EC5060 - International Business (2026/27)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2026/27 | ||||||||||
| Module title | International Business | ||||||||||
| Module level | Intermediate (05) | ||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||
| School | Guildhall School of Business and Law | ||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2026/27(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
This module enables students to understand and analyse the dynamics of international business operations and management, strategic issues and evolving world markets. The module explores the decision-making process behind the organisation and management of operations and resources within a global context.
International economic issues influence the formulation of trade and investment policies as well as business strategies.
It encourages students to reflect and draw on their diverse socio-cultural backgrounds.
The aims of this module are:
1. You will acquire a strong understanding of key theories, policies and issues and ability to critically analyse a range of topical issues challenging international businesses in the global economy.
2. You will understand the development of international business, the globalisation process, and evaluate positive and negative impact of globalisation on consumers, producers, businesses, economy and natural environment in advanced and emerging economies.
3. You will develop an in-depth understanding of the role of global institutions, international trade and investment and regional economic integration.
4. You will develop employability skills: subject research; academic reading and writing; problem solving and application; analytical thinking and critical evaluation; reflection; and ethical, cultural and socioeconomic awareness.
Prior learning requirements
NA
Available for Study Abroad? YES.
Syllabus
International Business: LO1 and LO4
Nature of international business and theories of internationalisation of production.
Globalisation: LO2 and LO4
Globalisation of production and markets, process and debate about positive and negative impact of globalisation on consumers, producers, economy and environment.
Foreign Market Entry Strategies: LO2 and LO4
Examination of a range of foreign market entry strategies and their advantages and disadvantages.
Foreign Direct Investment: LO2 and LO4
Examination of recent trends in outflow and inflow of FDI amongst developed and emerging economies, and evaluation of economic impact on host and home countries.
Government Policy and International trade: LO2 and LO4
Examination of recent trends in international trade, role of international organisations such as the WTO, and evaluation of impact of trade restrictions such as tariffs on the global economy.
Economic integration: LO3 and LO4
Evaluation of impact of economic integration around the world–the special case of the European Union and USMCA.
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
Learning consists of ‘formal’ classroom learning directed by the teaching team, and reflective independent learning. The formal learning is structured around a two-hour lecture and a one-hour seminar. The independent learning consists of reading of the course material, working on weekly seminar questions, case studies and research for completing the coursework.
The lecture introduces the key theoretical concepts and business strategies and is interactive, encouraging student participation. Seminars are student centred, enabling students to gain a deeper understanding of the key concepts, prepare their answers to review questions and case studies and contribute to discussion
Students are expected to complement the 'formal' learning activity with further reading of the material suggested in the teaching sessions; solving business problems; answering review seminar questions; examining international business case studies; conducting research, planning and preparing for their summative assessment.
Use of case studies help students work out the practical applications of theoretical principles in a variety of contexts and encourage them to develop collaborative and self-directed learning skills.
The module makes extensive use of blended learning through the use of virtual learning environment platform, WebLearn, where module handbook; lecture recordings; lecture slides; seminar questions; guideline answers to seminar questions; case studies; assessment strategy; assessment and grading criteria; coursework brief and other relevant online resources and links are available.
A feed-forward strategy is used to provide early feedback to students to improve their final coursework submission. Use of the feed-forward strategy and class discussion of detailed grading and assessment criteria create an opportunity for dialogue between students and staff and promote shared understanding of the basis on which academic judgements are made. Students are expected to reflect on their learning in seminars and through tutor feedback.
Students' employability and transferable skills in particular, subject research; communication; problem solving, and reflection are developed during formal learning sessions, independent directed learning and a range of formative and summative assessment tasks.
Students are encouraged to reflect and draw on their diverse socio-cultural backgrounds, education and work experiences and demonstrate cultural, ethical and socioeconomic awareness in their coursework assessment, where appropriate.
Students are encouraged to engage with the career development and employment skills resources within London Metropolitan's Gateway to Success Weblearn unit.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of international business and theories of internationalisation.
2. Apply theoretical knowledge and understanding to complex international business issues and the business environment with reference to themes such as the internationalisation of production, globalisation, foreign market entry strategies and international trade.
3. Understand the economic impact of economic integration and trading blocs such as the EU for international business.
4. Demonstrate research, written communication, analytical thinking, critical evaluation, problem solving, application, reflection skills, and global and cultural awareness.