When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course
This course explores the international business environment in which organisations function. You’ll learn about core analysis methods, including PESTLE, SWOT, and Boston Box Matrices, as well as the applications of Porter’s Five Forces. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in discussion forums and access case studies, as well as testing your understanding in quizzes.
This course forms part of a specialization from the University of London designed to help you develop and build the essential business, academic, and cultural skills necessary to succeed in international business, or in further study.
If completed successfully, your certificate from this specialization can also be used as part of the application process for the University of London Global MBA programme, particularly for early career applicants. If you would like more information about the Global MBA, please visit https://mba.london.ac.uk/.
This course is endorsed by CMI
This week introduces the nature of the environment, both external and internal, in which the organisation exists. It provides an initial set of insights to a range of models which are useful in managing the challenges presented by a changing environment. This week, we will cover: > What is the organisational external environment? What about the organisational internal environment?International and global contexts, and meeting useful analytical models
Welcome to International Business Environment•5 minutes
1.1 Introduction•5 minutes
1.3 Intermission•0 minutes
1.4 International Contexts•1 minute
1.5- Factors Driving Moves To Global Strategies•3 minutes
1.6- Globalization and Internationalization•1 minute
1.7 Five Dimensions of Culture•1 minute
1.8 Hofstede's comparison of National Cultures•8 minutes
1.10- Summary•1 minute
4 readings•Total 40 minutes
1.2- The Tasks of Managing•10 minutes
1.5- Factors Driving Moves To Global Strategies•10 minutes
1.8- Hofstede's Comparison of National Cultures•10 minutes
1.9 - National Cultures•10 minutes
1 peer review•Total 120 minutes
IKEA Case Study- Adapting strategies to meet local needs in China•120 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
United Airlines Case Study•10 minutes
Analysing the External Environment
Module 2•5 hours to complete
Module details
This week illustrates how PESTLE and SWOT models are applied and evaluated by organisations as they seek to make sense of the impact of the organisational environment on their activities. This week, we will cover:Generic PESTLE (Political, Economic, Socio-cultural, Technological, Legal, and Environmental) analyses; SWOT (Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analyses; PESTLE and SWOT analyses at the local, national, and international levels
2.1 Analysing the External Environment- Introduction•7 minutes
2.2 PESTLE Analysis•5 minutes
2.2 PESTLE analysis case study•5 minutes
2.3 SWOT Matrix ABC•3 minutes
2.4 The Importance of Thorough Analysis•1 minute
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
PEST and PESTLE Analysis•10 minutes
SWOT Analysis•10 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Quiz: PEST and PESTLE•30 minutes
2 peer reviews•Total 240 minutes
SWOT Analysis•120 minutes
Peer Review: Harrods•120 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 10 minutes
International Business in Action•10 minutes
Analysing the Immediate Competitive Environment
Module 3•2 hours to complete
Module details
This week illustrates how Life Cycle, Boston Box, and Growth Matrix models are applied and evaluated by organisations as they seek to make sense of the impact of the organisational environment on their activities. This week, we will cover: The challenge of product life cycles; Boston Box Matrix analyses of product and brand portfolios; Ansoff Growth Matrix analyses
Discussion: Product Life Cycle and Boston Box•10 minutes
Bringing Ansoff's Matrix Theory to Life•10 minutes
Analysing the Wider Competitive Environment
Module 4•4 hours to complete
Module details
This week illustrates how the state of competitive rivalry in the environment is analysed and evaluated using Porter's Five Forces model, and Porters strategies for competitive advantage. This week, we will cover: The challenge of competition, Porter's Five Forces model; Competitive strategies, and competitive advantage, using Porter's strategies for competitive advantage
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When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.