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Minor in
International Business

At Richmond, our approach to learning is based on the US educational system, giving you more choice and flexibility.

One way this greater choice is shown is through the options given to students. Alongside your main subject specialism or ‘major’, you can add extra flavour to your degree by taking a ‘minor’, an optional, additional subject which doesn’t need to be related to your major but it could be a subject that you’re passionate about. Or it could give you a competitive edge when it comes to graduation.

The Minor in International Business studies introduces you to business and entrepreneurship, macroeconomics and microeconomics. You then get a chance to develop your knowledge in management and international business.

Please note, this minor is not available for students majoring in Business Management or Marketing.

Goes well with

Related minors

Programme Structure

An undergraduate may complete the requirements of one major and one minor and receive one US degree. A minor is an optional subject of specialisation within the undergraduate degree, which must be outside of the undergraduate major course of study and consist of at least 18 US /72 UK credits. A minor may not be completed independent of an undergraduate degree.

Undergraduates who add a minor to their major degree programme will normally need to complete more than the minimum 120 US/480 UK credits required for graduation. The normal course load for a full-time undergraduate student is 15-16 US/60-64 UK credits a semester. The minimum full-time undergraduate course load is 9 US/36 UK credits a semester.

(Not open to students majoring in International Business Management)

Minor in International Business Programme Specification
	US Credits	UK Credits
From this list you must take one Level 4 course and two courses from Level 5/6
BUSM 4101 Introduction to Business Management and Marketing This module provides a foundational understanding of how businesses operate and effectively reach their target markets. Students will explore core management principles and marketing strategies, gaining insights into how organizations create value and build profitable customer relationships.	4	16
BUSM 5101 Global Responsible Business The course provides students with a broad understanding of the concept and practical effects of responsible business within a global dimension. The concept of business purpose linked with the stakeholders informs the triple dimension of this course that revolves around governance, social and environmental responsibility related to the strategy and functioning of businesses. A holistic view of businesses is based on the all- encompassing concept of corporate sustainability. Corporate successes and failures illustrate choices made by businesses to inform future actions. The course places a particular emphasis on future developments at the global level that inform business sustainability including its reporting. This course embeds UN SDGs 12 and 17 by understanding how SDG language is incorporated in the sustainability reporting of corporates particularly regarding responsible production and consumption (SDG 12) and how partnerships are established with the effect of cooperating on relevant sustainability areas (SDG 17).	4	16
BUSM 5105 Organisational Behaviour and Ethics This course explores the nature of organisations , the influence of human behaviour on organisational performance and social impact, and ethical dilemmas organisations face. The course covers organisational behaviour at a macro – (issues relating to the environment and context within which organisations operate) and micro-level (influences of people as individuals and groups, their motivations and operating styles), reflects on various ethical principles and concepts of leadership, and encourages the students to critically evaluate current organisational practices.	4	16
BUSM 5103 International Trade and Investment This course provides a comprehensive and practical understanding of businesses international operation through trade, licensing, and investment. It explores t he framework and practices that underpin the global movement of goods, services, and capital. The module adopts a business-focused approach, examining how firms operate in the international environment, and make strategic decisions regarding trade , international expansion, investment, and financing whilst managing the associated risks and opportunities	4	16
BUSM 5104 Legal and Ethical Aspects in Business This course concentrates on the legal framework within which businesses take place with legal liability as a core concept. Topics include business set-up from a legal perspective and conflict resolution. Further development of the concept of legal liability revolves around contractual, tort, and criminal liabilities. Corporate law is covered with the understanding of directors and shareholders as members of companies together with company resolution. Recent developments in technology law are incorporated such as data protection and digital law. A sustainability approach is added as corporates are enhancing their governance and financial reporting regarding the triple bottom line including social corporate responsibility and environmental reporting. This course embeds the UN SDGs 3, 5 and 16. This course places an emphasis on the impact that corporations have on their stakeholders, particularly consumers and employees (SDG 3) together with relevant employment regulations (SDG 5) and the ensuing transparency which is expected from businesses by the different stakeholders (SDG 16).	4	16
BUSM 5102 Global Supply Chain and Distribution Using case studies from such as fashion, food and FMCG this course provides a comprehensive understanding of global supply chain management and distribution strategies The course has a focus on the integration of operations management principles. Students will explore the complexities and challenges of managing supply chains across international borders, including sourcing, procurement, logistics, and distribution. The course emphasizes the impact of globalization, technology, sustainability, and operational efficiency on supply chain performance.	4	16
BUSM 6101 Managing the International Business Environment This course provides a managerial perspective into the structure and operations of multinational corporations (MNCs) in the global business environment. It focuses on the economic, sociocultural , technological, political, legal, financial, and ecological environment in which international business takes place within which strategic and functional issues are studied from the MNC’s perspective. Special attention is paid to the MNC as a responsible global business. This course embeds the UN SDGs 13 and 16 by placing emphasis on climate regulations (SDG 13) and developments internationally and dwelling on transparency rankings internationally (SDG 16).	4	16
BUSM 6104 Leadership and People Management This module provides a critical exploration of leadership in the context of managing people and talent within organizations. Students will develop a deep understanding of contemporary leadership theories and their application to the challenges of attracting, developing, motivating, and retaining talent in a rapidly changing world. The module emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion, ethical leadership, and social responsibility in creating a high-performing and sustainable workforce. Through real-life examples, case studies, and interactive discussions, students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to lead effectively in today’s complex and dynamic business environment.	4	16
BUSM 6103 Sustainable Strategic Management Building on long established models of strategic management the course focuses on strategic analysis, planning and implementation in the light of current interest in sustainability and ESG values. Early lectures outline the basic strategic analysis models and case study analyses relate to both the firm’s internal operations and the environment in which it operates. The course culminates in embedding the principles of ESG and the triple bottom line into future strategic planning.	4	16
BUSM 6102 Project Management Skills and Methods This module provides a comprehensive overview of programme management principles, processes, and techniques. Students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage complex programmes within a variety of organizational contexts. Contemporary project management methods will be explored. The module emphasizes the strategic alignment of programmes with organizational objectives and the importance of stakeholder engagement, risk management, and benefits realization. Furthermore, it explores a range of programme management methodologies, equipping students with the ability to select and apply the most appropriate approach for diverse project scenarios.	4	16
Minor Requirements	12	48

The University reserves the right to cancel or replace programmes and/or courses for which there is insufficient enrolment or concerns about academic standards, or for which the University cannot provide adequate teaching resources. Reasonable and appropriate effort is made to ensure that the content of courses corresponds with the descriptions in the University’s Programme and Course Listings.

For more detailed information on each of the course specifications, please visit our webpage here.

What is the Liberal Arts?

We understand that not everyone is familiar with the Liberal Arts education system. That is why we have produced a short guide explaining the structure at Richmond as well as the benefits.

THE LIBERAL ARTS

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What our students say

“A key element of the Richmond experience was that students learn to respect, value and appreciate the diversity of others; something I feel cannot be taught in the classroom.

One of the many reasons I enjoyed my time at Richmond was because of the diversity of backgrounds and personalities of the students. Additionally, I recognized the benefits of small class sizes and the opportunities for creating strong ties with fellow students.”

– Vasi Papadopoulos, Business Administration: International Business

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Minor in International Business