The main aim of this module is to introduce you to the global business environment and help understand how organisations operate within an increasingly interconnected world.

Indicative content includes:

Introduction to global business and globalisation
The global business environment (PESTLE factors)
Cultural differences and international communication
Global trade, markets and supply chains
Ethical issues and corporate social responsibility
Sustainability and environmental challenges in global business
The role of technology and digitalisation in international business
Case studies of multinational organisations

Employability, Enterprise and Professional Practice:
Development of teamwork, communication, problem-solving and business awareness skills relevant to the global workforce.

Sustainability:
Exploration of ethical business practices, sustainability challenges and responsible global decision-making within international business contexts.

Academic, Digital and Research Skills:
Introduction to academic writing, referencing, research skills and effective use of digital learning platforms to support learning and assessment.

A1: Individual Written Report (50% 1, 500 words)

Global Business Issue

Students will select one contemporary global business issue (for example globalisation, sustainability, international trade, geopolitical risk, digital transformation, or cultural differences) and explain its impact on organisations operating in international contexts.

Students are required to:

Identify and describe the chosen global business issue
Explain why the issue is significant for international organisations
Illustrate the impact of the issue using appropriate real-world organisational examples from different countries or regions
Explain how economic, political, social, technological and environmental (PESTLE) factors influence global business activity in relation to the chosen issue

The assessment focuses on understanding and explanation, rather than strategic evaluation or the development of recommendations.

Guidance:

Students should demonstrate clear understanding of global business contexts
Examples may include multinational corporations, international SMEs, social enterprises or global brands
The report should be structured clearly and supported by appropriate academic and professional sources
Academic conventions, including referencing, should be followed

Formative feedback is embedded throughout the early and mid-stages of the assessment to support students in developing understanding of global business issues and applying theory to international contexts.

Formative opportunities include:

Early issue selection and scoping activity, with tutor feedback on the suitability, clarity and international relevance of the chosen global business issue
PESTLE application workshops, where students practise linking global business issues to economic, political, social, technological and environmental factors using short case examples
Structured planning guidance, including report outlines and exemplars to support logical structure and academic conventions
Tutor-led drop-in sessions offering feedback on use of sources, application of theory and clarity of explanation prior to submission

These activities support students in developing confidence in understanding, explanation and academic writing at this level.

A2: Group Presentation (50% 10 minutes + 5 minutes Q&A)

Students will work in groups to analyse a global business case study involving an organisation operating across international markets. The presentation should demonstrate understanding of how global business issues affect organisational operations and decision-making in different international contexts.

Students are required to:

Analyse the global business context of the case organisation
Identify the key global business issue(s) affecting the organisation
Apply relevant business concepts to explain how the organisation is responding to, or is impacted by, these issues
Present findings clearly, professionally and collaboratively

The presentation should focus on analysis and explanation, rather than proposing strategic solutions or recommendations.

Guidance:

All group members are expected to contribute to the presentation
Visual aids (e.g. slides) should be used to support clarity and structure
Students should demonstrate effective teamwork and clear communication
The Q&A session allows students to clarify and explain their analysis further

Formative feedback is embedded to support collaborative working, analytical thinking and professional communication within a global business context.

Formative opportunities include:

Case study briefing sessions, where groups receive guidance on case interpretation, global context and identification of relevant business issues
In-class group workshops, allowing students to test their analysis of global business issues and receive tutor and peer feedback on clarity and relevance
Presentation structure and communication workshops, focusing on professional slide design, role allocation and coherent explanation of ideas
Rehearsal and Q&A practice sessions, enabling groups to refine delivery, timing and responses to questions prior to final assessment

These formative activities support the development of teamwork, critical reasoning and professional communication skills aligned to the assessment learning outcomes.

Apply business concepts to analyse real-world global business examples and case studies. Critical Reasoning and Collaboration. Demonstrate effective communication skills through written and/or oral presentation of global business topics. Communication

The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 300 hours of activities towards achieving the learning outcomes. These will be split between 72 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 228 hours of directed, guided and self-study, together with preparation for and completion of the assessment tasks. Learning support material will be provided for the module.

The module will draw upon a mixture of activities including lectures, web-based activities, case study analysis, relevant videos and in-class discussions, individual and group problem solving and self-directed learning.

In addition to formal teaching, the module emphasises collaborative learning through group discussions and workshops.

Self-directed learning plays a crucial role in the module, with students encouraged to explore extensive online resources, digital libraries, and the module’s Blackboard system. This independent study component fosters digital literacy and research proficiency, allowing students to consolidate their learning at their own pace while preparing for assessments. Together, these strategies create a comprehensive learning experience that equips students with the academic agility and entrepreneurial mindset needed for success in modern business environments delivered at level 4.

1. Identify key global business issues affecting organisations in different international contexts.

Knowledge and Understanding
Research Skills

2. Explain how economic, political, social, technological and environmental factors influence global business activity.

Application and Problem Solving
Knowledge and Understanding

3. Work collaboratively to apply business concepts to analyse real-world global business examples and case studies.

Critical Reasoning and Collaboration

4. Communicate global business topics effectively through appropriate formats.

Communication

Hill, C. W. L., Hult, G. T. M. and McIntyre, J. R. (2025 Release) International Business: Competing in the Global Marketplace (14th/15th edition). McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

Ferraro, G.P. and Briody, E.K. (2023) Cultural Dimension of Global Business. Ninth edition. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. https://libstaff.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44STA_INST/rlkpvs/alma991000998242306826

Williams, J. and Duminy, J. (2025) Global Development and Environment. 1st ed. Bristol: Bristol University Press. Available at: https://doi.org/10.56687/9781529231588.

Rangan, S. (2025) Core Assumptions in Business Theory: A Wedge Between Performance and Progress. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1093/9780198944249.001.0001

How do global business issues shape the way organisations operate in an international environment?

You will explore key global business issues and develop an understanding of how economic, cultural, political and environmental factors influence organisations operating across international markets. You will apply business concepts to real-world examples while building essential academic and employability skills to support your progression into higher-level business study.