This course focuses on the notion of identification, analysis and prediction of opportunities in the global business environment and provides analytical foundation for further study of international business, marketing, strategy and management.

This course will be taught over 5 weeks

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This course is assessed through an individual written essay (2,500 words).

By focusing on identification, analysis and prediction of opportunities in the global business environment, this course provides analytical foundation for further study of international business, marketing, strategy and management. The overall aim of the course is to give students critical understanding of tools and techniques that enable identification, analysis, selection and prediction of business opportunities. The course opens with a broad overview of global business environment including key topics of globalisation, international trade and investment, international financial environment, the concept of culture and the political and legal environment. The notion of opportunity identification and analysis follows the environmental overview. Detailed consideration is given to tools and frameworks involved in market research and assessment. The emphasis is placed on data collection methods as well as the identification and access to secondary data sources. Particular attention is given to customer and market analysis. The course develops critical skills in assessing the impact of the business environment on real-world company situations. The emphasis throughout is on understanding and business application of the fundamental issues involved.

By the end of the course students will be able to:

1. Present a thorough review of the key forces shaping international business environment including political, financial, cultural and legal considerations.

2. Determine relevant criteria to assess the attractiveness of potential markets

3. Select and critically apply methods, tools and frameworks to conduct a detailed analysis of business opportunities.

4. Identify, access, analyse, evaluate and synthesise market data from a range of secondary sources.

5. Critically evaluate the methods of accessing data highlighting key challenges in collecting and comparing information internationally.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.