BUS3035 : Contemporary Issues in International and Comparative Business
BUS3035 : Contemporary Issues in International and Comparative Business
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 60:00 | 60:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | 11 x 2hour PiP lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 57:00 | 57:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | 4 x 2hour PiP seminars |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | 3 x 1hour LIVE online drop-in/surgery |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 50:00 | 50:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
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 Examination | 90 | 1 | A | 50 | N/A |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 2 | A | 50 | Individual 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 exercise | 1 | M | Mock exam discussed during drop-in. |
| Written exercise | 2 | M | Students 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
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BUS3035's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- BUS3035's past Exam Papers
General Notes
Resit arrangements: Written assignment (100%)
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 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, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.