Code:
EC280
BRIGHTON BUSINESS SCHOOL
MOULSECOOMB MODULAR SCHEME
TITLE:
International Business Analysis
LEVEL:
2
CREDIT RATING:
20
SUBJECT AREA:
Economics
MODULE TYPE:
Double
SEMESTER OFFERED:
1&2
Course(s) for which module is acceptable and status in course:
BA(Hons) Business Management (Sandwich) – Compulsory
BA(Hons) Business Management with Marketing - Compulsory
BA(Hons) Business Management with Finance – Compulsory
BA(Hons) Business Management, Full Time - Compulsory
BA(Hons) International Business - Compulsory
PRE-REQUISITES: eventually it is anticipated that these will be
specified in terms of learning outcomes; in the interim they should
be specified in terms of other module codes, or equivalent
EC180/161
AIMS:
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To achieve a clear understanding of Globalisation, the factors that have contributed to its
development and asses the impact that it may have on business in the future.
To gain an appreciation of the business environment in other industrial nations through
comparative analysis
To examine international trade theory and the changing patterns of world trade in combination
with the developments of world trading blocs.
To achieve a clear understanding of the operation of the international business environment
through analysis of theoretical frameworks and their application to contemporary problems.
To examine the implications of economic power for the international balance of power and
economic development.
To provide students with a clear insight into the workings of the international financial system as
it impacts on both the national economy and the business environment.
To provide students with key theoretical concepts from managerial economics and industrial
economics and to demonstrate their relevance in decision making within companies.
To give students an understanding of the environmental context within which companies work
To provide an understanding of business economics and its importance in decision making in
the business world.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
On completion of this module a student should be able to:
Subject specific:
 apply the tools from business and industrial economics to analyse cases and real world
business problems.
 demonstrate an awareness of the environmental complexities facing the modern firm
 apply simple economic models of trade to real world situations and predict outcomes for
business and national economies.

interpret the significance of trade agreements, exchange rate fluctuations and balance of
payments issues as they constrain national policy making and impact on the business
environment.
 recognise the interaction of the pressures within the international environment
 assess alternative models of development and the implications of globalisation and
technological change
Cognitive:
 demonstrate more critical and analytical thinking, and to recognise where the particular skills or
ideas learned on the course may be relevant to solving a new problem.
 have skills in handling business data, and in presenting ideas
 developed abilities to manage their own learning.
 capability to work in groups, and demonstrate other inter-personal skills, including oral as well
as written presentation skills.
CONTENT:
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The Globalization of the World Economy
The International Balance of Power in Industrial Societies. Patterns of growth, trade &
development. The drivers of globalisation and its future impact on global business.
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Business cultures:
The importance of cultural diversity in International Business; the interaction of government,
business & finance; legal structures and financial institutions; the power of economic interest
groups; cultural expectations in the workplace; training; research & development, e.g. by
comparison with Japan and the Far East.
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Trade:
Patterns of International Trade; Theories of International Trade; comparative & absolute
advantage; Hecksher-Ohlin; Vernon's Product Life Cycle; New Trade Theory; GATT, the
Uruguay Round; the World Trade Organisation. Trade Policy; strategic trade policy;
protectionism: VERS; dumping.
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International Comparative Analysis of Economic Performance:
Industrial performance and alternative national strategies. The impact of the Anglo-Saxon
model e.g. Britain; the USA v : the managed market eg. Japan , Germany and France.
Analysis of macro-economic indicators. Developing economies, specifically China and India,
and their likely impact on global business.
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The Global Monetary System:
The International monetary system: IMF; World Bank; Bretton Woods; Adjustable peg
system; fixed and floating exchange rates. The impact of "dirty floating". Currency boards &
currency crises.
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The Concept of a Firm: neoclassical economics vs. neo-institutional approaches, transaction
costs, types of contract. Asymmetric information, moral hazard, adverse selection. Principalagent-approach. The firm as a means of creating value.
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Foreign Direct Investment:
Changing patterns of FDI MNEs; TNCs; Technology transfer and the implications of
technological change. The growth of outsourcing, its patterns and implications is also
examined in detail.
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Energy:
The politics and economics of energy are issues that need to be factored into business
models. The geo-politics of oil and the impact upon both markets and companies is
analysed in conjunction with the need/emergence of new technologies.
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Ethics:
The growing importance relevance of ethical business practices. Companies across the
globe are increasingly under scrutiny as investors and pressure groups examine the ethics
of their business models. In particular we highlight the growth of the Fair trade model and
the motives behind the “greening” of business.
TEACHING & LEARNING STRATEGIES:
The module will use a mix of teaching and learning processes included those detailed
below. Students are expected to plan their own study time. Assessment hours are
indicative of the time to be allocated to revision and formal assessment.
Lectures:
Seminars:
Workshops:
20
20
0
Open Learning:
Self Study:
Assessment:
0
100
60
Total: 200
LEARNING SUPPORT:
Indicative reading:
The latest editions of:
Hill C, International Business, McGraw-Hill (Latest edition)
Daniels, Radebaugh & Sullivan, International Business, Pearson (Latest edition)
Morrison, J. The International Business Environment, Palgrave. (Latest edition)
Journals:
Oxford Review of Economic Policy
National Institute Economic Review
Economic Review
Bank of England Quarterly
OECD
Bulletin of the European Community
Web sites: The Financial Times, The Economist, McKinsey Quarterly, the World Trade
Organisation; US Federal Reserve; OECD, the IMF, Bloomberg, Reuters.
ASSESSMENT: include weighting of the various tasks
Students have to undertake two pieces of coursework and a final examination. The
weighting will be as follows
Coursework 50%
Examination 50%
Coursework will be due for submission following Christmas vacation and will be 1,500
words in length. The assignment is done on an individual basis.
Examination will be two hours long in which students have to answer three from a possible
eight questions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE MODULE: this should be aimed at a nonspecialist audience to give an overview of the module (maximum 80
words)
IBA provides students with a deep understanding of how business is transacted at a global level and
the issues that companies, or multinational enterprises (MNE), have to deal with on a daily basis.
The forces of change are increasingly being dictated at a global level, the ability to cope depends,
largely, on rationalising and contextualising these changes. IBA provides a comprehensive
framework that allows students to do so. Critically evaluating and analysing the impacts of
globalisation, political/economic/cultural factors, finance, investment, energy and ethics gives
students a deep understanding of the international context of business.
Area Examination
Board:
Economics
External
Examiner:
M. Klaes
Faculty:
Brighton Business
School; MIS.
Site where
delivered:
Moulsecoomb
Module Writer(s):
Vincent Kane
Date of Last
Revision:
2012
Date of First
Approval:
Version Number
1