International MBA - MBA

This module will look at people, organisations and culture from a number of perspectives or views, and will require students to apply a number of theories, models and concepts. The module creates the space for students to ‘try out’ a number of concepts, in the relatively safe environment of the University.

The module enables you to develop a thorough understanding of international Marketing theories and concepts. Students will be able to develop and apply global marketing strategies in the complex global environment. In addition, this module explores and evaluates the application of strategic marketing planning, implementation and controlling of international marketing strategies. Understanding the theory and application of international marketing in a diverse cultural context is central to marketing in the era of globalisation and regional integration.

This module aims to develop your understanding of the main financial objective of the firm i.e. wealth maximization and how it is achieved through alignment of financial decisions under constraints from within and outside the organization. The module covers topics such as financial statements analysis, budgeting, cost-benefit analysis, time value money, investment appraisal, working capital management, sources of capital and choice of capital structure. You will be able to understand and apply key concepts and theories in accounting and finance and assess the implications of financial decisions for a business firm.

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the intricacies of managing processes and projects in a global environment and how that can shape the competitive strategy of an organisation. The module commences with an examination of modern business drivers of competitive advantages through effective management of business operations and projects. The module is delivered under two connected themes namely operation management and project management. Under the project management theme, topics covered will include Project Planning, Design, Organisation, Leadership and Risk Management and under the operations management theme, topics will include Developing Lean Operations, Managing Operations Strategically, and Quality Improvement Issues, Globalisation and Supply Chains, Operations Performance Measurement, Operational Resources Management and Developing a Focused Operations Strategy. The module will therefore cover strategic level management issues that are congruent with the company’s business and marketing strategies operating in a global environment.

Enterprise creation, development and sustainability are the hallmarks of commercial, social and public organisations large or small. Innovation is the tool of the entrepreneur and at the heart of innovation lies creativity which is an essential part of recognising and exploiting opportunities. Successful ventures are born out of creativity and innovation and the continued survival of organisations is dependent on their ability to be adaptive, creative and innovative by promoting a culture of entrepreneurism (known as intrapreneurism) among its leaders and managers. The module recognises that entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity are no longer the preserve of commercial enterprises but within public enterprises there is a growing clamour to operate or adopt models used by these commercial entities with increased emphasis on innovation and creativities among graduate managers who work in these organisations.

The aim of this module is to introduce you to key strategic issues in management and leadership in a global context. This is done by practitioner analysis of the impact of globalisation on strategic management and leadership today and the relevance of core theories in management and leadership for global businesses. Through a project based learning approach, this module seeks to bridge the gap between theories and the decision making process of solving real, complex business problems in a global setting.

This module has been designed to help you adjust to Masters level of study and prepare you to meet the challenges and expectations at postgraduate level. For international students, the module enables you to familiarise yourself with UK-based approaches to higher learning, especially if you are unfamiliar with British university culture while preparing you for postgraduate study. You will find that the module gives you an opportunity to gain knowledge of a broad range of social, cultural and career related contexts and introduces you to business and academic principles, conventions and practices. The module also enables you to develop your communication skills, which will be central to your personal, academic and professional development. The discussion of learning styles and ways to improve your study skills will be particularly helpful.

The purpose of the Research Project module is to provide a framework for you to undertake a substantial piece of disciplinary-relevant research. It is founded upon Birmingham City Business School’s teaching and learning philosophy which integrates theory and practice.