BSc (Hons) International Business Management Bachelor's degree at the University of Derby

This module explores how markets work and how firms develop pricing strategies from an economic perspective. All students of business and management need to consider the external market context in which business and management decisions are made. This module develops your understanding of economic information found in news reports and economic and marketing reports and develops your ability and confidence to create your own independent analysis. Take a look at the BBC website and see how much of the business news is about markets and economics. This type of information and analysis affects business decisions and business strategy. Economics is also a model-based discipline which will help yo

Assessment: Coursework

The aim of this module is to combine basic economic theory and mathematical techniques. You will be provided with an introduction to the basic tools of mathematics which is needed to help you understand economic theory. The quantitative methods introduced will be integrated to a number of applications to economics. This module will provide you with a valuable theoretical and practical understanding, where you will learn how to apply the methods introduced to business and economic related issues. The topics taught will help you develop your quantitative skills and your ability to analyse data. Such quantitative and analytical skills are an integral part of decision making in business. This mo

Assessment: Coursework

This module introduces organisational behaviour (OB) theory and research to help you gain an understanding of the range of individual, group and organisational factors which can influence the way that employees behave in the workplace. You will practice applying the theory to case study organisations to explore how it can be used as an analytical tool to gain a clearer understanding of the complex causes of workplace behaviour in order to develop effective management interventions.

Assessment: Coursework

The aim of this module is to give you a better understanding of how the economy of a country works a whole. The module will present you the main issues of the business macroeconomic environment – recessions and expansions, economic growth, inflation and unemployment. It will introduce you to the basic models of macroeconomic analysis which will enable you to start analysing the impact of the government’s monetary and fiscal policies on the aggregate economy in today’s globalised world. You will understand how interest rates are set and how taxation levels are determined. You will improve your awareness of the daily finance and economics goings-on and you will develop your understanding of th

Assessment: Coursework

This module will assume no prior accounting knowledge. You will learn how to prepare accounts for small businesses and then apply that knowledge to larger organisations. This module will assume no prior accounting knowledge. You will learn how to prepare accounts for small businesses and then apply that knowledge to larger organisations. Numbers by themselves can be misleading and you will progress to examining accounting statements to assess just how well a business is performing. Managers cannot improve the performance of a business unless they make correct interpretations of situations and learn how to diagnose problems. Business costs will be identified and analysed to aid decision makin

Assessment: Coursework

This module will provide you with an introduction to the global nature of business environment and the challenges and opportunities presented to international businesses by national differences and the need for sustainability. In particular, it will help you understand how culture, as well as social, political and legal factors influence domestic and cross-border business. You will also develop an understanding of how the environment is a key element of the business ‘playing field’ and why profit-maximising socially-responsible multinationals need to develop environmentally-conscious strategies, adopt sustainable business practices and engage with their stakeholders as well as shareholders.

Assessment: Coursework

This module aims to ensure you have a good understanding of how to use Excel as a software for economic analysis for business. You will develop the basic skills in primary data generation, sampling, data extraction, manipulation and presentation, essential for any business economist. You will also develop your skills in using parametric and non-parametric tests widely used in economic business data analysis for cross-section and time series analysis. The emphasis is on practical analysis with real data and on developing the ability to interpret results for end users. To be a good analyst you need to have good practical skills but also be able to understand why, how and when different techniq

Assessment: Coursework

Organisations face a number of financial problems over the lifetime of their business. This module will help you develop your knowledge in this area. More specifically, this module gives you a thorough introduction to the two most important aspects of corporate finance in the global context. The first is investment appraisal methods, spanning basic models to CAPM and factor models. The second is company financing decisions based on different capital structure theories such as MM theory, trade-off theories, pecking order theory, and life cycle theory. This module will also give you a basic introduction to the methods corporations use to finance their projects and manage transaction and econom

Assessment: Coursework

This module aims to enable you to use macroeconomic theory and data to make sense of the economic world around us and develop your own informed opinion on the issues of the day. In this module you will focus your efforts on applying economic theory to real-world data, policies and current events. The module will take an integrated and applied approach to macroeconomic topics from economic growth, inflation and unemployment, to financial markets, interest rates and investment, and to policy making in an open economy. You will develop competence in using data analysis skills using real macroeconomic data and effective statistics and graphical tools.

