School of Management
Module Handbook
Global Business Environment
Table of Contents
1.
General ................................................................................................................................ 1
2.
Overview of Module and Module Descriptor ........................................................................ 1
3.
Assessment Criteria and Marking Guidelines ...................................................................... 3
3.1 Assessment Timetable ................................................................................................ 6
4.
Schedule of Work / Topics ................................................................................................... 6
5.
Communication.................................................................................................................... 8
6.
Support for Your Learning ................................................................................................... 8
6.1 Specific Support Materials for Module ......................................................................... 8
7.
Developing Good Academic Practice .................................................................................. 9
8.
Student Charter ................................................................................................................. 10
9.
Complaints and Appeals .................................................................................................... 11
10. Module Feedback from Previous Students ........................................................................ 11
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1. General
General guidance and information on the university experience for all students can be found in
the Student Handbook, which is available online via
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/study/new-students/.
2. Overview of Module and Module Descriptor
Module Title: Global Business Environment
Module Type:
Standard module
Academic Year:
2013/14
Module Code:
MAN0205M
Module Occurrence:
A
Module Credit:
10
Teaching Period:
Semester 1
Level:
3 (Undergraduate)
Provider: School of Management
Related Department / Subject Area: MG
Principal Co-ordinator: Dr Chengang Wang
Additional Tutors:
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Aims:
This course aims to provide a basis for understanding the international business environmental
issues and encourage an in-depth discussion of the engagement between International
Business and other actors such as culture, business ethics, national governments and
international institutions in the context of changing global economy. Issues to do with
globalization, international competition, business ethics, the political economy of international
business, international regulatory institutions and the impact of international business on
sustainable development are examined with respect to their implication for the management of
multinational corporations.
Learning Teaching & Assessment Strategy:
Knowledge is disseminated in lectures with tutorial support, in the form of case study, debate
and tutor-led one-to-one interactive sessions to discuss the progress of group work and address
queries. Verbal feedback is provided in tutorial sessions.
Study Hours:
Lectures:
Seminars/Tutorials:
Laboratory/Practical:
12.00
6.00
0.00
Directed Study:
Formal Exams:
Other:
82.00
0.00
0.00
Total:
100
Learning Outcomes:
1. Knowledge & Understanding
On successful completion of this module you will be able to...
a. demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the concepts, theories and
frameworks within the international business environment.
b. demonstrate a broad knowledge and understanding of various factors that affect the
conduct and performance of multinational corporations.
1
2. Subject-Specific Skills
On successful completion of this module you will be able to...
a. define international business environment and explain how it differs from domestic
business environment.
b. select and apply appropriate concepts and theories in evaluation of international
business environment in the context of changing global economy.
c. appreciate critically the relevant contemporary business environmental issues such as
business ethics, social responsibility, fair trade in the global context.
d. Demonstrate the development of the skills in assessing the impact of external
environmental factors such as culture, financial and economic systems, entry barriers
and risks on the conduct and performance of multinational corporations.
3. Personal Transferable Skills
On successful completion of this module you will be able to...

demonstrate the development of skills in analysis and reasoning, teamwork and project
reporting.
Mode of Assessment:
1
Assessment Type
Duration (hours)
Percentage
Group coursework
-
30%
Description
Group project of up to 2500 words
2
Assessment Type
Duration (hours)
Percentage
Individual coursework
-
70%
Description
Individual assignment of up to 1500 words
900 Assessment Type
Group coursework
Duration (hours)
Percentage
-
30%
Description
Supplementary: Group project of up to 1500 words
901 Assessment Type
Coursework
Duration (hours)
Percentage
-
70%
Description
Supplementary: Individual assignment of up to 1500 words
Outline Syllabus:
Overview of international business environment; Ethics and social responsibility; Cultural factors
in international business; Theories of international trade; Political economy of international
trade; Theories of foreign direct investment; Political economy of foreign direct investment;
International monetary system; Globalisation; Regionalisation; Emerging economies.
