Máster en International Business Management (English)

Section I. International Business Management

International Integration and Economic Environment

This course aims to develop a systematic approach to analysing current events in the international business environment. Topics covered include international integration, political risk, political regulations and environmental factors that influence corporate activities. The subject focuses on the analytical approach of the global business environment. Students learn actively through case studies, problem solving and the application of concepts. The course provides students with the opportunity to develop comparative and country analysis skills, to understand the most important macroeconomic indicators, to evaluate the main management risks and to identify business opportunities.

Topics covered:

• International integration
• Regional economic integration processes
• Macroeconomic indicators
• Regulatory environment
• Environmental factors

International Business Management and Innovation

This module examines the factors that enable companies to obtain and maintain competitive advantage in the international environment by identifying opportunities, creating capacities and developing new technologies and organisation methods. Strategic analysis is an important part of the class. We shall explore and apply various analytical techniques to effectively position the company or business unit in a competitive environment. The course will also cover various combinations of organisational structures and the people needed to run a particular strategy.

Topics covered:

• Principles of strategy
• Strategic innovative management
• Internal and external analysis
• Functional, competitive and corporate strategies
• International strategies
• Organisational structure

Global Marketing

The internationalisation of businesses involves the participation of customers, producers, suppliers and other groups of interest in the global marketing process. This course aims to give students an analytical, conceptual framework for making decisions, and drawing up and implementing marketing programmes worldwide. Topics such as the potential to internationalise, the selection of foreign markets, the development of global marketing programmes, and the implementation and monitoring of the global marketing programme will be covered.

Topics covered:

• Internationalisation of the company
• Deciding which markets to enter
• Entry strategies for international markets
• Global marketing programme
• Implementation and coordination of the global marketing plan

The international financial management module aims to provide a basic understanding of international finances and financial management options for companies in global markets. It explores the responsibilities of the finance directors of multinationals or companies with multinational subsidiaries, suppliers or international product markets. Topics covered include exchange rate risks and hedging with derivatives such as futures contracts, forward contracts and options. Payment mechanisms, international financing and business strategies are discussed and applied in order to maximise value for shareholders.

Topics covered:

• Introduction to the international financial system
• Currency markets
• Country risk
• Access to financing in international markets

Cross-Cultural Management

The module is designed to develop global business leaders. It covers the main management issues for companies doing business internationally. Topics include the cultural dimension of international management, diversity management, communication and leadership in a global context, and cultural impact and ethical dilemmas in global management. This module focuses on the application of skills, as well as case studies and methods of teaching and learning.

Topics covered:

• The cultural dimension of international management
• Management of cultural diversity
• Intercultural communication
• Leadership in the global context
• Ethical dilemmas in global management

Section II. International Trade Management

Global E-Business

This course provides an overview of the management of e-businesses in a globalised world economy. Topics covered include technologies that support e-commerce, different models of e-commerce and their applications, safety issues, e-payment systems, legal and ethical issues, global matters on digital management, topics on design and implementation, and strategies used by e-businesses.

Topics covered:

• The internet in business and the new consumer
• Business models
• E-business considerations
• Technical aspects e-businesses
• Business strategy

Global Entrepreneurship

In this module we aim to provide students with the tools required to fully understand the entrepreneurial process in globalised markets. This course focuses on recognising and looking for global business opportunities, evaluating the feasibility of new companies and learning how to manage business growth. The main objectives include teaching students the skills needed to develop an original idea for a new business or create a new product or service for an existing business.

Topics covered:

• Trends and opportunities in the global environment (Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa, etc.)
• Management of business innovation and information systems
• Business angels and venture capital companies
• Social entrepreneurship

International Trade Management

Trade management is a key international activity, especially for small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs). This module covers the theory and practice of import and export management. The main topics are business planning, intermediary management (including legal aspects), and financial risk management. Therefore, the module focuses on the strategic and operational challenges associated with the processes of importation and exportation.Topics covered:

• International recruitment
• Incoterms
• International transport
• International shipping insurance for goods
• Main international trade documents

Global Supply Chain Management

Students on this module develop the ability to conceptualise, design and implement supply chains aligned with product characteristics, the market and customers. Currently, international commercial competition is between supply networks instead of individual corporations. Students evaluate how information technologies, dynamic markets and globalisation are affecting strategies and practices in the supply chain, including logistics, digital coordination of decisions and resources, risk management and inventories, procurement and recruiting suppliers, product and process design, and income management.

Topics covered:

• Stock management, planning systems and operation control
• Supply chain management
• The integration of purchases – production – distribution
• Competition between networks and the integration of operations

International Trade Negotiations

The purpose of this course is to help understand the theory of negotiations, as practised in a variety of strategic and international scenarios. It aims to help students feel more comfortable and confident with the negotiation process. The course is designed to be relevant to the broad spectrum of negotiation problems faced by managers using specific examples of international strategy, such as mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures. The course will give participants the opportunity to develop skills through experience and to understand negotiations in conceptual and analytical frameworks which are useful for international trade management.

Topics covered:

• Negotiation in the commercial sphere
• Preparing to negotiate
• The sales negotiation process and techniques
• Negotiation at international level

Final Masters’ Thesis. International Business Simulation

The international business simulation is the final module in the programme. It offers the culminating experience of the Master – designed to provide students with opportunities to integrate knowledge from all the previous modules, and to find out more about the meaning of professionalism and professional practice in international management.Computer simulations are useful tools for learning and applying concepts. This module will include a computer simulation for entering international markets and expansion strategies. The course is designed to enable students to experience this, playing the role of a director of a major electronics company.