Master of Science (MSc) International Business Programme Code: BSMIB Table 2: Outline Programme Structure

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1 Master of Science (MSc) Programme Code: BSMIB Table 2: Outline Programme Structure Compulsory Taught Modules Module Title Core Modules Finance for Supply Chain Managmt Semester of delivery 1 1 Module Code 7BSP1171 7BSP1011 Credit Points % examination 0 0 % coursework Marketing Across Cultures 1 7BSP The Global Economy 1 7BSP Global e- 2 7BSP Strategy 2 7BSP Managing in 2 7BSP Option Module Research Methods 3 7BSP Plan 2/3 7BSP OR Report / BSP Option Modules Global Logistics and Transport 2 7BSP & Comparative HRM 2 7BSP Modelling Tools 2 7BSP Managing a Small 2 7BSP The award of an MSc degree requires 180 credits passed at level M, including the research component (although one failed module may be compensated where you have gained at least 40% on referral). In calculating the final award (pass, commendation or distinction) the best 150 credits are taken into account. Interim awards available The programme provides the following interim awards: Award Postgraduate Certificate in Postgraduate Diploma in Minimum requirements 60 credit points at level M from the modules on the programme 120 credit points at level M from the modules on the programme Available at end of (normally): 1 Semester 2 Semesters Masters and Diploma awards can be made "with Distinction" or "with Commendation" where criteria as described in UPR AS/C/5 are met. This UPR is available on the MScIB/GB Studynet site in the file Assessment Regulations under Programme Information. See especially pages 28 (section D6.2) and (sections D7 - D7.2.1). This and all other UPRs may be also viewed via the News and Information portal on StudyNet.

2 MSc Figure 1: Programme Structure Trimester 1 INDUCTION: and Study Skills Supply Chain Management Marketing Across Cultures Finance for The Global Economy Trimester 2 Research Pathway Workshops Options 1 Int. & Comparative HRM 2 Gl. Logistics & Transport 3 Modelling Tools 4 Managing Small Global e- Managing in Strategy Trimester 3 Research Methods (15 credit module) Research Report 45 credits (12,500 words) OR Plan 45 credits (12,500 words) Table 3: Semester Calendar SEPTEMBER ENTRANTS JANUARY ENTRANTS Semester 1 September to January January to May Semester 2 January to May September to January Semester 3 May to September January to April

3 MSc : Module Descriptions Core Modules Induction: The programme begins with Induction Week. This is used to introduce you to the teaching and learning environment standards and practices - on the MSc programme at Hertfordshire School, start the process of cultural adjustment and introduce the programme. It will include: verbal presentation skills, writing skills, document styles and graphics skills, underlining the importance of good English language skills and the resources available through the Academic Skills Unit (ASU). It will also introduce the MSc programme, explaining the structure of the programme and how this links with the internal organisation of business and the external business environment. First Semester Modules This suite of modules provide an understanding of the global context and some of the key functional areas of international business, especially in relation to small and medium size companies The Global Economy (7BSP0353) introduces the complex patterns, processes and institutional context within which international businesses operate. It emphasises the importance of measurement and considers the concepts, theories and narratives used to explain the global economy, emphasising its dynamic nature, vulnerability to shocks and how businesses can gain from greater understanding to gain competitive advantage. The module is divided into four units: i) the nature of economies and the changing balance of economic and political power; ii) interaction through trade, financial flows, labour and information; iii) the role of businesses in orchestrating the economy, in allocating resources and shaping patterns of development; and iv) the political and regulatory framework within which businesses operate. The latter illustrates the challenges of working across a mosaic of cultures and regulatory regimes. There is also a critical assessment of the role of the state, of supra-national institutions such as the IMF, the World Bank, the World Trade Organisation, intergovernmental groupings, and of subnational institutions such as regional and local political bodies. Teaching and learning on the module emphasises an understanding of the international business environment Marketing Across Cultures (7BSP0240) explores key issues of cultural diversity and the process of formulating cross-border marketing strategy. Students are introduced to key concepts, theories and models of cultural diversity and managing cross-border marketing, including some influential theories of consumer behaviour and marketing communications. The module seeks to analyse the process of cross-border marketing whilst critically evaluating strategies and processes adopted by leading global players. The module explores relevant academic theory, whilst focusing on key subject areas such as understanding culture, cross-border marketing and managing marketing alliances across borders. Teaching and learning on the module emphasises the importance and challenges of marketing across cultures

4 Finance for (7BSP1171) aims to set financial management within an international context to allow students to explore the financial issues encountered by businesses of all scales working across borders. It examines the theory associated with these issues and the techniques employed by companies in their financial management. Teaching and learning on the module emphasises the critical role of financial metrics in international business. Supply Chain Management (7BSP1011) focuses on the theory and practice of supply chain management. Topics to be covered include: global logistics, supply chain strategy, performance and structure of supply chains; purchasing considerations; supplier relationships; managing quality; matching supply and demand and the concept of lead-time in the supply chain; inventory control, sourcing and managing suppliers; buying considerations; the role of e- business in the supply chain; risk management, supply chain integration, and future challenges of supply chain management. Teaching and learning on the module emphasises the analysis of complex business systems to identify optimum solutions.

