E09 – International Business

Module
International Business
International Business
Module number
[E09]
Version: 1
Faculty
Business Administration
Level
Bachelor
Duration
1 Semester
Semester
Winter semester
Module supervisor

Prof. Dr. Gerard Lewis
gerard.lewis(at)htw-dresden.de
Lecturer(s)

Prof. Dr. Gerard Lewis
gerard.lewis(at)htw-dresden.de
Course language(s)

English
in "International Business"
ECTS credits

5.00 credits

Workload

150 hours

Courses

4.00 SCH (4.00 SCH Lecture)
Self-study time

90.00 hours
90.00 hours Self-study - International Business
Pre-examination(s)
None
Examination(s)

Written examination
Examination time: 90 min | Weighting: 50%
in "International Business"

Alternative examination - Presentation
Examination time: 20 min | Weighting: 25%
in "International Business"

Alternative examination - Paper
Weighting: 25%
in "International Business"
Form of teaching

Lectures
The principles, concepts and theories will be presented during lectures.

Readings
For many topics there are chapters from the module text books and some additional readings which support the concepts presented in the lectures. 

Worked examples and problems
Application of the module materials is reinforced using mini-cases, problems and examples.

Case Studies
Students preparecase assignments prior to the scheduled case discussion. Students will be asked questions relating to the case and are expected to present their arguments and reasoning.

Project
Students will be required to work throughout the semester on a project which identifies and assesses the international business issues facing a particular business unit and the consequences for business entry strategy.

Project Presentation
Student teams make a 20 minute presentation which conveys the essential project information, findings and recommendation to a senior executive as concisely as possible.
Media type

Lecture slides are in PPT format.
Where appropriate, guest lectures and AV material will be used. 
Instruction content/structure

The module will cover the following topics:
Country risk - Are the risks in a given coutry acceptable?
Business culture - Can we do business successfully in a given country?
Target country-market - Is the country-market attractive?
National competitiveness - Is the value activity location attractive?
Country-market customers - Do we standardise or adapt the product?
International Business strategy - what strategic options are available?
Qualification objectives

The aim of the module is to enable students to understand and apply the frameworks and tools which help practicing managers to develop a business internationally. 

After successfully completing the module the student will be able to:
1. understand and analyse the global context in which international business activity takes place
2. assess the impact of country risk, business culture, and market conditions on international strategy development.
3. evaluate the strategic options available for investment / market entry strategy
Social and personal skills

Development of analytical and problem solving skills within an strategic context.

Project management skills.

Presentation skills.

Creativity - 'stepping outside of the box' is the essence of successful business strategy.
Special admission requirements
No information
Recommended prerequisites

English level C1

International Business is a capstone module which requires the application of many areas from the previous semesters of the Bachelor degree programme.

English level B2, TOEFL 550 or equivalent
Continuation options
No information
Literature

The following textbooks are recommended for supporting and complementing the module lectures.

Main Texts:

  • Hill, Charles W. L, Competing in the Global Marketplace, Boston
  • Helen Deresky, International Management, Prentice Hall, New Jersey

Supporting Reading:

  • Christopher A. Bartlett and Paul W. Beamish, Transnational Management, McGraw-Hill
  • Kutschker, Michael / Schmid, Stefan, Internationales Management, München / Wien (recommended text in German)
Current teaching resources

Module materials are available on Portal Sachsen (OPAL)
Notes

The exam questions will be written in English and you are required to provide written answers in English or German.

International business is cross-functional in nature and has a high strategic emphasis. Therefore the module draws upon basic knowledge from other subjects and requires students to take a more holistic view of business and management in an international context.

The module provides an important insight into international corporations and international management. The module is especially relevant for those who wish to make an international career in strategy / general management.
Link to course/learning resources in OPAL
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