MS70124E Geopolitical Economy of International Business L7 Summative Assessment 1 Brief | UoWL

Module overview

Introduction

This module will give you an insight into the complexity and worldwide interdependence of the political and economic environment within which international businesses operate. The module focuses on a critical analysis of contemporary perspectives of the global political economy, with specific reference to international trade, global finance, international organisations’ contribution to the geo-economic expansion of businesses, Global environmental politics and Multinational corporations.

The module will explore the impact of globalisation on economies and international economic actors. The international economic system is more closely integrated now than ever before. It is reflected in events such as the COVID-19 impact on global development and international business properties. The global downturn in business activities, the sovereign debt crises and the political turmoil that ensued provide clear illustrations of the relationship between governments, politics, international trade and finance, international institutions, and private interests. This module will be delivered face-to-face, on campus, according to the university’s policy, and all details can be found in the Course Handbook.

Module summary content and aims

The following topics are analysed through lecture readings, seminar discussions and real-world issues application:

• The traditional and contemporary theories that shaped the Geopolitical Economy of international Business.
• An Evaluation of Trade Policy Preferences in International Political Economy
• Analysis of Market Structures in the International Political Economy
• Market efficiency and the public interest
• Evaluation of society-centred approach vs. state-centred approach
• The role of the exchange rate as a political and economic tool
• The role of Multinational Corporations in the Geopolitical Economy of International Business
• Globalisation and the Geopolitical EconomyGlobal institutions and their contributions to growth and stability- World Bank, World Trade
• Organisation, International Monetary Fund.
• Specialisation and the gains from trade- Issues arising from regional trade agreement disputes like BREXIT.
• Global Trade Imbalances between China and the US
• Climate Change and Global Environment Politics

Expectations

Specific expectations students can have of tutors:

1. Guidance and support

Your tutor will provide you with academic guidance and will help you reflect on your academic progress so that you get the most out of your studies. Your tutor and student support team will also provide advice on the wider network of specialist student support services at the University to help you have the best possible experience during your studies.

2. Confidentiality

Some information may be sensitive. Although it may be necessary to consult colleagues, University staff will treat such information as confidential and will limit disclosures to the minimum necessary.

3. Assessment marks and summative feedback

Assessment marks and summative feedback will be given within 3 working weeks from the assessment submission deadline.

Assessment Brief:

The relevance of international business has been increasingly important and driven by multinational corporations. In the wake of political and economic dynamics and business sustainability across geographical expansions of MNCs, it is vital to evaluate and discuss business adaptions in the global economy. You are tasked to provide

1. A critical evaluation report of a selected multinational corporation of your choice in the aspect of
   a. The company’s relevance within the global economy and the relevance to contemporary international business
   b. The geopolitical impact on the business performance – a reference to trade, finance and development issues
   c. The role of the company in global business responses on sustainability (ESG statement)
2. An Executive policy formulation for the selected MNC, identifying the areas of improvement around the global economic contribution, relevance on free trade and investment and global sustainability policies.

Assessment Criteria

Critical Evaluation Report

Evaluation 1:

The company’s relevance within the global economy and its relevance to contemporary international business

Evaluation 2:

The geopolitical impact on the business performance – reference to trade, finance, and development issues

Evaluation 3:
The role of the company in global business responses on sustainability (ESG statement)

An Executive Policy formulation for the selected MNC, identifying the areas of improvement around the global economic contribution, relevance on free trade and investment and global sustainability policies.