MODULE HANDBOOK 2023/24
Global Strategy Development
and Implementation
Module Code: BMG872 (49373)
Course: MSc/PgD International Business
Ulster University Business School
QA Business School
Dr. Tonya Cullen
Module Coordinator – Ulster University
Atul Sethi
Module Lead – QA Business School, London
Notice
Please be aware the information provided within the module handbook is subject to change.
BMG872 | Global Strategy Development and Implementation
Table of Contents
Module Code: BMG872 (49373) .............................................................................................. 1
Table of Contents..................................................................................................................... 2
1. Module Overview and Communication ................................................................................ 3
2. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Graduate Attributes (GAs) in your module ... 4
3. Aim and Learning Outcomes................................................................................................ 7
4. Assessment and Feedback .................................................................................................. 8
5. Learning Resources ........................................................................................................... 12
6. Organisation and Management .......................................................................................... 14
7. Student Voice and Support Services ................................................................................. 20
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BMG872 | Global Strategy Development and Implementation
1. Module Overview and Communication
Module Details
Module Title
Global Strategy Development and Implementation
Module Code
BMG872
Module Level
7
Credit points
15
Module Status
Core
Semester
1
Location
QA – London &
Birmingham
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face
Contact Details and Communication Methods
Module
Coordinator
Teaching Staff
Contact Details
Dr. Tonya Cullen
Atul Sethi
Email: atul.sethi@qa.com
If you require advice on any aspect of the module, please read the
guidance provided here, in the Module Handbook.
General
Information,
Queries and
Consultations
For General Queries, please utilise the class Discussion Board. For
Specific Queries or studies advice, you can avail of the ‘Virtual Office
Hours’. Please contact your module tutor if you have questions relating to
the module or wish to schedule an appointment. Please note, we aim to
respond to emails within 48 hours during the working week.
Key announcements will be presented during tutor-led activities.
Out of class communication including notifications, reminders, etc will be
distributed via the Blackboard Announcement tool. You will receive a
duplication of the announcement direct to your student email inbox. It is
essential that you check your emails regularly.
Module
Announcements
It also advisable that you download the ‘Blackboard’ App as an alternative
to access these announcements, notifications, and reminders as well as
content.
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BMG872 | Global Strategy Development and Implementation
2. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and
Graduate Attributes (GAs) in your module
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The UN SDGs are a comprehensive set of global goals to end poverty, protect our planet, and
improve living conditions of the Global Population. You are encouraged to think critically and reflect
on SDGs in the context of this module.
The following SDGs are relevant in the context of this module:
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BMG872 | Global Strategy Development and Implementation
Graduate Attributes (GAs)
Ulster University’s Graduate Attributes are a high-level set of competencies, developing universal
understandings, skills, qualities, and values.
As a result of engaging with this module you will have opportunities to develop and practise the
following selected attributes:
Thriving Individual
D
A
Engaged Learner
Enhancing Potential
Subject Specialist
Confidence and Resilience
Creative Problem Solver
Well-being
Researcher
Growth Mindset
Critical Thinker
Collaborative Professional
D
A
Active Citizen
Responsible Team Player
Citizen with Integrity
Effective Communicator
Inclusive Citizen
Enterprising Innovator
Sustainable Citizen
Digital Fluent Professional
Future Thinker
D
A
D
A
KEY:
D = Developed
A = Assessed
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BMG872 | Global Strategy Development and Implementation
3. Aim and Learning Outcomes
Module Rationale
The strategic management process helps organisations identify what they intend to achieve
and how they will accomplish valued outcomes. The magnitude of this challenge is greater
today than ever before. A new competitive landscape is developing as a result of the increasing
globalisation. This module analyses how organisations can use the strategic management
process to understand international competitive forces and develop competitive advantage
systematically and consistently.
Overall Aim of the Module
The primary aim of this module is to develop an understanding of the strategic management of
an enterprise engaged in international business. This includes understanding how the
competitive position of a firm is devised based on analysing structure, country-based sources
of advantage and their distinctive competencies. Further, translating strategy into
organisational action requires understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the
many organisational forms and processes that may be used to attain the desired competitive
position. Many inner-organisational and outer-organisational factors affect the implementation
of the global strategy; therefore it is vital for graduates to understand global strategy
implementation success factors.
