SM9632 - Contemporary Issues in International Business

What will I learn on this module?

This module aims to provide you with insights into contemporary issues and an ability to evaluate and critique business responses to them. Businesses work in a dynamic environment ever more so when working across the globe. The challenges imposed by and the nature of issues that they face are quite heterogeneous. This module provides a perspective on these and builds your ability to evaluate and suggest responses to address them.

1. International business and the interface with the digital environment
2. Entrepreneurship and international business
3. Contextual policy and environmental aspects and responsible business practice
4. Competitive international business strategy in emerging markets
5. Multiple stakeholder perspectives and varying units of analysis in examining contemporary issues.
6. Legislation and enforcement in the international business context

How will I learn on this module?

There will be lectures and seminars. The lecture will elaborate on the content with short examples while the seminar will be an opportunity to delve into case analysis to develop your ability to deploy the concepts and frameworks to international business contexts.
You will be expected to do the readings for each session and; read and prepare materials designated for the seminar

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 providing the lecture input.

Your module is supported by an e-learning portal, which houses lecture and seminar materials, alongside assessment details and various support facilities such as recordings of certain lectures.

You will be provided with a wide-ranging electronic reading list that comprises of various academic reports, conference papers and journal articles that showcase the application of various quantitative techniques presented in the module.

You may also have a ‘drop box’ of latest business new relating to contemporary issues in IB to be picked up and discussed in class

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. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• Critically examine causes behind and response to contemporary issues that firms face in international business and provide recommendations that engage a wide range of contextual factors in a given case context. (MLO1)

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Demonstrate and evaluate effective communication and team working through the practical analysis of a case scenario. (MLO2)

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Enhance the ability to critique practice and response in light of contemporary issues that businesses face. (MLO3)

• Appraise awareness of the cultural and ethical contexts in which international business operates within the recommendations provided. (MLO4)

How will I be assessed?

The module assessment comprises one component

1. Individual assessment (100%): Assignment investigating the conduct of a company internationally with regards to, for example, an acquisition or regulatory event (3000 words maximum).

The assessment will address MLO1, MLO2 MLO3, and MLO4.

Pre-requisite(s)

Level 4 – SM9411 - Global Business Environment (or equivalent)

Co-requisite(s)

NONE

Module abstract

Organisations encounter strategic punctuations in their life and these in context of international business can – arguably be particularly crucial from growth and performance require focused responses. Your ability to critique organisational responses and provide recommendations/ alternative ways forward is likely to be highly valued. In this module you will gain an exposure to doing so over a range of examples and cases in international business management.

Course info

UCAS Code N185

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time with a Placement (Sandwich)/Study Abroad

Department Newcastle Business School

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start 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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