Course Catalogue

Emerging Trends and Issues in International Business MGT5507

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: Adam Smith Business School
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

The established body of international business (IB) knowledge and models was developed within the context of globalisation and shaped by the technological conditions of that era. In recent years, however, we have witnessed profound changes in the broader context in which international trade and investment take place.

 

This elective course introduces students to emerging perspectives and practices in international business, exploring contemporary trends such as digitalisation, AI, digital platform multinationals, nationalism, geopolitical tensions, and international migration and entrepreneurship. Through expert-led seminars, the course builds students' capability to evaluate the opportunities and challenges presented by this new and evolving context and further develops their problem-solving and reflective skills.

 

Learning activities involve active interaction, self-reflection, presentations, and the identification of problems and opportunities, along with the development of appropriate solutions.

Timetable

5 x 2 hour seminars

1 x 2 hour workshop

Requirements of Entry

Students must be registered on one of the associated programmes listed in this course specification.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

1. Oral assessment & presentation; 8 minutes; 60%; ILOs 1,3.

2. Written assignment, including essay; Individual; 700 words; 40%; ILO 2.

Course Aims

The aim of this elective course is to introduce students to new perspectives and practices that may challenge or extend established approaches in international business. Through engagement with industry experts and academic researchers from diverse disciplines and sectors, the course equips students with new insights into and practical approaches to critical topics related to emerging trends shaping international business, such as firm digitalisation and AI, digital platform multinationals, nationalism, geopolitical tensions, and international migration and entrepreneurship.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

 

1. Critically evaluate opportunities and challenges that emerging trends and issues present to international business.

 

2. Assess new perspectives and/or contemporary practices that enrich or challenge conventional international business knowledge.

 

3. Develop advanced solutions by incorporating new insights from the seminars to address emerging opportunities or challenges.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions