Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2019-2020 (archived)

Module BUSI44A15: INTERNATIONALISATION OF SERVICES (FT)

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI44A15: INTERNATIONALISATION OF SERVICES (FT)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2019/20
Tied to N1K017
Tied to N1KC17

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • Building on the core theme Managing in the Global Environment, this module provides students with:
  • a critical appreciation of the nature and significance of services in the national and international economy;
  • an ability to critically apply theoretical explanations of the internationalisation of the firm to service enterprises;
  • an advanced understanding of the challenges for service enterprises active in the international environment;
  • a depth of knowledge of recent research in the field of service internationalisation.

Content

  • The nature and significance of services in the national and international economy.
  • Methods of service internationalisation.
  • Trends in the internationalisation of services.
  • Theories of internationalisation and their application to services.
  • The rise of international production in services.
  • Barriers to the internationalisation of services.
  • General Agreement on Trade in Services - World Trade Organisation and negotiations on the international provision of services.
  • Knowledge intensive services and cross border knowledge transfer.
  • Sector case studies - these will be selected from a range of service sub-sectors including the following: Business services; Retailing; Education; Media and entertainment; Telecommunications; Utilities; Hotel and restaurant; Finance; Transportation; Construction.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Upon successful completion of the module, the students will have a critical appreciation of:
  • the nature and significance of services in the national and international economy;
  • methods of, and trends in, service internationalisation;
  • theories of services internationalisation;
  • barriers to the internationalisation of services, General Agreement on Trade in Services and World Trade Organisation negotiations on services;
  • cross border knowledge transfer through services;
  • the internationalisation of a number of specific service sub-sectors.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Upon successful completion of the module, the students will be able to:
  • critically analyse theories of the internationalisation of services.
Key Skills:
  • Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Learning outcomes will be met through a combination of lectures, groupwork, case studies and discussion, supported by guided reading. The written assignment will test students' understanding of relevant concepts and their ability to apply and interpret what they have learned to the analysis of a particular issue in depth.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Workshops (a combination of lectures, groupwork, case studies and discussion) 28
Preparation and Reading 122
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Assignment 4,000 words maximum 100%

Formative Assessment:

None.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University