MSc Global Business Management

On this course you can design your own journey with a global perspective in mind. You’ll have the freedom and flexibility to follow your interests right from semester one. And if you aren’t sure what your interests are just yet, don’t worry, you’ll have lots of opportunities to discover them! In your first semester you will begin by discovering the essentials of the area you are interested in. There is a wide choice of modules to get you started in marketing, accounting, finance, operations, logistics, human resources, organisational behaviour, entrepreneurship, business creation and branding. You’ll learn from leading academics and practitioners in each field, immersing yourself in aspects of business you are interested in, learning and developing awareness of a diverse range of business issues. You’ll study alongside students from these different specialisms too, and from all over the world, making for a true melting pot of ideas. Semester one is all about exploring the different areas of business, discovering their key components, uncovering your interests and talents, and laying the foundation for deeper study and specialisation in semester two and three.

About

This MSc is for students with an undergraduate degree aspiring to work in multinational organisations, in varied cultural settings with a sound understanding of what it takes to be a Global business entrepreneur, leader, manager and an effective team player. A large number of modules are being made available so students aspiring towards a particular career path, be it in marketing, branding, HR, consulting, can study relevant content.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

You’ll experience a variety of assessment methods, including exams, coursework, group work and presentations. You will be able to submit formative and summative work for assessment, and you’ll receive feedback to help you identify areas for improvement and areas of strength.

Structure

In your second semester you’ll follow through from semester one and choose modules that best reflect your interests and chosen career path. You have a wide set of modules to select your options from. It is worth remembering that the unique selling points of this course are the following and it comes through in semester two and three:

Career focus – designed for ambitious graduates aspiring to pursue global business management careers involved with international trade, multinational operations, global supply networks, global marketing and branding, or global e-commerce and digital business

Progressive learning – three-tier structure with learning and understanding developed across three 12-week semesters in a modular structure, with first semester (Autumn) focusing on “foundation knowledge and skills”, second semester (Spring) focusing on “core subject knowledge and skills” and third semester (Summer) focusing on “advanced and integrative knowledge and skills”

Intensive study – genuine 12-month course taught across three semesters building a deep understanding with knowledge and skills for successful future global business management careers

Flexibility – wide choice of modules to tailor the course to suit future global business management career ambitions and interests

Teaching excellence – course delivered by outstanding academic team of business and management educators with global business management expertise in a TEF-Gold rated university focused on providing an outstanding student learning experience

Responsible business – overarching aim is to educate graduates with the principles of responsible business in promoting global business success through ethical management practices and business performance that balances support for profit, people and the place.

In your second and third semester, you will be able to go deeper into a particular interest, or go broader by combining several interests. You can choose modules where you’ll focus on developing your critical thinking, or opt for more skills-based, functional modules. You might decide to focus on business strategy or branding, or learn to apply what you have learned so far to the spheres of retail or marketing.

In all your modules you’ll look at business issues from a domestic and international perspective. This ensures you leave us ready to excel on the international stage, with skills that are relevant anywhere.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching

You will learn by a range of methods and approaches – including lectures, seminars, external industry practitioners, group presentations etc. – but always with a focus on utilizing your knowledge and skills in real business settings. As in a business context, you will undertake tasks individually and in groups, developing your teamwork and leadership skills. Throughout the course you will be required to reflect on and justify your decisions and choices, developing a professional mindset. Each module will open up opportunities for you to excel and develop the transferable skills so essential for future success in your chosen career path plus success in your course outcome.

Independent Study

You are expected to engage in significant independent study to achieve the best outcome you aspire to.

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Assessment for Year 1

Compulsory Modules

INTEGRATED BUSINESS DECISIONS

Code NBS-7034X

Credits 20

This is a module with a twist - building on core skills such as team-working, marketing, accounting and strategy, you’ll apply your knowledge and work in teams to win different ‘games’ – the military has previously used such games to teach strategy and tactics. Updated to reflect the international business environment, you’ll be using each game as a way to embed your knowledge and see if your team emerges as the winner!

