Unit name | Global Challenges |
---|---|
Unit code | MGRCM0013 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Mr. Cakir |
Open unit status | Not open |
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
International Business Perspectives in a Turbulent World; Global Strategy (for students on MSc International Business and Strategy) |
Units you may not take alongside this one |
n/a |
School/department | School of Management - Business School |
Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit explores the global nature of the Grand Challenges – ranging from resource scarcity and disrupted supply chains to heightened concerns around climate change and social justice – that shape the contemporary business environment. It considers global business as being simultaneously implicated in causing these problems but also mobilised in response to them. Drawing on a range of contemporary theoretical perspectives alongside practical examples and case studies, this unit interrogates the ways in which businesses and other stakeholders frame, interpret and respond to these challenges in the international context. In doing so, it explores the dynamics of ‘wicked’ or seemingly intractable problems that transcend traditional boundaries of organisations, sectors and national borders. Parallel to this, attention is paid to emerging forms of transnational governance and the development of more responsible global production and consumption networks. Students are thus required to engage with potential solutions that are technologically feasible, economically viable, culturally appropriate, and socially just.
Unit aims:
At the end of the unit a successful student will be able to:
This unit will be delivered through 10 x 3-hour lectorial sessions which blend lectures (2 hours) and small- group seminar activities (1 hour) to critically engage with ideas and case study examples to ensure that concepts are brought to life through applications. Students will be encouraged to pursue their own interests and required to read across a range of sources, including academic journals. A range of asynchronous activities (e.g. moderated group discussion boards) may be used as appropriate. Each student will be required to keep an online reflective learning journal.
Appropriate online and/or blended learning methods, including a mix of synchronous and asynchronous teaching activities, will be used if required due to COVID-19 or similar disruptions.
Students will be required to keep an online weekly reflective learning journal, reflecting on the concepts covered and their application to a range of wicked problems.
Formative assessment: One weekly reflective learning journal entry will be submitted for formative feedback. This supports and feeds forward into the summative assessment.
Summative assessment (100%): A reflective learning portfolio that draws on, develops and synthesises the entries from the weekly reflective learning journal (3,500 words).
The summative assessment addresses ILOs 1-4.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. MGRCM0013).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.