MSc Managing Global Business

Attendance

Full-time

Full-time
September start – typically one year
January start – typically 15 months but you can complete it in 12 months

At a glance

About this course

We designed this course for students with a non-business degree who wish to develop the knowledge and skills needed to begin or re-focus a career in international business and management.

Globalising markets are reshaping the way organisations are configured and the way that they conduct international business.

Global competitiveness has become a major concern for organisations that increasingly need new knowledge and more specialised skills.

You develop your knowledge of global business and the main areas involved in business management. This includes understanding the global business environment and the company responses to this. You also examine the impact of risk on global companies.

You develop your understanding of the operational and strategic issues facing global businesses and the international management skills needed to evaluate global market opportunities. To help you to develop your practical skills in a real world setting, we offer work related activities that may include • business simulations • an international consultancy project • visits to companies and organisations • guest speakers.

Your dissertation, which is a major project, is usually on an issue of strategic importance geared to your interest. It is your chance to demonstrate your research and project management skills to employers.

Associated careers

You can find management careers in small international companies or multinational organisations such as Cisco Systems, Siemens and Vodafone. There are also opportunities for working as an international business consultant.

Successful graduates can work in business areas such as • business development • marketing • human resource management • project management – in an international context.

Course content

Postgraduate certificate/Postgraduate diploma

Core Modules
• global business environment • international management competencies • global marketing • global human resource management • global business strategy • governing global risk • international consultancy project

Options

Choose one from • international business finance • export management • information strategy for a global economy • enterprise and innovation; an international perspective

MSc

• research methods • dissertation

Module descriptions

Global business environment
You critically evaluate the impact of globalisation upon global businesses and gain an understanding of the increasing influence of the global business environment on global firms. This module sets the context for much of the rest of the course.

International management competencies
You develop the international management competencies you need to function in the multicultural environment of international business organisations. This module provides a practical underpinning for all other modules – and a significant opportunity for personal development.

Global marketing
This module aims to improve your strategic marketing decision making skills in a global context. You learn how to develop innovative marketing solutions for implementation throughout the diverse global markets. This is vital to global organisations that continuously need to build sustainable competitive advantage. A key element is the use of specific global organisation situations to identify not only good practice but also the possibility of using more creative solutions.

Global human resource management
This module introduces you to human resource management and the challenges of managing people in a global context. The emphasis is on researching aspects of the global environment as it impacts on the management of people.

Global business strategy
This module explains the recent major trends in the globalisation of industries and markets and evaluates the key drivers. It distinguishes between different forms of multinational enterprise, organisational structures, global mission, objectives and strategy and assesses their strengths and weaknesses. You critically evaluate the major competitive strategies adopted by global enterprises and integrate the various business functions within the formulation and operation of global strategic plans.

Governing global risk
The module will encourage the students to examine the nature and forms of business risk in the global context and also of the methods of governance used to minimise, control or otherwise address these risks.

International consultancy project
This module introduces you to the consultancy process, theories and approaches to consultancy. You gain work experience from working for a sponsoring firm on a focused, live international market research and development problem requiring consultancy assistance. It also improves your cross-cultural communication skills and teamwork.

Research methods
This module introduces the practical and theoretical aspects of research methods building upon the experience in the international consultancy project. You look at the importance of reviewing available literature and of selecting an appropriate methodology.

Dissertation
The dissertation provides an invaluable opportunity for you to undertake a major research-based project on a topic relevant to your work or your interests. You review different research methods and techniques. The dissertation gives you the opportunity to demonstrate the skills and knowledge you have gained, and develop your research skills.

Assessment

Course work including • project work • written papers • presentations • time constrained assignments

Entry requirements

Normally one of the following
• a good bachelors degree from an approved degree awarding body, university or college, in a non-business area
• professional qualification(s) by examination, recognised as being the equivalent of a bachelors degree and additional evidence to justify the equivalence of the qualification
• a specified diploma that allows you to follow a course of study for a masters degree

Overseas applicants from countries whose first language is not English must normally produce evidence of competence in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 with 5.5 in all skills (or equivalent) is the standard for non-native speakers of English. If your English language skill is currently below an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English level.

If you do not meet the above criteria you can apply for the Graduate Diploma in Business and English. This is a pre-masters course that provides the opportunity to improve your English language skills and business knowledge. After passing this diploma we automatically offer you a place on one of our business and finance masters degrees.

Fees

Home and EU students

2013/14 academic year

Typically £5,355 for the course

International students

2013/14 academic year

Typically £12,060 for the course

2014/15 academic year

Typically £12,150 for the course

How to apply

Complete the application form available at www.shu.ac.uk/study/form

Contact details

For more information contact Sheffield Business School, Sheffield Hallam University, Stoddart Building, City Campus, Sheffield S1 1WB. Phone +44 (0)114 225 2820, fax +44 (0)114 225 5268, e-mail sbs@shu.ac.uk