SM9411 - Global Business Environment

What will I learn on this module?

The module is comprised of three blocks of material. The three blocks are:

Globalisation
This block will cover topics such as the process of globalisation, barriers to globalisation, the benefits and costs of globalisation for business,
international trade, analysis of the external business environment, corporate social responsibility issues in the global economy, etc.
Economics
This block will focus on the market forces of supply and demand, supply and demand elasticity, government policy, gross domestic product (GDP),
the consumer price index, a macroeconomic theory of the open economy, etc.
Economic Competitiveness
Topics covered in this block include foreign market entry modes, process of foreign direct investment, analytical frameworks for assessing national
competitiveness, the risk assessment for business decisions, etc.

At the end of the module you will be able to:

1. Identify and describe the main features, trends & influences of the global business environment on international organisations.
2. Analyse various global and/or international business contexts and how these affect the strategic development of industries, markets and organisations.
3. Apply basic macro-economic theory in an international business environment and use economic analysis to examine major social and economic issues in the UK and beyond.

How will I learn on this module?

Key concepts will be introduced in one-hour lectures and supported throughout with contemporary examples and where relevant embedded macroeconomic theory. Lectures will serve as key deliveries and explanations of the frameworks and theoretical issues. To support lecture materials directed reading will be used to introduce concepts and frameworks and illustrate how these can be applied to global and international business contexts and organisations. The use of documentary videos and current news stories will provide a contemporary dimension to the studies. All necessary materials will be available through the e-learning portal.

Seminars will encourage group work and the practice of research skills in two-hour sessions. All students will prepare and present their accomplished seminar tasks in the teaching sessions during the semester. Detailed seminar briefs with the explanation of the activities and preparation for each seminar will be available on the e-learning portal prior each seminar session. Students will work individually as well as in groups, where appropriate, in order to foster collaboration, team building skills and to increase students’ intercultural awareness. For more productive engagement with learning activities for some seminars students will work in teams arranged by their seminar tutors. Formative feedback on the results of their collaboration will be provided in each seminar by the seminar tutor.

The module will require both directed and independent learning. Directed learning will include a range of activities including pre-seminars reading and research, preparation for seminar activities, preparing for presentations etc. Guidance for these exercises will be given in classes, provided within this teaching and learning plan, and specific instruction related to a particular task will be communicated to students via the e-learning portal. Additional independent learning will also be encouraged and will include reading newspapers, business journals and watching relevant international documentaries to gain a deeper and broader knowledge of the subject.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Support will be provided to you by a member of academic staff leading the module and teaching team providing the lecture/seminars input. A team of academic staff are allocated seminars of about 20 students. These small-group seminars will provide a closer, more personal academic support. These seminar groups are typically based on study programme cohorts, so you will be taught here alongside fellow members from your particular degree.

This module is supported by an e-learning portal, which houses teaching and learning plan, lecture materials, seminar briefs, alongside with assessment details.

You will be provided with a wide-ranging electronic reading list that comprises of various academic textbooks, journal articles, business journals and relevant websites that showcase the application of knowledge acquired in the module.

The module assessment consists of several inter-related tasks which will be distributed throughout the teaching semester. The eLearning portal will be used to permanently host these tasks after release to ensure that you can access the information required at all times.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• An understanding of the impact of a diverse and changing macro international environment on the International organization, alongside the regulatory, political and economic frameworks that International organisations have to work within, including the 2030 sustainability goals (MLO1).
• Ability to appreciate the use of theory and model building in economics and the use of analytical tools to understand major macroeconomic problems facing a modern economy (MLO2).


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Identify the differing contexts in which international business operates from the perspective of different cultures (MLO3).

How will I be assessed?

A student portfolio will cover 4 components:
3 components will cover each teaching block plus
1 integrated component.

Each component will be given 25%. These 4 components are collectively worth 100% of the mark for the module (25%x4=100%).

Working on your portfolio will encourage your active participation in the seminars throughout the semester.
Your tutors will give you formative feedback on the portfolio components during the seminars.

This together will address MLO1, MLO2 and MLO3

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

This module takes, as its starting point, a global perspective with a focus on understanding the globalisation process, the global economy, and its impact on international business organisations. This module covers the core topics that are central to understanding the processes of the global economy and the economic environment within which business organisations operate. The module offers an essential knowledge base which will help you develop an understanding of the external business environment, in terms of institutions, markets, industries and organisations. This module will also introduce you to the world of economic analysis. It covers selected topics in both micro- and macroeconomics. During the course of the module you will have an opportunity to do research and analyse the internal and external factors affecting the business environment.

Course info

UCAS Code N180

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years full-time or 4 year sandwich

Department Newcastle Business School

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2024 or September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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