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3. Assessment Criteria and Marking Guidelines
Assessment paper
The course is assessed by both Group Coursework and Individual Coursework and assessment
weighting is as follows:
1)
2)
Group Coursework
Individual Coursework
30%
70%
Group Coursework
Group size: 4-5 members
Word limit: 2500 words
Option 1:
Select an emerging market that hosts several leading automobile companies’ assembly
factories. Carry out a research and explain why it has become the assembly base of these
leading automobile companies
Option 2:
The United States is home to many of the world’s leading computer software companies, most
of which commonly outsource software development to other countries, including Egypt, India,
Ireland, Israel, Malaysia, Hungary, and the Philippines. Select one of these countries, carry out
a research and explain why it has become a base for these computer software companies.
Option 3:
Imagine that you and your team members own a company that manufactures a range of home
electrical appliances in UK and exports products to the EU market and you want to move your
company’s manufacturing from UK to a more cost-effective nation to lower production cost.
Choose 3 perspective countries to which you think the company should target. Carry out a
detailed assessment of these 3 countries and decide in which country you will recommend to
base the manufacturing.
Structure Guideline:
1.
Introduction: This section may consist of a brief introduction of the selected
country/countries and the report outline.
2.
Main Text: This section should provide a systematic assessment of chosen
country/countries’ investment environmental factors.
3.
Conclusion: Summarize the key points in the report.
4.
Bibliography:
Essential readings for group coursework:
Chapter 12: Country Evaluation and Selection in Daniels John D. and Radebaugh Lee H. (2009)
International Business: Environment and Operations, 12/E, Prentice Hall.
Chapter 12: Analysing International Opportunities in Wild John J. and Wild Kenneth L. (2012)
International Business: The Challenges of Globalization, Pearson.
Some useful data sources for group coursework:
https://www.enterprisesurveys.org/custom/Default.aspx
http://www.doingbusiness.org/
http://www.freedomhouse.org/
World investment report, http://www.unctad.org
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National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, http://www.ustr.gov
Emerging market potential index, http://globaledge.msu.edu/resourcedesk/mpi/
The corruption perception index,
http://www.transparency.org/policy_research/surveys_indices/cpi/2009
Hofstede cultural dimensions,
http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_dimensions.php
The International Monetary Fund, www.imf.org
The World Bank, www.worldbank.org
The World Intellectual Property Organisation, www.wipo.org
The World Trade Organization, www.wto.org
The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, http://www.apecsec.org.sg
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, http://www.aseansec.org
Country information, http://www.dushkin.com/globalstudies
Eastern European country information, http://reenic.utexas.edu
The European Union, http://europa.eu.int
Latin American country information, http://lanic.utexas.edu
Middle East country information, http://menic.utexas.edu
The North America Free Trade Agreement, http://www.nafta-sec-alena.org
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, www.oecd.org
United Nations Departments page provides a direct link to Regional UN Economic
Commissions, namely ECE (Europe), ESCAP (Asia-Pacific), ECLAC (Latin America and
Caribbean), ECA (Africa), ESC (West Asia), http://www.un.org/Depts/
Individual Coursework
Answer one of the following questions and provide your answer in no more than 1500 words.
This coursework should be written in an essay format.
1.
Which theory do you think offers a better explanation of manufacturing FDI from
developed country firms to developing countries: Dunning’s OLI paradigm or
Vernon’s Product Life Cycle theory? Explain your answer fully.
2.
Choose two culturally diverse countries and compare their cultures. Discuss how
cultural differences influence the costs of doing business between two countries.
3.
Countries that intervene in trade have cited political arguments for their actions. To
what extent are these arguments Justifiable? Discuss with reference to examples
and rationales of these arguments.
Structure Guideline:
 Introduction: The introduction should set a clear direction and structure to the essay.
 Main Text: This section should provide cogent arguments based on relevant concepts
and theories and supported by examples and empirical evidence.
 Conclusion: Summarize the main arguments in the essay.
 Reference:
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BRADFORD SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT – ASSESSED COURSEWORK FOR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES
MODULE:
CRITERIA
Knowledge & understanding
UB NUMBER:
DATE:
BELOW 40%
Fails to demonstrate
understanding of
topic/area.
