MODULE HANDBOOK 2023/24

Global Strategy Development

and Implementation
Module Code: BMG872 (49374)

Course: MSc/PgD International Business

Ulster University Business School

QA Business School

Notice
Please be aware the information provided within the module handbook is subject to change.
BMG872 | Global Strategy Development and Implementation

Table of Content
s

Module Code: BMG872 (49374)...............................................................................................1

Table of Contents..................................................................................................................... 2

1. Module Overview and Communication.................................................................................3

2. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Graduate Attributes (GAs) in your module. . .4

3. Aim and Learning Outcomes................................................................................................7

4. Assessment and Feedback.................................................................................................. 8

5. Learning Resources........................................................................................................... 12

6. Organisation and Management..........................................................................................14

7. Student Voice and Support Services..................................................................................20

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1. Module Overview and Communication

Module Details

Module Title Global Strategy Development and Implementation

Module Code BMG872 Module Level 7

Credit points 15 Module Status Core

QA – London &
Semester 1 Location
Birmingham

Delivery Mode Face-to-face

Contact Details and Communication Methods

Module
Coordinator

Teaching Staff
Contact Details

If you require advice on any aspect of the module, please read the
guidance provided here, in the Module Handbook.
For General Queries, please utilise the class Discussion Board. For
Specific Queries or studies advice, you can avail of the ‘Virtual Office
General
Hours’. Please contact your module tutor if you have questions relating to
Information,
the module or wish to schedule an appointment. Please note, we aim to
Queries and
respond to emails within 48 hours during the working week.
Consultations

Key announcements will be presented during tutor-led activities.

Out of class communication including notifications, reminders, etc will be
distributed via the Blackboard Announcement tool. You will receive a
duplication of the announcement direct to your student email inbox. It is
essential that you check your emails regularly.
It also advisable that you download the ‘Blackboard’ App as an alternative
to access these announcements, notifications, and reminders as well as
content.

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Module
Announcements

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2. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and

Graduate Attributes (GAs) in your module

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The UN SDGs are a comprehensive set of global goals to end poverty, protect our planet, and
improve living conditions of the Global Population. You are encouraged to think critically and reflect
on SDGs in the context of this module.
The following SDGs are relevant in the context of this module:

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BMG872 | Global Strategy Development and Implementation

Graduate Attributes (GAs)

Ulster University’s Graduate Attributes are a high-level set of competencies, developing universal
understandings, skills, qualities, and values.
As a result of engaging with this module you will have opportunities to develop and practise the
following selected attributes:

Thriving Individual D A Engaged Learner D A

Enhancing Potential Subject Specialist

Confidence and Resilience Creative Problem Solver
Well-being Researcher
Growth Mindset Critical Thinker

Collaborative Professional D A Active Citizen D A

Responsible Team Player Citizen with Integrity

Effective Communicator Inclusive Citizen
Enterprising Innovator Sustainable Citizen
Digital Fluent Professional Future Thinker

KEY:
D = Developed
A = Assessed

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BMG872 | Global Strategy Development and Implementation

3. Aim and Learning Outcomes

Module Rationale
The strategic management process helps organisations identify what they intend to achieve
and how they will accomplish valued outcomes. The magnitude of this challenge is greater
today than ever before. A new competitive landscape is developing as a result of the
increasing globalisation. This module analyses how organisations can use the strategic
management process to understand international competitive forces and develop competitive
advantage systematically and consistently.
Overall Aim of the Module
The primary aim of this module is to develop an understanding of the strategic management
of an enterprise engaged in international business. This includes understanding how the
competitive position of a firm is devised based on analysing structure, country-based sources
of advantage and their distinctive competencies. Further, translating strategy into
organisational action requires understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the
many organisational forms and processes that may be used to attain the desired competitive
position. Many inner-organisational and outer-organisational factors affect the implementation
of the global strategy; therefore it is vital for graduates to understand global strategy
implementation success factors.
Learning Outcomes

What you should be able to do by the end of this module?

Successful participants will be able to:

1) Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the fundamental concepts,

principles, theories, practices, and legislative frameworks underlying international
business as an academic discipline and as a tool for improved management of
international businesses.
2) Apply critical evaluation to complex arguments and evidence in the field of international
business.
3) Formulate strategies to support successful international operations in diverse contexts.
4) Assess the implications, risks, security, integrity, and confidentiality aspects of applying
innovative solutions for today's dynamic international organisations.

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4. Assessment and Feedback

What you need to do to demonstrate achievement of learning?

