Module Study Guide Academic Year 2020–2021 MS60045E / MS6HA45E / MS6SL45O /MS6UA45O/ MS6LL48O International Business Level: 6 Credits: 20 Academic Partner: UKCBC, ANC, CIM, UWL-RAK, HKIT Table of contents Key team contact details. 3 1 Module overview 5 1.1 Introduction.. 5 1.2 Module summary content and aims. 5 1.3 Learning outcomes to be assessed. 6 1.4 Indicative Contact Hours. 6 2 Assessment and feedback 8 2.1 Summative assessment grid. 8 2.2 Assessment brief including criteria mapped to learning outcomes. 9 2.3 Learning materials. 11 3 Things you need to know 14 3.1 Engagement 14 3.2 Need help, just ask. 14 3.3 Getting support for your studies. 15 3.4 Student support 15 3.5 Module evaluation – have your say! 15 Key team contact details Module LeaderMariet GeldenhuysSubject Area & School/CollegeUKCBCEmailmgeldenhuys@ukcbc.ac.ukPhone LocationUKCBC Academic Support ManagerSobhi D’ CruzEmailsobhi@ukcbc.ac.ukPhone020 8518 4994LocationUKCBC Liverpool street Campus Subject LibrarianLucyEmaillbirch@ukcbc.ac.ukPhone020 8518 4994LocationUKCBC Director QAED & In charge for UWL partnership provisionNaga Sai DinavahiEmailnagasai@ukcbc.ac.ukPhone020 8518 4994LocationUKCBC The Course Coordinator overseeing this module is Dr Mohinish Khosla and can be contacted at mkhosla@edu.ukcbc.ac.uk The Module Coordinator overseeing this module on is Farhan Qureshi and can be contacted at farhan@edu.ukcbc.ac.uk 1 Module overview Welcome to International Business. This module critically examines the major issues and challenges faced by companies engaged in international business. The module aims to develop solid foundation in a vast interdisciplinary field of international business, covering conceptually important topics and furthering analytical skills to analyse and understand complex nature of businesses operating internationally. It then focuses on some of the approaches being used by multinational enterprises both to establish and maintain their competitive advantage. Most importantly, this module seeks to show how the international economic and political environment acts as a very powerful influence over companies’ policies. This module is delivered by a combination of lectures, case studies, tutorials, exercises and other student-centred learning activities as appropriate. Online students will have access to a range of materials and online tools to facilitate their learning, including topic guides, online chats, exercises, group-work areas and discussion fora. This guide contains important information about the module. It contains information about what you are expected to achieve and what you can expect from your tutors. However you are reminded that the final responsibility for what you achieve is yours. Please make sure you read this guide and keep it in a safe place. You are strongly advised to bring it to all teaching sessions. Throughout there is the opportunity through formative assignments to get feedback which will help you with the formal assessments. Please note that this module will also support the other modules you do during the semester and the module tutors may assess contributions to group work for the other modules. Teaching will be timetabled to support assessments with other modules you are undertaking. As with any other module on a degree programme, the amount of benefit that you will gain from the module is related to the amount of effort that you put in. This includes regular participation and contact with your peers, contact sessions, active participation in class discussions, and regular visits to the Blackboard and ULearn for this module. We hope you find this module thoroughly enjoyable, challenging and above all an education that supports your continuous personal and professional development 1.1 Module summary content and aims Welcome to the module. ‘Introduction to Business’. The weekly subjects can be found on the Ulearn and Blackboard VLE. The module aims to provide students with a conceptual understanding of business organisations in relation to their structure, operation, management and environment. This module critically examines the major issues and challenges faced by companies engaged in international business. The module aims to develop solid foundation in a vast interdisciplinary field of international business, covering conceptually important topics and furthering analytical skills to analyse and understand complex nature of businesses operating internationally. It then focuses on some of the approaches being used by multinational enterprises both to establish and maintain their competitive advantage. Most importantly, this module seeks to show how the international economic and political environment acts as a very powerful influence over companies’ policies. Expectations Specific expectations students can have of tutors: Specific expectations tutors will have of students: 1.2 Learning outcomes to be assessed On the completion of the module, you will be able to: LO1 Debate key contemporary issues relating to organisations involved in international business. LO2 Identify and evaluate the global context within which international business must function in the twenty- first century. LO3 Appraise alternative methods of entry into foreign markets. LO4 Explain why companies may decide to internationalise and alternative theories of Internationalisation. LO5 Discuss the impact of multinationals on both the home and host nations. LO6 Select analyse and evaluate data on country markets. 