Little or no analysis. Fails
to identify key
issues/theory.
40-49%
Shows a bare understanding
of basic issues/theory.
50-59%
Shows grasp of basic issues/theory.
60-69%
Well informed. Demonstrates sound
understanding.
Overly descriptive – identifies
obvious issues. Misses more
subtle issues/theory.
Some evidence of understanding.
Coverage of obvious issues/theory
only.
Research & referencing
No evidence of basic
reading/sources out of
date. Poor referencing.
Lacking evidence/sources not
up to date. Weak referencing.
Key source & reference material
covered. Adequate referencing.
Evidence of further research.
Subject relevance
Irrelevant or repetitive
material.
No proper concluding
section. Poor or no
attempt at application of
knowledge.
Purpose & meaning
unclear. Language,
grammar & spelling
poor.
Structure unclear. Poorly
presented.
Some irrelevant or repetitive
material.
Conclusion repetitive, thin in
content. Weak but
satisfactory application of
issues/theory.
Language mainly fluent, but
frequent errors of grammar
or spelling.
Some material repeated/overused.
Accurate & detailed coverage of
obvious issues/theory. More subtle
issues/theory recognised & reasonably
dealt with. Presented in logically
reasoned, coherent and evaluative
manner.
Appropriate use of evidence from a
variety of up to date sources. Generally
accurate and well informed. Clear
referencing. Evidence of detailed
research in some areas.
Relevant material used.
Conclusion attempted but some
points missing. Reasonable
application of knowledge to main
issues/theory.
Language mainly fluent.
Grammar/spelling mainly accurate.
Cogent and intelligent conclusion.
Good application of knowledge to all
issues/theory.
Problems with structure and
presentation.
Structure coherent. Presentation
satisfactory.
Structure supports argument clearly.
Presentation clear & appropriate.
Analysis & identification of issues
Conclusion – problem solving
Written communication – spelling
& grammar
Structure & presentation
Length
This coursework has been
penalised because it is
significantly over length.
Thoughts & ideas clearly expressed.
Grammar/spelling accurate and
language fluent.
70% +
Demonstrates well coordinated, grounded and
reasoned understanding.
Provides concise analysis of
all relevant issues/theory.
Wide ranging use of relevant
cases/materials. Excellent
referencing & research in all
areas.
All material relevant to
subject.
Excellent concluding section
drawing together the various
points made and adding an
original perspective.
Articulate & persuasive use of
language. Consistently
accurate user of
grammar/spelling.
Structure guides reader
through argument.
Presentation excellent.
Not all sections carry the same weighting and the final mark reflects the academic worth of the assignment as a whole.
General Comments:
Mark:
5
3.1 Assessment Timetable
The deadline for both group and individual coursework submission is 3pm on Friday
13th December 2013.
4. Schedule of Work / Topics
Week
Lecture
Reading
2
Introduction: Global Business Environment
Chapter 1
3
National difference in Political Economy
Chapters 2, 3
4
Cultural Factors in Global Business
Chapter 4
5
Ethics and Social Responsibility
Chapter 5
6
Theories of International Trade
Chapter 6
7
Political Economy of International Trade
Chapter 7
8
Theories of Foreign Direct Investment
Chapter 8
9
Political Economy of Foreign Direct Investment
Chapter 8
10
International Monetary System
Chapters 10, 11
11
Regionalization
Chapter 9
12
Emerging Economies
Cavusgil et. al. Chapter 9
13
Module Review
NB - The chapters referred above are found in (apart from week 11): Hill, Charles W.L.
(2011) International Business: Competing in the Global Marketplace, 9E,
McGraw-Hill Irwin.
Seminar Plan
Seminars will take place every other week. Students need to sign up for tutorial via Blackboard
during the first teaching week. Students are required to prepare for the seminar before it
commences and read relevant material related to seminar topics.
Session 1: Country Differences
Task 1: Case study: Indonesia-Asia’s Stumbling Giant (p.65 main textbook)
Task 2 Form the group assignment group.
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Session2: International Trade
Task 1 Discussion questions:
1.