Summary Assessment Information

This module will be assessed via one item of assessment

Percentage (%) and

Type Assessment method and Feedback due
word count
submission date: date
equivalent

Individual 3000-word individual assignment +3 weeks post

100%
Assignment 12th May 2024 submission date

Assessment Guidance
1) Word count includes the title page, contents page, in-text references and citations but excludes
tables, reference list and appendices.
2) Your work should include references to relevant journal articles and other good quality
information sources and should be properly laid out using the Harvard system of referencing.
More detailed guidance is available in the ‘Guide to Referencing in the Harvard Style’. We
encourage you to make good use of all the support services offered by your Faculty Subject
Librarian, further details are in the Learning Support Services Section.
3) You should refer to the assessment criteria to provide fuller details of the marking criteria for each
classification band.
4) In addition, you should refer to the standard assessment guidelines as presented in your Course
Handbook/Support Area, this includes guidance and policies on referencing style, plagiarism, etc.
5) We recommend the use of Studiosity which offers constructive feedback on draft written
submissions within 24 hrs.
6) Coursework must be submitted by the dates specified. Coursework submitted after the
deadline, without prior approval, is not normally accepted. For further guidance on the late
submission of coursework, please see the course handbook.
7) Non-compliance with the word limit will result in a penalty being applied in accordance with the
University Word Limit Policy which can be found on your Course Support Area in Blackboard.

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Coursework
INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT

Students are required to complete an individual assignment of 3000 words.

Coursework – BRIEF
Taking a case study approach, critically assess the global strategy of a multinational
corporation (MNC) of your choice. Using theoretical models studied in this module,
analyse the MNC’s competitive positioning and international expansion strategies.
Evaluate the MNC’s success in different global markets, considering its adaptation to
local contexts. Additionally, discuss how emerging trends in technology and
sustainability impact the MNC’s global strategy. Finally, propose recommendations for
enhancing the MNC’s competitive advantage and global performance, using insights from
the theoretical models.

a) Detailed assessment guidance will be given in the Week 2 Seminar and aims to provide
advice on the use of media/technologies for this assessment exercise.
b) Completed assignments must be submitted in Word format via the Turnitin Dropbox in
your Blackboard Course Area by the specified date and time outlined in the Key
Assessment Information Table above.
c) All submitted assignments should have the file name:
i) "SurnameFirstNameBNumber"
ii) e.g. BrownJohnB00001234_AssignmentOne.

Coursework 1 – FEEDBACK
Written feedback on the assessment will be provided via Blackboard with 21 days.

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Coursework 1 – ASSESSMENT RUBRIC/MARKING PROFORMA

Excellent 70 – 100 Very Good 60 – 69 Good 50 – 59 Poor (fail) 45-49 Fail 0-44
Knowledge Exceptional Wide knowledge and Appropriate Basic knowledge and Very limited/superficial
knowledge and depth of knowledge and depth depth of knowledge and depth
Knowledge and understanding of understanding of of understanding of understanding of key of understanding of
understanding relevant, complex importance principles key principles and principles and key principles and
20% principles and and concepts and the concepts with some concepts with only a concepts with very
concepts and the development of ideas understanding of their very basic basic understanding
development and and practice. relevance to and understanding of their of their relevance to
advancement of ideas development in relevance to and/or and/or development in
and practice practice. development in practice displayed
practice.

Application Excellent identification Very good Good identification Occasional Limited identification
and advanced identification and and application of identification and and application of
Evidence of application of application of theoretical concepts application of theoretical concepts
application of theoretical concepts theoretical concepts or models with some theoretical concepts or models
theoretical or models informed or models informed link to research in this or models.
models/concepts and critically analysed and analysed by area.
30% extensively by current current research and
research and practice practice in this area.
in this area.

Analysis Critical insightful Critical evaluation and Some critical Some basic Very limited
evaluation and synthesis of a wide evaluation and evaluation and evaluation. Mainly
Analysis and synthesis of a wide range of views, issues synthesis of key synthesis of pertinent description of key
interpretation range of views, issues and complex issues and material. issues and issues and
25% and complex information which information. Lacks information. Lacks
information which demonstrates an originality and/or originality and
demonstrates a highly original and reflective reflection. reflection.
original and reflective approach.
approach.
BMG872 | Global Strategy Development and Implementation

Reading Extensive evidence of Evidence of extensive Evidence of reading of Limited evidence of Minimal/limited
integrating high quality reading of supplementary supplementary evidence of additional
Reading, referencing, and relevant supplementary sources. Adequate reading. Citations, reading. Inadequate
bibliography/reference supplementary sources. citations, referencing referencing and citation, referencing
list sources. Outstanding Comprehensive and bibliography bibliography limited and bibliography.
15% citations, referencing citations, referencing mainly in accordance and not in adherence
and bibliography in and bibliography in with the Harvard to the Harvard
accordance with adherence to the guidelines guidelines.
Harvard guidelines. Harvard guidelines.