1.3 Indicative Contact Hours Teaching Contact Hours42 hoursIndependent Study Hours158 hoursTotal Learning Hours200 hoursFor Apprenticeships, please refer to your course commitment statement training plan for breakdown of Off the Job hours hours 2 Assessment and feedback 2.1 Summative assessment grid Type of AssessmentWord Count or equivalentThreshold (if Professional Body-PSRB applies)WeightingPass MarkIndicative Submission weekMethod of Submission & Date of Feedback (refer to BB)Individual report3500N/a100%40%Week 15via Turnitin feedback with 15 working days of due date Assessment (insert below type of assessment as per the table above)Teaching Weeks in which Assessment Support Takes Place (enter each week no. in a new row)Outline of Type and Form of Assessment Support to be ProvidedStudent Preparation Required Prior to or After the Support SessionHow will the Support Session to be DeliveredA1:Week 1Present assessment brief to all the studentsStudents are expected to go through the MSGSeminar sessionWeek 7Formative assessment (Introduction, Business drivers, cultural and Trade barriers) via BB,Attend all the lectures and participate in the classroom discussions. students are expected to submit onlineSeminar sessionWeek 12Formative assessment (Ethical and social issues, methods of expansion)Attend all the lectures and participate in the classroom discussions. students are expected to submit onlineSeminar session 2.2 Assessment brief including criteria mapped to learning outcomes Assessment 1 – Individual Report There will be one summative assessment for this module: Individual International Business Report (100%) The summative assessment will be submitted in week 15. In the run-up to submission you will have the opportunity to submit different sections comprising the final report for feedback. You must achieve a minimum mark of 40% to pass the module and achieve 20 academic credits at Level 6. Assessment brief: a detailed case-study including the necessary guidance would be provided to all the students at least two weeks prior to the start of the term. Learning outcomes covered by the Assessment LO1 Debate key contemporary issues relating to organisations involved in international business. LO2 Identify and evaluate the global context within which international business must function in the twenty- first century. LO3 Appraise alternative methods of entry into foreign markets. LO4 Explain why companies may decide to internationalise and alternative theories of internationalisation. LO5 Discuss the impact of multinationals on both the home and host nations. LO6 Select analyse and evaluate data on country markets. Criteria80+70-7960-6950-5940-4930-39 0-29Understanding and EvaluationExcellent understanding of the context and fully supported by detailed evaluationFull understanding of topic within wider context. Full critical evaluation with arguments supported by evidence and examples.Substantial understanding demonstrated. Critical evaluation present with arguments supported by evidence.Adequate understanding demonstrated although evaluation may be limited with restricted use of evidence Enough understanding demonstrated but with minimal evaluation and/or evidence offeredMarginal understanding demonstrated that lacks evaluation and evidenceA concerning lack of understanding and evaluation present.Originality/ Independent Thinking High levels of independent thinking and being able to connect across the other subject areasEvidence of considerable insight and independent thinking e.g by including own views; making connections with other subject areas etcSubstantially correct independent thinking with links to other areas/studies.Some individuality within the assessment but not always fully exploredOwn views minimally offered and/or displaying scientific naivetyMarginal originality and/or independent thoughtAlmost no evidence of any valid independent thoughtData Analysis and Interpretation Excellent understanding of the data analysis and supported by statistical tools.An analytical/discriminating approach to the data, applying appropriate statistics. Comprehensive understanding of implications & limitations of the dataA sound approach to data analysis, applying valid statistical tests. Good understanding of data and associated limitationsSuitable approach to most aspects of data analysis. Valid interpretation but gaps evidentData analysis attempted but limited, including weak interpretationMarginal or insufficient data analysis and interpretationAlmost no, or wholly inappropriate, data analysis and interpretationUse of LiteratureVery strong evidence of primary research undertaken and supported by up-to-date secondary sources.Evidence of consulting wide range of valid sources of information, especially primary literature. Uses findings to support facts and arguments. Appropriately references sources within the text and in the reference listEvidence of consulting a range of literature to support facts and statements. Mostly cites references sources in correct format within the text and in the reference listEvidence of consulting a limited range of literature, often with a reliance on textbook sources. References in text or list may contain errorsSome reference to literature evident but statements not well-supported. References often incorrectly cited and/or listedMarginal reference to literature with little attempt to incorporate references into work and/or incorrectly cited.Almost no, or totally inappropriate reference to literatureGeneral Communication SkillsExcellent presentation and organisation of work and fluent communication in all contexts, supported