MSc International Business Management
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
The course focuses on managing international organisations in a rapidly changing, global, business environment. It is for those who have previously studied a business-related subject and/or have business work experience.
We equip you with the necessary skills to work at a managerial level in an international organisation and to work effectively in more than one country. You have the opportunity to develop cultural intelligence and work in multicultural teams. This course has a diverse mix of cultures with students from China, Russia, Indian subcontinent, Africa, SE Asia and the EU.
Your studies involve a mixture of knowledge-based learning such as understanding the dynamics of business in different parts of the world and skills-based learning including work experience.
You gain
knowledge and understanding of how businesses work in different regions of the world
practical techniques to support international management, such as country evaluation, methods of international market entry, market development planning and strategic analysis
international management skills including multicultural group work, making decisions in different cultural environments and leadership skills for international management
knowledge of the role of the internet and e-commerce as tools for international managers
an understanding of the management of global alliances, supply chains, exporting and the development of international trade and investment policies
The work experience part of the course includes business simulations an international consultancy project visits to companies and organisations guest speakers. These opportunities give you the chance to develop your practical skills in a real world setting.
Your dissertation, which is a major project, is usually on an issue of strategic importance geared to your interest. It can be based on a live issue identified by an international company.
Associated careers
Graduates from this course have an impressive record of securing employment with well-known multinational organisations. These include Shell Heinz Vodafone Marriott Hotels Nokia Reuters McKinsey the Mannesmann Group Siemens. Successful graduates can work in business areas such as business development marketing human resource management project management consultancy trade.
Some students return home to apply their expertise in family firms, and others work in small and medium sized enterprises. Or you can continue your education through PhD study.
Course content
Postgraduate Certificate/Postgraduate Diploma
Core modules
global business environment international management competencies global business strategy global supply chain management managing global alliances international consultancy project
Global business environment
You critically evaluate the impact of globalisation upon global businesses, and gain 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 business strategy
This module explains the recent major trends in the globalisation of industries and markets, and evaluates the key drivers. You distinguish between different forms of multinational enterprise organisational structures global mission objectives strategy, and assesses their strengths and weaknesses. You critically evaluate the major competitive strategies adopted by global enterprises.
Global supply chain management
You gain an overview of world trade and trading patterns. In this context, you study a range of global supply chains, and explore the current concerns of managing complex relationships such as building relationships with suppliers, developing transport plans, issues in management of supply chains and the ethical dimension.
Managing global alliances
You study the partnerships and alliances that are becoming a feature of the international business environment, and of the differences between internet and traditional bricks-and-mortar alliances. You gain an understanding of the skills required to manage such alliances effectively in the global business and e-commerce environments.
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.
Options
Two from relationship marketing entrepreneurial marketing and innovation perspectives on international human resource management information strategy for a global economy international business finance
MSc
research methods dissertation
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
You complete a range of assignments during and at the end of each semester.
Entry requirements
You normally need one of the following
a good bachelors degree from an approved degree awarding body, university or college, in a business-related field
professional qualification(s) by examination, recognised as being the equivalent of a bachelors degree in a business-related field with additional evidence to justify the equivalence of the qualification
a specified diploma in a business-related field that, on satisfactory completion, 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 these criteria you can apply for the Graduate Diploma in Business and English. This is a pre-masters course that gives you the opportunity to improve your English language skills and business knowledge. After passing this diploma we automatically offer you a place on one of the masters degrees offered by Business and Finance.
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
To apply online for this course select the start date below
Or you can complete an application 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