Structure Outstanding well- Excellent Acceptable Adequate Poor/inadequate

directed presentation, presentation, logically presentation, clear presentation and presentation and
Presentation, logically and structured and a orderly structure and structure, very basic structure. Basic
structure, grammar, coherently structured, coherent style coherent style used. style. Errors in approach adopted.
and spelling sophisticated style adopted. Mainly Acceptable grammar grammar and spelling. Errors in grammar and
10% adopted. Correct correct grammar and and spelling. spelling.
grammar and spelling spelling.
throughout.

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5. Learning Resources
A list of current learning resources specifically chosen to build
your knowledge and understanding for this module

Reading List
Also available online via Key Links: https://ulster.keylinks.org/#/
Books/Journal Article/Publications Required Reading (Must read)

Hill, C.W.L and Hult, G.T.M (2021) International Business, Competing in the Global Marketplace.
13th ed. New York: McGraw Hill Education

Wheelen, T. L., Hunger, J. D., Hoffman, A. N., and Bamford, C. E. (2018)

Strategic Management and Business Policy: Globalization, Innovation and
Sustainability, 15th Global ed. Harlow, UK: Pearson Education Limited

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Books/Journal Article/Publications Recommended Reading (Should read/Could read)

Collinson, S., Narula, R., and Rugman, A. M. and Qamar, A. (2020) International
Business, 8th ed., Harlow, UK: Pearson Education Limited

Daniels, J. D., Radebaugh, L. H. and Sullivan, D. (2021) International Business,

Global Edition, 17th ed. Harlow, UK: Pearson Education Limited

Hamilton, L and Webster, P (2015) The International Business Environment, 3rd

ed., Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press

Hill, C. W. L., and Hult, G. T. M (2018) Global Business Today, 10th ed. New
York: McGraw- Hill Education

Hunger, J.D. and Wheelen, T.L. (2014) Essentials of Strategic Management:

New International Edition. 5th ed., Harlow, UK: Pearson Education Limited

Johnson, G., Schholes, D., Whittington, R., Regner, P., and Angwin, D., (2020)
Fundamentals of Strategy. 5th ed., Harlow, UK: Pearson Education Limited

Johnson, G., Scholes, D., and Whittington, R., (2017) Exploring Corporate
Strategy. 11th ed. UK: Prentice Hall

Lynch, R. (2018) Strategic Management. 8th ed., Harlow, UK: Pearson Education
Limited

Porter, M.E., (1998), Competitive Advantages of Nations, MacMillan Business

Books/Journal Article/Publications Recommended Reading (Should read/Could read)

Radebaugh, L. H., Sullivan, D., and Daniels, J. D. (2021) International Business,
Environments and Operations, 17th ed. Harlow, UK: Pearson Education Limited

Vietor R.H.K., (2007), How Countries Compete Strategy, Structure, and

Government in the Global Economy, Harvard Business School Press

Wall, S and Minocha, S. (2015) International Business, 4th ed., Harlow, UK:
Pearson Education Limited

Wild, J.J., and Wild, K.L., (2020) International Business. The Challenges of
Globalization. 9th ed. Harlow, UK: Pearson

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Useful Journals, Library Databases and Websites

Academy of Management Journal
Business Week
The Economist
The Financial Times
Global Fortune Magazine
Forbes
Harvard Business Review
International Management
Journal of Business Strategy
Journal of International Business Studies
Journal of Management Studies
Management International Review
Strategic Management Journal

6. Organisation and Management

Types of learning activities that will make up your weekly timetable

BMG872 Global Strategy Development and Implementation, is a 15-credit point module, this requires
approximately 150 hours of your commitment, distributed through the following learning and teaching
activities over the 15-week semester. For a description of the nature of the learning activities please
refer to your course handbook.

Summary of Learning Activities

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Learning Activities: Week 1-12 Indicative Total Hours

Weekly Hours (150 hours)
Lecture and Class Activities 2 hours 24

Seminar or Seminar Activities 1 hour 12

Other, Directed Learning Activities 3 hours 36

Independent Study: Week 1-15 Indicative Guide

Assigned Reading and Note-taking 2 hours 30

Assessment Activities and Seminar Preparation 3.5 hours 52

The teaching and learning plan provides a more detailed overview of content on a weekly basis.
Module delivery will typically consist of a two-hour lecture and a one-hour Seminar although format
may vary slightly between weeks/sessions.

Seminars – please refer to the teaching and learning plan below for the seminar topic. Attendance at
seminars is most important and therefore will be monitored.

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Teaching and Learning Plan

The teaching plan/order of weekly topics is subject to change. The list below provides an outline summary of weekly activities and further information is
available on BBL in the relevant week’s folder. Students will be expected to engage in all prescribed activities that contribute towards final
assessment.

