International Business: Key Success Factors and Theories

Question 1. Formulate your own Question

On successful completion of this module and assessment students will be able to:

1. Identify the key success factors for entering international markets, and organising, managing and controlling activities around the world.

2. Exhibit insight of theoretical knowledge, analyse, provide reasoning and apply understanding to complex international business issues and the business environment with reference to themes such as the internationalisation of production, globalisation, foreign market entry strategies and international trade.

3. Understand the economic impact of economic integration, the EU and the EU competition policy for international business

4. Analyse and demonstrate an in-depth understanding of issues involved in the operations of the international businesses in the global economy, in areas such as supply chain management and production.

Answer One of the following Questions:

Question 1. You may formulate your own Question from the range of topics covered by the syllabus covering the learning outcomes . Answer the Question using a wide range of quality/reliable sources, statistical evidence and real world examples. You should discuss your essay topic and Question with your module leader and get approval before you start writing your coursework!

Question 2. Compare and contrast Dunning’s (1988) eclectic paradigm with another theory of internationalisation of business. Explain how useful these theories/approaches have been in explaining the internationalisation of business and foreign direct investment patterns in recent decades using real world examples and statistical evidence.

Advice: In this Question, you need to choose, explain and compare and contrast TWO different theories and examine how well they can be applied to the internationalisation of businesses and FDI patterns. Use real world examples of how companies in a particular industry may have gone through the internationalisation process and how a particular theory/approach can explain this well. You need to use a wide range of quality/reliable sources and provide references in your essay. Provide references in the text of your essay and in your bibliography using the Harvard referencing style.

Question 3.

a) Provide a brief explanation of the globalisation trend over recent decades. (20% weighting)

b) Discuss the impact of globalisation and Covid-19 pandemic on economic growth,income inequality, poverty and environment/climate change EITHER at a global level OR in developed (advanced high income) countries OR developing (low-middle income) countries. (70%weighting)

c) Who are the winners and losers of globalisation in terms of consumers, producers and workers? (10% weighting)

Illustrate your answer to parts (a), (b), and (c) using recent statistical evidence, real world examples and a wide range of sources.

Question 4.

a) Briefly explain the different types of regional trading-blocks in the global economy using real world examples. (10% weighting)

b) Discuss the economic, political and social advantages and disadvantages of the UK leaving the European Union. (60% weighting)Please note that while examining the advantages and disadvantages of the UK leaving the EU, you are also in effect examining the advantages and disadvantages of being part of a trading block such as the EU.

c) Briefly Examine the economic impact of the UK leaving the EU on the UK economy. In answering this Question you may consider impact on trade, Foreign
Direct Investment and the labour market to name a few.
 (30% weighting)

Use a wide range of quality/reliable sources, recent statistical evidence and real
world examples to support and substantiate your answers to part (a), (b) and (c).
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Question 5.
a) Examine the advantages and disadvantages of TWO different foreign market
entry strategies used by Multinational Enterprises (MNE) and evaluate the success/
failure of these entry strategies by referring to real world examples and cases.
 (80% weighting)
b) In what ways has the Covid-19 pandemic influenced methods of entry into foreign
markets since 2020? (20% weighting)

You can either evaluate two different entry strategies used by the same MNE in
different geographical markets or evaluate entry strategies used by different MNEs in
different geographical markets.
Use a wide range of quality/reliable sources, recent statistical evidence and real
world examples to substantiate your statements in parts (a) and (b).
Question 6.
a) Examine the potential positive and negative economic, political, social and
environmental impacts of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by Multinational
Enterprises (MNE) in developed OR developing HOST countries.
 (80% weighting)
b) What has been the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on FDI in recent years?
(20% weighting)
Illustrate your answer to parts (a) and (b) using a wide range of quality/reliable sources,
recent statistical evidence and real world examples.
Advice: Your answer to part (a) should analyse the advantages and disadvantages of FDI by
MNEs in HOST countries with respect to impact on economic growth; domestic investment;
technology transfer; environment/pollution; employment; working conditions; balance of
payment; national culture; national sovereignty etc.)
Question 7.
a) Briefly examine the relationship between a firm’s production and supply chain
management decisions. (20% weighting)
b) Discuss the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on production and supply chain
management decisions. How can recent supply chain issues be avoided in the
future? (80% weighting)
Use a wide range of quality/reliable sources, recent statistical evidence and real
world examples to substantiate your statements in parts (a) and (b).