Aims

This module offers an opportunity for the students to develop knowledge and understanding of multi-level processes involved in managerial practice and global business strategy formulation and implementation.

Through lectures, practitioner accounts and an international strategy Simulation game the module aims:

• To provide students with an advanced appreciation of the concept and practice of business strategy within an international, global context.
• To provide students with a critical understanding of various activities and models of global business strategies.
• To provide students with a critical understanding of alternative perspectives and ways of thinking about and ‘doing’ strategy.
• To provide students with critical awareness of the range of forces that influence the formulation and implementation of international strategies.

Outline Of Syllabus

The syllabus incorporates both an international strategy simulation game and lectures and
practitioner accounts on the topics such as:
• Introduction to Strategy
• Analyzing competitive dynamics
• Resource Based View
• Generic business strategies
• Sustainability in corporate strategy
• Global strategies
• Mergers and Acquisitions for global competition
• Strategic Alliances
• Managing Global Operations
• International Strategy Simulation game
• Developing and implementing a strategic plan

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module is built on multi-pedagogical techniques, where blended learning is achieved through a program of lectures, team working sessions, writing of an Individual Report, International Business Strategy Simulation game Business Plan Presentation and Group Presentations. The lectures are designed to give students an opportunity to engage with both academics and business practitioners. Students will also be able to break into groups and work on the preparation of a team strategic plan which will be implemented in practice during the International Strategy Simulation game, which contextualizes learning from the International Business Management program courses in practice. Accordingly, the module serves as a practical platform for the students to develop business analysis and strategic decision making skills.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

One of the important aspects of this module is working effectively both as a group and as an individual to undertake a series of activities, handling multiple tasks related to the business project, analysing and making decisions under time-pressure and producing outputs that are different to the usual formats encountered during the rest of the programme. Therefore, the assessment includes the following: Individual reflective report (60%) and a Group Presentation based on the experience of the business simulation (40%). A formative (un-assessed) element includes problem-solving exercise.

The Individual reflective report ensures that students have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the module and the learning journey as a group.

Within the Group Presentation, each group will be asked to present an evaluation of their business performance and results, including sustainability and critically reflect on the working of the team during the simulation, including a discussion on the roles within the group, how these were managed and how they developed as an effective team. Students will complete peer evaluation that will contribute to the overall award of individual marks on group work.