5 Second Semester Modules The three compulsory modules adopt a more practical management and strategic approach to international business, developing some of the themes covered in the first semester. Strategy is oriented towards medium and long-term strategic decisions, while Managing in is focused on day-to-day management competences, managing people, and the implementation of business decisions; biased towards an international context. The third module, Global e-, continues with the practical aspects of international business, illustrating the growing importance of e-commerce (business-tobusiness, business to consumers), the opportunities and issues raised by it and enabling students to build their own business web sites. Strategy (7BSP0355) explores the challenges faced by international firms in building and sustaining competitive advantage within a complex, uncertain and rapidly changing global business environment. It uses a range of theoretical tools and concepts to explore the meaning of both quantitative and qualitative case study evidence. Students examine how and why firms develop a range of strategic approaches to international business challenges, balancing a consideration of internal organisational influences and stakeholder pressures against an evaluation of the impact of competitive rivalry and broader environmental forces. A range of theoretical perspectives and debates highlight the conflicting tensions felt by managers engaged in the international business strategy process, particularly the tension between demands to be responsive to national differences and economic pressures while also becoming more efficient and globally integrated. Students generate and critically assess a range of strategic options available to managers in specific case situations. Teaching and learning on the module emphasises strategic thinking. Managing in (7BSP1208) explores a range of management attributes and skills, and their application to people, projects and business management in a multicultural and international business context. Management theory, models and styles are analysed, including their impact on individual and team performance. Key concepts of leadership, management, teambuilding, group behaviour, communication, feedback, power and conflict are explored and presentation, communication, critical thinking and self-assessment skills are developed. Teaching and learning on the module emphasises the development of the manager and effective management, especially in relation to an international environment. Global e- (7BSP1172) examines and assesses the application of e-commerce in international business, providing the opportunity for students to build their understanding of different areas of business into an e-commerce framework. In particular it has backward links to Supply Chain Management (providing the information exchange element in the supply chain) and to Marketing Across Cultures as an important tool in cross-border marketing. Teaching and learning emphasises the development of the skills necessary to understand, build and use effectively e-commerce facilities.

6 Option Modules ONE must be chosen from the list below These modules allow you to tailor your programme to your own interests either through additional quantitative skills ( Modelling Tools) or developing material from the core programme (for example Global Logistics linking to Supply Chain Management). and Comparative Human Resource Management is designed to provide an indepth and theoretically informed exposition of the human resource complexities in managing across borders as a primary strategic concern of multinational corporations (MNCs). It is organised around international and comparative themes on an integrated basis as follows: - : insights are provided into the challenges of managing staff in home and host localities, including the selection, training and rewarding of expatriates. - Comparative: awareness will be stimulated of the diverse institutional and cultural environments providing the host destinations for MNCs, including North America, 'Western' and 'Eastern' Europe, Japan, China and a selection of emerging/developing countries. Global Logistics and Transport: The module has backward links to Supply Chain Management, Global Economy and Finance in semester one, and especially to e- business in semester two, providing the physical delivery of goods as the counterpart to the information flows in e-business. It offers the students the ability to develop advanced knowledge in two important and critical areas of management and economics of international organisations: (i) global logistics and (ii) transport. The module covers a wide range of topics including the role of logistics in organisations, the global logistics environment, development of high quality logistics systems, warehousing and material handling, information systems in logistics, improving logistics performance, characteristics of different forms of international transport, economies of different modes of international transport, and development of transport infrastructure Modelling Tools: This module provides the opportunity for students to develop their quantitative and business management modelling skills. It will develop knowledge and understanding of a range of management modelling tools used in business management today. Students will be presented with the importance of business problem formulation and will be guided to shape business problems as analytical models. The module will include a range of tools and techniques to solve the business analytical models with an emphasis on the interpretation of the results generated through the solution process. The difficulties and limitations associated with the formulation and solutions process will be presented including their implications to the business decision making process. Students will be encouraged to use appropriate computer software to solve the models. Managing a Small addresses small business and its management. The module begins by considering the entrepreneur; their nature and motivation, and the character of the small business along with what a small business is and how survival and growth can be managed. Then a wide range of issues are examined including: opportunities and sources of new ideas; examination of legal forms available - including assessment of management buy-outs and the purchase of established businesses; finance - including the estimation of costs, and sources of finance such as banks, equity financing. This is followed by a consideration of the construction of business plans, business failure and its causes, and sources of advice. Some of the broader themes such as family business and its importance are also looked at along with aspects of marketing of special relevance to small business such as networking, word of mouth, and personal selling.

7 The Research Component The research component comprises a 15 credit Research Methods module followed by EITHER a 45 credit Plan OR an Report. You will have to choose which of the two 45 credit research vehicles you wish to take at the beginning of your second semester. Research Methods (7BSP1205) introduces you to the nature of explanation in business studies and then goes on to develop a range of quantitative and qualitative research techniques. Class contact on the module is concentrated in a three week block following the completion of the taught modules (in May/June for September entrants and January for the January entrants). This will enable you to concentrate solely on research methods and provide space for practical data collection, analysis and presentation activities. Plan (7BSP1203) provides you with an opportunity to develop your own business plan based on rigorous research, your previous experience and the MSc IB programme (see below and the Plan handbook). Report (7BSP1204) provides you with an opportunity to undertake an in-depth piece of research into one specific area of your international business interest. It is an independent and original piece of work incorporating research, study and evaluation, and report writing. It demonstrates your ability to work independently. In all cases, the research must demonstrate critical and independent thought. An Report handbook is available to all students to act as a focus and guide for the report process. The activity is similar to a dissertation but more clinical, with a lighter literature review section, more focused on answering a specific business question rather than contributing to the theory underlying an academic discipline as might be expected in a dissertation, and with a business report format (for example with an executive summary rather than an abstract) (see below).