7003LBSIBM International Business Management - Liverpool John Moores University

Aim: The module aims to gain a critical understanding of how global forces shape business environments in a world where national economies are no longer self-contained entities but are interconnected and interdependent. The course emphasises the development of skills to understand and analyse the issues that firms face in operating in international markets.

Learning Outcome 1: Demonstrate a critical understanding of the complexities of operating in a global environment.

Learning Outcome 2: Critically analyse the international trade environment and the drivers of transnational trade.

Learning Outcome 3: Critically evaluate the concepts and models of international trade theory to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in international business.

Learning Outcome 4: Critically analyse the modern multinational enterprise (MNEs), its evolution and associated MNEs decisions with Where, When, and How to invest.

International Trade Theory

The drivers of globalisation: declining trade and investment barriers and the role of technological change.

The changing demographics of the global economy: changing world output, trade and foreign direct investment.

Contemporary issues of cross-cultural management Strategies, structures and operations of international business. Exporting, importing and countertrade.

Sustainability in supply chains, logistics.

Ethics and social responsibility in international business and trade.

Course Description

The basic content of the module includes (1) an overview of the means of conducting international business, with an emphasis on what makes international different from domestic; (2) the effects of the social systems within countries on the conduct of international business; (3) the major theories explaining international business transactions and the institutions influencing those activities; (4) the financial exchange systems and institutions that measure and facilitate international transactions; (5) the dynamic interface between countries and companies attempting to conduct foreign business activities; (6) corporate strategy alternatives for global operations; and (7) international activities that fall largely within functional disciplines. The following table provides a summary of the module plan.

Assessments

Presentation Assessment Summary

The students will work in groups of 3-4 people to present an international expansion strategy for the UK based product/service of their own choice.

You will be required to select a UK based product/service, which you believe has a potential for an international expansion. Your group will then be allocated a country and required to conduct a business environment audit relevant to international expansion to that country. You should conduct a PESTLE analysis for your allocated country, describe and evaluate those aspects of the environment (political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, legal, and environmental) in the potential global market that are relevant to and, have implications for, developing international expansion strategy.

In the group presentation students are expected to:
• present detailed market entry strategy, taking into account economic indicators, the political and cultural dimension, and the trade relationship between the host and the home country
• apply relevant theories/models of international business to the chosen expansion plan
• provide a conclusion and recommend the most appropriate entry and operating mode into the new foreign market

Assessment Summary

This assessment involves individual report writing and accounts for 60% of the module mark. For this piece of coursework, you need to critically explain the need for MNCs to strike a right balance between globalisation (integration) and national responsiveness (differentiation) in the targeted international location. Appropriate academic theories and models should be employed wherever relevant.

You should first and foremost, select a multinational company with which you are familiar and target a new market (country) for international expansion. You should then analyse and evaluate each element of the SWOT and PESTLE analysis to determine if the targeted country is a viable option for your chosen company, particularly within post Covid-19 situation. Please note that the multinational company must not have a presence established in your target international location and you will be required to demonstrate this as part of your report.

Your individual report should highlight, analyse, and critically evaluate the following:
• Reasons for the parent company's international expansion.
• Reasons for choosing the host country.
• Possible strategic choices available to the parent company.
• Justification for choosing the specific market entry mode.
• The potential organisational and managerial problems due to cultural differences.
• The importance of striking a right balance between the implementation of global polices and the need for higher degree of localisation to be successful in new markets.
• Operating in the new international environment.
• Strategic advice for the parent company to overcome the potential issues.

Attachment:- International Business Management.rar