GLOBAL BUSINESS

Code NBS-7088X

Credits 20

This module provides students within a comprehensive understanding of Global Business. We examine the essentials of Global Business, including – the environment, strategy, organisation and management. A central feature of the module is the emphasis on real-world scenarios and problems associated with Global Business. Teaching methods includes - case studies, in-class activities and the use of learning technologies. An example of the latter is the game-based learning platform Kahoot! Students will be encouraged to critically analyse the Global Business Environment and entry strategies in Global Business. Managing Global Business across different business functions together with the opportunities and challenges faced by management will be considered.

Optional A Modules

(60 credits)

BRANDS AND STRATEGY

Code NBS-7017A

Credits 20

The module gives you a good understanding of how organisations can use brands to achieve their strategic objectives. You will look at: - what brands mean for both companies and customers - how brand value is built - how to communicate using brands - how brands are managed globally - how brands are managed over time.

INNOVATION AND ORGANISATIONAL TRANSFORMATION

Code NBS-7018A

Credits 20

You’ll explore the relationship between innovation and change in organisations, on the one hand, and brand management and leadership, on the other. Most organisations need to be able to change and innovate in order to survive and thrive in in modern societies. You will learn about how organisational change and innovation take place and the role of organisational brands in helping, and sometimes hindering, change and innovation. You will practice and develop the analytical, critical and creative skills necessary to move from being a brand manager to a brand leader.

RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS

Code NBS-7051A

Credits 20

This module provides you with the knowledge required to understand issues in corporate governance. Exploring corporate governance developments in different countries will enable you to understand the importance of different institutional settings, the influence of legal, regulatory and political environments, and why differences in ownership structure have arisen and how this impacts on companies. Corporate governance is examined in detail together with topical issues including directors’ remuneration, board diversity, and succession planning. You will also examine topical issues such as corporate restructuring, corporate social responsibility, and competition policy.

GLOBAL LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT

Code NBS-7054A

Credits 20

This advanced module will introduce you to some of the latest ideas and concepts related to global logistics management and supply chain network of which they are a part. The module focuses on both the medium to long term planning outlooks of the logistics chains and also on their immediate day-to-day management, i.e. the module focuses on both strategic, tactical and operational levels of management of global logistics chains. You will be able to explore the key strategic and tactical decisions faced by supply chain managers, for example, decisions about logistics processes, integration, collaboration, visibility, value co-creation, use of information technology, and network resilience, etc. You will be able to learn and understand the following aspects of global logistics, viz. concepts of logistics and supply chain, modes of transport, international freight management, distribution network planning, inventory handling, warehousing, technologies in logistics, supply chain visibility and resilience, and application of different management philosophies. This module is taken in combination with Marketing Theory and Practice and Strategic Operations and Supply Management.

INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTING

Code NBS-7076A

Credits 20

In this module you will study the comparative and international aspects of financial accounting and reporting which are becoming of greater importance with increasing globalisation. The first part of the module will set the scene and discuss reasons for international differences in financial accounting and reporting, and will review the progress that has been made towards the international harmonisation and standardisation of accounting. In the second part you will look at financial reporting by listed groups, compare and contrast the approaches and requirements of IFRS and US GAAP, and consider in more detail a number of important and controversial financial reporting topics. In the third part of the module you will examine more closely financial accounting and reporting in a number of key countries and companies. The final part of the module will conclude by investigating current and emerging issues and developments in international financial accounting and reporting.

Optional B Modules

(60 credits)

DIGITAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Code NBS-7027B

Credits 20

You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the nature of e-Business and e-Commerce as well as the Internet infrastructure and the variety of firms competing in e-Business markets. This module also aims to demonstrate the current successes and failures of e-Business ventures in different industries and markets. You will further explore current developments in Business-to-Consumer (B2C) and Business-to-Business (B2B) e-Commerce. In this way, electronic business methods enable companies to link their internal and external data processing systems more efficiently and flexibly, to work more closely with suppliers and partners, to better satisfy the needs of their customers. Lastly, lectures will be supplemented by case studies of e-Business practice, group exercises and exploration of relevant Internet based companies and sites.

MANAGING ACROSS THE GLOBE

Code NBS-7037B

Credits 20

This module is designed to sensitise you to the context specific nature of the discipline of management and help you uncover the diversity among managerial values and practices across the world. It seeks to equip you with the knowledge and skills that will give them the confidence to be members of organisations anywhere on the globe.

