This course aims to develop the cultural knowledge, awareness and capabilities required by executives working in international business.

This course will be taught over 3 weeks in semester 1

The course will be assessed through an individual assignment, supported by a formative learning process. The individual assignment will comprise a 2500 word individual critical reflection of the cultural issues which have been observed and experienced during team-working, explicitly linked to models of national cultural differences.

This course aims to develop the cultural knowledge, awareness and capabilities required by executives working in international business. These include managers working from their home base but interacting with foreign cultures through exporting, importing & international projects; and personnel working abroad as international executives. Notions of national cultural differences influence the behaviour of individuals (consumers), teams and organisations and, therefore, marketing, negotiating, team-working and managing across cultures. The course aims to provide a critical understanding of the conceptual notions of culture, how national culture influences management practice, and how to manage cultural differences effectively.

The multicultural membership of the course provides an excellent forum for exploring notions of national cultural differences; and students will reflect on practical challenges and benefits of working cross-culturally through group-working.

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate the major theoretical and empirical studies of national cultural differences, highlighting their contributions and limitations;

2. Assess management practices and the impact of culture upon them, including work, motivation, entrepreneurship, leadership and team-working, negotiation and trust, conflict and dispute resolution, and ethics;

3. Analyse and critique comparative management models and theories; identify their implications for management in different national and regional contexts;

4. Evaluate the impact of cross-cultural encounters for international & multinational business, including acquisitions & mergers, joint ventures and collaborations.

5. Show international management skills and competences through leadership, creativity and sensitivity in multicultural team-working; and through critical reflection on team-working;

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

Further requirements may include monitored attendance at classes and examinations. All such requirements shall be specified by the Subject concerned, and given to students in writing at the beginning of the course. Normally no grade or credits shall be awarded to a candidate who has not met these requirements.