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Distance learning course of 4 in depth units

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International Business Strategy draws together and applies ideas from many of the disciplines and fields of study which contribute to a broad understanding of business. Some of the ideas may already be familiar to students who have previously studied courses in marketing, economics, management theory or organizational behaviour. Crucially though, through an understanding of strategy and strategic management, we can gain an insight into how these individual disciplines interact. The course is designed for all those intending a business career and for those with an interest in how contemporary organisations operate. Business strategy is not simply the province and responsibility of senior level management decision makers.

The ideas which underpin International Business Strategy can be applied at many levels in the business organisation to help ensure that individual business units or departments maintain an effective contribution to the overall success of the business.

Tutor Support

With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor.

You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly team of administrators and course advisors who offer sound and professional guidance and advice when you need it. This ensures that you will never feel neglected and that you will always succeed!

Assessment Method

After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

What's Included

All study materials

Study Guide

Full Tutor and Admin support

Unit 1: Internal Analysis � An Integrated Approach

Section 1: Activity-based Analysis
Introduction
1.1 Problems of ambiguity and uncertainty
1.2 An introduction to the activity-based view
1.3 Using activity-based analysis
1.4 Business process re-engineering
Summary

Section 2: New Product Development Analysis
Introduction
2.1 New product development process
2.2 Organisation of research and development
2.3 First mover advantages
Summary

Section 3: SWOT Analysis
Introduction
3.1 Traditional SWOT analysis
3.2 Revised SWOT analysis
Summary

Section 4: Integration through Strategic Architecture
Introduction
4.1 The purpose and value of strategic architecture
4.2 Generating strategic architecture
Summary
Unit Summary
Unit Review Activities
Commentaries on review activities
References
Further Reading

Unit 2: Organisational Structure and Strategic Control Systems

Section 1: Organisational Structure
Introduction
1.1 The role of structure
1.2 Implications of structural factors
1.3 Choices of organisational structures
Summary

Section 2: Strategic Control Systems
Introduction
2.1 Role of control systems
2.2 Agency theory
2.3 Governance mechanisms
Summary
Unit Summary
Unit Review Activities
Commentaries on review activities
References
Further Reading

Unit 3: Corporate Strategies

Section 1: Strategies of Integration
Introduction
1.1 Integration, costs and governance
1.2 Vertical integration
1.3 Horizontal integration
1.4 Virtual integration: licensing and franchising
Summary

Section 2: Strategies of Merger, Acquisition and Diversification
Introduction
2.1 Mergers and acquisitions
2.2 Diversification
2.3 Diversification and performance
Summary

Section 3: Strategies of Collaboration
Introduction
3.1 The foundations of collaboration
3.2 Forms of collaborative strategy
3.3 The development and management of collaboration
Summary
Unit Summary
Unit Review Activities
Commentaries on review activities
References
Further Reading

Unit 4: The Global Dimension of Strategic Management

Section 1: Internationalisation of the World Economy
Introduction
1.1 Modern international trade
1.2 Implications of global shift
1.3 National context and competitive advantage
Summary

Section 2: Global Business Strategies
Introduction
2.1 Global expansion
2.2 Choosing a globalisation strategy
2.3 Choice of foreign entry mode
Summary

Section 3: Globalisation and Culture
Introduction
3.1 The concept of culture
3.2 Cultural forms
Summary
Unit Summary
Unit Review Activities
Commentaries on review activities
References
Further Reading