The International Business module will develop an understanding of the theory and practice of international business. Semester one introduces international trade theory and explores regional trade blocks and Brexit. The second semester draws on semester one to apply international strategy within the business context. Finally we round off semester two with our final block exploring contemporary issues in international business. The four-block format allows us to develop key areas of international business in depth. Through this module students will gain an understanding of neoclassical economic trade theory, be able to evaluate the logic of regional trade blocks and interpret international strategy through this lens. The exploration of contemporary issues in international business will ensure that students are able to take the in-depth learning from semester one and apply it in the current business context. Crucially, BS3744 International Business aims to hit the balance between depth of knowledge and workplace relevance. In doing so this module equips students for the challenging international business workplace.

 A.   Knowledge and Understanding

• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of international trade theory
• Understand regional trade blocks and be able to evaluate their rationale
• Develop a good understanding of the implications of Brexit for international business
• Extend understanding of strategy to a global perspective
• Be able to articulate the key challenges facing the assumptions underlying international business theory

B.   Intellectual Skills:   

• Interpret the underlying trade theory when considering contemporary international business strategy
• Diagnose the strategic issues involved in the internationalisation of business activity
• Appreciate the impact of Brexit on the UK economy
• Evaluate the moral dilemmas facing global corporate citizens

C.   Discipline Specific Skills:    

• Explore the application of alternative international business strategies
• Develop proposed international business strategies
• Synthesise theories of corporate internationalisation and apply this to specific examples.

D.   Transferable Skills:

• Demonstrate ability to analyse concepts and theories and to apply these to different international contexts
• To judge conflicting stakeholder agendas across international contexts and be able to make a case for good practice
• Demonstrate an understanding of issues relating to Brexit and its impact on international organisations associated with the UK 

44 hours of lectures will include a variety of approaches including case study and video material. Students will be encouraged to explore issues in international business in their own study time as well as for the assessments. Reading is mandatory on this module.

The assignment will be designed to explore students’ understanding of and ability to apply and evaluate concepts and approaches to International Business.

The examination assesses student understanding of, and ability to evaluate and apply, a range of approaches needed within international contexts of business and marketing.

Theory of international trade and political theory in the context of international business

Regional trading blocks, how they work, barriers and tariffs, EU and Brexit

International strategy, organisational architecture, modes of market entry and risk evaluation

21st Century international business and contemporary issues for organisations

Hill, C.W.L. 2014. International business: competing in the global marketplace. 10^th ed. Maidenhead: McGraw Hill Education.
Available at Aberconway library.

Wild, J.J. and Wild, K.L. 2014. International business: the challenges of globalization. 8^th global ed. Harlow: Pearson Education.
Available at Aberconway library and online at: http://bit.ly/28P42IR