Module Catalogue 2024/25

BUS3035 : Contemporary Issues in International and Comparative Business

BUS3035 : Contemporary Issues in International and Comparative Business

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Johannes Schmalisch
  • Owning School: Newcastle University Business School
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module provides a challenging and eclectic range of perspectives on globalization, multinational corporations, varieties of capitalism and international business. The module builds on knowledge from previous modules and brings together contemporary issues pertinent to the areas of organization studies, sociology, HRM, economic geography and international business, to help participants to develop a critical understanding of contemporary organizations and the increasingly global environment in which they operate.

Outline Of Syllabus

1) Globalisation and Multinational Companies
2) Theoretical perspectives on the challenges facing MNCs
3) Strategies used to manage the challenges of globalization
4) Comparative Business Systems

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of this module, you should be able:

• To demonstrate the knowledge of international business and management underpinned by research.
• To demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of the complexities of international business and management in our diverse, global and socially connected world.
• To demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of the ethical challenges and tensions that are inherent in various national business systems, and to formulate compelling solutions to problems relating to international business and management.

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of this module, you should be able:

• To critically evaluate and apply theory to international business and management practice.
• To interrogate complex and ambiguous problems relating to international business and management from multiple perspectives.
• To apply a relevant knowledge base to address different courses of action taken in international business and management.
• To gather, synthesise and evaluate qualitative and quantitative information for decision-making in a range of international business and management settings.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture112:0022:0011 x 2hour PiP lectures
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion160:0060:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading157:0057:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching42:008:004 x 2hour PiP seminars
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery31:003:003 x 1hour LIVE online drop-in/surgery
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study150:0050:00N/A
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Contemporary issues in international business and management are contested and their understanding requires that students question the realities and rethorics of globalization, the activities and strategies of multinationals and the differences between various national business systems.

Lectures are a good opportunity to raise such issues and seminars will be a good opportunity for students to engage and challenge them. This is a good way to promote knowledge and understanding of the issues in discussion. Lectures will also be used to present and debate various materials relevant to international business.

The seminars also provide a good opportunity to support student progress in relation to the skills-based outcomes of the module. The seminars have been thought of as student–led support sessions to facilitate student learning and the receipt of formative feedback from seminar tutors and peers. The course provides one revision session per semester ahead of the respective assessment.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination901A50N/A
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Essay2A50Individual Assignment of 2000 words.
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Written exercise1MMock exam discussed during drop-in.
Written exercise2MStudents prepare notes on assignment for peer and tutor discussion during Q&A and seminar to scaffold learning for the main assessment.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

This module will be assessed via an exam for semester 1 and an individual assignment for semester 2. This will allow the students to cover the entire curriculum to make the most of their learning.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

Resit arrangements: Written assignment (100%)

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.