by up-to-date visual material. Excellent layout and structure of material. Legible handwriting or appropriate use of fonts.Excellent overall standard of presentation, exhibiting a high standard of English and clarity of expression. Excellent layout and structure of material. Legible handwriting or appropriate use of fonts. Highly effective use of relevant visual material.High standard of presentation, exhibiting a good standard of English and clarity of expression. Good layout and structure of material. Legible handwriting and use of fonts. Good use of relevant visual material.Adequate standard of presentation, using acceptable standards of English. Some attention to layout, structure and formatting may be needed. Visual material may need some attention.Low standard of presentation with grammatical errors. Layout and structure may reduce impact and communication. Use of visual material not well-incorporatedMarginal standard of presentation. Poor use of English with clumsy structure. Handwriting may not be legible and/or inappropriate use of fonts. Visual material typically not relevant.Totally unacceptable standard of presentation with concerning use of English. Almost no, or totally inappropriate, use of visual material. Assessment criteria elements weightage: Understanding and Evaluation30%Originality/ Independent Thinking 20%Data Analysis and Interpretation 20%Use of Literature20%General Communication Skills10% For guidance on online submission of assignments, including how to submit and how to access online feedback, please refer to the UWL Blackboard student-help pages at: uwl.ac.uk/blackboardhelp, or the UKCBC Blackboard Submission guides at: https://ulearn.ukcbc.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=83 2.3 Learning materials The reading list for this module is available on Ulearn and Blackboard in the module area and online by searching UKCBC library. You may also access UWL’s uwl.rl.talis.com. This shows real-time availability of books in the library and provides direct links to online resources, recommended by your lecturer. Remember to log into Ulearn and Blackboard daily to receive all the latest news and support available at your module sites! Subject guides (subject–guides–libguides) are also available on Ulearn to help you find relevant information for assignments, with contact details of the Academic Support Librarian for students studying at UKCBC. Essential: •Daniels, J. et al (2015) International business: environments and operations, 15th ed. Harlow: Pearson Education Recommended: •Cavusgil S.T., Ghauri, P., Knight,G. and Riesenberger, J. (2013) International Business. Global Edition. 3rd Edition, Pearson Education, ISBN10: 0273787063 •Griffin, R.W. and Pustay, M.W. (2010) International business. 6th Edition, Pearson Education ISBN10: 1408259168 •Hill, Charles W.L. (2012) International Business: Competing in the Global Marketplace. 9th Global Edition, McGraw-Hill ISBN-10: 0077140656 •Hofstede, G. et al. (2010) Cultures and Organisations: Software of the Mind. 3rd edition McGraw Hill: USA •Kirkman, B. et al. (2006) A quarter century of Culture’s Consequences: A review of empirical research incorporating Hofstede’s cultural values framework, Journal of International Business Studies, 37 (3): 258-320 •Krugman, P.R. (1980), Scale economies, product differentiation, and the pattern of trade, The American Economic Review, 70 (5): 950-959 •Krugman, P.R. and Obstfeld, M. (2008) International Economics: Theory and Policy, New York: Pearsons •Morrison, J. (2010) The Global Business Environment: Meeting the Challenges. 3rd edition, Palgrave Macmillan, ISBN-10: 9780230210257 •Porter, M.E. (1990) Competitive advantage of nations, New York: Free Press •Rugman, A.M. and Collinson, S. (2012) International Business. 6th Edition, FT Prentice Hall, ISBN10: 0273760971 •Tang, L. and Koveos, P.E. (2008) A Framework to Update Hofstede’s Cultural Value Indices: Economic Dynamics and Institutional Stability, Journal of International Business Studies, 39 (6): 1045-1063 Other learning resources (journals, databases, websites) highlighted in lectures and/or which you may identify through independent study: Harvard Business ReviewLong Range PlanningStrategic Management Journal (SMJ)Advances in Strategic Management Electronic sources Key journals Academy of Management Journal American Economic Review American Political Science Review Harvard Business Review Journal of International Business Journal of International Business Studies Journal of International Economics Journal of International Money and Finance Journal of Economic Perspectives Journal of Economic Literature Journal of Management Journal of Political Economy The Economic Journal Review of Economics and Statistics Review of International Economics Strategic Management Journal 3 Things you need to know 3.1 Engagement Teaching at UWL during the academic year 2020-21 will be conducted using the UWLFlex model and may involve a range of on site and online teaching and learning activities. Whether you are engaging with teaching and learning activities on site or via the UWL Virtual Learning Environment, we expect the same level of commitment and engagement from you. If you are unable to attend scheduled on site or online activities or complete activities in the time frames set out, you should let your tutors know. You should aim to stick to assessment deadlines; if you are concerned that you will not be able to complete your assessments on time, you should talk to your tutors. Your engagement, whether online or on site, will be tracked and if we see that you are not engaging, we will get in contact with you. However, we encourage you to let us know if you are struggling so we can work with you to find solutions and get you back on track as soon as possible. Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed by engaging with the full range of learning and teaching activities available to you. All students should refer to the Attendance and Engagement Monitoring Policy particularly if your course is accredited by a professional body, or if you are an International student on a Tier-4 visa, or a student on an Apprenticeship course which have additional requirements. 3.2 Need help, just ask The University recognises that there are times when you may encounter difficulties during your course of study and provisions are made to help you. If you are struggling with meeting deadlines please talk to us, whether it’s your course/module leader, personal tutor or any member of staff, speak to them so they can get you the support you need to succeed. You can extend your deadline if you have a good reason why you are not able to submit a piece of coursework on time, apply for an extension before your deadline. A link for late submissions will be available on Blackboard. You have to make an application to your Module Coordinator for any extension requirements. An extension will allow you an extra 10 working days. If an extension is not sufficient and circumstances beyond your control are preventing you from completing your assessment, then you can, apply for further extension based on mitigation circumstances and you are required to provide relevant evidence to support such request. Please remember late submission without extension or mitigation will result in penalties depending on how late it is, see University Academic Regulations. You are reminded that the University applies penalties to students who commit an academic offence, in which case the Academic Offences Regulations will be used to deal with any cases of academic misconduct including examination offences, plagiarism and other means of cheating to obtain an advantage. You are encouraged to seek advice from the Student support services offered by UKCBC Administration as well as Academic support teams. Please contact usupport@ukcbc.ac.uk Every class will select their class and course representatives who would coordinate on any of your learning issues and support you in your learning, in addition to the formal and informal support provided by UKCBC and UWL. You are expected to behave in line with UKCBC and UWL expectations, irrespective of whether your interactions with staff and other students are in person or online. As you will be engaging with others online and a range of online materials, it is important to consider how to stay safe online and ensure your communications are secure and appropriate. If you have any questions about how to manage your online UWL activities, please contact your module leader. If you have an issue about the module, you should speak to your Module Leader or Course Leader informally in the first instance. Your Course Representative can also raise your concerns at Course Committees, which take place each semester. If you are unable to resolve it informally, you should refer to the Complaints Procedure which is outlined in the student handbook and consult the Students’ Union about it. The University aims to ensure that issues are resolved informally as quickly as possible to have minimum impact on your studies. 3.3 Getting support for your studies Throughout your course of study, you will have access to a wide variety of sources of support depending on your individual circumstances and needs. Your first point of call for getting general academic support is your Personal Tutor. As well as approaching your Module Leader with any questions specifically related to your module and your Course Leader with questions on your Course, do contact your Personal Tutor or Apprenticeship Support Link Tutor for academic advice in relation to your studies and your academic development. There is a University-wide support framework, which encompasses the Module Leaders, Course Leader, the Subject Librarian, and your Course Administrator. For more information email uSupport@ukcbc.ac.uk or you can visit our website to find out more about the support offered by UKCBC: ulearn.ukcbc.ac.uk 3.4 Student support In addition to the support listed in the previous section, there is also more help offered by UKCBC Student Support Services. These offer drop-in sessions at UKCBC sites. They offer a wide range of support and advice services consisting of Student Advice, and Funding & Immigration advice; Careers; Counselling; Disability/Mental Health; Inter-faith Advisor; Placement & Employment; Volunteering; Student Welfare; and Scholarships and Bursaries. Contact Student Services (general) for more information at usupport@ukcbc.ac.uk. 3.5 Module evaluation – have your say! Towards the end of the module you will be invited to provide some anonymous feedback to the Module Leader through an online survey. This is your opportunity to give some direct feedback about the module through a series of questions and free text. Your constructive feedback will help the Module Leader and teaching team to understand the module experience from your perspective and helps inform the development of the module. At the end of the survey period, a response to the survey will be available on Blackboard so that you can see exactly how your voice has been heard.
