Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in International Business and Trade:

Year 1 – Core Foundations in International Business

1. Principles of International Business and Trade

• Explain the nature, scope, and driving forces of International Business and Trade and globalisation, including technological advancement, trade liberalisation, and international competitiveness.
• Critically analyse the contribution of international trade to global and regional economic development, identifying both opportunities and challenges for businesses.
• Apply key trade concepts, including imports, exports, tariffs, and trade balances, to practical business scenarios, demonstrating awareness of international markets.

2. Fundamentals of Global Economics

• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of fundamental microeconomic and macroeconomic principles, particularly in the context of global business operations.
• Evaluate the effects of fiscal and monetary policies on international markets, exchange rates, and foreign investment flows.
• Interpret and analyse economic indicators (GDP, inflation, unemployment, trade balance, FDI inflows) to assess the performance and prospects of global economies.

3. Business Law and International Regulatory Frameworks

• Describe the foundations of business and Trade law and its role in regulating international trade and protecting stakeholder interests.
• Apply principles of contracts, corporate law, and intellectual property rights to practical case studies involving multinational businesses.
• Analyse the implications of diverse legal systems, trade agreements, and compliance regulations on global business operations.

4. Introduction to Marketing in a Global Context

• Define core marketing principles and critically assess how they adapt to international markets with cultural, social, and economic differences.
• Identify and evaluate global market entry strategies, customer segmentation techniques, and international positioning methods.
• Apply the marketing mix (4Ps/7Ps) to develop tailored strategies suitable for cross-border environments and diverse consumer needs.

5. Organisational Behaviour and Management Principles

• Explain key theories of organisational behaviour and management and assess their relevance in multicultural business environments.
• Analyse leadership styles, motivational theories, and management approaches, evaluating their impact on workplace culture and productivity.
• Apply motivational and team-building strategies to improve collaboration, innovation, and performance in diverse organisations.

6. Business Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Understand the principles of accounting, including double-entry bookkeeping, accruals, and the conceptual framework of financial reporting.
• Prepare, interpret, and evaluate key financial statements such as the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement.
• Apply accounting and financial principles to support decision-making and performance analysis in international businesses.

7. Supply Chain and Logistics Management Basics

• Explain the structure, role, and importance of supply chains and logistics in supporting international trade.
• Identify and analyse key processes that enhance efficiency, including procurement, transportation, warehousing, and distribution.
• Evaluate challenges and risks in global supply networks, including geopolitical issues, currency fluctuations, and sustainability concerns.

8. Business Data Analysis and Research Skills

• Demonstrate understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods applicable to business and trade studies.
• Apply statistical tools, data analysis techniques, and research frameworks to evaluate business trends and patterns.
• Present findings in clear, professional formats, ensuring data-driven insights support informed business decision-making.

9. International Business Communication and Negotiation

• Apply advanced communication techniques in verbal, written, and digital contexts, tailored to international business environments.
• Demonstrate negotiation strategies that address cultural sensitivities, conflict resolution, and mutual benefit in global partnerships.
• Analyse barriers to communication, such as cultural differences or language limitations, and propose practical solutions.

10. Information Technology for Business Operations

• Explain the strategic role of IT in supporting organisational performance, global connectivity, and digital transformation.
• Demonstrate competency in using digital tools for research, professional communication, data management, and collaboration.
• Apply IT-driven solutions to enhance efficiency and innovation in international business operations.

11. Professional Skills for Global Business Careers

• Develop and demonstrate workplace readiness skills, including teamwork, adaptability, time management, and critical thinking.
• Exhibit professional behaviour, ethics, and accountability in business environments across cultural and international settings.
• Create and maintain personal and professional development plans aligned with long-term career goals in international trade and business.

12. Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Fundamentals

• Define and explain the principles of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability in the context of global business.
• Analyse the ethical, environmental, and social responsibilities of international organisations.
• Apply CSR frameworks and sustainability strategies to real-world business cases, balancing profitability with ethical obligations.

Year 2: Applied International Business Practices

1. International Trade Law, Tariffs, and Policy

• Explain the principles of international business and Trade, tariffs, and trade agreements.
• Analyse the effects of tariffs, subsidies, and protectionist policies on global markets.
• Apply legal frameworks to resolve international trade disputes.
• Evaluate case studies of WTO policies, free trade agreements, and trade blocs.

2. Strategic Marketing for International Markets

• Analyse global consumer behaviour and cultural influences on marketing.
• Apply advanced marketing theories to international case studies.
• Design strategic marketing campaigns for global expansion.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of digital and traditional strategies in international markets.

3. International Banking and Financial Systems

• Explain the structure and functions of global financial institutions.
• Analyse foreign exchange markets, interest rates, and capital flows.
• Apply financial instruments such as letters of credit and trade finance solutions.
• Evaluate the role of international banking in supporting global trade.

4. Cross-Cultural Leadership and Management

• Demonstrate awareness of cultural frameworks (e.g., Hofstede, Trompenaars).
• Apply cross-cultural leadership theories to diverse workplace contexts.
• Develop strategies to manage conflict in multicultural teams.
• Evaluate case studies of successful cross-cultural leadership in multinational firms.

5. Global Human Resource Management

• Analyse HRM challenges in multinational organisations.
• Apply recruitment, training, and performance management strategies in global contexts.
• Evaluate HR policies for compliance with local labour laws and international standards.
• Develop strategies for managing expatriates and global talent mobility.

