Foundation • Business

International Business

Unit 06 — Elective — Term 3
UnitUnit 06
CategoryElective
Credits20
Guided Learning Hours120
Course Description

Explores the drivers of globalisation, trade blocs and tariffs, modes of international market entry, cross-cultural management, and ethics in global supply chains, culminating in a multinational case-study analysis.

Course Objectives

To develop an understanding of the environment, challenges and strategies of doing business internationally.

Key Topics
  1. Drivers of globalisation
  2. Trade blocs and tariffs (e.g. the EU Single Market)
  3. Modes of market entry: exporting, franchising, FDI
  4. Cross-cultural management (e.g. Hofstede's framework)
  5. Ethics and sustainability in global supply chains
Course Outline (selected weeks, Term 3)
WeekTopic & Activity
25Globalisation
AC1.1 Explain the key drivers of international trade. AC1.2 Identify examples of globalised industries.
Lecture: Why Businesses Go Global.
26Trade Blocs & Tariffs
AC1.3 Explain the purpose of trade blocs (e.g. the EU). AC1.4 Describe how tariffs affect trade decisions.
Case Study: The EU Single Market.
27Modes of Market Entry
AC2.1 Compare exporting, franchising and foreign direct investment. AC2.2 Recommend an entry mode for a given scenario.
Workshop: Choosing a Market Entry Strategy.
28Cross-Cultural Management
AC2.3 Explain how cultural differences affect business practice. AC2.4 Apply a cultural framework (e.g. Hofstede) to a case.
Seminar: Doing Business Across Cultures.
29Ethics & Sustainability
AC3.1 Discuss ethical issues in global supply chains. AC3.2 Evaluate a company's approach to sustainability.
Debate: Fast Fashion and Global Supply Chains.
31Case Study Analysis
AC3.3 Analyse the international strategy of a named multinational. AC3.4 Justify recommendations with evidence.
Workshop: Analysing a Multinational's Strategy.
33Presentation Showcase
Synthesis of the term's learning.
Final presentations of International Business case studies.
35Final Assessment Submission
Final submission of Unit 06.
Portfolio finalisation.
Learning Outcomes
  1. Explain the drivers of globalisation and international trade frameworks.
  2. Compare modes of international market entry and recommend one for a given scenario.
  3. Explain how cultural differences affect international business practice using a recognised framework.
  4. Discuss ethical issues in global supply chains and evaluate a company's sustainability approach.
  5. Analyse the international strategy of a named multinational and justify recommendations.
Assessment

Assessed by coursework (no written examination) — an assignment, case study or presentation set at the start of Term 3. A formative draft is reviewed with tutor feedback in Week 30, and the final version is submitted by the end of Week 35. Graded Pass, Merit or Distinction, with plagiarism-checked submissions (Turnitin) and a signed Learner Declaration Form.

Learning Resources
  • Brussels College Digital Library — academic English & business foundation texts
  • Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and Turnitin
  • Microsoft Office 365, including Excel-based accounting templates
  • Guest lectures from local business owners
Scroll