International Business (Higher Diploma, L8, 60 ECTS)

The aim of this module is to provide learners with an understanding of the microeconomic factors affecting individual and business decisions which, in turn, affect the demand and supply of goods and services throughout an economy. The module will develop learners’ ability to analyse the choices individuals, businesses and governments make in allocating resources for optimal efficiency.  The course will make considerable use of case studies and business examples to demonstrate how economic principles relate to the world of business and in understanding business problems.

Managers must develop an understanding of the dynamics of their industries, the trends in other aspects of the organisation’s external environment, and the organisation’s internal capabilities and resources. They must be able to think creatively so that they can craft their strategies to develop a source of competitive advantage for their organisations. Strategic management seeks to understand the challenges and the environment in which the business operates, the direction the management intends to head and the tasks of implementing the chosen strategy successfully.

This module aims to equip the learner with the core concepts, frameworks, and techniques of strategic management and to apply this understanding in analyses and discussions of business cases. While the theoretical part of the module concentrates upon the fundamental factors that determine business success, the practical part is about acquiring deep insights into the determinants of business success from specific cases. With an emphasis on the case-study method, this module will develop learners’ ability to solve problems and think critically with the aid of strategic management concepts, tools, techniques, frameworks and methodologies.

The aim of this module is to develop learners’ abilities to evaluate critical issues in international marketing and to improve their skills in international marketing planning. During the course of the module this analysis will be informed by discussions around the key concepts in international marketing, the strategic context for internationalisation and managing both the international marketing effort and international marketing relationships.

In this module students will examine the concepts of entrepreneurship as an academic discipline, synthesising those concepts with other business disciplines and seeing how they are affected in theory and practice within the environment of the small- and medium sized enterprise. A specific focus on the role of innovation in entrepreneurship will allow learners to examine the processes of creative thinking and idea generation.

The aim of this module is to provide students with a stimulating and solid grounding in the changing economic, cultural and communication factors underpinning international marketing and management. Students will develop a strong awareness of the historical context of modern day capitalism, population and resources, changing world trade patterns, the developing world, and language and intercultural communication in the global workplace.

This module provides an introduction to the theory and practice of human resource management in the modern workplace and the current key issues and debates in the field.  It addresses the conceptual frameworks and best practices that underpin people management and performance in organisations. It also provides an opportunity to develop and practice the skills and competencies of managing people,

The aim of this module is to provide learners with an understanding of the macroeconomic business environment. Through studying the factors that affect the economy as a whole, learners will enhance their ability to analyse, solve and predict a variety of macroeconomic issues affecting business.  Through the use of real business examples and case studies, students will have the opportunity to reflect on the learning and see how economic ideas and theories relate to different issues.

Strategic Management Practice examines theory and practice of strategic management in an organisational context. The module provides a conceptual understanding of the main elements and implications of strategic management including an understanding of strategic development processes. The focus of this module is on strategy in action. It is concerned with how a strategy actually takes shape in an organisation and what strategists actually do. The module begins by looking at how managers can assess the performance of strategic options available to the organisation and evaluate alternatives. The learner will understand how strategy actually develops in organisations, along with the importance of the relationships between strategy, structures and systems. The leadership of strategic change is examined; change context matters. The module concludes by discussing what strategists themselves actually do and examines key issues in the practice of strategy.

The aim of this module is broaden the learners’ understanding of marketing management practice into the global arena. Developments in the global economic environment will be examined in-depth and the subsequent repercussions for strategic marketing management will be studied.

The aim of this module to build upon learners understanding of business enterprise operations by applying that learning to the practical environment of new venture creation and planning. Creative thinking, contingency planning and entrepreneurial behaviour in general will be encouraged through understanding and engaging with the processes and challenges of creating, sustaining and growing new ventures.

Europe is home to a multitude of global organisations and is an obvious choice for any business looking to expand internationally. This module explores doing business in Europe, with a focus on the UK and EU countries. Students will learn the rules for starting a new business or expanding into the UK and an EU country, including legal requirements and intellectual property rights. They will also explore the requirements for recruiting staff and maintaining staff welfare. Students will analyse the guidelines for trading in and with the UK and EU countries. Finally, students will learn about funding, supports for entrepreneurs and the rules and guidelines for public contracts in the EU and UK markets.

This module explores the social cognitive dynamic of how people thing, feel and behave in the workplace. at an individual, group-team and organisational level.  It uncovers the conceptual frameworks and theories that underpin workplace behaviour and critically assesses the behavioural challenges of the modern workplace.  It also provides opportunities to put these theories into practice, develop skills and to gain greater insight and self awareness.

Learners are assessed by means of assignments across all modules. In completing these assignments, learners will be expected to apply theoretical concepts to their own individual workplace. All employer information obtained by the learner to complete assignments will be treated confidentially.

Higher Diploma in Business in International Business (Level 8, 60 Credits)

16 August 2024.

Places are allocated on a first come first served basis, prioritizing unemployed and returning applicants. Course will be closed once the maximum number of applicants is reached. Courses run subject to viable numbers.