Foundation College
Global Business Studies
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Key information
Key information
- Duration
- 3 weeks
- Start of programme
- Summer 2022
- Attendance mode
- Full-time
- Location
- Russell Square, College Buildings
Course overview
This course aims to introduce students to current issues in International Business and Business Studies in the age of the Covid-19 pandemic and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Events over the last year have changed the face of business and business practices which are increasingly taking place online. This is a fascinating time to be studying Global Business with so many global, political and environmental changes which all impact strategy and practice. Understanding the management, marketing, financial, and operational challenges associated with global business activity, and developing skills in these areas, have become essential requirements for success.
In addition, the increasing importance of CSR now requires businesses to take ethical issues within business more seriously. This can include taking into account the environmental impact of business practices, fair trade, Human Resource (HR) equal opportunity practices and the importance of safe working conditions and practices. This course is designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and sensitivity required to create, maintain, and strengthen sustainable competitive advantage within a global environment.
The course is taught through a series of lectures, seminars, case studies and discussion classes with supporting English tuition. The English language support classes are integrated with the course topics, thus giving students the opportunity to extend their knowledge and understanding of current business issues in Asia and in Europe and to share experiences and insights from their own experience of business practice and cultures in these regions. Particular emphasis is placed on developing students’ speaking skills; for example, discussion and cross-cultural negotiation skills. At the end of the course, students will be required to give a business-style presentation on a topic related to issues covered by the course.
Entry recommendations
Students should be at an intermediate level of English in order to follow and participate in classes. We do not require proof of English level, but as a guideline IELTS 5.5, TOEFL IBT 76 (or equivalent) are recommended.
Structure
Areas of study
Lecture 1: The globalisation of business
An introduction to globalisation and the globalisation drivers, and how these drivers have influenced the development of a new global business environment in recent years. The business environment ‘post-Covid 19’ will be examined using case studies and class discussion, e.g. the growth of India’s manufacturing and FDI (Foreign Direct Investment).
Lecture 2: Global financial markets (how the city works)
A discussion of the complex role that the City of London plays in global trade and the necessity to enhance the effectiveness of the global financial system through innovation and more sustainable business development strategies. The ethics of financial markets and global capitalism will be examined.
Lecture 3: Search for competitive advantage through global networks
An analysis of the range of networks that are developing around the world to support the increasing level of global trade. This will include the emergence of network capitalism and the webs of enterprise that support it. It will focus on the expanding networks of e-business and potential barriers to trade, such as Brexit, and the global shifts in power between countries and trading blocs.
Lecture 4: SMEs - sustaining global growth through entrepreneurship
This topic area highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the new micro nationals and how the governments of many nations are supporting the development of the SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) sector within their economies. SMEs in the UK account for 99.9% of the business population (6 million businesses) and the role of SMEs are often underestimated but play a crucial role in national and international trade.
Lecture 5: Global marketing - a comparative analysis
A study of how culture-specific values appear to influence the behaviour of customers in Asia and Europe and how global business in each region is attempting to develop effective brand management strategies to exploit global business opportunities. The ethics of marketing will also be discussed with a focus on CSR.
Lecture 6: Global brand management
A discussion of the emergence of global brands and an examination of how consumer perceptions and lifestyles are shaped by their continued development across the globe. The representation of power structures within global branding will be examined in more depth with the use of case studies.
Case studies
Typical case study topics will be:
- Amazon
- Nestle
- Fujifilm
- Lloyds of London
- McDonalds
- Starbucks
- Tesco
- Nespresso
Important notice
The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously taught as part of these programmes. However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.
Teaching and learning
Subject courses with English support are taught by two teachers, a subject specialist and a language expert. The subject classes use lectures, seminars and cases studies, whereas the integrated language classes focus on skills development (especially speaking and listening) using the subject content.
This is a full-time course with interactive live classes every day (mornings UK time), plus daily independent guided study. Students work towards delivering a presentation at the end of the course. You can expect to strengthen language skills and deepen subject knowledge, whilst gaining greater confidence in communicating in English in an academic setting.
All teaching takes place online using easy-to-use platforms. You will need a computer with a webcam and mic.
The maximum number of students per class is 15.
You will receive a certificate for successful course completion.
Students will also have access to SOAS library including our wide range of e-books and e-journals.
FAQ
For further information, please see the IFCELS frequently asked questions
Fees and funding
Fees
- 3 weeks: (1 block): £1,800 GBP
- 6 weeks: (2 blocks): £3,350 GBP (save £250*)
- 9 weeks: (3 blocks): £4,800 GBP (save £600*)
*Compared to the cost of multiple individual blocks. The reduced fees for multiple blocks above are available for 2 or 3 blocks booked at the same time. The fee for any additional blocks booked after the initial application will be £1,800 for one extra block and £3,350 for two.