Learning Outcomes
What you should be able to do by the end of this module?
Successful participants will be able to:
1) Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the fundamental concepts,
principles, theories, practices, and legislative frameworks underlying international business
as an academic discipline and as a tool for improved management of international
businesses.
2) Apply critical evaluation to complex arguments and evidence in the field of international
business.
3) Formulate strategies to support successful international operations in diverse contexts.
4) Assess the implications, risks, security, integrity, and confidentiality aspects of applying
innovative solutions for today's dynamic international organisations.
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BMG872 | Global Strategy Development and Implementation
4. Assessment and Feedback
What you need to do to demonstrate achievement of learning?
Summary Assessment Information
This module will be assessed via one item of assessment
Type
Assessment method and
submission date:
Individual
Assignment
3000-word individual assignment
nd
2
of December 2023 @ 23.59
Percentage (%) and
word count
equivalent
Feedback due
date
100%
+3 weeks post
submission date
Assessment Guidance
1) Word count includes the title page, contents page, in-text references and citations but excludes
tables, reference list and appendices.
2) Your work should include references to relevant journal articles and other good quality
information sources and should be properly laid out using the Harvard system of referencing.
More detailed guidance is available in the ‘Guide to Referencing in the Harvard Style’. We
encourage you to make good use of all the support services offered by your Faculty Subject
Librarian, further details are in the Learning Support Services Section.
3) You should refer to the assessment criteria to provide fuller details of the marking criteria for each
classification band.
4) In addition, you should refer to the standard assessment guidelines as presented in your Course
Handbook/Support Area, this includes guidance and policies on referencing style, plagiarism, etc.
5) We recommend the use of Studiosity which offers constructive feedback on draft written
submissions within 24 hrs.
6) Coursework must be submitted by the dates specified. Coursework submitted after the
deadline, without prior approval, is not normally accepted. For further guidance on the late
submission of coursework, please see the course handbook.
7) Non-compliance with the word limit will result in a penalty being applied in accordance with the
University Word Limit Policy which can be found on your Course Support Area in Blackboard.
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BMG872 | Global Strategy Development and Implementation
Coursework
INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT
Students are required to complete an individual assignment of 3000 words.
Coursework – BRIEF
Taking a case study approach, critically assess the global strategy of a multinational
corporation (MNC) of your choice. Using theoretical models studied in this module,
analyse the MNC’s competitive positioning and international expansion strategies.
Evaluate the MNC’s success in different global markets, considering its adaptation to local
contexts. Additionally, discuss how emerging trends in technology and sustainability
impact the MNC’s global strategy. Finally, propose recommendations for enhancing the
MNC’s competitive advantage and global performance, using insights from the theoretical
models.
a) Detailed assessment guidance will be given from week 2 onwards via Seminar and aims
to provide advice on the use of media/technologies for this assessment exercise.
b) Completed assignments must be submitted in Word format via the Turnitin Dropbox in
your Blackboard Course Area by the specified date and time outlined in the Key
Assessment Information Table above.
c) All submitted assignments should have the file name:
i) "Surname, FirstName, B00 Number"
ii) e.g. BrownJohnB00001234_AssignmentOne.
Coursework 1 – FEEDBACK
Written feedback on the assessment will be provided via Blackboard on 8th of January 2024
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BMG872 | Global Strategy Development and Implementation
Coursework 1 – ASSESSMENT RUBRIC/MARKING PROFORMA
Knowledge
Knowledge and
understanding
20%
Application
Evidence of
application of
theoretical
models/concepts
30%
Analysis
Analysis and
interpretation
25%
Excellent 70 – 100
Very Good 60 – 69
Good 50 – 59
Poor (fail) 45-49
Fail 0-44
Exceptional
knowledge and
understanding of
relevant, complex
principles and
concepts and the
development and
advancement of ideas
and practice
Wide knowledge and
depth of
understanding of
importance principles
and concepts and the
development of ideas
and practice.
