MA Management and International Business (Full Time)

This course is designed for students interested in gaining a broad base of management skills, with a particular focus on the development and operation of international trade and investment. It is part of our MA Management programme.

In addition to gaining a comprehensive overview of advanced management techniques, you will develop a critical appreciation of the role that finance plays as an essential tool for effective management.

Students with a range of business-related and non-business experience will benefit from this programme, which develops a strong management focus. You will study the multidisciplinary and often complex nature of business and its management in a range of different contexts, and deepen your understanding of the role of management.

You will gain critical insights into the increasingly complex requirements of management and financial decision-making in a global context. This is relevant whether you are aiming to enter large international organisations or to explore how to sustain a micro-business.

As you advance your academic knowledge of business and management to master's level, you will apply this new knowledge to real-life, work-based scenarios.

Industrial focus

Tutors are highly experienced in their sectors, offering in-depth knowledge of current business practice, including international organisations, start-up companies and professional bodies.

Course content

Core units

Operations Management: You will study a range of operational management theories, processes and practices that you will be able to apply to complex operational management decisions.

People in Organisations: This unit introduces the theories that have led to advances in the field of organisational behaviour. You will study examples that relate to theories and practices in exploiting and enhancing competitive advantage. The unit covers three areas ofanalysis – the individual, the group and the organisation – viewed from ‘micro’ and ‘macro’ perspectives, and their roots in behavioural and social sciences.

Financial Decision-Making: You will reflect on a range of theories, processes and practices that can be applied to complex financial management decisions.

Principles of Marketing: This unit develops your understanding of marketing principles that can be applied in a range of organisations. You will cover the nature of customers and markets, marketing mix decisions, and marketing planning and strategy.

Research Methods: You will develop the skills of inquiry and research required primarily for the dissertation but also, to some extent, for all of these units. The unit covers the major theories and concepts associated with empirical and library-based research, developing your ability to apply these concepts to practical research.

Dissertation: This is your opportunity to undertake research over an extended period and develop a topic of personal interest. Some students prefer to stay close to the University and its resources, while others take advantage of our online learning material to study away from campus or to complete their dissertation while they work.

Pathway and option units

You will take three pathway units, plus one option unit from a rangeon offer.

International Human Resource Management: You will study the strategic importance of the resourcing and deployment of human resources. The unit enables you to challenge the assumption that there is a ‘one size fits all’ approach to human resource management (HRM). At an international level, HRM is embedded in political-economic and cultural traditions and practices.

International Marketing Management: This unit examines various strategies and levels of involvement in international marketing. Subjects include levels of risk, modes and strategies for entry, standardisation versus adaptation of strategy, positioning and marketing mix components, planning, organising and control of international operations. You will investigate the role of regional trading blocks and major international organisations in promoting trade, and the criticism of these organisations and globalisation.

The Global Economy: This unit enables you to assess knowledge and understanding related to globalisation, regional integration, international trade, foreign direct investment and multinational institutions. It provides you with the analytical tools to examine and critically evaluate the current issues of debt, exchange rate movements, capital flows and governance in the global economy.

Assessment

There are no examinations. Assessments range from written reports to individual and group presentations. The dissertation includes a report (15,000 words maximum) and a short viva session which can be conducted via Skype if you have returned home.

Key career skills

Critical thinking, marketing, operations, finance, human resources, communication, teamwork, research, economics, innovation, ethics, creativity.

Projects/work experience

Reflecting the University’s focus on employability, units concentrate on live topics and current cases, emphasising the need to apply academic learning in the workplace. Students are encouraged to contribute issues and ideas from their previous experience and personal interests.

Why Solent is special

• This course has two intakes per year: September and January. Students starting in September will take 12 months to complete; those starting in January will take 16 months, with a four-month break between May and October.
• Flexible learning
• Blended learning techniques and
  the online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) allow you to combine study with other responsibilities. The VLE provides access to reading, journal articles and relevant business news, as well as group discussion on any related topic. This will not replace formal contact with tutors who will support you throughout your studies.

Course length

12 months full-time – September and January intakes.

Fees

Fees for the academic year 2013/14 are:
UK and EU students: £4,500 per year or £375 per unit of study.

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