BUS2041 : Principles of International Business
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Available for Study Abroad and Exchange students, subject to proof of pre-requisite knowledge.
- Module Leader(s): Dr Irene Chu
- Owning School: Newcastle University Business School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
The aim of this module is to familiarise students with the fundamental theories and frameworks of International Business (IB) and to assess their practical applications in a turbulent global business environment. The module will cover a wide range of contemporary IB issues, including globalisation, the roles of multinational corporations, foreign entry strategies, human resource management (HRM), international finance, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Additionally, the module will provide students with opportunities to develop their analytical and transferable skills, enabling them to critically evaluate and respond to the challenges faced by organisations operating across borders.
Outline Of Syllabus
- Globalisation Debates
- The Environment of IB & Recent Trends in IB
- Cultural Differences Awareness
- Trade theories
- Foreign Market Entry Strategies
- International Finance
- International HRM
- CSR & Stakeholder theories
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 2:00 | 22:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 60:00 | 60:00 | Assessment preparation and completion. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | N/A |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 1 | 40:00 | 40:00 | Pre and post session reading and research activities. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 67:00 | 67:00 | Wider independent reading and research. |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The lectures complement students’ readings by providing the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to understand and analyse the nature of International Business (IB) and its evolving trends. They also equip students with frameworks for student-centred learning by elaborating on relevant theoretical perspectives drawn from various disciplines, including human resource management (HRM), finance, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Small group teaching sessions further enhance understanding through mutual learning and discussion.
There will be online drop-in Q&A sessions where the Module Leader (ML) can answer students' general questions or any issues they may be unclear about.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 1 | M | 100 | Individual report - 3,000 words |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case study | 1 | M | N/A |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Class discussions and group work are designed to help students develop the understanding and analytical skills needed to prepare for the assessment. The assessment then evaluates students individually, testing their factual understanding, research abilities, and their skills in evaluating and critiquing the issues presented.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- BUS2041's Timetable