International Business Management MSc at University of Northampton

The world’s economy is increasingly global. As a result, demand continues to grow for individuals who understand the global context of business: from logistics and cross-border investments to the cultural and ethical issues in the practice of international business. These skills are increasingly valued by employers who are faced with the challenges of operating globally and achieving cohesion in increasingly diverse workforces.

Course Details

The course is relevant to those with or without a business degree, although a minimum of a 2:2 classification is required and will prepare you for managerial roles across this emerging global economy.

International and Comparative Human Resource Management (HRMM060)

The internationalisation of markets/economies has been accompanied by increased emphasis on international perspectives in Human Resource Management (HRM) by reducing labour costs, improving product quality and developing organisational flexibility.  The growth of organisations operating across national boundaries has raised issues related to HR strategy and practice within those organisations. This module explores the complex cultural, social, economic and institutional environments within which organisations have to compete and the implications for effective people management and HR practice.

Global Marketing Strategy (MKTM018)

Operating across several non-domestic markets produces a complex set of issues. Marketing programmes must, in these situations, adapt to the needs and preferences of customers that have different levels of purchasing power as well as different climates, languages and cultures. Moreover, patterns of competition and methods of doing business differ between nations and sometimes within different regions of the same nation. We will explore the marketing challenges faced by organisations attempting to develop and grow in international markets. We also analyse the means by which corporate marketing strategies can be deployed in the search for sustainable competitive advantage.

Managing Finance and Information (FINM037)

All managers are faced with issues associated with interrogating and communicating management information. This may be in requesting or controlling resources or in providing, controlling or interpreting budgetary and other financial data. The trend in recent years has been for devolution of such responsibilities to the line manager. The concepts, conventions and terminology of the disciplines are often challenging for managers, who might be lacking in experience to handle such responsibilities confidently and competently.

International Logistics and Supply Chain (BSOM034)

Businesses recognise that Supply Chains are sources of competitive advantage; in the same way that we might consider competition between brands. Improved performance in Logistics and Supply Chain management leads to lower operating costs, shorter lead times and better value for customers.  Developments in the last two decades have seen huge investments into technologies, infrastructure, staff and processes which neccesitates further practitioner education. This module is designed to focus on the many different elements that make up a holistic view of Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

Managing Across Cultures (HRMM061)

Due to the increase in organisations operating globally, this module has both a theoretical and practical focus. The module explores different business cultures from across the world and considers their impact on individuals when working in environments that are not native them. There is a strong emphasis on developing personal adaptability in cross cultural work environments which is a strong requirement for leading and managing other people internationally.

Global Innovation Management (MKTM035)

The management of innovation is a critical element in ensuring successful new products and services are encouraged, survive and flourish. In this module you will discover how to avoid the common pitfalls in managing innovation in both small and large organisations. Emphasis is placed on internationalisation, sustainability, external engagement, social innovation and employability within a global context.

Dissertation and Research Methods (STRM028)

This module specifies the independent research and related research methods skills. The specification is general to reflect the different types of research project which you may choose to undertake – conceptual, applied or work-related – and also to reflect the contrasting research paradigms to be followed.

Schedule

For this course you can expect taught study to be a combination of sessions, seminars and workshops and usually 12 hours per week, we recommend that you spend approximately 20 hours per week in self-directed study time. You will attend sessions, seminars and workshops throughout two taught semesters (14 weeks each). Work on the dissertation normally commences in the second semester and is submitted at the 12 month point.

Assessments

The course has a mixture of assessment involving essays, research papers, case studies, portfolios, oral presentations, examinations and a final dissertation.