Week/L&T Curriculum Content/Topic Title

Methods
Week 1 Lecture
Introduction to Global Strategy, Development and Implementation – Module Overview

• Introduction to students, staff and module

• Understand the teaching and assessment requirements to successfully complete the Global Strategy,
Development and Implementation Module over the next 12 weeks
• Reflect on your previous knowledge of business strategy
• Consider what business strategy means in an international context
• Identify a multinational corporation and review its corporate plan

Week 2 Lecture
Globalisation

• Explain the concept of globalisation

• Describe the changes which have taken place in the global business environment in the last century
• Describe the effects of globalisation on markets and production
• Describe the institutions that support globalisation
• Explain how technology and innovation in transportation support globalisation
• Discuss pros and cons of globalisation and its effects on developing nations

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Week/L&T Curriculum Content/Topic Title

Methods
Week 3 Lecture
The Global Environment

Explain the different political, economic and legal systems

• Illustrate the implications of these systems for international business
• Outline the determinants of economic development
• Discuss the relationship between democracy and development
• Explain the significance of national cultures and subcultures within nations
• Evaluate the cultural role of religion and its influence on the practice of business

Week 4 Lecture
Global Strategy and Sources of Competitive Advantage

• Define the components of new trade theory

• Describe the implication of new trade theory for business and government
• Discuss and apply the theory of National competitive advantage
• Explain the basis for strategic trade policy

Week 5 Lecture
International Strategy Formulation

• Understand the meaning of strategy for firms within an international context.

• Suggest the reasons why firms may decide to enter international business.
• Discuss the important of value creation within an international context.
• Identify the benefits from international strategies
• Outline the basic strategies undertaken by MNEs, and specifically focus on how they relate to the needs for
local responsiveness and cost minimization

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Week/L&T Curriculum Content/Topic Title

Methods

Week 6 Lecture
Strategic Initiatives for Global Growth

• Evaluate the criteria that firms use to select foreign markets for international growth.
• Outline the importance of timing of entry and scale of entry for the firm.
• Define and list the advantages and disadvantages of the six market entry modes.
• Define and describe the benefits and challenges associated with acquisitions versus Greenfield ventures
• Analyse the benefits and challenges of strategic alliances

Week 7 Lecture
International Strategy Implementation

• Discuss the complexity and identify the challenges associated with strategy implementation;
• Understand the importance of staff communications in strategy implementation;
• Identify the linkages between strategy implementation and organisational structure;
• Evaluate four stages of corporate development;
• Explain the role of business re-engineering in strategy implementation;
• Analyse the implications for international business when implementing strategy.

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Week/L&T Curriculum Content/Topic Title

Methods
Week 8 Lecture
International Strategy for MNCs

• Discuss the selection of an optimal manufacturing location based on country factors, technological factors
and product factors
• Illustrate the advantages, disadvantages, and problems associated with coordinating a tightly linked global
manufacturing system
• Examine how some market segments transcend national borders, while in other situations the structure of
market segments differs significantly across countries.
• Understand the factors that cause firms to alter the marketing mix across countries.
• Discuss issues related to the location of R&D facilities and linking marketing and R&D in new product
development
• Identify the issues and problems with expatriate staffing and highlight guidelines relating to the performance
appraisal of expatriates
• Suggest some actions for managerial training and development for international firms
•
Week 9 Lecture
Strategic Integration and Management of MNCs

• Identify the different kinds of organisational structures and internal control mechanisms that international
businesses can use to manage global operations
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of centralised and decentralised decision systems.
• Present the basic types of organisational forms that multinational firms use.
• Describe the control systems and integrating mechanisms available to multinational firms
• Evaluate organisational architecture, control systems, integrating systems, and decision-making choices
multinational firms and their linkages with their strategy and industry environment

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Week/L&T Curriculum Content/Topic Title

Methods
Week 10 Lecture
International Strategy: evaluation, control, monitoring and control in MNCs

• Discuss the importance of evaluation and control within an MNC

• Illustrate and describe the evaluation and control process
• Identify at least eight methods employed to measure performance of firms
• Discuss how non quantifiable measures can lead to organisational success
• Highlight how firms can overcome international challenges of control
• Recommend guidelines on how firms should ensure proper control within their organisations.

Week 11 &
Assignment Preparation and Module Reflection and Revision

Week 12
• Reflect and review on the module content and delivery.

ASSIGNMENT 12th of May 2024

DEADLINE DATE

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7. Student Voice and Support Services

How we support you

Student Voice
XXXXXX

Advice Bureau Service

If you are experiencing difficulties that are impacting your studies, you can contact the Advice Bureau
in the Students’ Union (UUSU). You can get advice and guidance on issues such as - complaints,
appeals, housing problems, disciplinaries, and info on various support providers available. To have a
chat with the team,

Student Wellbeing Service

XXXX
Student Wellbeing support is free and confidential, and you can make contact via email

08:45-17:00 Monday to Thursday and 8:45-16:00 Friday

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