2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LUBS1140 Principles of International Business

20 creditsClass Size: 240

Module manager: Cyntia Vilasboas Calixto Casnici
Email: C.Casnici@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module provides you with a foundation in the theory and practice of international business. It covers core concepts of international business and how these apply to the dynamics and constraints of international business strategy. It also examines the uncertainties and potential for the international expansion of the firm.

Objectives

The objective of this module is to familiarise students with key concepts, definitions, terminologies and theories of international business studies. The module equips students with the knowledge and understanding needed to appreciate the principles underlying the internationalisation strategies of a firm and the key features of the international business environment within which firms operate.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
- Evaluate the principles underlying the internationalisation motivations and strategies of firms.
- Analyse the key features of the international business environment that have an impact on the activities of the multinational enterprise.
- Demonstrate an understanding of and apply theories of the multinational enterprise and international trade.

Skills outcomes
Transferable:
- independently analyse concepts and information for critical thoughts;
- develop analytical, presentation, communication and team-working skills;
- confidently articulate their own and others group working skills in a professional context.

Subject Specific:
- students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of, interpret and evaluate the underlying theories and principles of international business.

Syllabus

The module may cover the following core aspects of international business studies:
- What is international business? Definitions of the international firm (international, regional, multinational, transnational, global, born global, and the global factory concept). Why firms become multinational enterprises (MNEs)? What initiates internationalisation (motives, triggers, internal and external barriers). Definitions and an historical and current overview of patterns of international trade and foreign direct investment (FDI). Globalisation and the role of MNEs in the process of globalisation. The international firm and institutional and industry dimension.
- Ethics, Sustainability, and Corporate Social Responsibility in international business. Barriers and non-tariff barriers to trade. International trade theory (mercantilism, absolute advantage, comparative advantage and the Ricardian model, Heckscher-Olin Theory, the Product Life Cycle Theory, New Trade Theory, Porter's Diamond). Theories of the MNE (the Uppsala model, transactions costs, network theory, internalization theory, the Eclectic theory, the theory of the 'global factory', the resource-based view of the firm). An introduction key features of host country markets - the PESTLE model - political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental dimensions. Definitions and key concepts in the generic entry mode types: direct and indirect exporting, intermediate entry modes (contract manufacture, licensing, franchising, joint ventures and strategic alliances), hierarchical modes (sales representatives, sales and production subsidiaries, regional operations, greenfield versus acquisition as routes to wholly-owned operations).

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	22	1.00	22.00
Seminar	5	1.00	5.00
Private study hours			173.00
Total Contact hours			27.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

This could include a variety of activities, such as reading, watching videos and question practice.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Your teaching methods could include a variety of delivery models, such as face-to-face teaching, live webinars, discussion boards and other interactive activities. There will be opportunities for formative feedback throughout the module.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	2,000 words (individual)	70.00
Presentation	Group presentation	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

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

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 29/04/2024 16:16:20

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