UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Module Specification
1. The title of the module
International Business: A Strategic Perspective (CB674)
2. The School which will be responsible for management of the module
Kent Business School
3. The Start Date of the Module:
Autumn 2011
4. The cohort of students (onwards) to which the module will be applicable:
September 2009 entry
5. The number of students expected to take the module
25-50
6. Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None
7. The level of the module
Level H (FHEQ Level: 6)
8. The number of credits which the module represents
30 (15 ECTS)
9. Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
- Autumn and Spring
10. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
Prerequisites – CB523 and CB343
11. The programmes of study to which the module contributes
BA(Hons) International Business (Single Hons) / BA(Hons)International Business with a year in Europe (Single Hons)
12. The intended subject specific learning outcomes and as appropriate, their relationship to programme learning outcomes
Rationale - An integrative capstone module for Level H students in the BA International Business Programme designed to provide an interdisciplinary approach to knowledge acquired in Levels C and I. The module develops in-depth knowledge, understanding and provides a practical focus on the design and development of strategies in corporate enterprises in an uncertain global environment.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
SLO1 Examine advanced theories, tools and concepts in strategic management, international business, internationalization and international strategic alliances
SLO2 Develop the ability to engage the theoretical and practical issues in the formulation of international business strategy in an uncertain global environment
SLO3 Design and create an international strategy for a product to be launched in a market of choice based on a brief provided
SLO4 Write a strategic plan which integrates the product into a comprehensive corporate market expansion strategy for the chosen organization
SLO5 Integrate the theory-based product strategic plan within the context of business functions such as finance, production, marketing, supply-chain, global sourcing, sales and information technology
SLO6 Apply the theory to develop analytical and business skills in developing an internationalization strategy
SLO7 Develop a written report supported by an oral presentation on the development of the international strategy
These intended learning outcomes contribute to the following programme learning outcomes:
§ Programme learning outcome A1: Organizations, their environments and their management, including the management of people, operations, finance, marketing and organisational strategy (SLO1).
§ Programme learning outcome A2: Social science concepts and theories and the ability to apply them to business and management contexts (SLO1, SLO2, SLO3).
§ Programme learning outcome A3: Contemporary and pervasive issues, deepening and/or integrating core knowledge (SLO3, SLO4, SLO5, SLO6).
§ Programme learning outcome A4: European and international developments relevant to management (SLO3, SLO4, SLO5, SLO6).
§ Programme learning outcome A5: Some of the areas specified for the required core to a greater depth than available from the core modules alone (SLO4, SLO5, SLO6).
§ Programme learning outcome B1: Critically evaluate arguments and evidence (SLO4, SLO5, SLO6).
§ Programme learning outcome C1: Identify, formulate and solve business/decision making problems using appropriate qualitative and quantitative tools (SLO3, SLO4, SLO6).
§ Programme Learning Outcome C2: Create, evaluate and assess options, in a range of business situations, applying concepts and knowledge appropriately (SLO2, SLO3, SLO4, SLO5, SLO6).
§ Programme Learning Outcome C3: Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, about business issues (SLO3, SLO4, SLO7).
§ Programme Learning Outcome C4: Apply core numeracy and ICT skills to business problems (SLO4, SLO7)
§ Programme Learning Outcome C5: Conduct research into business / management issues for project work, using a variety of sources and appropriate methodologies that inform the learning process (SLO2, SLO3, SLO5, SLO6)
13. The intended generic learning outcomes and as appropriate, their relationship to programme learning outcomes
GLO1 The module will continue to bring scholarly and critical insights of the social sciences to bear on international business strategy
GLO2 Development of the analytical skills in the context of an international enterprise’s economic, social and technological context and the implications of the context on the development of international business and strategies
GLO3 Help students build upon concepts, theories and techniques introduced in the first and second year of the BA in International Business programme and applying them to the evaluation and management of international business
GLO4 Developing critical thinking skills and competencies through the use of contemporary management literature available in core texts and other relevant sources to aid the development of knowledge and understanding
GLO5 Use the student’s ability to plan work, study independently and in groups using relevant learning resources
GLO6 Continue to develop the ability to structure and develop appropriate and effective communications, critically and self-critically, orally and in writing
GLO7 Communicate to different audiences using appropriate media, frameworks and style.