Assessment: Coursework

Managing international projects provides unique challenges. Managing projects is an integral part of working within an international organisation, therefore, a basic understanding of international project management is key to a successful career in business. This introductory project management module will provide you a key understanding of what the key components of international project management are. You will explore the potential benefits and challenges associated with international project management. You will examine individual and team issues, project risk management, resource management, stakeholder management, all of which provide key insights into project management that will help

Assessment: Coursework

This module is a key feature of our BSc International Business Management (with pathways) programme which allows you to meet the programme learning outcomes associated with the second year, second semester, while developing intercultural awareness and skills. The skills and experience gained will hold you in good stead with today’s employers, making it easier to work in and lead culturally diverse teams and more successfully with international clients and suppliers. Depending on where you choose to study abroad, the assessment type will be either coursework, practical or exam.

Assessment: Coursework

This module will explore the role that social enterprises and social entrepreneurship contribute to the economy and the attainment of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The global financial crash of 2008, the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic, the rising cost of living, poor regard for social values and the failure of many policies aimed at social inclusion and cohesion, signal the increasing need for a way of doing business that promotes social justice and equality. Social enterprises offer an alternative to charitable action and government intervention to address injustices in society. Social enterprises can be distinguished from traditional ‘for-profit’ enterprise

Assessment: Coursework

This module will equip you with the skills needed to evaluate the financial data used to produce company financial statements. You will learn the importance of choosing the correct form of finance for a given business. You will gain an appreciation of the value of corporate governance and the responsibility of good managers to wider stakeholders in the business. Without good management control and coordination of financial resources, businesses frequently fail to meet their potential. You will study common pitfalls in performance management and how to avoid them. This module will equip you with key skills, such as the ability to understand, analyse and interpret financial, management and non

Assessment: Coursework

This module will give you the tools, techniques and theory behind how digital marketing works within a business environment. During this module you will learn about best practice and key elements of managing digital marketing in an ‘always on’ 24/7 environment. You will learn how to audit and evaluate competitors’ digital footprints as well as understand how to gain consumer insights using digital techniques. Your assessment is coursework-based, designed to provide practical life and employment skills, developing an outline digital marketing plan. This assessment will contribute towards key skills sought by employers, including: evaluation, understanding of digital tools, presentation and bu

Assessment: Coursework

Being creative can be thought of as coming up with new and original ideas, whereas innovation can be defined as the development and application of these new ideas to develop new opportunities, create original products and services and to solve problems. Both of these activities are necessary for the innovation funnel to be successful. In this hands-on module, you will discover how to generate new and creative ideas, and how to develop innovative products and services out of those ideas. Crucially, this may mean looking to other areas and subjects for inspiration and progress. To do all this, you will have the opportunity to work with other students on a real business problem, finding out you

Assessment: Coursework

Employee development is regarded as important to individual, organisational and national growth and success. As organisations change and develop to meet the demands placed upon them by customers, competitors and the changing market place employees need to develop new knowledge, skills and attributes to keep pace. You will explore the learning and development context within which organisations form their development strategies and plans and critically evaluate a range of development methods to make effective choices in the design, delivery and evaluation of employee development programmes.

Assessment: Coursework

Organisations make use of a variety of principles, techniques and software technologies, variously known as Decision Support Systems (DSS), Management Information Systems (MIS) or Business Intelligence (BI), to enhance the quality of the decision-making processes of managers or operational staff. This module equips you with sound understanding of the nature of decision-making activity in organisations, and the latest information technologies available for its computerised support. The module begins by examining the broad nature of decision-making in organisations, including: the different levels of authority or scope involved (e.g. strategic vs. tactical, executive vs. operational), the gene

Assessment: Coursework

Many contemporary business firms rely heavily on the adoption and use of a portfolio of IT applications and information assets (e.g. database, transaction-processing and decision support systems, web-based interfaces and e-business platforms). This diverse portfolio of systems and data, together with the various groups of staff who maintain or manage them, collectively comprise the corporate ‘IT landscape’ of the firm. A systematic understanding of this multifaceted landscape, and the way it is resourced, organised and developed, is important for the practice of developing an IT architecture. An IT architecture is an enterprise-wide framework (or strategy) which provides coherence, coordinat

Assessment: Exam

This module gives you a thorough introduction to the nature of international financial markets and the array of financial instruments available to investors as well as firms. You will gain an understanding of asset pricing, arbitration and speculation in financial markets, and the impact of macroeconomic policies and international factors on financial markets. You will also assess the factors which motivate investors and firms to choose different instruments when raising capital or making capital gains and understand the various types of risks associated with financial instruments, such as credit risk, counter party risks, market risk, systemic risk.

