2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

LUBS2400 The International Economic Environment

10 creditsClass Size: 180

Module manager: Sorin Krammer
Email: M.S.Krammer@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisite qualifications

EITHER LUBS1940 Economics for Management, LUBS1950 Economic Theory and Applications 1 OR LUBS1140 Principles of International Business.

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

The module aims to analyse changes in the international economic environment as a result of the ongoing globalization of markets. It considers the economic implications of the increasing interdependence of countries and examines both theoretical and practical aspects of international trade and foreign direct investment (FDI). Furthermore, the module places emphasis on the role of technological advances, policy-making and regional economic integration in explaining differences in economic growth. The consequences of globalization for both developed and emerging economies are also considered.

Objectives

The objective of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the challenges and issues raised by the international aspects of economic interdependence. It analyses the changes in the international economic environment as a result of the ongoing globalisation of markets. It informs how economic conditions in key regions of the world moderate international trade, foreign direct investment and how host country economies effect the market entry strategies of firms.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to explain:
- the characteristics which define a nation’s economic environment and the relationship between the economic environment of nations
- how national, regional and global institutions shape the international economic environment
- the nature and drivers of international economic activity between nations and the role of multinational enterprises
- the key trends and changes in international business activity between nations, by key country and industry groupings
- the tensions which can arise between host nations and multinational enterprises and the impact that foreign direct investment can have on host countries
- the role of technology in the global economy and how technological change has helped shape inter-national economic growth
- the relationship between regionalisation and globalisation and the economic impact of regional trade areas, including monetary union, on member and non-member nations

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
- assess the economic impacts of the interdependence of nations
- evaluate the tensions between firms and host countries
- appraise the significance of global institutions
- appreciate the role that technology has played in economic development

Skills outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
Transferable
- critically analyse, communicate and present conflicting arguments
- research effectively
- work both independently and in teams

Subject Specific
- evaluate the relationship between global economies, firm activity and host governments

Syllabus

Indicative content:
- Introduction to the characteristics of the international economic environment, globalisation and the international business activity of firms
- Drivers and motives for foreign direct investment in the world economy; trends in FDI by country groupings and industries and the changing patterns of international business activity globally
- Theories of international trade and the role of technological change in explaining economic growth
- Barriers to international trade and their role in regionalisation and globalisation; an exploration of some of the arguments for and against free trade in the global economy
- The role of governments in the international economy and the tensions that can arise between host nations and multi-national enterprises
- Global institutions and their role in shaping the international economic environment
- Regional economic integration; an exploration of NAFTA and other key regional trade areas; the European Union’s Single Market Programme and European Monetary Union

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Tutorial	5	1.00	5.00
Private study hours			84.00
Total Contact hours			16.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Achieved through:
(1) Seminars;
(2) Presentations that the students have to make;
(3) Face to face meetings.

Methods of assessment

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		100.00

Resit will be 100% by exam.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 01/12/2017

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