SM9537 - Born Global Enterprise

What will I learn on this module?

Some enterprises are ‘born global’ – they operate internationally from the start. Such companies stand out because of the way, speed and scale they gain presence, revenues and market share in several countries simultaneously. They differ not only in their strategic and operational ambition, but also in the way their founders learn, make decisions and use networks creating powerful alliances.

This module will help you gain knowledge and understanding of ‘born global’ firms, their key characteristics, how they are launched and developed. Using case studies, you will also learn about internationalization strategies and learning processes of born globals. You will use your learning to develop a launch plan for a born global startup in your chosen industry.

The topics you will study will draw from the following themes:
• Born global firms: definitions, examples, characteristics, types
• Born global firms: case studies
• International Entrepreneurship: speed, scale and patterns
• Strategies for international success
• Thinking differently: learning processes of born global and their founders
• Use of networks and alliances
• Dilemmas: rapid growth vs control trade-off
• Planning to launch a ‘born global’ startup

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through a combination of lectures, practical seminars and workshops. The module is supported by a Teaching and Learning Plan, which outlines the formal sessions and provides details of tutor-directed and independent study and learning. You will be encouraged to critically review your own and other students’ experiences which will help your development towards the achievement of the Northumbria Graduate Characteristics. A high level of attendance will be required for this module.

The module is designed to develop your capacity and confidence as independent learner. You will, therefore, be expected to engage in a substantial amount of directed and independent learning based around the module-specific self-supported learning materials. Directed learning will focus on pre-reading, activity-based learning, and the use of Blackboard Ultra. Independent study will involve reading beyond the provided learning materials, reflection, and gathering relevant personal and organisational data.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported by a designated module lead tutor, who will guide your academic learning and enable you to apply your knowledge practically. All relevant materials will be accessible online and mobile devices through Blackboard Ultra. To complement the academic input, industry practitioners may also be invited as guest speakers (where relevant and depending on availability).

The module is supported by a Teaching and Learning Plan (TLP), which outlines, formal sessions together with, the student-initiated independent learning, tutor-directed independent study and team activities. An interactive approach to facilitated learning sessions will draw upon the directed learning undertaken and your own experiences. Throughout, the emphasis will be on high levels of participation, both individually and in teams. You can therefore expect the reflective-practitioner approach to learning to be embedded in all sessions.

Tutor-guided independent learning will include a range of activities including pre-reading, preparation for facilitated sessions, use of Blackboard Ultra, group work and individual and team challenges, together with reflection on these activities.

Formative feedback will be provided throughout the module, particularly in relation to seminar tasks.

Student-initiated independent learning will centre upon you identifying and pursuing areas of interest in relation to the subject area or by providing deeper/broader knowledge and understanding of the subject through a range of learning activities that might include extended reading, reflection and research.

Additionally, in order to assist you in developing knowledge, you will have access to the University’s library facilities, including electronic academic journals, business databases (such as FAME) and eBooks.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding (K&U):

• Acquire knowledge of key concepts relating to born global firms in business and management informed by theory and research [MLO1]
• Apply knowledge of the concepts relating to born global firms to professional practice in order to identify justifiable, sustainable and responsible solutions [MLO2]
• Communications: the comprehension and use of relevant communications for application in business and management, including the use of digital tools [MLO3]


Personal Values Attributes (Global/Cultural Awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

• Apply knowledge about born global firms to develop and evaluate innovative entrepreneurship startup project [MLO3]

How will I be assessed?

Your summative assessment will address all module learning outcomes.

You will develop a launch plan for a ‘born global’ startup firm

Your assessment will be as follows:

1. Individual coursework (100%) 3,000 words. (MLOs 1,2,3)

Formative assessment will occur through opportunities to receive feedback from peers and/or tutors.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Some enterprises are ‘born global’ – they operate internationally from the start. Such companies stand out because of the speed they scale to
gain presence, and build revenues and market share in several countries, simultaneously. They differ not only in their strategic and
operational ambition, but also in the way their founders learn, make decisions and use networks to create powerful alliances.
This module will help you gain knowledge and understanding of such ‘born global’ firms: their key characteristics, how they’re launched and
developed. By exploring case studies, you’ll also learn about born global internationalisation strategies and learning processes. Drawing on
your new knowledge, you’ll develop a launch plan for a born global start-up in your chosen industry.

Course info

UCAS Code N205

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Newcastle Business School

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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