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Fundamentals of International Business

Delve into international business strategies to understand how companies successfully expand into international markets.

2 business women discussing on a world map within a big computer screen

Unpack international economics to help prepare for expansion

Globalisation and growing international trade have brought both new challenges and opportunities for many economies.

On this four-week course, you’ll gain an understanding of the different aspects of international business to learn the best practices for successfully expanding into international markets.

You’ll discover how new ways of trading raise many questions with international business leaders before exploring some of the answers to these challenges.

Evaluate the role of economic analysis

As you delve into international economics and trade theory, you’ll start to evaluate the role of economic analysis within international business.

This knowledge will help you understand the economic underpinnings of business strategy in international settings.

Learn how to apply competitive strategies

With your knowledge of international business, you’ll start to examine the competitive aspects you may encounter.

You’ll look at various models of competitive analysis to assess strategic behaviour in international business. Next, you’ll evaluate the complex competitive scenarios that you may face at both the firm and industry level.

You’ll then explore competitive strategies and learn how to apply your knowledge in the context of globalisation – in particular, major entry and exit strategies.

Understand how to develop a business strategy alongside industry experts

On the final part of the course, you’ll explore the fundamentals of creating an international business strategy including international business instruments and agreements.

Learning from the specialists at Sentinel|9, you’ll develop your critical analysis and research skills and understand how to successfully expand into international markets.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    International economics and trade theory

    • Course welcome

      Welcome to Fundamentals of International Business. Let's get started!

    • International economics and trade theory part 1

      Welcome to part 1 of international economics and trade theory.

    • International economics and trade theory part 2

      Welcome to part 2 of international economics and trade theory.

    • End of Week 1 wrap up

      A review of what's been covered and looking forward to next week

  • Week 2

    Global capital markets and regional trade zones

    • Weekly welcome

      Find out what's happening this week.

    • Global capital markets and regional trade zones

      Welcome to global capital markets and regional trade zones.

    • End of Week 2 wrap up

      A review of what's been covered and looking forward to next week

  • Week 3

    International business strategies

    • Weekly welcome

      Find out what's happening this week.

    • International business strategies part 1

      Welcome to the first part of international business strategies.

    • International business strategies part 2

      Welcome to the second part of international business strategies.

    • End of Week 3 wrap up

      A review of what's been covered and looking forward to next week

  • Week 4

    International business instruments and agreements

    • Weekly welcome

      Find out what's happening this week.

    • International business instruments and agreements part 1

      Welcome to the first part of international business instruments and agreements.

    • International business instruments and agreements part 2

      Welcome to the second part of international business instruments and agreements.

    • End of course wrap up

      It's the end of the course. Look back at what you've covered and consider what to do next.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Evaluate the role of economic analysis within international business contexts and appreciate the economic underpinnings of business strategy in international settings.
  • Synthesize various models of competitive analysis to assess strategic behaviour in international business.
  • Evaluate the complex competitive scenarios at both the firm and industry level to international business.
  • Apply theoretical and practical knowledge of competitive strategies in the context of globalisation, particularly major entry and exit strategies of international business.
  • Evaluate information from a wide range of sources to demonstrate research skills, and demonstrate the capacity to document the outcomes in international economics and business strategies with sound analysis and recommendations.

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for business professionals, new and aspiring line managers, or companies that want to operate internationally.

Who developed the course?

Sentinel|9

Sentinel|9 is an education content provider. They provide university-level content independently to offer a different pace of learning for individuals and institutions. They have a dynamic content library and Learning Management System (LMS) which is suitable for online, blended and face-to-face delivery.

FutureLearn

FutureLearn is a leading social learning platform and has been providing high quality online courses for learners around the world over the last ten years.

What's included?

This is a premium course. These courses are designed for professionals from specific industries looking to learn with a smaller group of like-minded individuals.

  • Unlimited access to this course
  • Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes
  • Tests to validate your learning
  • Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you're eligible
  • Download and print your Certificate of Achievement anytime

Still want to know more? Check out our FAQs

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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Get a taste of this course

Find out what this course is like by previewing some of the course steps before you join:

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