Module overview
This module is unusual in the MBA programme as it invites students to focus their research and analysis on the global environment rather than internally on their firm. With this external focus in mind the module examines the impact of globalisation and the international macroeconomic context for global businesses. The module adopts the PESTLE approach to examine the combined impact that political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental trends have on organisations and their survival in a global environment, especially where corporate responsibility and ethical behaviour is concerned. In addition, the module focuses on the impact of multiple stakeholder groups on business performance. These three external contexts will be researched, evaluated and analysed in order to generate an understanding of the factors and their impact upon various global businesses.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- How relationships with multiple stakeholders, especially with regard to ethical and responsible behaviour, contribute to the formation of business strategy and corporate reputation.
- Globalisation and the macroeconomic context for international business;
- The key environmental, social, economic, technological, ecological, legal and political factors that influence international business and its management;
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Write effectively for business purposes;
- Manage individual tasks, personal resources and time effectively;
- Present effectively for business purposes.
- Work effectively as part of a task-orientated and diverse group;
- Think critically and argue effectively;
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Analyse and interpret the significance of globalisation and the international macroeconomic context for international business;
- Assess the impact of multiple stakeholder groups, especially with regard to ethical and responsible behaviour, on business decisions and corporate reputation in an international environment.
- Analyse and interpret the significance of current and future trends in economics, politics, technology, environment and society on international business;
Syllabus
- Globalisation and the macroeconomic context for international businesses.
- The impact of environmental, social, economic, technological, ecological, legal and political factors on international business.
- Multiple stakeholder perspectives, ethical behaviour, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and reputation for organisations and their impact on business decisions in an international environment.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include
- Lectures
- Group discussions
- Visiting companies and acquiring information about their international operations
- Individual and group research.
Learning activities include
- Working on a group project and negotiating an agreed position to present
- Researching, analysing and discussing issues and defining problems and their consequences for organisations and individuals
- Visiting organisations that work in a global environment
- Private study.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 40 |
| Teaching | 60 |
| Total study time | 100 |
Resources & Reading list
Journal Articles
The Economist.
Journal of International Management.
The Financial Times.
The Wall Street Journal.
Textbooks
Farnham, D. The World is Flat. London: Institute of Personnel & Development Harvard Business School Press.
Brooks, I., Weatherston, J. (2006). The Business Environment: Challenges and Changes. London: FT Prentice Hall.
Gooderham, P. N., Nordhaug, O (eds) (2003). International Management: Cross-Boundary Challenges. Blackwell Publishing.
Kew, J., Stredwick, J. (2005). Business Environment: Managing in a Strategic Context. London: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Needle, D. (2010). Business in Context. London: Thomson Learning.
Deresky, H (2011). International Management: Managing Across Borders and Cultures Text and Cases. Prentice Hall.
Crane, A., Matten, D., Spence, L. (2008). Corporate Social Responsibility: readings and cases in a global context. Routledge.
Morrison, J. (2006). The International Business Environment. Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Koen, C. I. (2005). Comparative International Management. McGraw Hill.
Palmer, A., Hartley, B. (2002). The Business Environment. London: McGraw Hill.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
In-class formative opportunities
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Formative feedback is provided as part of the discussions in class and for practice presentations for the group assignment.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Group report | 30% |
| Report | 70% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Report | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Report | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External