What will I learn on this module?
This module aims to provide you with an understanding of and an introduction to the application of key strategic decision making aspects and their interface with cultural contexts. The module extends and develops your learnings from Level 4 (in Global Business Environment). The introduction to global forces shaping international business and the macro business environments at level 4- are taken forward to engage strategic frameworks that businesses may deploy to inform international business.
1. Key cultural paradigms in relation to international business
2. Cultural differences as the Big C in CAGE framework and its application
3. International market entry and growth
4. Introduction to IB strategy frameworks such as Porter’s national diamond, CAGE framework (extending the analytical perspective provided by the Big C, triple A framework and the Bartlett and Ghoshal continuums of choices. Porter’s five forces and generic strategies also put in context)
5. Communicating across cultures
6. Identify and evaluate the issues relating to the management of internationally mobile employees
7. International business protocol
8. Ethics and Responsible Business in context of growth, localised contexts of international markets and managing the value chain in international business
How will I learn on this module?
There will be 1 hour lecture and 2 hour seminar each week. The lecture will elaborate on the content with short examples while the seminar will be an opportunity to delve into case analysis to develop your ability to deploy the concepts and frameworks in an international business context. You will be expected to do the readings for each session and; read and prepare materials designated for the seminar
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Support will be provided to you by a member of academic staff leading the module and providing the lecture input. You will also gain from interaction with a number of other academic staff who will cover different lectures and seminars.
Your module is supported by an e-learning portal, which houses lecture and seminar materials, alongside assessment details and various support facilities.
You will be provided with a wide-ranging electronic reading list that comprises of various academic reports, conference papers and journal articles that showcase the application of various quantitative techniques presented in the module.
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:
• Understand and apply the culturally moored nature and context of international business and key aspects that influence decision making in international business, accounting for the construction of relationships between variables that comprise some central frameworks deployed for international business decisions. (MLO1)
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Apply frameworks, concepts and mediating concerns (ethics, sustainability, responsible business) to cases to acquire capabilities for strategic international business analyses. (MLO2)
• Demonstrate effective communication and team working through the practical analysis of a case scenario. (MLO3)
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Acquire knowledge about ethical and sustainability aspects in international business. (MLO4)
How will I be assessed?
The module assessment comprises an individual assessment (100%): Develop a cultural profile for a designated country/designated countries (will be provided – e.g. a non EU-Country/non EU-Countries) and develop a basic CAGE framework in relation to/contrast with another country (e.g. the United Kingdom) (maximum 3000 words).
The assessment will address MLO1, MLO2, MLO3 and MLO4.
Pre-requisite(s)
Level 4 Global Business Environment (or equivalent)
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
The internal business and international management context is likely to be an aspirational or existing strategic frame of reference in any organisation you join. Culture as a paradigm will dominate this context but will be aligned to several other variables and concerns. These are worked in as strategic decision making frameworks derived from practice and research. They will help guide managerial decision making. Your ability to distil this to a given situation and provide coherent inputs for international management are going to hold you in a strong position and help you perform and progress in the organisation and industry you choose- going forward in your career.
Course info
UCAS Code N422
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 2 years Full Time or 3 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Newcastle Business School
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
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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