Unit 5: International Business
Understand how organisations expand across borders, navigate trade environments, and manage cultural complexity in global markets.
What is Unit 5 — International Business?
The International Business (Unit 5) unit examines how globalisation, trade agreements, and digital connectivity reshape competitive strategy for firms operating internationally.
Learners evaluate market entry modes, supply chain footprints, and cultural factors influencing management decisions in multinational contexts.
This module prepares students for careers in export, global marketing, international finance, and cross-border consultancy roles.
Core Strategic Value
- •Global Strategy: Compare market entry options including exporting, licensing, and joint ventures.
- •Trade Awareness: Understand tariffs, quotas, blocs, and regulatory compliance impacts.
- •Cultural Intelligence: Adapt leadership and marketing approaches across diverse regions.
What You Will Study
This unit develops practical, industry-aligned competencies across 4 core learning modules:
1. Globalisation & the International Business Environment
Analyse drivers and challenges of global economic integration
Evaluate roles of WTO, trade blocs, and bilateral agreements
Assess political, legal, and economic risks in target markets
Study emerging markets and digital globalisation trends
2. International Market Entry & Operations
Compare franchising, subsidiaries, strategic alliances, and e-commerce expansion
Evaluate global supply chain design and outsourcing decisions
Review exchange rate impacts on pricing and profitability
Assess localisation versus standardisation strategies
3. Culture, Ethics & Corporate Responsibility
Apply Hofstede and related frameworks to cross-cultural management
Address ethical issues in labour practices and environmental standards
Evaluate CSR programmes in multinational corporate reporting
Manage communication across multilingual and multicultural teams
4. Strategic Recommendations & Case Analysis
Investigate international performance of selected global brands
Develop market entry proposals supported by research evidence
Present risk mitigation strategies for expansion scenarios
Critically evaluate success metrics for international growth plans
Structure & Parameters
Assessment Policies & Logistics
Submission Windows
Internal and external assessment deadlines follow Pearson BTEC session calendars. Confirm key dates with ICT Business School at enrollment.
Academic Integrity
All coursework and exam submissions must meet Pearson authenticity standards. Plagiarism checks and verification apply to every unit.
Learner Support
Access tutor feedback, assignment briefings, and resubmission guidance through our structured BTEC support pathway at ICT Business School.
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