Advanced Topics in International Management (GRAV028)

This module reflects and supports the changing agenda for senior managers in organisations, addressing globalisation's increasing impact on the organisational landscape. As the boundaries between private, public, and third sectors become increasingly blurred, these challenges apply across all sectors and demand the ability to lead during times of uncertainty and constrained resources in ways that were inconceivable just a few years ago.

This module aims to enhance and support strategic management challenges by encouraging and enabling students to develop the intellectual and professional acumen needed for the conception and analysis of responsible business strategies. This includes making appropriate choices between strategic options and following a trajectory that delivers robust, ethically sound, and socially responsible results.
A range of illustrative strategic issues, recognised as fundamental to organisational success, is used to identify and explore the tensions and paradoxes of organisational life. The ongoing debate demonstrates that often opposing perspectives can provide valid, albeit partial, contributions to understanding key strategic issues. To effectively manage contemporary organisations, the ability to set direction in a turbulent environment needs to be developed by seeking options most appropriate for the organisational context under consideration.
To succeed in the global environment, future organisations will need to be both commercially viable and demonstrate a responsible attitude towards the wider society, encompassing the full community of stakeholders. Otherwise, they may be subject to increasingly restrictive regulations. To meet this requirement while avoiding stricter regulation, senior managers and aspiring leaders must adopt a longer-term and more responsible view of the business enterprise rather than focusing solely on short-term profit maximisation.

• To conduct strategic analysis across diverse industries and competitive contexts, particularly with the aim of enhancing their comprehension of the competitive challenges present in a global market environment.
• To assess business strategy, consider strategic options carefully, use what-if analysis to evaluate action alternatives, and make sound strategic decisions.
• To emulate the managerial responsibilities involved in implementing and executing organisational strategies, provide training in various actions managers can undertake to ensure proficient strategy execution, and instil confidence in participants to function effectively as members of a strategy-implementation team within a company.
• To improve students' ability to make effective business decisions by helping them develop managerial judgment, assess business risks, and enhance their decision-making capabilities.
• To utilise computer skills to perform managerial tasks and conduct analyses effectively.
• To recognise the significance of upholding exemplary ethical standards, promoting strong personal and organisational values, and implementing socially responsible management practices.