MSc - International Business with Applied Business Skills

University of Hertfordshire

The Principles of International Business introduces the complex processes, patterns, and institutional context in which international businesses operate. The module content focuses on the nature of economies and the changing balance of economic and political power; interaction through trade, financial flows, labour and information; the role of states and businesses in orchestrating the economy, in allocating resources and shaping patterns of development; the strategic aims of business organisations and the sustainability of the modern economy in the face of climate change.

This module is designed to introduce students from all backgrounds to the fundamental concepts of financial and management accounting within an international context. It provides a solid understanding of key concepts such as financial statements, investment appraisal, budgets and budgetary control, sustainability, and the risks associated with international business, including exchange rate transactions and translations. Additionally, students will develop the skills necessary to analyse, evaluate, and effectively communicate business performance to relevant stakeholders using appropriate financial information.

This module covers the role of digital marketing in a global business context. Key topics include digital marketing strategy development (SEO, SEM, social media, content marketing), consumer insights and data analytics, e-commerce, and digital branding. Students will explore tools for understanding consumer behaviour, campaign planning, and measuring ROI. Practical applications include group projects, presentations, and the ethical and legal aspects of digital marketing, with a focus on data privacy and cultural sensitivity in global markets.

Through studying this module, you will gain an understanding of the international business and cultural factors that influence the strategic development of International Human Resource Management. You will examine both the significance of strategic macro frameworks and explore the complexities and challenges associated with HRM in international enterprises. Through the understanding of the different cultural, economic, legal and ethical challenges you will develop the ability to identify and design people management solutions to meet the business need and enhance organisational effectiveness.

On this module you will be taught how to conduct research to gather data on companies and markets and how to use business and market analysis tools to make judgments on a business. The module will teach you how to write a business plan to address a problem in an existing business and how to communicate your ideas via a business pitch.

By addressing real-life/practical international business problems, this module will prepare students, as individuals or part of a cross-cultural project team, to design and implement different qualitative and quantitative data gathering and analysis methods/techniques for the collection and analysis of both primary and secondary data in ethical and sustainable ways using emergent technologies. The module will also equip students to effectively communicate their research findings to a range of audiences, both in academic settings and in the business world.

The module is designed to develop professional and consultancy skills. The curriculum was prepared in consultation with employers, to reflect what they seek from today's master's graduate. It includes a critical examination of leadership styles and management techniques, negotiation and change management skills, the ability to design projects from inception to completion, and liaising with internal and external clients to identify requirements and achieve outputs within the optimum timescale. The commitment to reflexive practice encourages students to reflect on their knowledge and experience as they look at different aspects of professional performance, and to identify areas for change and enhancement to achieve career goals.

Success at university requires a full understanding of institutional expectations as well as the development of key academic skills needed to enable students to fulfil their potential. This module will provide a structured step-by-step guide along the student journey to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to best achieve their goals. Using engaging and interactive content, this module aims to provide students with all the tools and a strong foundation upon which to build successful academic and professional experiences.