Appropriate
knowledge and depth
of understanding of
key principles and
concepts with some
understanding of their
relevance to and
development in
practice.
Basic knowledge and
depth of
understanding of key
principles and
concepts with only a
very basic
understanding of their
relevance to and/or
development in
practice.
Very limited/superficial
knowledge and depth
of understanding of
key principles and
concepts with very
basic understanding
of their relevance to
and/or development in
practice displayed
Excellent identification
and advanced
application of
theoretical concepts
or models informed
and critically analysed
extensively by current
research and practice
in this area.
Very good
identification and
application of
theoretical concepts
or models informed
and analysed by
current research and
practice in this area.
Good identification
and application of
theoretical concepts
or models with some
link to research in this
area.
Occasional
identification and
application of
theoretical concepts
or models.
Limited identification
and application of
theoretical concepts
or models
Critical insightful
evaluation and
synthesis of a wide
range of views, issues
and complex
information which
demonstrates a highly
original and reflective
approach.
Critical evaluation and
synthesis of a wide
range of views, issues
and complex
information which
demonstrates an
original and reflective
approach.
Some critical
evaluation and
synthesis of key
issues and material.
Some basic
evaluation and
synthesis of pertinent
issues and
information. Lacks
originality and/or
reflection.
Very limited
evaluation. Mainly
description of key
issues and
information. Lacks
originality and
reflection.
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BMG872 | Global Strategy Development and Implementation
Reading
Reading, referencing,
bibliography/reference
list
15%
Structure
Presentation,
structure, grammar,
and spelling
10%
Extensive evidence of
integrating high quality
and relevant
supplementary
sources. Outstanding
citations, referencing
and bibliography in
accordance with
Harvard guidelines.
Evidence of extensive
reading of
supplementary
sources.
Comprehensive
citations, referencing
and bibliography in
adherence to the
Harvard guidelines.
Evidence of reading of
supplementary
sources. Adequate
citations, referencing
and bibliography
mainly in accordance
with the Harvard
guidelines
Limited evidence of
supplementary
reading. Citations,
referencing and
bibliography limited
and not in adherence
to the Harvard
guidelines.
Minimal/limited
evidence of additional
reading. Inadequate
citation, referencing
and bibliography.
Outstanding welldirected presentation,
logically and
coherently structured,
sophisticated style
adopted. Correct
grammar and spelling
throughout.
Excellent
presentation, logically
structured and a
coherent style
adopted. Mainly
correct grammar and
spelling.
Acceptable
presentation, clear
orderly structure and
coherent style used.
Acceptable grammar
and spelling.
Adequate
presentation and
structure, very basic
style. Errors in
grammar and spelling.
Poor/inadequate
presentation and
structure. Basic
approach adopted.
Errors in grammar and
spelling.
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BMG872 | Global Strategy Development and Implementation
5. Learning Resources
A list of current learning resources specifically chosen to build
your knowledge and understanding for this module
Reading List
Also available online via Key Links: https://ulster.keylinks.org/#/
Books/Journal Article/Publications Required Reading (Must read)
Hill, C.W.L and Hult, G.T.M (2021) International Business, Competing in the Global Marketplace.
