International Business and Finance
The world’s economy is becoming increasingly global and individuals who understand the international context of business and finance are in demand.
This course will explore some of the key issues and themes from both a business and finance perspective, including how multinational corporations leverage financial markets when seeking to exploit international business opportunities, the management challenges presented, and the relevance of these to financial and capital markets.
Students will gain an understanding of the international business environment and its competitive and investment climate. Using frameworks and methodologies, students will also investigate the interaction between firm strategies, economic policies and the changing international environment.
The course is also designed to give you knowledge and understanding of international business and finance activities of any organisation. You will explore various aspects of international business and come face to face with the latest debates and discoveries in the subject. A wide range of topics such as financial derivatives, supply chains and corporate governance will be discussed, as will be the challenges and strategies related to managing across cultures and countries.
There were so many different nationalities in our classroom I learnt a lot about their country and culture, along with improving my academic studies and English language ability.
Zhengjie Shen (China)
Key Facts
Expected independent study: 90 hours
Optional assessment: Dependant on course
Typical credit: 3-4 credits (US) 7.5 ECTS points (EU)** Please check with your home institution
For more information on exams and credit, please see our Teaching and assessment page
Entry Requirements
This course is open to students who are studying or have previously studied a social sciences degree or modules from a social sciences degree. You should attach your most recent transcript or provide a screenshot of your modules from your student portal as evidence when you apply. Students should also meet our standard entry requirements and must be aged 18 or over by the time the Summer School commences and have a good understanding of the English language.
Syllabus
Topics for Week 1
- Banking
- Money markets
- Bond markets
- Securitisation; credit rating
- Equity (stock) markets
- Derivatives I: futures and options
- Derivatives II: credit derivatives
- Financial regulation (time allowing)
Topics for Week 2
- Globalization: What is it and what are its drivers
- Principles of International Trade
- The International Economic Environment
- Multinational Corporations: internal organization and strategies
- Market Structure and Firms’ Strategies
- Foreign Domestic investment
Topics for Week 3
- Business Strategy - Use of Game Theory
- International Competition and Cooperation
- Economic and Political Country Risks
- Risk of Expropriation
Course Aims
This course aims to explore some of the key issues and themes from both a business and finance perspective, including how multinational corporations leverage financial markets when seeking to exploit international business opportunities, the management challenges presented, and the relevance of these to financial and capital markets. Using frameworks and methodologies, students will investigate the interaction between firm strategies, economic policies and the changing international environment.
Learning Outcomes
- To gain an understanding of the international business environment and its competitive and investment climate
- To provide students with an in-depth understanding of the correlations between the areas of finance and the global economy
- To examine issues from both a business and economic perspective
- To enhance your understanding of the strategic context in which international business operates
- To help prepare you for a career in the finance operations of large multinational corporations.
Course Structure
For this course, there will be 4 hours of teaching on most weekdays, comprised of lectures and small group teaching. The structure will be:
- 3 hours of lectures.
- A 1 hour seminar in small groups.
Students will also be given time each day for independent study. Towards the end of the third week, students will be provided with time for revision.
Course Assessment
The module will be assessed via a 2-hour examination. It should be noted that the exam is not compulsory. Everyone who completes the course – whether or not they sit the exam - will receive a certificate of attendance. However, by taking the exam you will also receive a grade/mark for the course which can be helpful to you.
Week 1
Textbooks
Glen Arnold, Modern Financial Markets and Institutions, Pearson Education, 2012
Marc Levinson, Guide to Financial Markets, 6th edition, The Economist, 2014
Further reading
Alan S. Blinder, Andrew W. Lo and Robert M. Solow, Rethinking the Financial Crisis, Russell Sage Foundation Publications, 2012
Newspapers/news
Financial Times, The Economist, Reuters
Websites
Please note changes to the syllabus and teaching team may be made over the coming months before exact set of topics are finalised.
Take a look at our other related courses:
Money and Banking