module specification

In this module, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of international business by examining its evolution, nature, and impact on global economic development, with particular attention to its influence on emerging markets. You will explore how international business serves as a driver of globalisation and economic transformation and critically analyse the strategic and operational challenges that firms face when expanding and operating across borders. Through the application of internal and external analysis tools, and engagement with theoretical, political, and strategic frameworks, you will gain the ability to assess complex global business environments and develop contextually relevant strategies.

A key focus of the module is the role of social engagement in shaping global strategy. You will evaluate how multinational organisations engage with diverse stakeholder groups, manage ethical and sustainability concerns, and respond to socio-political expectations in international markets. By examining contemporary case studies and applying critical thinking, you will learn how to formulate effective and responsible business strategies that align with both organisational objectives and global societal demands.

This module supports pathways in international business, strategy, and sustainability within the wider programme. It is designed to prepare you for strategic roles in multinational corporations, consultancy, policy advisory, and international development sectors.

Aims of the Module:
• To provide students with a understanding of the foundational principles and evolution of global business in the context of globalization and regional economic integration.
• To develop students’ awareness of the cultural, legal, political, and ethical dimensions shaping global business environments.
• To equip students with the strategic and operational knowledge required to manage key functions of international business, including market entry, human resources, supply chain, finance, and taxation.

No prerequisites

Critically assess the drivers of globalisation and their impact on the structure and evolution of international business operations (LO1). This section explores the historical evolution of globalisation and international trade, tracing how international commercial relations have developed from early trade routes to today’s integrated global economy. Students will examine the major drivers of globalisation, including technological innovation, trade liberalisation, foreign direct investment (FDI), and the emergence of global value chains. These forces have reshaped how organisations design their structures, expand internationally, and coordinate complex global supply networks. The syllabus also investigates the rising significance of emerging markets and their growing contribution to global economic transformation. Students will engage with debates surrounding globalisation, particularly the tension between convergence and divergence of national
business systems. Through these themes, learners will gain an in-depth understanding of how globalisation continues to influence international business operations and strategic choices.

Analyse how cultural, political, legal, and ethical contexts influence strategic decision-making in global business environments (LO2). This component critically examines the contextual factors that shape international business strategy. Students will analyse comparative cultural frameworks, including Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, Trompenaars’ model, and the GLOBE study, to understand how cultural differences affect negotiation, leadership, communication, and management practices across borders. The syllabus also addresses political risk, institutional stability, and regulatory environments, emphasising how these variables influence strategic planning and market entry decisions. Key international legal systems and compliance requirements, such as trade law, intellectual property rights, and taxation, are examined to highlight the legal constraints that multinational firms must navigate. Ethical complexities in global operations, including corruption, human rights issues, and corporate social responsibility, are explored to strengthen students’ awareness of responsible business conduct. Additionally, attention is given to stakeholder engagement and evolving socio-political expectations, enabling students to evaluate how firms balance profit motives with broader societal responsibilities.

Apply strategic frameworks to evaluate entry strategies, organisational designs, and functional operations within an international context (LO3). This section equips students with the analytical tools required to assess strategic choices in international business. Learners will study a range of market entry strategies, including exporting, licensing, joint ventures, and wholly owned subsidiaries, evaluating the conditions under which each approach is most effective. The syllabus further explores global and transnational organisational designs, enabling students to understand how multinational firms structure their operations to achieve both global integration and local responsiveness. Core strategic frameworks such as Porter’s Diamond Model, the CAGE distance framework, and the Integration-Responsiveness (IR) Grid are applied to real-world scenarios to assess competitiveness and strategic positioning. Functional-level strategies are also examined, including marketing adaptation versus standardisation, international human resource management and talent mobility, global financial decision-making, and supply chain resilience and optimisation. Together, these elements provide a comprehensive understanding of how multinational enterprises coordinate and optimise their activities across diverse international environments.

Examine the strategic implications of sustainability and emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, on global business models and operational practices (LO4). This learning outcome explores how sustainability imperatives and technological innovation are reshaping the future of international business. Students will critically evaluate the role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, circular economy principles, and green supply chain management in influencing global strategy. The module also introduces major global sustainability standards and reporting frameworks, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), to demonstrate the regulatory and societal pressures guiding corporate behaviour.
It further investigates the transformative impact of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and blockchain, on global operations. Students will assess AI applications across marketing, HR analytics, and supply chain optimisation, while also considering the ethical, governance, and regulatory challenges associated with the deployment of intelligent technologies. Finally, the module examines future trends in digital transformation and sustainable innovation, enabling learners to evaluate how firms can adapt their global business models to remain competitive, responsible, and technologically advanced.