These generic learning outcomes contribute to the following programme learning outcomes.
§ Programme Learning Outcome A2: Knowledge and understanding of social science concepts and theories and the ability to apply them to business and management contexts (GLO3)
§ Programme Learning Outcome A3: Knowledge and understanding of contemporary and pervasive issues and/or integrating core knowledge (Generic Learning Outcomes GLO2, GLO3)
§ Programme Learning Outcome B1: Ability to critically evaluate arguments and evidence (Generic Learning Outcomes GLO2, GLO3)
§ Programme Learning Outcome B2: Ability to analyze and draw reasoned conclusions concerning structured and, to a more limited extent, unstructured problems (GLO3)
§ Programme learning outcome B4: Apply some of the intellectual skills specified for the required core beyond the standard attainable from the required core alone (GLO4).
§ Programme Learning Outcome CI: Identify, formulate and solve business /decision making problems using appropriate qualitative and quantitative tools (GLO3)
§ Programme Learning Outcome C3: Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, about business issues (GLO4, GLO6, GLO7)
§ Programme Learning Outcome D1: Identify and make effective use of information from various sources to assess ideas. (GLO2)
§ Programme Learning Outcome D2: Ability to be an effective self manager of time, so as to plan and deliver required outputs effectively. (GLO1)
§ Programme Learning Outcome D3: Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, using media appropriate to the purpose (GLO4, GLO6, GLO7)
§ Programme Learning Outcome D4: Ability to work in groups effectively and apply other inter-personal skills (GLO4, GLO5)
14. A synopsis of the curriculum
The module will include:
§ Essential tools for strategic analysis
§ Differences between international strategy and global strategy
§ National, sectoral and organizational drivers for global strategy
§ Influence of the political, economic. social and technological business environment on global and international business strategy
§ Importance of industry evolution in the context of the global business environment
§ Stakeholder analysis
§ Views on corporate social responsibility and their business implications
§ Significance of the internal environment and core competencies for the strategies of multinational firms
§ Value-chain and value-system analysis
§ Theories underpinning the internationalization process
§ Importance of international strategic alliances
§ Difference between the different types of international strategic alliances
§ Motives for international strategic alliances
§ Global sourcing strategies
§ Advantages and disadvantages of diversification strategies
§ Contingency factors that determine the structure of multinational organizations
§ Various stances multinationals adopt to balance the need for global integration against the pressure for local responsiveness
§ Issues relating to the global management of change
§ Strategic control systems global organizations use
§ Role of culture in deciding on the relevant control structure and difficulties in designing management systems used in a global context
15. Indicative Reading List
Mellahi, K., Frynas J.G., Finlay, P. (2005) Global Strategic Management, Oxford.
Lassarre, P (2007) Global Strategic Management, Palgrave – Macmillan.
Van Agtmael, A (2007) The Emerging Markets Century, Simon & Schuster
Hamill, J (Author), Campbell, D (Author), Purdie, T (Author), Stonehouse, G (Editor) (2004) Global and Transnational Business, Wiley
Inkpen, A, Ramaswamy, K (2005) Global Strategy: Creating and Sustaining Advantage Across Borders, Oxford
Bartlett C. A., Ghoshal S, Beamish P (2007), Transnational Management: Text, Cases and Readings in Cross-Border Management, McGraw-Hill.
16. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to achievement of the intended learning outcomes
Formal contact hours for this module include one lecture followed by a seminar per week. The seminars are designed to get students to work on specific questions and examples related to the respective lecture topic.
The lectures are designed to address specific issues supported by directed reading and during seminar sessions students will be asked to work on specific questions and examples related to the respective lecture topic. Students are also encouraged to review material outside that specified for lectures and seminars and especially when preparing their project.
Students will be provided out-of-class support using the module web on WebCT along with lecturer office hours each week where they could seek extra support or clarification on learning aspects of the module.
