The Business Context in Emerging Economies (741N1)

15 credits, Level 7 (Masters)

Spring teaching

Emerging economies represent more than half the world's population and are growing at more than double the rate of western economies. These economies represent the most important settings - not only as markets but also as production sites, for growth minded companies today. The main aims of this module are to explore the international business environment in emerging economies (e.g. China, Russia, Brazil and South East Asia) and to probe into the workings of strategies and subsidiary operations of firms in these economies. 

The module aims to combine theory and practice that you'll find intellectually challenging and which will provide a sound basis for further career development. Overall this will provide you with a better understanding of the fundamental issues in strategy and subsidiary operations confronted by foreign firms competing in these newly opened and dynamic markets. This orientation will help you understand how the unpredictability of emerging economy institutions affects subsidiary business development.

Topics include:

  • introduction to emerging economies
  • TRIAD vs. emerging economies: political and economic differences
  • FDI in emerging economies: theory and trends
  • entering emerging economies using non-FDI modes and FDI-modes
  • managing cultural differences: standardisation vs. adaptation
  • business-government interface and non-market strategies
  • ethical issues and corporate social responsibility
  • multinationals from emerging economies.

Teaching

100%: Practical (Workshop)

Assessment

30%: Coursework (Essay)
70%: Written assessment (Essay)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 33 hours of contact time and about 117 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.