International Business Finance module (BU51019)

You will learn about the importance of international business. This will explore the role of multinational corporations in fostering international competition. You will also cover the associated political and economic risks and risk-reduction methods.

You will learn the necessary knowledge and analytical skills to critically evaluate opportunities and challenges presented to multinational corporations. These are presented by foreign policies, international business environments and financial instruments. You will look at these opportunities and challenges within the context of:

• the international monetary system
• foreign exchange market
• foreign exchange rate determinants and intervention
• funding the multinational firm
• political and economic risks

You will also look at risk management options such as:

• international diversification
• use of foreign currency derivatives (futures, options and swaps)

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• gain insight into the international business environment
• understand foreign investments and operations
• learn how global firms are financed
• discuss foreign exchange theory and markets
• explore foreign exchange exposure
• discuss political and economic risks in international business
• learn about financial risk management strategies

By the end of the module, you will be able to:

• understand the opportunities and challenges for multinational firms
• employ economic principles and reasoning. You will do this to assess the effects of monetary and exchange rate policy on businesses
• understand the foreign exchange market
• understand foreign currency derivatives: Futures, Options and Swaps
• utilise problem-solving skills
• construct well-balanced arguments in an academic essay format

Assignments / assessment

• coursework (30%)
• two multiple choice quizzes (20%)
• final exam (50%)

Teaching methods / timetable

• one 2-hour in-person lecture per week for ten weeks
• one 1-hour tutorial per week for nine weeks