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MAN-20201 - Module Specification
Keele Business School
Faculty of Business, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 17 March 2026

MAN-20201 - Managing in an International Context
Coordinator: Tolu Olarewaju Room: N/A
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 30
Study Hours: 300
School Office: 01782 733094

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

In today's increasingly interconnected world, managing businesses across borders requires a deep understanding of diverse cultures, global strategies, and international market dynamics. The Managing in an International Context module equips you with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of global business management. You will explore cutting-edge theoretical perspectives on globalisation and gain insight into multinational businesses' cultural, strategic, and operational challenges.
Throughout this module, you will critically examine key management concepts in the context of globalisation and evaluate how business cultures around the world influence managerial practices.

Aims
1. To develop an understanding of how globalisation impacts business management practices, strategies, and decision-making (i.e., complexities of managing in a globalised world).
2. To explore the importance of cultural awareness and assess the influence of different cultural dimensions on management in multinational corporations.
3. To investigate the challenges and opportunities of operating across multiple countries, with a focus on long-term profitability, sustainability, and strategic adaptation.
4. To foster the ability to evaluate management issues and apply solutions to cross-cultural and organisational challenges in global business environments.

Intended Learning Outcomes

critically analyse theoretical concepts related to business management in a global context.: 1,2
assess the effects of globalisation on business strategies, structures, and decision-making processes.: 2
appraise the methods and practices that contribute to the success and sustainability of multinational businesses.: 1,2
evaluate key differences between various international business cultures and their impact on managerial practices.: 2
critically analyse cultural challenges faced by managers in global business environments and propose solutions.: 1,2

Study hours

48 hours of lectures and tutorials
48 hours of tutorial preparation
60 hours of assignment preparation
72 hours of guided reading
72 hours of private research and assignment completion

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Essay weighted 60%
Essay (1500 words)
Write a 1,500-word essay (excluding references) based on at least two empirical case studies discussed in class, identifying and applying key managerial skills and competencies needed to navigate the cultural challenges and ambiguities of multinational operations. The essay should include an appropriate use of international business literature and models discussed in class. 

2: Portfolio weighted 40%
Reflective Portfolio (1500 words)
The reflective portfolio is designed to assess students' ability to critically engage with the theoretical concepts and practical challenges related to managing in an international context. Students will draw on theoretical knowledge and personal reflections to demonstrate their understanding of managing profitable businesses in the contemporary business context.

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 17 March 2026