University of the West of England

MODULE SPECIFICATION

      (Revised November 2002)             

 

Code:   UPEN3W-15-M              Title: Economic Analysis of Global Business II    Version:1        

 

Level:  M                                  UWE credit rating: 15               ECTS credit rating: 7.5

 

Module type:  Standard

 

Owning Faculty: HLSS             Field: Economics                                 

 

Valid from:       September 2004                        Discontinued from: 

 

Pre-requisites:                         None

 

Co-requisites:               None

 

Excluded combinations:          None

 

Learning outcomes:

 

By the end of this module, the student should be able to:

 

·         understand and evaluate the functional operation of firms and the process of globalisation (Component B);

·         understand and explain the historical development of the post-1945 international economy (Component A & B);

·         understand and differentiate between alternative theories of structural adjustment and hegemonic ambition within the global economy (Component A);

·         analyse the conditions under which various types of corporate change takes place and recognise the significance of such change for international business (Component A & B);

·         employ specific skills (interpretation, discrimination, distillation, communication, and dissemination) in applying the knowledge gained from the module. The focus of such application is to enhance students' global perspective and to augment the depth and breadth of their decision-making abilities.  (Component A & B).

 

Syllabus outline:

 

·         Recent developments in market structure, conduct and performance analysis.

·         Competitiveness in global markets.

·         The theory and practice of globalisation and the role and development of  the multi-nationals.

 

·         Comparative approaches to the analysis of the global business environment.

·         Market adjustment and contestability in the global economy.

·         The role of governments, financial markets and corporations in the global economy.

·         International trade: the theory of strategic trade and case study applications.

·         The emergence and significance of the 'new economy' and its implications for global business.

·         Corporate Restructuring: teaming, mergers and alliances.

·         'New industrial economics' and  the challenge to micro-economic orthodoxy.

·         Foreign direct investment; international financial markets and exchange rate risk.

·         International capital markets.

·         Functional and business strategies and their role in international corporate strategy.

 

 

Teaching and learning methods:

 

A variety of teaching methods will be employed in this module.  In addition to standard staff-centred teaching, students will be expected to contribute using their own research material and experience. Where relevant, video material and contemporary written source material will also be used to initiate discussion of practical policy issues. Students will be provided with detailed reading, resources lists and various materials used throughout the course. Links to other sources will be made available through on-line learning resources. However, as postgraduate students, those following this module will also be expected to find and use alternative material using their own knowledge and initiative. Students will be expected to put forward, rationalise, substantiate and defend points of view on controversial matters in class.

 

 

Indicative sources:

 

Millar C, Grant R and Ju Choi C., 2000, International Business: Emerging Issues and Emerging                               Markets, Macmillan.

Hill C., 2001, International Business: Competing in the Global Marketplace, McGraw Hill.

Ohmae K., 2000, The Invisible Continent, Nicholas Brealey.

Martin S., 2001 Industrial Organization: A European Perspective,  Oxford.

Burton-Jones A., 2001, Knowledge Capitalism, Oxford.

Dobbs I., 2000, Managerial Economics, Oxford.

Meier G M., 1998, The International Environment of Business, Oxford.

El Kahal S., 2001, Business in Asia Pacific, Oxford.

Carnoy M., 2002, Sustaining the New Economy, Harvard.

Castells M., 2002, The Internet Galaxy: Reflections on the Internet, Business and Society, Oxford.

 

 

Journals to be consulted include: The Economic Journal, American Economic Review, the Journal of Economic Literature, Economica, The Journal of International Business, Harvard Business Review, World Economy, Business Strategy Review, etc.

 

 

Assessment

 

Weighting between components A and B                               A: 50%   B: 50%

 

ATTEMPT 1

 

First Assessment Opportunity

Component A

Description of each element                                                                Element weighting     

1.  An in-class written assessment under controlled conditions (2 hours)                50%

 

Component B

Description of each element                                                                Element weighting     

1.  2,000 word essay                                                                                          50%

 

Second Assessment Opportunity (further attendance at taught classes is not required)

Component A

Description of each element                                                                Element weighting     

1.  A written assessment under controlled conditions (2 hours)                              50%

 

Component B

Description of each element                                                                Element weighting     

1.  2,000 word essay                                                                                          50%

 

 

SECOND (OR SUBSEQUENT) ATTEMPT Attendance at taught classes is not  required.

 

Specification confirmed by  ………Module approved at VARSC 13.05.04……

 

Date ……………………………

(Associate Dean/Programme Director)