International Business Strategy

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.

Syllabus

Unit 1: Internal Analysis - An Integrated Approach

Introduction

Objectives

• 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

Introduction

Objectives

• 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

Introduction

Objectives

• 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

Introduction

Objectives

• 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

Sample Course Materials

Please click on the logo below to view a few sample pages of the course materials we provide. Whilst this is only a few sample pages, we do hope that it will give you some idea of the quality of the materials we provide. If you have anymore queries in relation to the course materials, please feel free to contact one of our friendly course advisors who will be more than happy to deal with any queries that you may have.

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Qualifications

On completion of your course, you will receive the dual award:

Award 1 is issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges: International Business Strategy Diploma

International Business Strategy Diploma issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges, to view a sample of the college’s award, please click here.

Requirements for Entry

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.

Study Options

In order to offer our students the most convenient and flexible distance learning courses, Stonebridge Associated College offers you the option to study for your course via two methods:

• 1. Via the traditional paper-based method.
• 2. Through the online method via ElearnUK.

If you do not have Internet access, or would prefer to study this course via the traditional paper/postal based study method, you can find more information on the course by clicking on the link below.

Stonebridge Prices

Studying by Post. If you would like to pay by instalments, we do offer an affordable interest free payment plan scheme which allows you to spread the cost of your course over a number of months. However, to use this option you will need to study for your course using the traditional paper-based method. For more information on our payment plans please visit our website at www.stonebridge.uk.com

The reason why the course fee is less if you choose to study online, is because with online study there are no costs associated with postage and printing etc. and thus we are able to offer the course at a reduced rate.

The total amount payable over the term's period, is no more than the total cash price of the course.
(APR = 0%). Written quotations are available on request.

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 80 hrs.