International Business Module - Analysis of Challenges and Approaches

Module summary content and aims

This module critically examines the major issues and challenges faced by companies engaged in international business. The module aims to develop solid foundation in a vast interdisciplinary field of international business, covering conceptually important topics and furthering analytical skills to analyse and understand complex nature of businesses operating internationally. It then focuses on some of the approaches being used by multinational enterprises both to establish and maintain their competitive advantage. Most importantly, this module seeks to show how the international economic and political environment acts as a very powerful influence over companies’ policies.

Specific expectations students can have of tutors: 

• Constructive formative feedback on one assignment draft per assessment
• Lecture slides made available on blackboard prior to lecture
• Assessment marks and summative feedback given within fifteen working days from the assessment submission deadline

• Attend all teaching and activity sessions
• Behave professionally in classes and avoid disruption to class and other students
• Inform tutor via email beforehand when not able to attend any classes
• Participate and communicate professionally in class and with tutors
• Attempt all assessments by submission deadline and communicate with the tutor if there are any extenuating circumstances to explore extensions requests and/or mitigation claims.

Learning outcomes to be assessed

On the completion of the module, you will be able to:

LO1 Debate key contemporary issues relating to organisations involved in international business.

LO2 Identify and evaluate the global context within which international business must function in the twenty- first century.

LO3 Appraise alternative methods of entry into foreign markets.

LO4 Explain why companies may decide to internationalise and alternative theories of Internationalisation.

LO5 Discuss the impact of multinationals on both the home and host nations.

LO6 Select analyse and evaluate data on country markets.

Assessment 1 – Individual Report

There will be one summative assessment for this module:

• Individual International Business Report (100%)

The summative assessment will be submitted in week 14. In the run-up to submission, you will have the opportunity to submit formative report for feedback. You must achieve a minimum mark of 40% to pass the module and achieve 20 academic credits at Level 6.

Learning outcomes covered by the Assessment

LO1 Debate key contemporary issues relating to organisations involved in international business.

LO2 Identify and evaluate the global context within which international business must function in the twenty- first century.

LO3 Appraise alternative methods of entry into foreign markets.

LO4 Explain why companies may decide to internationalise and alternative theories of internationalisation.

LO5 Discuss the impact of multinationals on both the home and host nations.

LO6 Select analyse and evaluate data on country markets.

Assessment brief

You have been appointed as an international business consultant for an upcoming high-profile UK SME based in London. One of their key objectives for 2022-23 is to tap into the Chinese market for their “UHT milk for children aged from (3-11 years)”.

The company is expected to focus on specific target audiences (within Chinese market) that would see UHT milk from UK as a better proposition compared to the current local options. Having access to international suppliers, the business fully intends to make use of the UK's reputation as a land of quality, reliability, and transparency. Pre-school aged children and upwards are the ideal age to be ambassadors for the products due to their comprehension of what they like and dislike.

The final International Business report should contain:

• Executive Summary

You are required to submit business report constituting the elements mentioned below,

• Introduction (Industry background, should be supported by relevant facts and figures)
• Business drivers behind company’s expansion into the given

Students should indicate the factors under relevant sub-headings and supported by necessary references (students are expected to conduct PESTEL or Five forces analyses or any relevant trade theories which would lead them to identify key business drivers. Marks would be awarded for productively applying the chosen models/frameworks which highlight significant business drivers for internationalisation

• Trade Barriers

Students should highlight at least four trade barriers in the given context, Students should also demonstrate the business uncertainties and opportunities created by the trade policies of the national government of the target market.

• Ethical and social issues to be considered by the UK

Students should highlight the importance of corporate social responsibility when operating internationally in the given context.

• Cultural preferences to be Considered by the business

Students should highlight the significance of culture within various activities associated with international Business in the Chinese market.

• Expansion Methods to be chosen by company

Students should identify the range of potential internationalisation methods. This should be followed by an identification of the most suitable options available to the SME supported by relevant strategic evaluation frameworks.