Global Business in Context: Understanding Current Trends and Preparing for a Multi-Layered Global En

Challenges of a globalised and highly connected business environment

Businesses operate in a globalised and highly connected multi-layered business environment, where the global and the local impacts are increasingly intertwined.  Such an environment presents many challenges, typified by the volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) arising from global business.  As the leaders/managers and decision makers of the future, Global Business in Context will help students understand current trends in Global Business, prepare for work in multi-layered global environments, and to understand the need to be flexible and adaptable to change, both in the domestic, regional and global contexts.

Businesses now operate in a globalised, highly connected multi-layered business environment, where global, regional and local firms are increasingly intertwined.  Such an environment presents many challenges, and is typified by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity.  As the leaders/managers and decision makers of the future, this module will help students understand key concepts and current trends in Global Business, prepare for work in multi-layered environments, and to understand the need for flexibility and adaptability, both in the domestic and regional and global contexts.

CONTENT

A number of pertinent topics will be explored and discussed with a global focus, including emerging economies.

Students are expected to read in preparation for participation in each session*.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Successful students will be able to:

1.Describe and discuss critically the main streams of research in the areas of global business.

2.Analyse the complex changes occurring within the global economy and critically  discuss their impact upon a range of enterprises (both MNEs and SMEs).

3.Critically evaluate the impact of differing social, legal, economic, political and techno- logical factors on the decision-making process in globally and internationally active firms.

4.Develop their learning through cross fertilisation, and reflection upon ideas from their own and others’ experiences of different global settings.

LEARNING AND TEACHING METHODS

Lectures will introduce concepts and theories.  These will be supplemented through a combination of discussion activities, usually centred on the named case studies.  Supplementary multimedia resources are available, for example, the Global Business in Action video clips.

Students will be directed to read a series of weekly materials, for example, a book chapter, case studies and other topical material which arises.  In order to assist students to adopt a global outlook, case studies will be drawn from varying local, regional and global contexts, and each week will have a different country focus as part of the seminar/discussion series.  Students will also be expected to participate in student-led discussions.  Guest lecturers will also contribute to this module’s teaching and learning strategy.

Blackboard Learn (Ulster’s virtual learning environment) is a key aspect of the learning and teaching approach for the module, and facilitates access to learning resources and module information. The site will also serve as the communication tool for the module.  However, students may make appointments for individual feedforward/feedback sessions face to face and through online means (Facetime, Skype or Collaborate Ultra).

On an on-going basis, topical new articles, links and readings will be added to the course materials, and made available in Blackboard.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance will be taken at every lecture.  Students must attend ALL lectures and a GOOD ATTENDANCE RECORD is required to pass the module

You are encouraged to contribute to lectures with your questions, answers and opinions.  Student participation creates a better learning environment.