 

This module integrates scheduled teaching activities with independent research and applied learning, offering students a comprehensive and engaging educational experience. Weekly face-to-face and/or online sessions will include a mix of lectures, tutorials, workshops, flipped classrooms, guided learning, discussion groups, and digital learning activities.

A wide range of multimedia resources, such as videos, self-assessment questionnaires, case study analysis, guest speaker sessions, student-led debates, and virtual lectures, will be used to enhance engagement and deepen understanding. These tools support a student-centred learning environment that encourages critical thinking and the application of theory to real-world contexts in global business strategy.

The module places a strong emphasis on experiential learning. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their academic progress, apply strategic business theories to contemporary international business issues, and develop practical insights into global business operations. This reflective process will also support their personal development planning (PDP), enhancing their academic, analytical, and professional skills for future career opportunities or further study.

Weblearn, the university’s virtual learning environment, will serve as a central hub for module content, announcements, and directed readings. It will also be used to facilitate communication between students and tutors, support peer engagement, and provide timely generic feedback following formative assessments, ensuring continuous learning support throughout the module.

The students’ learning progress is assessed using formative assessment throughout the teaching period. Summative assessment is used in the form of a Case study analysis. This 2,000-word case study requires students to evaluate a company’s global expansion strategy, market entry decisions, and key international challenges. The analysis should apply international business theories and strategic frameworks to assess the operating environment, competitive position, and organisational readiness. Students must also address sustainability, including ESG responsibilities and environmental impacts, and examine how emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, affect market opportunities, efficiency, and strategic decision-making. The submission should integrate academic research with practical insights for a clear, evidence-based evaluation.

LO 1: Critically assess the drivers of globalization and their impact on the structure and evolution of international business operations. 

LO 2: Analyse how cultural, political, legal, and ethical contexts influence strategic decision-making in global business environments. 

LO 3: Apply strategic frameworks to evaluate entry strategies, organisational designs, and functional operations, such as marketing, human resource management, finance, and supply chain, within an international context. 

LO 4: Examine the strategic implications of sustainability and emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, on global business models and operational practices.
 

Core Textbooks
https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/F7F7ADB1-940B-44D1-8F92-033A580E2CEA.html?lang=en-GB&login=1

• Cavegirl, S.T., Knight, G. and Riesenberger, J.R., 2025. International business: the new realities. Global edition. Pearson Education. Available at: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/international-business/82CD96D72E43604075E5017C169211E2
• Hill, C.W.L., 2022. International business: competing in the global marketplace. 13th ed. McGraw-Hill Education. Available at: https://research.ebsco.com/c/lt2i4d/search/details/pmsv4v3yyv?db=ehh%2Ceric%2C20h%2Csph%2Ctrh%2Cnlebk%2Ca9h%2Cbwh%2Cddu%2Cpdh%2Cufh%2Cbth%2Cbri%2Chev%2C8gh%2Clxh&limiters=None&q=competing%20in%20the%20global%20marketplace
• Morrison, J., 2023. The global business environment: sustainability in the balance. 5th ed. Bloomsbury Publishing. Available at: https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/items/f50c6a98-5f84-46c0-a7c7-79003abe4cb6.html?login=1
• Verbeke, A. and Lee, I.H., 2021. International business strategy: rethinking the foundations of global corporate success. 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press. Available at: https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/items/d017f161-3718-4efb-a695-9cb106a524e8.html?login=1
Journals and Periodicals
• International Business Review
• Journal of International Business Studies
• Management Today
• The Professional Manager

Online Sources and Portals
Financial Times, n.d. Special reports: African entrepreneurs. [online] Available at: http://www.ft.com/reports/african-entrepreneurs [Accessed 19 June 2025].
European Union, n.d. EU homepage. [online] Available at: http://europa.eu [Accessed 19 June 2025].
EUbusiness, n.d. EU business portal. [online] Available at: http://www.eubusiness.com [Accessed 19 June 2025].
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), n.d. Official website. [online] Available at: http://www.oecd.org [Accessed 19 June 2025].
World Trade Organization (WTO), n.d. WTO portal. [online] Available at: http://www.wto.org [Accessed 19 June 2025].
World Bank, n.d. Official World Bank website. [online] Available at: http://www.worldbank.org [Accessed 19 June 2025].
International Monetary Fund (IMF), n.d. Official IMF website. [online] Available at: http://www.imf.org [Accessed 19 June 2025].
World Economic Forum (WEF), n.d. Official website. [online] Available at: http://www.weforum.org [Accessed 19 June 2025].