Introductory description

This module is for WBS students only.

The module focuses on helping students understand and build on different kinds of international experience obtained during their compulsory year abroad. This includes encounters with macro-level issues - cultural, societal, economic and political – but also related micro-level experiences (embodied, emotional, rational and relational) in the face of these challenges. Bringing these aspects together through reflexive practice, the module is designed to help students combine theory and personal insights to better understand and mobilise the value of experience – and methods for learning from ongoing experience – in their future careers as managers and leaders.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Part 1 – Conceptualising and capturing international experience, its effects and benefits

This covers topics such as understanding international experience through reflexive practice, capturing international experience through critical incidents and ethnographic approaches, and the relation of experience to identity work and formation for leadership in future careers.

Part 2 – Challenging and enhancing international experience through theory

This part applies a range of theories to experience and the learning derived from it in international business contexts such as culture and cross-cultural challenges, feminist perspectives, collective memory and history, institutional perspectives and change agency for sustainability. This part also provides a focus for integrating experience and theory in future careers.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate how organisations are managed in the international and institutional environments in which they operate.
• Identify and apply appropriate academic theories to the identification, formulation and solution of problems encountered in international business and management contexts.
• Apply appropriate analytical skills integratively across disciplinary boundaries.
• Compare, contrast and build on a range of experiences, institutions and world views.

Indicative reading list

Core Texts

Susan Schneider, Günter K. Stahl, and Jean-Louis Barsoux (2014) Managing across cultures. 3rd ed. Harlow, England: Pearson Education UK.

Peng, M.W. (2022) Global strategy. Fifth edition. Australia: Cengage.

Peng, M.W. (2014) Global strategic management. 3rd ed., International ed. [Mason, Ohio]: South-Western.

International

This is a core module forming part of the final year for BSc International Management helping students to transform their experience of study or work abroad in their placement year into the foundation for advanced management and leader work potential, through reflexive practice and the adaptation and application of theory.

Subject specific skills

Critically analyse and reflect on experience of issues in international contemporary business and management contexts.

Transferable skills

Develop an holistic, adaptive approach to navigating contemporary issues in international business and cross-cultural management contexts.