DEVELOPING FUTURE LEADERS

Code NBS-7038B

Credits 20

Developing future leaders is about talent management in organisations who focus on management recruitment, selection and succession for the next generation. It is about growing your leaders through recruitment to succession, but this is an endeavour that many organisations struggle with in a competitive global labour market. Through uniting your individual perspectives of a career with organisational perspectives of career models, you will gain insight not only in how talent management works in global contexts but how you could engage with this process in your future career. In this module, you will learn about talent management and the differing perspectives on career management. You will learn theoretical tools that organisations can use to help develop future leaders. You will also individually assess and evaluate for yourself different career models and approaches that organisations can use. On successfully completing this module, you will have gained a greater insight into what you value and appreciate in relation to your future career. However, you will have skills and knowledge that help you understand how talent management programmes are used to help develop future leaders and communicate that knowledge to others in different business contexts.

ADVANCED PERFORMANCE AND HR

Code NBS-7039B

Credits 20

This module will provide you with theoretical concepts and practical knowledge surrounding performance and Human Resources Management, developing your understanding of the evidence based management practices that contribute to improvement of performance in individuals, teams and organisations.

MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING

Code NBS-7044B

Credits 20

This module is concerned with the design and functioning of accounting information for decision-making, control and performance management in various organisations from a theoretical, applied and strategic context. It aims to encourage students to: (1) Appreciate the contribution and value of management accountants and their various inputs into the strategic planning process; (2) Interpret and evaluate financial and non-financial management accounting information and to be able to comprehend the managerial implications arising; (3) Understand the difficulties, limitations and problems associated with using management accounting information; and (4) Be able to apply management accounting techniques in a manner that is transferable into employment (work situations).

INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Code NBS-7048B

Credits 20

This module provides the knowledge required to understand the critical role that corporate governance plays in helping to ensure confidence in financial markets. It will cover the following topics: The main corporate governance issues and the two dominant approaches to corporate governance (i.e. concentrated versus dispersed ownership structures and their related agency problems, shareholders and stakeholders view); Roles of institutional investors, individual investors and stakeholders; Shareholder activism; Board structures including board independence and board diversity; The remuneration of CEOs and other board directors including stock option plans; Regulatory aspects of corporate governance; practice and effectiveness of corporate governance both in the UK and in other selected countries; The debate on the convergence or divergence of corporate governance national systems (including the role of supra-national economic institutions as driving forces towards a convergence process). The effect of the global financial crisis in re-shaping the current debate on corporate governance and the perceived failures of corporate governance will also be taken into account.

INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT

Code NBS-7055B

Credits 20

Research indicates that innovative firms, those that are able to exploit and use innovation to improve their processes or to differentiate their products and services, outperform their competitors, measured in terms of market share, profitability, growth and market capitalisation. However, the management of innovation is inherently complex and risky. In many cases, new technologies fail to be converted into products and services. In fact, most new products and services are not commercial successes. In sum, innovation can enhance competitiveness, but it also requires a different set of management skills from those doing the everyday business administration within the firms. The first half of the module will cover both economic and managerial aspects of innovation. Students. You will develop an in-depth understanding of key aspects of innovation processes and their institutional and strategic implications. Learning that innovation is a cross-functional task involving all corporate functions like R&D, marketing, production and finance is a central objective of the module. Using exemplary innovation case studies students will first acquire knowledge of key terms and definitions of innovation research. The emergence of systematic innovation in the corporate environment will be discussed by studying the history of certain industries. At the organizational level, ways to leverage innovation internally and with external partners will be analysed. You will learn about different sources of innovation as well as roles and functions in the innovation process. Key concepts like open innovation and user innovation will be discussed thoroughly. Their practical applications and implications will be pointed out. The module will also discuss the issue of how to appropriate the returns from innovation, with special focus on patents and markets for technology. This second half of the module will examine how to introduce technology into organisations, and the associated opportunities and problems. You will be introduced to Information Systems and their socio-technical nature and the process of developing and commissioning information systems and the essential inherent human and managerial issues. You will also be introduced to critical contemporary issues such as Big Data, e-commerce, Knowledge Management, Control and Productivity.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND DIGITAL MARKETING

Code NBS-7086B

Credits 20

Social media is an emerging and quickly developing field. You will cover areas of social media marketing such as customer engagement, social shopping, and social customer service. You will gain an in-depth understanding of what consumers are doing in social media and transform this understanding into marketing relevant expertise. Further, it provides knowledge and understanding of the main theories relating to the use of new interactive marketing media and the application of these theories in the development of marketing relationships.

