social responsibility policies in global value chains.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Directed Study | 6 | 1.00 | 6.00 |
| Discussion forum | 6 | 1.00 | 6.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 24.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 114.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 12.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Private study
Independent online learning refers to non-facilitated directed learning. Students will work through bespoke interactive learning resources and reflective activities in the VLE.Private study refers to directed reading and self-directed research in support of learning activities and discussions, as well as in preparation for assessments.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Online learning materials will provide regular opportunity for students to check their understanding (for example through formative MCQs with automated feedback). Regular group activity embedded into learning will allow self and peer assessment providing opportunities for formative feedback from peers and tutors.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Assignment | 900 word report proposal | 30.00 |
| Report | 2,100 word final report | 70.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Resit by failed element
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 10/08/2020 08:41:52
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