Discuss the difference between the theory of absolute advantage and the theory of
comparative advantage and how useful these two theories in explaining the pattern of
international trade.
2.
Identify the primary sources of the competitive advantages that firms use to compete in
international markets.
Task 2 Group coursework briefing
Session 3: Foreign Direct Investment
Task 1 Discussion questions:
1.
What factors do you think Hyundai considered in selecting Alabama as the site for the
factory?
2.
Who benefits and who loses from the new plant in Alabama?
3.
Is the firm’s decision to build the new plant consistent with Dunning’s eclectic theory?
NB: case material - Hyundai and Kia. P. 337 provides some background information of Hyundai
Task 2
Individual coursework briefing
Session 4: International Monetary System
Task 1 Discussion questions:
Imagine that Canada, the United States, and Mexico decide to adopt a fixed exchange rate
system, what would be the likely consequences of such a system for (a) international business
and (b) the flow of trade and investment among the three countries.
Task 2 Group assignment progress report
Session 5: Global and Regional Economic Integration
Task 1 Discussion questions:
How should a firm with self-sufficient production facilities in several ASEAN countries respond
to the creation of a single market? What are the constrains on its ability to respond in a manner
that minimise production costs.
Task 2 Case study: The European Energy Market. P. 319
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5. Communication
Communication with teaching staff can be made via the following means:




at the end of lectures (usually for short questions to avoid interruption);
during tutorial time;
during the office hours for students
e-mail or call your tutor (afternoons) to set an appointment.
Tutor
Office
Email
Office Hour
Dr. Wang
Cartwright Building 2.18
c.wang9@brad.ac.uk
Thursday 16:00-17:00pm
Contactjacenair@gmail.com
Frdiay 12:00-1:00pm
Appointment only
Mr. Jace Nair
Course Administrators:
Lynne Lancaster/Jackie Parker
Room: CB 0.20
E-mail: l.m.lancaster@bradford.ac.uk
E-mail: j.a.parker1@bradford.ac.uk
6. Support for Your Learning
General guidance on the support available can be found in the Student Handbook, which is
available online via http://www.bradford.ac.uk/study/new-students/ and at
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/lss/.
6.1
Specific Support Materials for Module
Primary Textbook:
Hill, Charles W.L. (2011) International Business: Competing in the Global Marketplace,
9E, McGraw-Hill Irwin.
Complementary readings:
Griffin, R. W. and Pustay, M. W. (2007) International Business: A Managerial Perspective, 5/E.
Prentice Hall, London.
Daniels John D. and Radebaugh Lee H. (2009) International Business: Environment and
Operations, 12/E, Prentice Hall.
Rugman Alan M. and Simon Collinson (2006) International Business, 4/E, FT Prentice Hall.
Cavusgil, S. Tamer, Gary Knight and John R.Riesenberger (2008) International business :
strategy, management, and the new realities. Pearson: Prentice hall
Janet Morrison (2002), The International Environment, Palgrave.
Bartels Frank L. & Pass Christopher (2000) International Business: A Competitiveness
Approach, Prentice Hall, London.
John H. Dunning (Ed.) (1999) Globalization, Trade and Foreign Direct Investment, Oxford.
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Czinkota Michael R., Ronkainen Ilkka A., Moffett Michael H. and Moynithan Eugene,
(2001) Global Business, 3/E. Harcourt, Orlando.
Krugman, Paul R. and Maurice Obstfeld (2003), International Economics: theory and
policy, Addison-Wesley, 2003.
Ravenhill, John (2005) Global Political Economy, Oxford University Press, Oxford.
Schneider Susan and Barsoux Jean-Louis (1997) Managing Across Cultures, PrenticeHall, New York.
Wild John J. and Wild Kenneth L. (2012) International Business: The Challenges of
Globalization, Pearson
Peng, Mike W.(2011) Global Business, Cengage Learning
7. Developing Good Academic Practice
The course depends on a combination of lectures and tutorials. Thus, regular and punctual
attendance, appropriate expressions of interests, and meaningful contributions to class
activities, particularly in tutorial, are expected and valued. You are expected to read assigned
materials before class, should be eager to politely discuss relevant topics in class, and should
expect to be periodically called upon to answer questions or provide other input. Also, useful
suggestions on lectures and tutorials from students are encouraged and very much appreciated.