Optional C Modules

(20 credits)

MANAGEMENT SKILLS AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Code NBS-7031X

Credits 20

This module is designed to give you a solid set of management skills through which your learning from across all modules develops into a coherent whole. The focus will be on developing management skills recognised as important for securing meaningful employment in the global marketplace appropriate to the Master’s level of qualification. This is an applied vision and skill development module, focusing on the development of the new skill sets for managers of the 21st century. It is designed as a learning environment and a management trainee program that focuses on the development of knowledge and skills for global leaders. A core belief underlying our approach, demonstrated in interactive sessions, stems from the Chinese proverb, “Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand.” A variety of methods will be used to simulate a real-world business environment such as collaborative learning, lectures, management training videos, presentations, films, discussions, role-plays, and workshops. This module is one of the few management courses in the UK that builds on unique features, such as individual customization, creative skill development, project based learning, and positive change. We will have intensive brainstorming sessions, problem based learning plus facilitated and self-directed action learning to help you and your colleagues develop and apply management skills for your career in the 21st century. In today’s global, rapidly changing knowledge-based economy, learning and experimenting with management skills and personal development is one of the smartest investments you can make for your career.

BUSINESS LEADERSHIP AND CHANGE MANAGEMENT

Code NBS-7041X

Credits 20

How do organisations change and develop, and how do the workers respond to change? Why do projects fail to deliver the intended results, or come in over-budget or late? These questions are essential to the study of organisations’ growth and survival. Organisations are not static, and you are likely to find yourselves in organisations that are undergoing change. Throughout this module you will discover a wealth of different approaches to achieving change. You’ll gain a firm understanding of both the practice and theory of leading and managing change in contemporary organisations. You’ll also learn how to communicate ideas, principles and theories, by written, oral and visual means. You’ll begin with an overview of how organisations are managed and lead. Then you’ll delve deeper, uncovering core concepts such as planned and emergent change. You’ll be exploring the leadership of change as a collective activity that can be shared among different people, and you’ll be finding out ways in which the leader, the followers, and the practice of leadership can become one in ‘co-creation’. By using different tools to analyse the organisation within its environment, you’ll become expert in finding what needs to be changed, and deciding how change can be achieved. You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars, and self-directed study. As you study you’ll put your new knowledge into practice, gaining experience in communicating your ideas in small group work, as well as through written work and presentations. On successful completion of the module, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to take leadership studies to the next level, drilling down into specialist areas of your choosing. You’ll develop your research, writing and presentation skills. And you’ll be able to communicate your ideas more effectively, putting your thinking to the test by sharing it with others.

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Open Days

Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.

Entry Requirements

Degree classification

2.2 or equivalent

Degree subject

All subjects* (excluding UK degrees in a business-related subject, for which our Academic & Professional Courses are more suitable) *Degrees in dance, drama, music, sport, art, and art and design will be considered on a case by case basis and are reviewed closely for their academic content

Additional entry requirements

Applicants should normally have a good undergraduate degree from a recognised higher education institution in the UK or overseas in disciplines other than business or management. Applicants from overseas may hold a non-UK degree in any discipline.

If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study one of the International Graduate Diploma programmes offered by our partner INTO UEA. These programmes guarantee progression to selected master's degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details please click here:

International Graduate Diploma in Business

Students for whom english is a foreign language

We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:

IELTS: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in all components)
PTE (Pearson): 58 (minimum 42 in all components)

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

Other tests, including Cambridge English exams and the Trinity Integrated Skills in English are also accepted by the university. The full list of accepted tests can be found here: Accepted English Language Tests

INTO UEA also run pre-sessional courses which can be taken prior to the start of your course. For further information and to see if you qualify please contact intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be offering Pre-sessional courses online from June to September 2020. Further details can be found on our Online Pre-Sessional English webpage.

Intakes

This course is open to UK, EU and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.

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Course Reference Number: 816384

MSc GLOBAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT