Module Code - Title:
MG6153
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MANAGING COMPLEXITY WITHIN INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT
Year Last Offered:
N/A
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
In an era characterised by rapid technological advancements, globalisation, and a heightened awareness of social and ethical issues, the landscape of international management has become increasingly complex. Traditional methodologies often fall short in addressing the multifaceted and continuously emerging challenges that modern business present. These challenges encompass integrating new technologies, adhering to evolving sustainability standards, navigating complex ethical considerations, and solving intricate problems without clear solutions.
The purpose of the Managing Complexity within International Management module is to prepare students to meet these ever-evolving challenges head-on. This module bridges the gap between conventional international management practices and the demands of contemporary international management projects that are dynamic, interconnected, and laden with uncertainty. By providing advanced knowledge and practical skills, it aims to cultivate proficient international managers capable of leading effectively in complex and unpredictable environments.
Key Reasons for the Module's Inclusion:
Adaptation to Emerging Technologies and Trends:
• Technological Competence: As new technologies continually emerge and become integral to various industries, international managers must understand how to leverage these tools to enhance efficiency, innovation, and decision-making.
• Competitive Advantage: Staying abreast of the latest industry trends equips future international managers with a competitive edge in the job market and contributes to organisational success.
Emphasis on Sustainability and Ethical Practices:
• Global Responsibility: Incorporating sustainability and ethical principles into international management reflects a commitment to addressing global environmental and social challenges.
• Stakeholder Expectations: Clients, investors, and the public increasingly demand responsible practices, making it essential for international managers to integrate these considerations into their work.
Addressing Complex and Uncertain Problems:
• Innovative Problem-Solving: Complex, ill-defined problems require creative and collaborative approaches beyond traditional methodologies.
• Adaptability: Equipping students with frameworks to tackle unforeseen challenges enhances their ability to adapt and drive positive change in an unpredictable environment.
Continuous Engagement with Contemporary Issues within International Management:
• Relevance: By focusing on current and emerging issues, the module ensures that students are prepared to manage projects that reflect the latest trends and challenges in the industry.
• Lifelong Learning: Encouraging a mindset of continuous learning enables graduates to stay current with future developments and maintain professional relevance.
Alignment with the MSc in International Management:
This module complements the core curriculum by broadening students' understanding of contemporary issues that continuously emerge. It aligns with the programme's learning outcomes by:
• Enhancing Professional Competence: Providing advanced skills that are highly relevant in today's evolving job market.
• Fostering Leadership Qualities: Developing leaders who can inspire teams, manage complexities, and drive innovation.
• Encouraging Interdisciplinary Learning: Integrating insights from technology, ethics, sustainability, and management disciplines to offer a comprehensive educational experience.
• Supporting Research and Development: Laying a foundation for academic inquiry and practical research into emerging international management methodologies and technologies.
Syllabus:
Managing Complexity within International Management focuses on embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into core organisational strategies, preparing students to excel in an era characterised by global interdependence, technological innovation, and shifting regulatory landscapes.
This capstone module is designed to equip students with the strategic, analytical, and leadership skills necessary to navigate the complexities of international management in a rapidly changing global environment. It addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by businesses and NGOs, including sustainability, the climate crisis, digitalisation, automation, and the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) nature of modern markets. Through a combination of theory and applied practice, students will engage with the latest research and frameworks for managing complexity, developing adaptive strategies, and fostering resilience in diverse organisational contexts.
The module is structured around a series of high-impact learning experiences, including workshops and seminars led by visiting scholars and industry experts, as well as interactive lectures and case-based discussions. A key focus will be on sustainability and the climate crisis, exploring how organisations can transition to more sustainable business models while maintaining competitiveness. Digitalisation and automation will be examined in terms of both the opportunities they present for improving efficiency and the disruptive effects they have on workforce dynamics and competitive strategy. The VUCA framework will provide a foundation for understanding the interconnected and unpredictable nature of global business, with an emphasis on developing decision-making and strategic thinking skills under uncertainty.
Students will apply their learning through consultancy projects with both businesses and NGOs, where they will diagnose complex problems, develop strategic solutions, and present actionable recommendations. These projects will challenge students to synthesise insights from across the module's core themes, balancing strategic vision with operational realities. The module aims to produce globally aware, adaptable leaders who can anticipate and respond to complexity, drive sustainable growth, and create value in an increasingly interconnected and uncertain world. Graduates are prepared to serve as responsible leaders who can navigate the rapidly evolving demands of modern organisations and make meaningful contributions to social and environmental well-being.
Ethical considerations feature prominently throughout the module, highlighting the importance of cultural sensitivity, data privacy, and integrity in sustainable policy-making. Students review legislative frameworks, professional codes of conduct, and case studies that illustrate both successes and setbacks in the pursuit of ethical outcomes. These real-world examples reinforce the idea that sustainability extends beyond environmental stewardship, encompassing social justice, fair resource allocation, and the protection of vulnerable populations.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successfully completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Critically assess the complexities found in international management environments, including emerging challenges, and investigate strategies for effective oversight.
2. Evaluate how innovative technologies and evolving methodologies address these complexities, demonstrating the capacity to select and implement appropriate international management solutions.
3. Apply advanced problem-solving frameworks that enable the identification, in-depth analysis, and creation of sustainable, ethically grounded solutions to a wide range of intertwined challenges.
4. Synthesise modern concepts with traditional methodologies, crafting robust approaches to managing complexity in volatile and uncertain international management contexts.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
5. Demonstrate an appreciation for a holistic approach to organisational leadership, integrating current issues, ethical considerations, and advanced problem-solving strategies to achieve optimal outcomes.
6. Demonstrate a strong sense of ethical awareness, maintaining a commitment to forward-thinking, responsible solutions that address the ongoing complexities of the contemporary international management practice.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
NA
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Managing Complexity within International Management adopts a holistic, research-oriented, challenge-driven, experiential, and collaborative teaching strategy designed to equip students with the competencies required to address modern organisational challenges. These challenges stem from rapid technological changes, evolving global trends, heightened ethical considerations, and the need for multidimensional sustainability solutions. Foundational concepts and contemporary debates are introduced through interactive lectures and seminars, encouraging active participation and critical discussion of current issues in management. Workshops will provide practical exposure to the latest tools, processes, and innovations, allowing students to apply theory in real-life scenarios while honing their problem-solving abilities. Collaborative management consultancy projects help develop skills in teamwork, leadership, and communication, pushing participants to conceive and implement creative responses to real-world concerns. In addition, reflective journals support continuous personal development, prompting students to align course content with their own career goals and the emerging trends in ethical and sustainable international management practices. The module will avail of the KBS "Visiting International Professor" Programme, designed to enhance the learning experience for our masters students. This initiative will bring leading scholars from top global institutions to deliver cutting-edge educational programmes. Visiting professors will offer specialised educational content, masterclasses, and seminars focused on emerging trends and innovative practices in business and management. The programme aims to expose students to diverse global perspectives and foster cross-cultural understanding. It will provide opportunities for students to engage directly with international experts and gain insights into real-world business challenges. The visiting professors will collaborate with our resident faculty to develop integrated course content and research projects. This initiative is part of our broader strategy to position our business school as a hub for thought leadership and academic excellence. The programme will also create valuable networking opportunities for students and faculty with leading global academics. We anticipate that the insights and knowledge shared through this programme will significantly enhance the career readiness of our graduates.
The module's curriculum will be regularly updated to reflect contemporary international management challenges, best practices, and cutting-edge industry approaches, keeping students engaged with the latest developments in sustainability and responsible leadership. Contemporary case studies form a core component of the syllabus, demonstrating practical applications of managing complexity across different sectors.
Managing Complexity within Management is designed to nurture articulate, agile, courageous, curious, and responsible graduates. Students learn to communicate effectively by producing clear, concise, and compelling multimedia presentations and professional reports, enhancing both written and verbal articulation. Through problem-based learning and exposure to real-life organisational dilemmas, they gain the adaptability and independent thinking needed to thrive in ever-changing environments.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Jackson, Michael (2019)
Critical Systems Thinking and the Management of Complexity
, Wiley
Other Relevant Texts:
Binder, Julia (Editor), Haanaes, Kurt (Editor) (2024)
Leading the Sustainable Business Transformation: A Playbook from IMD
, Wiley
Lewis, Tom
McGregor, Alastair (2023)
Future Ready: Your Organization's Guide to Rethinking Climate, Resilience, and Sustainability
, Wiley
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MSINTMTFA - INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Summer
Module Leader: