FN7226 Managing Resources in the International Business Environment Term 1: 2025/26

Module Guide 2026/26

• Contact Information
• Module Leader
• Other contact(s)
• Module Introduction    
• Module Aims and Learning Outcomes
• Key Information
• Teaching Schedule
• Engagement and Attendance Requirements
• Assessment Information
• REASSESSMENT ARRANGEMENTS
• LATE SUBMISSIONS
• RETURN OF WORK AND FEEDBACK
  ONLINE SYSTEM FAILURES
• Referencing
• Reading and Resources
• Core:
• Other Resources and Forms:
• Return of Work and Feedback
• Why is Feedback Important?
• Where do I get Feedback?
• Student Feedback on Your Experience
• Key Links

Module Introduction

The aim of the module is to confer upon students the degree of economic and financial literacy and awareness required of an international manager. Thus, it provides students with the opportunity to use and apply economic, finance and accounting concepts and principles and enables them to critically analyse and evaluate international business problems and to recommend appropriate solutions.

Based on firm case studies students learn to identify and apply optimal strategic responses to changes in the global economic business environment.

Students learn to properly consider the interdependence of microeconomic decision making (cost minimization, profit maximization, product differentiation) on industry structure (oligopoly), market structure (product differentiation) and macroeconomic conditions in strategic decision making. Students learn further how to utilize quantitative data from firm reporting for economic analyses of product mix, cost and sales strategies.

Module Aims and Learning Outcomes

The aim of the module is to:

• Explain how and why the world’s countries differ and how businesses operate in these different economic settings.
• Present a thorough review of the economics and politics of international trade and investment.
• Explain the functions and forms of global monetary systems
• Examine the strategies and structures of international businesses

The ‘Learning Outcomes from the Module Specifications for the module

At the end of this module, students will be able to:

Knowledge

1.Make informed strategic choices based on an understanding of the financial and economic environment and of key institutions within it
2.Determine the likely impact of changes in financial and economic circumstances on organisations and industries with which they are associated

Thinking skills

3.Appraise the financial performance and standing of a business or business unit
4.Determine the likely impact of changes in financial and economic circumstances on organisations  and industries with which they are associated

Subject-based practical skills

5.Critique and contribute to project appraisal decisions
6.Assess the appropriate means whereby international businesses can raise and manage financial resources

Skills for life and work (general skills)

7.Make informed contributions to policy debates within their industry or sector.
Communicate effectively on financial and economic matters to both expert and non-expert audiences

Key Information

FN7226 is a core module for the MSc International Business Management Programme. 

Teaching Methods

Teaching will take place on campus. The teaching strategy emphasises interactive and discursive approach to learning and includes a range of online material covering readings, preparation and consolidation. This is achieved through a reduction in the traditional “chalk and talk” approach and increased use of interactive lectures, analysis and decision-making based upon relevant empirical examples, practical problem solving.

The range of techniques used will not only enable you to put theory into perspective but will also allow you to develop key transferable skills.
The intention in this module is to create an environment which will enable you to develop yourself as a person proficient in the acquisition of relevant knowledge and skills and committed to a critical understanding of your own learning and potential professionalism. 

Both lectures and seminars will develop your subject knowledge and understanding. Practical classes are focused around extensive use of real economic and financial data and hands-on computer work. Students will be using computer software packages such as Excel, Eviews and Bloomberg Terminals.

The module hopes to promote independent study and the development of self-management skills. You are required to undertake set reading on certain topics and explore relevant literature for assignments and seminar discussions. The module aims to develop an approach to learning which encourages you to “transform” and critique rather than simply to “reproduce” the theories and ideas. 

The learning strategy combines skill-based and practical application of knowledge to solve key problems. The learning strategy, therefore, supplements the teaching strategy to achieve the aims and objectives of the module.

Each of the weekly sessions will follow the same structure:
 
Face to face lecture and seminar sessions which will include problem solving and discussions.

What is expected of you

Each seminar session includes practical work and discussions; students are expected to come to each session prepared to engage in discussions as per the readings and resources.  YOU MUST be prepared and be ready to participate in each session particularly the group activities and problem-solving sessions. You are also expected to complete online preparatory work for the class and are liable to be asked to leave and lose your attendance if you come to class unprepared.

This module is designed to meet the diverse needs of the student cohort and therefore at times some of the material will be familiar to some students, at these times you are encouraged to engage in a positive and interact manner that promotes the learning for all students in the class. The teaching and learning environment will operate on a professional basis and students are expected to acquit themselves as they would in a conventional business environment.   

Students will be punctual and ensure that they are prepared to contribute to every session through discussion and engagement with the facilitator and peers.  You should endeavour to remain focussed on your research activities and requirements to support the teaching and learning sessions.  This module is designed to be informative, stimulating and fun. As the senior partner in your learning, you are expected to bring a positive and motivated frame of mind to every session.

Teaching Schedule

Docklands - Rooms: WBG.02 5pm-7pm & Room MLT 7pm - 9pm

Engagement and Attendance Requirements

Evidence shows that good attendance has a positive impact on academic performance. As a university, we are committed to supporting you in reaching your full potential.
Student Engagement, Retention and Success Unit (SERT) is here to support you in reaching your full potential. By monitoring attendance and engagement, we can identify early signs that you may need support and work with you to address any challenges that could be affecting your learning.
 
If you are experiencing challenges that impact your ability to engage with your course, you can speak to a member of the team in person at either the Docklands or Stratford campus, or remotely by telephone. To book an appointment or ask a question, please use MyPortal or call The Hub on 0208 223 4444 to speak with our Duty Advisor (available weekdays, 10am-1pm, excluding bank holidays).

Assessment Information

Assessment:

Learning outcomes assessed:

Assessment Component 1: Learning outcomes assessed by the task 1 to 8 (as indicated on the module specification)

Assessment Component 2 : Learning outcomes assessed by the task 1 to 8 (as indicated on the module specification)

Assessment criteria:

How to submit your work:

All submissions for this component(s) of this Module must be submitted according to these instructions:

Instructions in the Assessment Brief.
   
Return of your work:

Feedback on the assessment day and respective Turnitin links

REASSESSMENT ARRANGEMENTS

• You will need to retrieve this assignment if any of the following occur during the semester:
• You fail to achieve 50% for the module and you failed to achieve 40% or more for one component.
• You will be expected to complete a similar piece of work for your second attempt.  Your assignment brief will be available on Moodle

LATE SUBMISSIONS

You should aim to submit all coursework by the deadline set.  Meeting deadlines is an essential employability skill, and an expectation for your course.  Should you be unable to submit your assignments on time, one of the following may be available:

• You may submit coursework up to 24 hours after the deadline.  Work submitted within 24 hours of the deadline will be subject to a fixed penalty of 5% of the total marks available (as opposed to marks obtained).  Please note that if you submit both before the deadline and during the 24-hour late period, then the second submission will be marked and 5% deducted. Students submitting at resit will not be eligible to submit 24 hours late.
• You may be able to request an automatic 7-day extension.  You have two opportunities to request automatic extensions in one academic year (one per term).  Follow this link to find out more about how to request an automatic extension.

These rules normally only apply to coursework.  It does not apply to examinations, presentations, performances, practical assessments or viva voce examinations.  If you are unable to take advantage of these opportunities, then you will need to apply for extenuating circumstances, or accept that you will receive a zero mark.

Extenuating Circumstances are circumstances which: 

• impair your examination performance prevent you from attending examinations or other types of assessment, or
• prevent you from submitting coursework or other assessed work by the scheduled deadline date, or within 24 hours of the deadline date

Such circumstances rarely occur and would normally be:

• unforeseeable - in that you could have no prior knowledge of the event concerned, and
• unpreventable - in that you could do nothing reasonably in your power to prevent such an event, and
• expected to have a serious impact on performance

Assessment Feedback

Feedback is crucial for your learning, and it is an important part of the academic cycle.  It tells you what the strengths are of your work, what its weaknesses are and how it can be improved.

Why is Feedback Important?

Feedback is the most effective way to:

• Help you understand how to succeed in your assessments. 
• Help you produce better work for the future. 
• Signpost you to other resources for assistance. 

If you pay attention to feedback, particularly where the same comment is made in several modules, you can use the information to improve.

Where do I get Feedback?

• When a tutor comments on your answers in seminars/lectures/workshops
• General comment on assessment performance in lectures and seminars
• General comment on questions prepared for seminars
• When another student makes comments on your presentation
• When you produce practice questions for a tutor who gives comments
• When you receive written comments on your work submitted either as coursework or exam
• When you look at general feedback on module performance on UEL Direct.
• When you see your Academic Adviser with all your assessment feedback for general advice.  You should always do this after each assessment period.

Formal results are ONLY available in UEL Direct and will be published within 8 working days of the Board, where results are formally confirmed. Any other results are provisional / indicative but not approved.

You will receive feedback throughout your this module through the following methods:

• one-to-one or individualised (i.e. tutorials, conversations with supervisors, or individualised comments on assignments)
• generic feedback (i.e. use of rubrics, ‘Quickmarks’ in Turnitin or standardised forms)
• peer feedback (i.e. feedback from other students)
• informal feedback (i.e. through in-class discussions or online forums)
• self-evaluation (i.e. online checklists or reflective submissions)
• other please provide details here

(Please delete the above as appropriate)

Feedback and students’ marks should be provided within 15 working days of the due date for summative work (i.e. work that counts towards the final course grade) and formative work (i.e. work that is developmental and designed to help you improve).

Whilst feedback will be given on draft/formative work, it shouldn’t be assumed that every aspect will be identified.