International Business

During the first semester, you will undertake three modules (60 credits in total):

• Two 20-credit compulsory modules
• One 20-credit optional modules (choose one from the list below).

COMPULSORY MODULES

• ULMS 516 International Business in the Global Context
  This module aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and dynamics of conducting business across international borders. It explores global markets to identify potential growth opportunities for international investments, while analysing the impact of cultural, economic, and political factors on business operations. The module also examines key international business strategies that enable organisations to succeed in a global context. Additionally, it addresses the challenges faced by both multinational enterprises (MNEs) and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in a volatile international environment, offering an in-depth perspective on global business opportunities and the strategies required to navigate them successfully.
• ULMS 543 International Political Economy and Business
  This module examines the profound changes in economic relations brought about by globalisation, exploring its various dimensions, including production, consumption, finance, labour, international development, non-governmental organisations, and the environment. Students will critically evaluate debates surrounding the international political economy, learning to analyse key global economic trends such as the impact of the global financial crisis, climate change, and public health crises. The module also delves into the ethical conflicts that arise within the global economy. Through a combination of self-directed learning, lectures, seminars, and individual research, students will apply relevant theories and empirical evidence to better understand and explain the complexities of the international political economy.

OPTIONAL MODULES

• ULMS565 MNEs and Global Institutions
  This module explores the activities of Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) and examines how they are impacted by variations in laws, regulations, and cultural norms across different countries. It focuses on the challenges MNEs face in foreign markets, particularly those arising from political, legal, and cultural differences. Students will learn how MNEs can navigate these challenges by adjusting their operations and long-term strategies accordingly. Key topics include adapting international marketing strategies to local regulatory and cultural conditions, managing regional strategies while maintaining operational efficiency, and understanding how the strategies of MNEs from developing markets (including state-owned enterprises) differ from those in developed markets. The module also covers how MNEs can mitigate the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on global supply chains and profitability, and how they can maintain high levels of corporate social responsibility in countries with weaker regulatory environments. By the end of the module, students will be able to analyse the political, regulatory, and cultural environments of foreign markets, identify the challenges and opportunities they present, and develop strategies to address them effectively.
• ULMS566 Comparative Corporate Governance
  This module provides a critical understanding of corporate governance from various theoretical perspectives within a comparative context. It explores central corporate governance issues and examines their implications for international business. Drawing on insights from economics, finance, and organizational management, the module addresses the purpose of corporations, the core economic challenge of corporate governance (ie agency conflict), and various governance mechanisms (eg ownership structures and board roles) that help organisations function effectively. The module also delves into key corporate governance issues from both developed and emerging economies, engaging in a comparative analysis of governance practices across different economic contexts.

During the second semester, you will undertake three modules (60 credits in total):

• Two 20-credit compulsory modules
• One 20-credit optional modules (choose one from the list below).

COMPULSORY MODULES

• ULMS519 Global Strategy
  This module aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and dynamics of conducting business across international borders. It explores global markets to identify potential growth opportunities for international investments, while analysing the impact of cultural, economic, and political factors on business operations. The module also examines key international business strategies that enable organisations to succeed in a global context. Additionally, it addresses the challenges faced by both multinational enterprises (MNEs) and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in a volatile international environment, offering an in-depth perspective on global business opportunities and the strategies required to navigate them successfully.
• ULMS567 Managing Responsible Business in a Globalised World
  This module equips students with a systematic understanding of corporate sustainability, focusing on the approaches, processes, actors, and current issues in a globalised context. Building on prior knowledge of business ethics, responsible business, and sustainability, the module explores environmental and social challenges associated with globalisation and examines how corporations can respond effectively to these issues. It emphasises the integration of sustainability strategies into business practices, highlighting the roles of various stakeholders in driving corporate responsibility. The module contributes to societal learning in three keyways: cognitive, affective, and behavioural. Students will engage with digital learning materials and resources that encourage reflection on how multinational corporations can both contribute to and help solve global environmental and social challenges. These materials also support students in practicing reflexivity, fostering their development as both responsible business leaders and global citizens. The authentic assessment will capture students’ learning journeys through group and individual reflections on corporate sustainability, focusing on their growth as responsible business leaders.

OPTIONAL MODULES

• ULMS561 International Innovation Protection and Commercialisation
  The International Innovation Protection and Commercialisation module provides students with strategic insights into navigating and leveraging the global innovation landscape. The module focuses on equipping students with the skills necessary to manage and commercialise innovation effectively across diverse international environments. With a strong emphasis on intellectual property (IP) in today’s technology-driven economy, students will be introduced to various forms of IP and learn strategies for protecting and maximising the value of these assets. Students will explore key topics such as appropriability regimes, technology transfer mechanisms, and strategic IP management, gaining a deep understanding of how to develop and execute effective commercialisation strategies. The module also addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by different institutional environments, including a comparative analysis of IP strategies in established markets (e.g., the US and UK) versus emerging markets. Through real-world case studies from a range of industries and technology sectors, students will apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios. Additionally, the module will engage with the ethical and controversial aspects of IP and commercialisation, such as equitable access and the societal impact of innovation. Guest presentations from industry experts will complement the theoretical content, providing students with opportunities to interact with professionals and apply strategic IP management techniques for sustainable and competitive business development.
• ULMS568 Digital Business Strategy
  This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how businesses develop strategies in an increasingly digital world. It examines the transformation of traditional business practices through digital technologies, focusing on the strategic importance of digital business models and platform strategies. Key technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, and 5G will be explored for their roles in driving innovation and business transformation. Through real-world case studies, guest speakers, and insights from industry leaders, students will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical insights into the factors that contribute to the success and failure of digital businesses. The module also covers essential topics such as digital innovation, recovery strategies following setbacks, challenges of global expansion, and the importance of ethical leadership in digital decision-making. By the end of the module, students will be equipped with the skills to develop and implement effective digital business strategies that leverage technology for a competitive advantage.

You will complete your course with a final 60-credit applied research project or dissertation.

For your final project you will be supported by an academic supervisor.

• ULMS719 Advanced Management Research
  The module offers students to the ability to demonstrate the knowledge they have learned in the taught component of their MSc programme. The module is a practical platform for students to develop business analysis and strategic decision-making skills; as well as the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to research, analyse and present information coherently in order to support a recommended course of action. The individual assignment provides students with the opportunity to carry out an in-depth investigation of a management issue relevant to their MSc programme. For this assessment students are to critically evaluate and synthesise relevant theories, models and practices of management by undertaking a detailed enquiry into a programme specific area of research by undertaking an analytical literature review by using secondary data or undertaking a consulting project or undertaking an empirical investigation.
• ULMS790 Dissertation
  This module is designed to help students develop an in-depth understanding of a topic within their chosen domain of management and business and for the student to use this knowledge to analyse a management problem or issue. A preparation phase of the module is included to provide the students with the skills necessary in problem analysis and research in order that they can undertake an independent research project. Thereafter, independent, guided study and research are used to develop both theoretical and practical critical-thinking skills, and to present research, analysis and findings. The reflective element of the dissertation gives students an opportunity to critically analyse and evaluate their experience of the learning process.