LO1: Appraise different types of international environments.

Level 5

Credits 20

Module Introduction

Welcome to the Module on Principles of International Business

This module challenges students to examine in-depth how organisations have moved into an international market following the growth of globalisation. Students will compare strategies and identify the impact appropriate methods have made on the competitiveness of organisations. You will be given an insight into how ineffective strategies have negatively impacted an organisation looking into a risk/ benefit situation.

Students will learn of the issues that face the teams that develop strategies including political, economic, social, technical, culture, legal, ethical, environmental, sustainability well as barriers and tariffs.  You will develop an understanding of how to develop effective strategies to manage a transition into an international market.

The following pages will answer some questions you may have about the module.  After your first session you may have further questions or wish to seek clarification. If this is the case, then please do not hesitate to ask me either in person or using my contact details given below.

Module Aims

The aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge required to work in an effective and dynamic global environment. It will allow students to explore the culture, management, marketing of international trade. It will also help identify the skills required for operating in a professional working environment. This module links to business environment, business finance, supply chain and logistics and collaborative relationships.   

Module Learning Outcomes

LO1: Appraise different types of international environments. 

LO2: Apply appropriate techniques of corporate strategy and management in an international context.

LO3: Evaluate risks associated with international trade.  

LO4: Reflect on the development of business strategies to effectively establish a business within a global context.

Module Skills

Knowledge & Understanding

• Examine the nature of organisations across international markets 
• Understand the nature and importance of culture in different international trades 
• Develop risk management skills 
• Consider how to improve strategies within the international market. 
• Retrieve, sift and select information from a variety of sources using information technology and other methods.

Programme Skills

• Problem solving and critical analysis
• Research
• Commercial acumen
• Achieving results

Teaching and Learning Strategy

There will be a formal delivery of sessions to introduce the students to the international environment, markets, strategies and risks associated with international trade.

To reinforce these concepts, delivery will include group work tasks to provide the opportunity for the students to apply theory to practice. Self and peer formative assessment will be an essential part of the learning experience. Additional materials will also be provided via the LSS Student Portal.

Scheme of Learning/ Module Timetable

Week Number	Content	Learning Outcome
1	Module Overview and Introduction Why businesses go overseas What are the entry methods businesses adopt to go overseas Country analysis	LO1 LO3
2	Theories of international businesses	LO4
3	Assignment Workshop – Academic Tutorials
3	International business strategies: multidomestic, global, and transnational. Adding value	LO2 LO4
4	Culture: Elements, Characteristics, Theories	LO1 LO3
5	International Operations Management Outsourcing Logistics Manufacturing	LO2 LO4
6	Global Human Resource Management HR Strategy Recruitment and Selection Management Development Performance Appraisal Reward Management Labour Relations	LO2 LO3 LO4
7	International Marketing Management International Marketing Mix International Marketing Communications	LO1 LO2 LO4
8	Globalisation: Conceptual framework Risks Innovation and  Technological Development	LO3
9	Risk management- good practice models	LO3 LO4
10	Assignment Workshop & Academic Tutorials
11	Global Business Ethics	LO3 LO4
12	End of Module - Module Review

The timetable has been designed to build your knowledge and understanding of the module material over the whole of the module, therefore it is important that you make every opportunity to attend all timetabled sessions. Its development has been informed by feedback provided by previous students, employers and the external examiner, however the timings and content may change to take advantage of newly available learning opportunities which will enhance your learning experience.

If any changes are made to the timetable, teaching or other study related activity, they will be communicated to you at the earliest opportunity via email and the Student Portal therefore it is important that you check this regularly.

Assessment

Formative assessment is defined in the Foundation Degree Academic regulations as ‘Assessments which are non-contributory,’ these will take place throughout the module to help check your understanding. They also help you to prepare for summative assessments and provide you with feedback which identifies strengths and areas for development.

Summative assessment is defined in the Foundation Degree Regulations as ‘Assessments which contribute marks used to determine a student’s ability to progress from one stage of a programme to the next, and which are used to determine an overall award classification, are referred to for the purpose of these Regulations as summative assessments.’

The module comprises the following summative assessment components (total 100%):

Assessment Element                                      Percentage Weighting

Report	75%
Presentation	25%

Assessments have been clearly structured and presented to support you, however if you are unclear about what is required, speak to your module leader to seek clarification. It is important that you read the assessment guidelines and assessment criteria in detail and use them to structure your work. The content of the assessment should provide evidence that you have met all the module learning outcomes therefore it is important that you have an understanding of what the learning outcomes mean e.g. explore, define, critically discuss.

To support the development of your academic writing skills, it may be useful to devise a glossary of terms. This can be added to as you progress through the year and onto the next level of study.

Further information related to assessment can be found in the Programme Handbook.   

Assessment Brief 1

 

Assignment Title: Organisational Report  

Weighting:  75%         

Issued Date week commencing:  19.05.2025

Module Learning Outcomes Assessed:

LO1: Appraise different types of international environments.

LO2: Apply appropriate techniques of corporate strategy and management in   an international context.

LO3: Evaluate risks associated with international trade. 

Task: Within your report you will evaluate different types of international environments and examine the value and limitations within a business context (LO1).  Examine techniques a business can incorporate into its international strategic management setting to expand abroad or compete internationally (LO2). Evaluate the benefits and pitfalls associated with a business trading internationally (LO3).

Other relevant assessment information:

To achieve higher grades your work should evidence good use of research from a range of sources to underpin the judgments made and wide reading around topics to support conclusions drawn.  You will need to submit a reference list and bibliography.

Word Count: 3,000 words (+/-10%)