International Business Management

international business management

main aims of the unit

The main aim of this unit is to provide learners with a clear understanding of the principles and techniques of international management and acquire practical knowledge to recognise international business opportunities and threats.

 

learning outcomes for the unit

Upon successful completion of the course students will be able to:

• Compare and contrast different types of organisations involved in international business.
• Describe and explain the role and impact of multinationals and international organisations in world trade.
• Explain the importance of small businesses in international trade.
• Describe the operations of small companies internationally.
• Discuss the duties and responsibilities of managers involved in international operations.
• Explain the management techniques for planning, organising and control.

Learning and teaching methods/strategies used to enable the achievement of learning outcomes:

Learning takes place on a number of levels through lectures, class discussion including problem review and analysis. Formal lectures provide a foundation of information on which the student builds through directed learning and self managed learning outside of the class. The students are actively encouraged to form study groups to discuss course material which fosters a greater depth learning experience.

 

entry requirements

• Certificate in Business Administration
• An approved Foundation Certificate.

Relevant experience is taken into consideration for students 21 years of age and over who have not completed any formal qualifications.

 

exemptions

Exemptions are on a subject-for-subject basis and may be awarded at the discretion of the awarding body provided applicants already possess a relevant qualification at an appropriate academic level.

 

main topics of study

Introduction to International Business

Types of international business. Small business. International and multinational corporations. Features, differences and implications.

   

European Union Law

The European Union. The Law making institutions of the EU. The Court of Justice. Types of EU Law.

   

Business Development Options

International mergers and acquisitions. Reasons for mergers and acquisitions. Methods of valuation. Social consequences.

   

Role of international organisations

International corporations. Roles in International Trade and economic development. Their place in the economy of a nation. Organisational structures and cultures. Effects on developing countries.

   

Management Functions

Personnel, production and distribution alternatives. Evaluation criteria. Financial dimensions of the operations of international and multinational organisations.

  

Small Business Management

Small businesses: choosing the business. Forming the business. Determination and evaluation of constraints. Assessment of motivation and co-operation. Organisation structures and cultures.

 

Management of International Business

Management of International operations. Evaluation of opportunities and threats. Importance of growth. Development of strategies. International cartels. Importing and exporting procedure and documentation. Political implications. Methods of control.

 

indicative reading for this unit

main text

International Business A. Rugman (Pearson)

alternative text and further reading

Managing Global Business M.Wynn-Williams (Palgrave)

International Management; Theory and Practice P. Gooderham, B. Grogaard, O. Nordhang (Edward Edgar Publishing)

 

guideline for teaching and learning time

(10 HOURS PER CREDIT)

50 hours - lectures / seminars / tutorials / workshops:

Tutorial support includes feedback on assignments and may vary by college according to local needs and wishes.

50 hours - directed learning:

Advance reading and preparation / Class preparation / Background reading / Group study / Portfolio / Diary etc

100 hours - self managed learning:

Working through the course text and completing assignments as required will take up the bulk of the learning time. In addition students are expected to engage with the tutor and other students and to undertake further reading using the web and/or libraries.

 

assessment methods

Final Examination: 70%

Coursework: 30%