Business in Times of Global Instability SPS5069

  • Academic Session: 2025-26
  • School: School of Social and Political Sciences
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course will explore periods of instability in global business environments from 1945 to present day, examining their impact on business operations, and providing insight and theoretical perspectives into how firms navigate these complex environments. It will cover real-world case studies on political, economic and environmental challenges across different countries and regions around the world.

Timetable

The timetable for this course will be made available to students at the beginning of the academic year.

Two contact hours per week for 10 weeks. 

1 hour Lecture x 10 Weeks

1 hour Seminar x 10 Weeks

Requirements of Entry

The general requirements for entry to PGT level

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

1. Group presentation (40%)

2. One written assessment of 3000 words (60%)

Course Aims

This course aims to equip students with the knowledge to critically identify, assess and explore issues affecting businesses in complex global environments. Students will learn how to critically analyse events in the political, economic and environmental spheres with the support of theory through real-world case studies from around the world.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

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

■ Identify the impact of various forms of instability on global business environments and apply relevant theories in the analysis of instability across various industries.

 

■ Evaluate how businesses navigate complex business environments during times of instability.

 

■ Collaborate and coordinate effectively with others to manage a group project.

 

■ Demonstrate an ability to clearly present and communicate ideas in a group presentation.

 

■ Develop well-reasoned arguments, supported by the literature, in relation to global business during times of instability.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.