13th ed. New York: McGraw Hill Education
Wheelen, T. L., Hunger, J. D., Hoffman, A. N., and Bamford, C. E. (2018) Strategic Management
and Business Policy: Globalization, Innovation and Sustainability, 15th Global ed. Harlow, UK:
Pearson Education Limited
Books/Journal Article/Publications Recommended Reading (Should read/Could read)
Collinson, S., Narula, R., and Rugman, A. M. and Qamar, A. (2020) International Business, 8th ed.,
Harlow, UK: Pearson Education Limited
Daniels, J. D., Radebaugh, L. H. and Sullivan, D. (2021) International Business, Global Edition,
17th ed. Harlow, UK: Pearson Education Limited
Hamilton, L and Webster, P (2015) The International Business Environment, 3rd ed., Oxford, UK:
Oxford University Press
Hill, C. W. L., and Hult, G. T. M (2018) Global Business Today, 10th ed. New York: McGraw- Hill
Education
Hunger, J.D. and Wheelen, T.L. (2014) Essentials of Strategic Management: New International
Edition. 5th ed., Harlow, UK: Pearson Education Limited
Johnson, G., Schholes, D., Whittington, R., Regner, P., and Angwin, D., (2020) Fundamentals of
Strategy. 5th ed., Harlow, UK: Pearson Education Limited
Johnson, G., Scholes, D., and Whittington, R., (2017) Exploring Corporate Strategy. 11th ed. UK:
Prentice Hall
Lynch, R. (2018) Strategic Management. 8th ed., Harlow, UK: Pearson Education Limited
Porter, M.E., (1998), Competitive Advantages of Nations, MacMillan Business
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Books/Journal Article/Publications Recommended Reading (Should read/Could read)
Radebaugh, L. H., Sullivan, D., and Daniels, J. D. (2021) International Business, Environments and
Operations, 17th ed. Harlow, UK: Pearson Education Limited
Vietor R.H.K., (2007), How Countries Compete Strategy, Structure, and Government in the Global
Economy, Harvard Business School Press
Wall, S and Minocha, S. (2015) International Business, 4th ed., Harlow, UK: Pearson Education
Limited
Wild, J.J., and Wild, K.L., (2020) International Business. The Challenges of Globalization. 9th ed.
Harlow, UK: Pearson
Useful Journals, Library Databases and Websites
Academy of Management Journal
Business Week
The Economist
The Financial Times
Global Fortune Magazine
Forbes
Harvard Business Review
International Management
Journal of Business Strategy
Journal of International Business Studies
Journal of Management Studies
Management International Review
Strategic Management Journal
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BMG872 | Global Strategy Development and Implementation
6. Organisation and Management
Types of learning activities that will make up your weekly timetable
BMG872 Global Strategy Development and Implementation, is a 15-credit point module, this requires
approximately 150 hours of your commitment, distributed through the following learning and teaching
activities over the 15-week semester. For a description of the nature of the learning activities please
refer to your course handbook.
Summary of Learning Activities
Learning Activities: Week 1-12
Indicative
Weekly Hours
Total Hours
(150 hours)
Lecture and Class Activities
1.5 hours
18
Seminar or Seminar Activities
1.5 hour
18
Other, Directed Learning Activities
3 hours
36
Independent Study: Week 1-15
Indicative Guide
Assigned Reading and Note-taking
2 hours
30
Assessment Activities and Seminar Preparation
3.5 hours
52
The teaching and learning plan provides a more detailed overview of content on a weekly basis.
Module delivery will typically consist of a 1.5 hours lecture and a 1.5 hours Seminar although format
may vary slightly between weeks/sessions.
Seminars – please refer to the teaching and learning plan below for the seminar topic. Attendance at
seminars is most important and therefore will be monitored.
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BMG872 | Global Strategy Development and Implementation
Teaching and Learning Plan
The teaching plan/order of weekly topics is subject to change. The list below provides an outline summary of weekly activities and further information is
available on BBL in the relevant week’s folder. Students will be expected to engage in all prescribed activities that contribute towards final
assessment.
Week/L&T
Methods
Week 1 Lecture
Curriculum Content/Topic Title
Introduction to Global Strategy, Development and Implementation – Module Overview
•
•
•
•
•
Week 2 Lecture
Introduction to students, staff and module
Understand the teaching and assessment requirements to successfully complete the Global Strategy,
Development and Implementation Module over the next 12 weeks
Reflect on your previous knowledge of business strategy
Consider what business strategy means in an international context
Identify a multinational corporation and review its corporate plan
Globalisation
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Explain the concept of globalisation
Describe the changes which have taken place in the global business environment in the last century
Describe the effects of globalisation on markets and production
Describe the institutions that support globalisation
Explain how technology and innovation in transportation support globalisation
Discuss pros and cons of globalisation and its effects on developing nations
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BMG872 | Global Strategy Development and Implementation
Week/L&T
Methods
Week 3 Lecture
Curriculum Content/Topic Title
The Global Environment
•
•
•
•
•
Week 4 Lecture
Global Strategy and Sources of Competitive Advantage
•
•
•
•
Week 5 Lecture
Explain the different political, economic and legal systems
Illustrate the implications of these systems for international business
Outline the determinants of economic development
Discuss the relationship between democracy and development
Explain the significance of national cultures and subcultures within nations
Evaluate the cultural role of religion and its influence on the practice of business
Define the components of new trade theory
Describe the implication of new trade theory for business and government
Discuss and apply the theory of National competitive advantage
Explain the basis for strategic trade policy
International Strategy Formulation
•
•
•
•
•
Understand the meaning of strategy for firms within an international context.