Assessment: Coursework

In this module, we respond to the increased interest in understanding the recent dramatic economic events. Recent surveys and conferences on the state of the economics discipline and the employability of economics graduates have highlighted the gaps identified by employers in knowledge of economic history and applied economics skills (Bank of England, 2012; Government Economic Service, 2012). In this module you will apply economic theories and principles to real-life situations, delve into current economic debates and apply economic analysis to a range of contemporary issues. Further, we will adopt an explicitly historical perspective in the discussion of the current topical economic debates

Assessment: Coursework

This module is designed to critically explore the dynamic relationship between public and third-sector organisations, with a focus on their economic contributions, roles, and the operational challenges they face. In the public sector economics component, you will examine key topics that impact daily life, including taxation, essential public goods, and the provision of critical services. Additionally, this module provides a comprehensive analysis of sectoral income and expenditure trends, organisational structures, and the strategic decision-making processes that influence these sectors. Through this exploration, you will gain valuable insights into how these sectors contribute to the econom

Assessment: Coursework

In this module you will explore the major global economic shifts and understand the theories of the globalisation of business. You will study the key underpinnings, trends and challenges of international trade and investment. You will gain an insight into the workings of the international financial system and understand the problems faced by the multinational companies when dealing with foreign exchange and interest rates. You will analyse the trends in international cooperation and integration and will understand the importance of governments and international institutions in facilitating/controlling/regulating international business behaviour. Underpinning all of this is the issue of susta

Assessment: Coursework

As companies need to become more established in the international environment, the challenge to create, establish, maintain and develop effective policy and practice in managing a more culturally diverse workforce is seen as a pivotal component of business success. The module explores, examines and compares different approaches to HR and how these opportunities available to organisations can facilitate entry or help confirm their position in the global market.

Assessment: Coursework

This module will allow you to examine the different, and often conflicting, perspectives and theories in the field of strategy evident in the current debate among academics and practitioners. Strategic management provides a critical aspect of the international business as it ensures the long-term sustainability of the business in ever-changing, and often hostile, international and global business environment. As part of this module, you will learn how to develop a strategy for an international business as well as how to implement such a strategy. When putting strategy into action you will consider a range of complex issues like culture, leadership, corporate governance and others. Throughout

Assessment: Coursework

This module draws together two pertinent strands operative in international relations between states. These are the process of sustainable development and the regulation of international business transactions. The module will explore and analyse the theory and practice of sustainable development as well as analyse international business transaction as it relates to the sale of goods and the provision of services. In this capacity, the module will link these two strands and will engage students with live and contemporary development problems facing governments and then allow the students to implement functional and realistic business solutions to these problems. The module places the student

Assessment: Coursework, Practical

This module provides a comprehensive analysis of the principles and practices of the international supply chain and the strategic impact this can have on the organisation. With the ever-increasing pressure of competition among companies, the move towards consolidation of global production and the improvements in communication and transportation systems the supply market is now a global phenomenon. To that end the sourcing and outsourcing of materials or the engagement of service providers is taking on an international perspective. This alters dramatically the role of purchasing, to a more strategic and global posture. This module explores the forces that guide the development of the supply c

Assessment: Coursework

Developing a business opportunity, whether in a new venture or any existing business if often about spotting what you think is an opportunity and then developing a product or service to address that opportunity. However, businesses often develop new products and services in isolation from customers as they do not want their ideas copied by competitors. However, if there is no conversation with and feedback from the potential end customer during this phase, there is a high risk of wasted time and money as that the product will be require further development at best and at worst, could be a total failure. An alternative approach is that of the lean business venture. In this approach, a minimum

