BS3SX7 - Internationalising Business 01 Sep 2019 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: BS3SX7
Module Title: Internationalising Business
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Business Management
Faculty Sub Group: Business Management
Module Leader: Zheng Liu
Module Team: Gabor Horvath
First Intended Intake: SEP 2021 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 6
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2019
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

Module Aims:

  • To analyse and critically evaluate the factors which constitute and influence the global business environment, in terms of the complex and unpredictable variables and contexts important to international business, and their reactions to those variables and contexts and changes to them.
  • To facilitate a systematic understanding of the key aspects of global business, including acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge at the
  • forefront of defined aspects of this discipline
  • To enhance the student's ability to manage their own learning by making effective use of scholarly reviews and primary sources (for example, refereed research articles and/or original materials appropriate to the discipline)

Content Summary

The module will guide the students through the steps a company should take before and after deciding to expand their activities beyond the boundaries of their home country. By using the case study of a fictional company, the students first will decide the best way to internationalise this company and select a country (or countries) offering the best potential for its further development. To achieve this the students will learn about the global business environment, comparing countries based on culture, risk and resource related factors, using and applying several frameworks (e.g. Porter’s diamond, SWOT, PESTLE), theories (e.g. Dunning’s Eclectic Theory) and databases (e.g. Hofstede cultural dimensions, Global Competitiveness Report ). After carrying out a weighted analysis based on the real life information and data they collect as a small group the students will present their findings to their peers.

The second half of the course is related to global management issues. It will discuss centralisation/ decentralisation related problems, explore the role of social innovation and sustainability and also the Corporate Social Responsibility issues emerging after internationalising the company. Finally the students can discover the routes the case study company could take in terms of product diversification or specialisation.

The learning materials have a strong academic foundation, but the theories are discussed via real life case studies and up-to-date practical examples, which all help the students to better understand the processes. The classes are delivered in an interactive way, where the students are encouraged to express their opinions and talk about related own experiences. The course therefore gives a great opportunity for students from a diverse background (especially suited for mixed nationality student groups) to use the knowledge related to their own countries and culture contributing valuably to the discussions.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 10
Seminar 30
Independent Study 110
Directed Study 40
Formative Assessment - Independent 2
Groupwork 8
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate an understanding and ability to critically analyse, evaluate and appraise the key internal and external contexts in which global business operates
LO2 Apply a critical awareness to the pervasive issues – including sustainability, globalisation, corporate social responsibility, diversity, business innovation and risk management

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Set Exercise - Time Constrained (EX) Classroom Test Time Constrained (EX) 1 Time constrained assignment 180 N/A 50 No 40
Written Assignment (CW) Report (CW) 1 Business Report 0 3000 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Classroom Test Time Constrained (EX) 1
Report (CW) 1

Reading List

Latest edition of the following text(s):

Collinson, Narula and Rugman, (2016): International Business , Pearson

Dicken, P (2011): Global shift: mapping the changing contours of the world economy SAGE, 2011

Note this represents the indicative reading list as validated. Students will be provided with annual up-dates to this if required