W308 – International Business (BW)

Module
International Business (BW)
International Business (BW7)
Module number
W308 [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 (BW7)"
ECTS credits

5.00 credits

Workload

150 hours

Courses

4.00 SCH (2.00 SCH Lecture | 2.00 SCH Seminar)
Self-study time

90.00 hours
90.00 hours Self-study - International Business (BW7)
Pre-examination(s)
None
Examination(s)

Written examination
Examination time: 90 min | Weighting: 50%
in "International Business (BW7)"

Alternative examination - Paper with presentation
Examination time: 20 min | Weighting: 50%
in "International Business (BW7)"
Form of teaching

Lectures The basic principles, concepts and theories will be presented during lectures. Lecture materials are available on Portal Sachsen (OPAL).

Readings For each topic there are chapters from the main textbooks and some additional readings which support the concepts presented in the lectures.

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

Case Studies Students prepare case 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 Student teams will be required to work throughout the semester on a project which identifies and assesses the competitive strategy of a business unit by applying the course materials from the lectures.

Project Report Student teams produce 5000 word report which conveys the essential project information to a senior executive as concisely as possible.

Project Presentation Student teams make a 20 minute presentation which emphasises the project's findings and recommendations.
Media type
No information
Instruction content/structure

Understanding and analysing country risk -Are the risks in a given country acceptable?

Understanding and analysing the business culture - Can we do business successfully in a given country?

Understanding and analysing the target country-market - Is the country-market attractive?

Understanding and analysing national competitiveness - Is the value activity location attractive?

Understanding and analysing the country-market customers - Do we standardise or adapt the product and promotion?

Understanding and analysing the value chain location - Can we optimise the global value chain?

Developing a business entry strategy - What strategic options are available?
Qualification objectives
The aim of the module is to provide a conceptual understanding of the frameworks and tools which help practicing managers to develop a business internationally and to make international location decisions. 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, market conditions and national competitiveness on investment and location decisions, 3. evaluate the options available for market entry strategy. International Business is cross-functional and multi-disciplinary. Therefore the module draws upon basic knowledge from other subjects and requires students to take a more holistic view of business in an international context.
Social and personal skills
Analytical skills
  • especially of soft factors Project management, teamwork & presentation skills Problem solving
  • identifying and solving the problem is a key skill in business strategy development Creativity
  • ‚stepping outside of the box‘. The essence of international business is to do something different.
Special admission requirements
No information
Recommended prerequisites

English level C1 International Business is a capstone module and requires the application of many areas from the first four semesters of the degree programme.
Continuation options
No information
Literature
The following textbooks are recommended for supporting and complementing the module lectures. Charles W. L. Hill, International Business, Competing in the Global Marketplace, McGraw-Hill, Boston. Helen Deresky, International Management, Managing Across Borders and Cultures, Pearson, Boston. Supporting Reading: Christopher A. Bartlett and Paul W. Beamish, Transnational Management - Text, Cases and Readings in Cross-Border Management, McGraw Hill, Boston. (Recommended text in German) Kutschker, Michael / Schmid, Stefan, Internationales Management, München / Wien.
Current teaching resources

-
Notes
For students who expect to develop an international career, the module provides an important insight into large corporations and international strategic development. The module is especially relevant for those who wish to make a career in strategy / general management. The examination is 90 minutes closed book. The examination questions will be written in English and students are required to provide written answers in English or German.
Link to course/learning resources in OPAL
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