Postgraduate Course: International Business in Context (EMBA) (CMSE11273)
Course Outline
| School | Business School |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | The objective of the course is to engage students with the complexities of a contrasting environment and system, so that they develop a critical understanding of how different contexts impact on business opportunities and leadership in practice. |
| Course description |
One of the educational aims of the MBA is to enable students to gain an understanding of the challenges facing businesses and leaders in different contexts. It is important for strategic leaders of the future to understand the implications of different economic, political, legal, social and ecological environments for business operations, innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership practice. Emerging markets are generating unprecedented opportunities, but they are complex and risky. Businesses wishing to cultivate trading relationships with emerging countries need to set-aside their ¿developed world¿ mentality and re-tool business models, products, and strategies if they are to be successful. Too often, companies underestimate the unique challenges of managing businesses in radically different contexts. This course will take students out of the classroom to study for a short period in a context which is unfamiliar. Teaching will include contributions from local faculty and business practitioners, alongside direct observation and experiential learning in local companies.
Syllabus
Historical and recent developments in the economic and political environment;
Developments in, and characteristics of, the socio-cultural and ecological environment;
Local business challenges and public policy responses, and the implications of government policy for innovation, new businesses and social enterprises;
Business practice in financial, social and natural resource stewardship;
Implications for leading organisations and change in an emerging economy.
Student Learning Experience
In an initial preparation day, participants will be presented with key international business concepts that help managers and firms in international business. They will then spend a week in Colombia, Central America, where they will learn the practice, experientially. With the support of a programme team, they will work on an international business project on behalf of an international firm based there, supported through a range of guest speakers and site visits. Through these activities participants will develop a critical understanding of how different contexts change how business opportunities and leadership can be pursued in practice.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Critically discuss the complexities of the market, economic, political, social, cultural and ecological environment in Country X, and the importance of context when interpreting business strategies.
- Critically discuss the unique sustainability challenges that are facing businesses in Country X, and how these are being prioritised and managed.
- Critically evaluate the role that businesses can play in supporting communities and social change, particularly at the Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP).
- Draw lessons from practice in Country X that may be offer ideas and solutions for innovation in other countries.
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Reading List
Frynas, J. G. and K. Mellahi, Global Strategic Management¿ (3rd Edition, 2015), Oxford University Press ISBN: 978-0-19-870659-5
Fletcher, M., Harris, S. and Richey, G. (2013) Internationalization Knowledge; Who, What, Why and When?¿, Journal of International Marketing Vol. 21, No. 3, 2013, pp. 47-7.
Fletcher, M. and Harris, S. (2012) Knowledge acquisition in the Internationalization of the Smaller Firm: Content & Process, International Business Review, Vol. 21, No. 4, 631-647.
A variety of web-based materials and texts will be provided on the specific country context that is going to be examined
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Cognitive and Subject Specific Skills:
Develop sensitivity to cultural differences, diversity and ethical dilemmas.
Critically understand the implications of engaging in international business in an emerging market.
Transferable Skills:
Develop skills in business engagement and consulting.
Demonstrate cognitive skills of critical and reflective thinking
Work effectively as part of multi-cultural groups in complex, uncertain and unfamiliar contexts.
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| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Simon Harris
Tel: 07946 645069
Email: |
Course secretary | Miss Kate Ainsworth
Tel: (0131 6)51 7761
Email: |
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