Seminar size will be 20-25 students and students will work regularly throughout the duration of the module in groups of 4-5 students and to participate actively in seminars. Students will be expected to study for the following number of hours over two terms:
§ Lectures 22 hours
§ Seminars 21hours
§ Independent study to engage lecture material 70 hours
§ Seminar preparation 63 hours
§ Group presentation preparation 40 hours
§ Research and group project preparation 40 hours
§ Examination preparation 44 hours
Total Learning Hours: 300 hours
Learning and teaching Methods and How They Relate to Learning Outcomes
Learning and Teaching Methods / Subject-specific ILOs / Generic ILOsLectures / SLO1,SLO2,SLO6 / GLO1, GLO2, GLO3, GLO4
Seminars / SLO1,SLO2,SLO3,SLO6 / GLO1, GLO2, GLO3, GLO4, GLO5,GLO6,GLO7
Independent study to engage with lecture material / SLO1, SLO2, SLO4, SLO5 / GLO3, GLO6
Seminar preparation / SLO1,SLO2,SLO3,SLO6 / GLO1, GLO2, GLO3, GLO4, GLO5,GLO6
Group presentation preparation / SLO1, SLO2, SLO4, SLO5 / GLO3, GLO6
Research and group project preparation / SLO1, SLO2, SLO3, SLO4, SLO5 / GLO1, GLO2, GLO3, GLO6
Examination preparation / SLO1, SLO2, SLO3, SLO4, SLO5, SLO6, SLO7 / GLO1, GLO2, GLO3, GLO4, GLO5, GLO7
This combination of formal classroom contact hours and independent study will provide students with adequate time to achieve the subject specific and generic learning outcomes. The lectures, seminars and related activities, reading for the module and the assessment will facilitate the achievement of the subject specific and generic learning outcomes.
17. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended learning outcomes
The module will be assessed 30% through coursework and 70% through examination. The coursework will involve a written group project 10%, supported by an in-class group presentation 10% during seminar time and a 2,000 word essay as an individual piece of work – 10% on a pre-selected topic from within the presentation theme.
The examination is of three hours duration, closed book and unseen except for a case study that is issued at the end of the spring term and is the basis of compulsory questions in the exam. The students have to answer open ended questions.
This approach to assessment enables students to:
a. demonstrate knowledge of relevant management theories and concepts as well as demonstrate their ability to apply these to organizational situations
b. structure arguments and deploy evidence individually and as member of a group
c. provide evidence that the work to be assessed is their own. It also enables us to assess the large volume of students in a relatively efficient way and facilitates external moderation.
All subject-specific learning outcomes are supported by the chosen assignments as follows:
The group presentation will provide an opportunity for students to receive feedback on their learning prior to the end-of-year examination.
The examination is designed to allow students the ability to reflect on their ability to integrate the material into coherent arguments and reflection.
Method / Subject-specific ILOs / Generic ILOsIndividual essay / SLO1, SLO2, SLO4, SLO5 / GLO3, GLO6
Group report / SLO1, SLO2, SLO3, SLO4, SLO5 / GLO1, GLO2, GLO3, GLO6
Group presentation / SLO1, SLO2, SLO4, SLO5 / GLO3, GLO6
Examination / SLO1, SLO2, SLO3, SLO4, SLO5, SLO6, SLO7 / GLO1, GLO2, GLO3, GLO4, GLO5, GLO7
18. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
This is a new module and some additional resources in terms of library and video material will be needed. It is also proposed that we bring in at least one guest speaker (practitioner) per term to enhance and support select themes in the learning for this module. Any additional resources will be specified by the course convenor in due time to the relevant parties concerned.
19. A statement confirming that, as far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning and teaching methods and forms of assessment do not present any non-justifiable disadvantage to students with disabilities
As far as can be reasonably anticipated, it will be possible to organise teaching and assessment so that they do not present any non-justifiable disadvantage to students with disabilities.
Statement by the Director of Learning and Teaching: "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and required content of module proposals"
......Director of Learning and Teaching / ......
Date
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction of the module and will be responsible for its resourcing"
......Head of School / ......
Date
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