Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

None

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

This module offers an opportunity for the students to develop knowledge and understanding of multi-level processes involved in managerial practice and global business strategy formulation and implementation.

Through lectures, practitioner accounts and an international strategy Simulation game the module aims:

• To provide students with an advanced appreciation of the concept and practice of business strategy within an international, global context.
• To provide students with a critical understanding of various activities and models of global business strategies.
• To provide students with a critical understanding of alternative perspectives and ways of thinking about and ‘doing’ strategy.
• To provide students with critical awareness of the range of forces that influence the formulation and implementation of international strategies.

Outline Of Syllabus

The syllabus incorporates both an international strategy simulation game and lectures and
practitioner accounts on the topics such as:
• Introduction to Strategy
• Analyzing competitive dynamics
• Resource Based View
• Generic business strategies
• Sustainability in corporate strategy
• Global strategies
• Mergers and Acquisitions for global competition
• Strategic Alliances
• Managing Global Operations
• International Strategy Simulation game
• Developing and implementing a strategic plan

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Through lectures, International Strategy Simulation game and assessment the students will have had an opportunity to acquire the following understanding, skills and abilities:
• Ability to apply conceptual and theoretical knowledge into practice
• Ability to critically analyse and reflect on various sources of information, make decisions and solve problems
relating to business and strategy
• Familiarisation with strategic issues involved in developing business strategies in an increasingly
internationalised global setting.
• The ability to identify key activities and potential problems involved in strategic management within internationalised organisations.
• An in-depth appreciation of the key perspectives offering alternative ways of thinking about and ‘doing’ strategy
• Critical awareness of the range of forces that influence the formulation and implementation of strategy.

Intended Skill Outcomes

• Conducting research and applying theory to practice
• To enable the use of various activities, frameworks and techniques associated with ‘doing’ international business strategy.
• To enhance students’ analytical skills so that they can diagnose organisational situations and appreciate alternative choices and approaches for managing people and processes in and around organisations.
. To effectively communicate through presentation with a variety of audiences.
. To write critical and concise reflective report.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module is built on multi-pedagogical techniques, where blended learning is achieved through a program of lectures, team working sessions, writing of an Individual Report, International Business Strategy Simulation game Business Plan Presentation and Group Presentations. The lectures are designed to give students an opportunity to engage with both academics and business practitioners. Students will also be able to break into groups and work on the preparation of a team strategic plan which will be implemented in practice during the International Strategy Simulation game, which contextualizes learning from the International Business Management program courses in practice. Accordingly, the module serves as a practical platform for the students to develop business analysis and strategic decision making skills.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

One of the important aspects of this module is working effectively both as a group and as an individual to undertake a series of activities, handling multiple tasks related to the business project, analysing and making decisions under time-pressure and producing outputs that are different to the usual formats encountered during the rest of the programme. Therefore, the assessment includes the following: Individual reflective report (60%) and a Group Presentation based on the experience of the business simulation (40%). A formative (un-assessed) element includes problem-solving exercise.

The Individual reflective report ensures that students have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the module and the learning journey as a group.

Within the Group Presentation, each group will be asked to present an evaluation of their business performance and results, including sustainability and critically reflect on the working of the team during the simulation, including a discussion on the roles within the group, how these were managed and how they developed as an effective team. Students will complete peer evaluation that will contribute to the overall award of individual marks on group work.

General Notes

Resit arrangements - individual assignment of 4000 words.