Suggest the reasons why firms may decide to enter international business.
Discuss the important of value creation within an international context.
Identify the benefits from international strategies
Outline the basic strategies undertaken by MNEs, and specifically focus on how they relate to the needs for
local responsiveness and cost minimization
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Week/L&T
Methods
Week 6 Lecture
Curriculum Content/Topic Title
Strategic Initiatives for Global Growth
•
•
•
•
•
Week 7 Lecture
Evaluate the criteria that firms use to select foreign markets for international growth.
Outline the importance of timing of entry and scale of entry for the firm.
Define and list the advantages and disadvantages of the six market entry modes.
Define and describe the benefits and challenges associated with acquisitions versus Greenfield ventures
Analyse the benefits and challenges of strategic alliances
International Strategy Implementation
•
•
•
•
•
•
Discuss the complexity and identify the challenges associated with strategy implementation;
Understand the importance of staff communications in strategy implementation;
Identify the linkages between strategy implementation and organisational structure;
Evaluate four stages of corporate development;
Explain the role of business re-engineering in strategy implementation;
Analyse the implications for international business when implementing strategy.
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BMG872 | Global Strategy Development and Implementation
Week/L&T
Methods
Week 8 Lecture
Curriculum Content/Topic Title
International Strategy for MNCs
•
•
•
•
•
•
Week 9 Lecture
Discuss the selection of an optimal manufacturing location based on country factors, technological factors
and product factors
Illustrate the advantages, disadvantages, and problems associated with coordinating a tightly linked global
manufacturing system
Examine how some market segments transcend national borders, while in other situations the structure of
market segments differs significantly across countries.
Understand the factors that cause firms to alter the marketing mix across countries.
Discuss issues related to the location of R&D facilities and linking marketing and R&D in new product
development
Identify the issues and problems with expatriate staffing and highlight guidelines relating to the performance
appraisal of expatriates
Suggest some actions for managerial training and development for international firms
•
•
Strategic Integration and Management of MNCs
•
•
•
•
•
Identify the different kinds of organisational structures and internal control mechanisms that international
businesses can use to manage global operations
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of centralised and decentralised decision systems.
Present the basic types of organisational forms that multinational firms use.
Describe the control systems and integrating mechanisms available to multinational firms
Evaluate organisational architecture, control systems, integrating systems, and decision-making choices
multinational firms and their linkages with their strategy and industry environment
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Week/L&T
Methods
Week 10 Lecture
Curriculum Content/Topic Title
International Strategy: evaluation, control, monitoring and control in MNCs
•
•
•
•
•
•
Week 11 &
Week 12
ASSIGNMENT
DEADLINE DATE
Discuss the importance of evaluation and control within an MNC
Illustrate and describe the evaluation and control process
Identify at least eight methods employed to measure performance of firms
Discuss how non quantifiable measures can lead to organisational success
Highlight how firms can overcome international challenges of control
Recommend guidelines on how firms should ensure proper control within their organisations.
Assignment Preparation and Module Reflection and Revision
•
Reflect and review on the module content and delivery.
2nd of December 2023 @ 23.59
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BMG872 | Global Strategy Development and Implementation
7. Student Voice and Support Services
How we support you
Have your Say:
qahe.haveyoursay@qa.com
Welfare Service
qahe.welfare@qa.com
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