Referencing
The requirement stated below for work supported by evidence from, and analysis of,
appropriate theory and literature requires that your essay be referenced throughout and that it
concludes with a reference section indicating the sources you have used.
Failure to include references will result in a fail mark.
You must use the Harvard Referencing System. This requires a citation (partial reference)
within the text and a list of full references at the end of the assignment. Harvard is an Author
Date system. So the citation shows the name of the author(s) followed by the year of
publication, for example:
Blundel and Ippolito (2008) suggest that cultural diversity is a valuable feature of society.
Or
Cultural diversity can create barriers to effective communication (Blundel and Ippolito 2008).
Direct quotations should be kept to a minimum (see guidance on plagiarism below), but if used,
these should be contained within quotation marks, and the page reference of the quote should
also be given, along with the author name and date:
“A failure to deal appropriately with cultural differences can also lead to disastrous outcomes for
individuals and organisations” (Blundel and Ippolito 2008, p.41).
It is crucial that you produce your full reference list according to the guidance provided in the
Effective Learning Service References and Bibliographies Booklet. This shows examples of all
the typical sources of your reading that you will want to list, e.g. books, journals, websites etc.
(http://www.bradford.ac.uk/management/media/Management/els/References-and-Bibliographies.pdf)
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PLAGIARISM AVOIDANCE
All new students to the University of Bradford, i.e. first year students, direct entry students into
other years, and Masters students (including international MBA and MSc students), must
complete the online “Plagiarism Avoidance for New Students” course (“PANS”).
Please note:

You must complete the Plagiarism Avoidance course before you submit your first piece
of assessed work. If you are a Stage 2 or Stage 3 student and have not yet done the
PANS, please ensure that you complete this short course as soon as possible.

You will find the Plagiarism Avoidance course in your school induction module within
Blackboard, under "My organisations". The course is entirely online and consists of five
eTutorials followed by a short diagnostic test. The answers to all the test questions are
contained within the tutorials. The course introduces you to concepts about plagiarism
and aims to prevent you contravening University regulations concerning plagiarism.

Please note that the test is intended to diagnose your understanding of plagiarism for it is
absolutely essential to good academic writing that you understand how to avoid
plagiarism. You have only ONE attempt to do the diagnostic test. If you do not achieve
the 70% pass mark, you will be referred to a member of academic staff (usually your
personal tutor) for further help and guidance.
For more information on the University’s efforts to ensure that students do not commit
plagiarism, please see the following article:

George, S., Costigan, A. and O’Hara, M. (2013) Placing the library at the heart of
plagiarism prevention: the University of Bradford experience. New Review of Academic
Librarianship, vol.19, no.2, pp.141-160. Available via Bradford Scholars (the University’s
online research depository) at: http://bradscholars.brad.ac.uk/handle/10454/5616
Avoiding Plagiarism
The Library has information about plagiarism, and how to avoid it:
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/library/help/plagiarism/.
Non Attendance
NB: It is your responsibility to let us know if you will not be attending, or intend to stop or
suspend your study of this module.
8. Student Charter
Our Student Charter is intended to set out the minimum procedural expectations relating to the
student experience for both staff and students. Your active involvement with staff in your
learning, in School-level activities, in institutional processes and with the Students’ Union is
absolutely key to fostering a sense of collegiate community. You engage with us as partners
and as such, both staff and students have expectations and obligations with regards to the
processes in which they engage. You can find our Student Charter at
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/student-charter/.
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9. Complaints and Appeals
For information regarding making complaints or appeals please visit
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/legal-and-governance/breaches-appeals-complaints/.
10. Module Feedback from Previous Students
The average score of previous students’ evaluation is 4 (out of 5). Students overall commented
positively on the organisation and delivery of the module and some students raised concern
regarding the lecturer’s accent and the free rider problem in group coursework component.
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