Module manager: Louise Kilburn
Email: l.h.kilburn@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
| LUBS1140 | Principles of International Business |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Successful global organisations seek to exploit the comparative advantages available when operating in international markets around the world. This module provides you with the theoretical foundations of international business and examines the strategies used by organisations operating in international markets. The module considers political, economic, and institutional differences across international markets and the strategies companies adopt when conducting business across national boundaries. The module analyses changes in the international environment as a result of globalisation and examines the increased interdependence between countries and firms in terms of flows of goods, services, finances and people.
The aim of the module is to introduce you to the key features of the international business environment, trade investment and international business management.
The objectives of this module are to:
1. Provide you with an understanding of the key features of the international business environment and international business management.
2. Develop your understanding of the essential concepts underpinning classical and modern theories of international trade.
3. Develop your understanding of different perspectives that shape contemporary international business activities.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Analyse classical and modern theories underpinning international trade.
2. Analyse the advantages and disadvantages of contrasting approaches to international trade.
3. Discuss contemporary issues relating to the international business environment.
4. Explain the opportunities and challenges that businesses face when operating internationally.
Skills Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate effective collaboration skills - by contributing to group tasks, negotiating shared decisions, and working constructively with peers during structured activities such as poster development and simulation-based consensus scoring.
2. Communicate information clearly and appropriately - by presenting academic concepts visually through a poster and explaining reasoning in concise written formats, suitable for both academic and workplace contexts.
3. Apply critical thinking to real-world international business scenarios - by analysing information, comparing alternative explanations, and evaluating the strengths and limitations of different strategic or theoretical approaches.
4. Make informed decisions using structured reasoning - by applying scoring criteria, weighing opportunities and challenges, and justifying selected options during individual and group decision-making tasks.
5. Reflect on personal learning and decision-making processes - by identifying differences between individual and group perspectives, recognising the influence of new information, and articulating insights gained from collaborative work.
6. Demonstrate creativity in presenting ideas and solutions - by designing clear and engaging visual outputs and generating alternative interpretations or responses to international business challenges.
Introduction to International Business and Globalisation
Cross-cultural business
Economic development of nations
International trade theories
Political economy of trade
Foreign direct investment and Regional Economic Investment
International Risks and corruption
Entry-Mode Strategies
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 2 | 22 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Independent online learning hours | 91 | ||
| Private study hours | 82 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 27 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Independent online learning
Independent online preparation for class 33
Independent online learning/research 28
Reading and research for assignments 30
Private Study
Reading 39
Critical reflection on practice 13
Assignment writing 30
1. Poster Planning Activities (Assessment 1) - In class poster planning workshop with quick verbal feedforward.
2. Guided peer review of poster drafts using a simplified rubric, followed by tutor highlights of common strengths and fixes.
3. Drop-in writing clinic offering short verbal guidance on structure and clarity.
4. Simulation Warm-ups (Assessment 2) - Short practice scoring exercise using a mini case, followed by a model answer discussion.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Poster | Poster and reflective commentary | 50 |
| Practical | Live simulation and reflection | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Assessment 1 resit will be an individual poster and commentary Assessment 2 resit will be an Individual Case Simulation Pack
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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