Assessment: Coursework

As a student of Marketing and a future Marketing professional, you must have a thorough understanding of the added complexities involved in global marketing and how these impact on the formulation of marketing plans and strategies. Organisations in all sectors and industries face increasing international competition; this could be from multi-nationals or competitors establishing themselves in their domestic environment, the need for foreign suppliers or indeed when they seek to establish operations abroad. This module seeks to build on the knowledge and concepts you will have encountered at earlier stages of the programme. It aims to familiarise you with a range of issues and concepts encoun

Assessment: Coursework

This module aims to provide a thorough understanding of the economics of international banking. You will specifically examine the special role played by the banking system in the world economy. We will overview the structure of financial intermediation and international banking activities. You will analyse banks as providers of services to international businesses (managing funds, hedging and insuring risk, facilitating trade and investment etc.) and, at the same time, examine their activities as international businesses themselves (investing, brokering, underwriting etc.). In doing so, you will analyse central banks and government involvement in financial markets through monetary policy and

Assessment: Coursework

The corporate governance module looks at the framework of rules underpinning the relationships between corporations, their stakeholders, the government and the society at large. The subject’s multidisciplinary nature is quite evident – you will cover concepts in law, politics and ethics as well as in economics, finance and management. You will understand its evolutionary character – new regulations and governance enhancements are mostly introduced in the wake of scandals and crises. The 2008 global financial crisis is simply one of the latest events bringing turmoil to corporate governance. Using an international comparison perspective, we will look at the differences in the practices employ

Assessment: Coursework

This module expands on the knowledge and understanding you will have gained on previous business accounting modules. You will learn how to provide managers with useful information by achieving a good understanding of management accounting concepts and techniques. The information requires clear presentation and the ability to communicate in an appropriate manner, whether it is written or verbally presented. You will investigate the areas of control, performance appraisal and evaluation in organisations. You will discuss the specific requirements of different industries, both for-profit and not-for-profit, and the needs of global businesses. During this module you will practice presenting your

Assessment: Coursework

This module seeks to develop your understanding of the emerging area of international entrepreneurship and how you can apply that knowledge in a real life situation. In recent years, international business and entrepreneurship have been coalescing into a single cognate area that is now becoming regarded as cohesive in its own right. Trading blocs such as the EU have placed emphasis on entrepreneurship as an engine of economic growth and the trend towards greater international involvement of SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) is accelerated by technological advances. At the same time, globalisation has prompted the re-emergence of local cultures which influence the growth of entreprene

Assessment: Coursework

The analysis of financial statements can tell us a great deal about the health of a company and its ability to deal with future challenges, which is a key skill in any business environment, whether or not profit is the primary motivation. This module concentrates on using the financial, economic and non-quantitative information available to assess the relative strengths of entities and their ability to react to the impact of outside forces on their performance.

Assessment: Coursework

Many businesses are dependent on their IT suppliers for successful investment projects or day-to-day operations. This may involve “strategic partnerships”, such as outsourcing IT development and operations, or more limited commercial dealings, such as purchasing packaged solutions and hardware. Whatever the nature of these supplier relationships, however, businesses need to understand and manage these commercial arrangements. Commercial Management of IT is concerned with the analysis, design and management of effective IT customer/supplier relationships, and covers four key areas: Scoping and designing the required IT capabilities, organisation and supplier relationships/ boundaries for effe

Assessment: Coursework

IT Business Analysis is concerned with the strategic analysis and definition of business problems, the identification and justification of solutions, and the specification of the requirements of a solution. The role of an IT Business Analyst needs to consider four key areas: the context of the organisation, the business processes, the people involved and finally, any technology required. This module will draw your existing knowledge and skills in the above four areas and build upon them within the context of understanding and carrying out the role of an IT Business Analyst, equipping you with the tools and techniques used by professional IT Business Analysts.

Assessment: Coursework

This module introduces the methods that organisations can use to manage the risks of trading in global markets. All types of organisations need to manage the risk of adverse movements in exchange rates and interest rates. A good international strategy must include financial risk management. The extent to which an organisation can reduce risk depends upon its strategy and the availability of suitable products from the banking and financial markets. Students will learn about risk and risk management products and strategies. The distinctive nature of this module is the development of practical skills in building a strategy to manage risk.

Assessment: Coursework