International Business BSc (Hons)

30 credits

This module introduces you to the external context in which organisations operate and in which you will eventually work. As potential managers of the future, defined as someone involved in assisting and directing members of an organisation to achieve their organisational objectives, you'll need to be equipped to understand the component parts of the external context within which organisations function.

The variety and complexity of the external environment and interactions with industries and organisations has a significant impact upon the way organisations and teams are structured. You will gain the skills and knowledge required to be able to research, critically appraise, compare businesses across territories, sectors and size.

30 credits

Information Technology (IT) is the ultimate change agent impacting industry structures, strategic positioning, customer interactions and every part of a business function. 

This module focuses on how data analytics and digital technologies are utilised by businesses to enable better decisions and alter consumer interactions. Understanding the business value of data and digital technology not only requires knowledge and an appreciation of various analytical techniques, but also on the effective use of IT for the gathering, summarising and communication of this information.

You will use a problem-centric approach to apply analytical techniques with the aid of information technology, while developing your employability skills.

30 credits

In today’s dynamic business environment, understanding the interplay between people and organisations is crucial for effective management and sustainable success.

This module delves into the fundamental concepts and theories of organisational behaviour and key principles of human resource management. It emphasises the importance of comprehending effective relationships and interactions between individuals, groups, and the organisations they work within, in an era increasingly dominated by AI and technological advancements.

Through live briefs and work-based learning, you will learn how relationships are built and function, and how by understanding the behaviour and needs of people and adopting of a service mindset they can achieve organisational excellence. 

30 credits

This module introduces you to the core principles of marketing and how they apply in today’s digital world. It covers fundamental marketing concepts, principles, and frameworks before exploring digital marketing, sales management, and professional selling.  

You will learn how to create and deliver value to customers, understand buyer behaviour, and develop effective marketing communications. The module also examines how selling and buying have evolved in the digital era.  

Through real-world examples, case studies, and interactive role-plays, you will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in marketing, digital communications, and sales techniques. 

30 credits

This module looks at value creation across all functions of the corporation for different industries and types of businesses. It starts with the evaluation of the KPI's of different types of businesses and their respective industries and how to do peer and industry analysis. It then moves to evaluating investment decisions, including capital budgeting, calculating project returns and how to choose the best projects that maximise returns for investment objectives and given risk constraints.

You will learn how to unlock value in a choice of capital structure and financing decisions in terms of instruments, markets where you issue and how you determine your optimal capital structure subject to a target cost of funding and other structural constraints. It finishes with a review of how to put all this together to be able to value a business. Throughout the module you will also be introduced to how negotiation has an impact on each area.

30 credits

This module introduces business design thinking - a set of methods and techniques used to tackle challenges and seize opportunities with creative solutions.

You will explore the realities of managing creativity and innovation within organisations, gaining both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience. You’ll work on real-world problems faced by businesses today, applying creative thinking and problem-solving frameworks to develop innovative solutions.

You can choose challenges relevant to your studies, making the learning experience practical and tailored to your interests. 

30 credits

This module explores business situations where ethical decisions are made, focusing on corporate social responsibility (CSR), sustainability, and business ethics - key topics in today’s business world.

You will examine the theoretical and practical aspects of managing CSR and sustainable development (SD). The module helps you to understand the critical ethical issues that shape business goals and activities.  

Your learning will be supported through tutorials, lectures, guest speakers, case studies, and videos, giving you a well-rounded perspective on how CSR and sustainability influence modern business practices.

30 credits

This module examines cultural issues and their impact on international management, helping you to develop skills in research, analysis, observation, and communication within multicultural settings.  

You will work in groups to apply theories and concepts to a real company. You will also explore international business environments, including regional economic integration and institutions like the World Trade Organisation, and how they affect businesses.  

Additionally, you will study internationalisation theories and strategies, learning how companies can use these concepts to develop effective international expansion plans. 

30 credits

This module covers the concepts, theories and techniques on which strategic management is based and explores their application in a wide range of international business and other settings.

It aims to expand students' perspective on wider issues and scenarios, identifying opportunities and growth over medium and long terms. You will develop your ability to communicate and present your commercial awareness across the board.

15 credits

You will establish an understanding of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) as a comprehensive customer-centric approach to an organisation's strategy of acquiring, enhancing, and retaining its customers, and in some cases, a wider group of stakeholders (e.g. students, charity donors).

This module shows how CRM is based on a particular approach to business/marketing strategy/policy, business processes, customer service, employee training, marketing, sales, system applications and information management. An effective CRM strategy and system can reinforce sustainability and profitability of a business, so this module focuses on the business strategy associated with CRM and reflects upon specific strategic situations in which CRM might be deployed effectively.

This module also provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience using an available commercial CRM software package to support business intelligence generated from CRM initiatives in support of marketing strategies, customer segmentation, customer retention measures and product offerings. You will also familiarise yourself with the notion of customer success and the roles in much demand in the contemporary marketplace.

15 credits

This module provides you with a dedicated opportunity to develop your Future Skills Graduate Attributes. At the start of the module, you will be supported to self-assess your current skills profile and determine which attributes and skills you need to develop to support your career ambitions. You will be supported in this process by a dedicated career coach, who will help you to explore a range of options including self-employment/freelancing, starting your own business, higher level study, and other professional Graduate level opportunities. Students will also be given opportunities to engage with external mentors throughout the module to support reflection and to develop a professional network.

You will then undertake a tailored series of activities and projects, aligned to your goals from a menu of development options. This could include short courses, enrichment activities and experiential learning options such as micro-placements.  You will also be able to reflect on activities that you undertake outside the university through which you are developing your graduate attributes, such as work or volunteering.

30 credits

This module addresses complexity and sense making techniques to identify changes in the environment. It includes theoretical and practical perspectives of effective and responsible leadership in contemporary complex and changing organisational contexts. You will critically evaluate concepts of leadership alongside current practices of leading change in contemporary organisations faced with complex and uncertain environments.

You will critically reflect on your own leadership capacity and skills in initiating and leading change in different contexts, and consider your own progress and career journey in the context of these environments and leadership styles.

30 credits

Building on your previous knowledge of international business theories and concepts, this module develops your skills in applying theories to the real international business world, through experiential learning working in international teams with real organisations.

You will be able to engage in the latest debates and issues facing international business organisations and offer recommendations to solve real-life international business problems, based on proper research data and analysis.