International Business MSc

This module will explore and equip students with core knowledge and skills to understand and launch a sustainable international business.

• To explore the theoretical foundations of international business in a globalised world.
• To understand the influence of political, cultural, economic, legal, social, ecological, and technological factors
• To understand the different interpretations of globalisation.
• To discuss and identify the emerging issues in international business and globalisation.
• To provide a practical, action-orientated master's learning combined with a discourse on economic, social and environmental dimensions as they relate to start-ups.  
• Developing perspectives on global citizenship, environmental responsibilities, social justice and global inequalities, ethics, and sustainable leadership in the entrepreneurial mindset.
• Learning about the principles, methods, and challenges of creating sustainable international business ventures, with a specific focus on the process of team preparation of a written business plan appropriate for presentation to potential business investors.
• Applying theoretical and experiential perspectives, focusing on how understanding relates to the pragmatic processes of new business start-ups (and social enterprises) and growth, inspiring an entrepreneurial mindset.
• To experience the business creation process from idea generation to the launch of a sustainable international business.

The module will enable you understand business concepts, techniques and methodologies of strategic financial management, which are essential to decision-making. 

Indictive contents are:-

• Strategic Management Accounting, The role of Management accountants, Costing, Budgeting.
• Strategic financial accounting – Analysis of financial reports and financial accounts, Ratio analysis.
• Non-financial reporting and analysis, SWOT, PEST and other models.

The module provides a comprehensive overview of organisational behaviour and design, focusing on the essential roles and responsibilities of managers within various leadership frameworks. It explores into the dynamics of groups and teams in organisations, highlighting the processes of team formation, team working, and the significant impact of individual personality traits, communication, and motivation on organisational effectiveness.

Additionally, the module emphasises the critical role of Human Resource Management in the workplace, critically analysing strategies for high-performance working and the management of both exemplary and poor performance. It also examines employee relations and the dynamics of employment, incorporating contemporary challenges and evolving trends.

The course offers insights into learning and development methodologies, enhancing professional growth and organisational adaptability. It rounds off with a detailed look at the theories and practical applications of reflective practice, encouraging a thoughtful and continuous learning approach within organisational settings.

This module offers a comprehensive understanding of international marketing, emphasising the development of cohesive marketing strategies that adapt to cultural differences. Students will develop a strategic appreciation of international marketing challenges and opportunities, enhancing their understanding of how organisations enter international markets.

Students will explore the international marketing environment, buyer behaviour, evaluation of and developing marketing strategies and actions to account for international cultures, traits and behaviours.

The research methods module focuses on the principles and techniques used in conducting research. It covers various methodologies for collecting and analysing data, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Students learn how to formulate research questions, design surveys or experiments, gather data, and interpret results. The module may also address ethical considerations in research and emphasise the importance of critical thinking and evaluation in the research process. This module aims to equip students with the necessary skills to conduct their own research effectively, such as:

• Understand and critically evaluate the findings of management research
• Design and implement a management research project using methodologies and methods appropriate to research questions and objectives
• Analyse and report management research findings meeting academic and practitioner needs

Indicative content includes:

• The nature, extent and purposes of management research
• Management research paradigms
• Research strategies
• Research designs, methods and approaches
• Research quality standards: establishing validity, reliability and generalisability
• Sampling and Research Instrument Design
• Research ethics
• Research Data Management: collection, organisation and analysis
• Managing a dissertation research project

A programme of individual study and research project in accordance with established research principles
involving the completion of the following elements:

• Management Research Project

The module aims to:

• To provide the opportunity to apply management knowledge, skills and research techniques developed during
  the course to the identified area of management interest.
• To develop students’ intellectual ability in terms of problem solving, critical analysis and conceptual thinking.
• To provide students with the opportunity, and the enabling mechanisms to support their development towards
  independent learning.

The module is your independent final project, similar to a dissertation.

In this module, you'll take the lead in creating a comprehensive business proposal. You will begin by researching the legal requirements necessary to start a business and then move on to developing its strategic direction, including defining its mission, vision, and identifying valuable market opportunities.

You are expected to incorporate financial details, exploring funding options and developing financial forecasts. Your project also involves conducting a thorough stakeholder analysis, honing your networking skills, and pitching your business idea to potential investors through the report.

This module places a strong emphasis on ethical and sustainable business practices, challenging you to incorporate these critical elements into your proposal. Through this project, you will demonstrate your ability to synthesise and apply your learning to develop a well-rounded, strategically sound business proposal based on rigorous research and comprehensive analysis. This is your opportunity to showcase your entrepreneurial skills and innovative thinking in a real-world context.

This module provides opportunities for students to solve business case studies (including live cases) and justify the solutions that have been put forward from an available pool of different solutions and scenarios. 

Indicative contents:-

• Introduction to Case Study Analysis – mini, macro, and integrated business case study
• A modelled approach to case study analysis for decision making
• Assessing the challenges within the live case study
• Problem Identification & Analysis
• Assumption setting and strategic business planning related to case study
• Objectives, strategies, action plans, by function to time scales
• Application of key quantitative and qualitative techniques
• Monitoring, review & control planning for performance
• How to write a case study report
• Pitfalls of case study analysis