2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LUBS3805 International Business Management

20 creditsClass Size: 220

Module manager: Dr Malcolm Chapman
Email: mkc@lubs.leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

Pre-requisite qualifications

LUBS1940 Economics for Management
OR
LUBS1950 Economic Theory & Applications 1
OR
ENVI1100 Environment and Economy (BA Environment and Business only)

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

Success in international business requires quick and effective decision-taking in an environment characterised by complexity, uncertainty and variety. The aim of this module is to impart to students an understanding of the theory and practice of management in such a setting, placing particular emphasis on those complicating issues not found in a one-country business context. The module is therefore concerned with understanding the nature of the international firm, and how decisions are made about the activity to be internationalised; the choice of country and the method of doing business there; how to co-ordinate internationally dispersed operations, and whether or not to enter into alliances with foreign firms. The module explores how political risk, economic risk and exchange rate movements might determine the success (and failure) of decisions. Naturally, greater internationalisation brings with it greater scope to encounter foreign cultures, attitudes and beliefs. A key element of the module is to teach an appreciation of how cultures differ and how such differences influence decision-taking in an international business milieu.Further information about the Business School is available on the website: Business School

Objectives

On completion of this module, students will be able to:
- comprehend the key feature of the international business environment and the scale, scope and nature of international business activity;
- understand the main characteristics of the various foreign market servicing strategies available to firms and to appreciate, in both theoretical and practical terms, the principles which govern the selection of the appropriate service method;
- recognise the impact of the host country market and its culture on inward business activity and to better understand the significance of this activity for host nations;
- appreciate the nature of international firms, their organisation, structure and nationality; and Understand the principal factors governing the management of international business in key regions of the world.

Syllabus

- The nature of the operating environment for international business today;
- The scale, scope and trends in international business activity;
- The various methods that firms can use to assess, enter and develop non-domestic markets;
- The relevance of factors such as culture, psychic distance, host and home country perspectives and 'green' issues on the organisation and management of international business;
- The business environment in key regions of the world, notably the European Union, North America, East and SE Asia and the transition economies of East and Central Europe;
- The impact of the evolving world economy, regional integration and globalisation on today's international firm.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	22	1.00	22.00
Seminar	8	1.00	8.00
Private study hours			170.00
Total Contact hours			30.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

For each 20 credits of study taken, the expectation is that the normal study time (including attendance at lectures and tutorials, self-study and revision) is 200 hours.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Group Project/Project/Dissertation	4,500 word Written report	20.00
Presentation	By whole group	10.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		30.00

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

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 00 mins	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		70.00

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: 15/03/2010

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