6. Operations and Supply Chain in Global Business

• Explain global logistics, procurement, and distribution processes.
• Analyse challenges in managing international supply chain networks.
• Apply models for demand forecasting and inventory management.
• Evaluate case studies of supply chain resilience and sustainability.

7. International Risk Management and Compliance

• Identify different categories of risk in global trade (political, financial, operational).
• Apply compliance frameworks to ensure adherence to international regulations.
• Analyse strategies for mitigating risks in cross-border operations.
• Evaluate ethical and governance issues in international compliance.

8. Political Economy and International Trade Relations

• Explain how political systems, trade policies, and economic structures interact.
• Analyse the influence of international institutions (WTO, IMF, UNCTAD).
• Evaluate trade relations between developed and emerging economies.
• Apply political economy concepts to global business strategies.

9. Business Analytics for Decision-Making

• Apply data analysis tools (Excel, SPSS, or BI software) to real business problems.
• Interpret large datasets to generate business insights.
• Develop predictive models to support international business decision-making.
• Communicate data-driven recommendations effectively.

10. Digital Trade and E-Commerce Innovation

• Explain digital trade ecosystems and online business models.
• Analyse the impact of technology (AI, blockchain, fintech) on e-commerce.
• Design digital strategies for international market penetration.
• Evaluate the challenges of cybersecurity and regulatory compliance in e-commerce.

11. Project and Programme Management in Business

• Apply project management methodologies (Agile, PRINCE2, PMI).
• Analyse risk, cost, and quality management in global projects.
• Develop professional project documentation including Gantt charts and risk registers.
• Evaluate success factors in international project case studies.

12. Ethics, Governance, and Sustainability in International Trade

• Analyse ethical dilemmas in global trade practices.
• Apply corporate governance frameworks in multinational operations.
• Evaluate sustainability initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Develop responsible business strategies for long-term global competitiveness.

Year 3: Advanced Global Business Strategy and Leadership

1. Strategic Management in International Business

• Apply advanced strategic frameworks (Porter’s Five Forces, Blue Ocean Strategy, Resource-Based View) to multinational contexts.
• Evaluate strategic options for international expansion, diversification, and mergers & acquisitions.
• Develop sustainable strategies addressing global competition and market volatility.
• Critically assess case studies of successful and failed international strategies.

2. Advanced International Trade Theories and Practices

• Demonstrate mastery of classical and modern trade theories (comparative advantage, new trade theory, gravity models).
• Analyse contemporary trade challenges including protectionism, tariffs, and sanctions.
• Apply trade theories to solve real-world business problems in global markets.
• Evaluate the relevance of traditional theories in the digital and knowledge-driven economy.

3. Global Finance, Investment, and Capital Markets

• Explain the structure and dynamics of international capital markets and investment flows.
• Analyse foreign direct investment (FDI), portfolio investments, and cross-border financing.
• Apply advanced financial tools for risk, valuation, and investment analysis.
• Evaluate global financial crises and their implications for international businesses.

4. Leadership, Change, and Organisational Transformation

• Apply transformational and adaptive leadership theories to global change contexts.
• Develop strategies to manage organisational restructuring, mergers, and cultural integration.
• Critically evaluate resistance to change and strategies for overcoming it.
• Lead innovation and continuous improvement in multinational organisations.

5. International Entrepreneurship and Innovation

• Analyse the role of entrepreneurship in driving global economic development.
• Apply innovation models (open innovation, disruptive innovation) to international business.
• Develop business plans for cross-border entrepreneurial ventures.
• Evaluate barriers and opportunities for start-ups in different global markets.

6. Trade Diplomacy, International Negotiations, and Policy-Making

• Analyse the role of diplomacy in shaping international trade agreements and relations.
• Apply advanced negotiation techniques in cross-border business contexts.
• Evaluate the influence of international organisations (WTO, OECD, UN) on policy-making.
• Develop policy recommendations to enhance global trade relations.

7. Emerging Markets and Global Business Opportunities

• Identify key characteristics of emerging economies and frontier markets.
• Analyse risks and opportunities associated with entering high-growth markets.
• Apply market entry strategies tailored to political, cultural, and economic environments.
• Evaluate real-world case studies of successful multinational operations in emerging markets.

8. Crisis and Risk Management in Global Business

• Define principles of crisis management in international contexts.
• Apply frameworks for global risk identification, assessment, and mitigation.
• Evaluate responses to global crises (e.g., pandemics, financial crashes, geopolitical conflicts).
• Develop business continuity and resilience strategies for multinational firms.

9. Advanced Research Methods for International Business

• Apply advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods to business issues.
• Demonstrate proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, NVivo, R).
• Critically evaluate academic and professional research in international business.
• Design robust research proposals with clear methodologies and ethical considerations.

10. Dissertation / Final Research Project in International Business & Trade

• Conduct an independent research project addressing a significant international business issue.
• Apply appropriate research methodologies to collect, analyse, and interpret data.
• Produce a comprehensive dissertation aligned with academic and professional standards.
• Defend findings through structured arguments and evidence-based conclusions.

11. Global Business Strategy and Competitive Advantage

• Apply competitive advantage models (Porter’s Diamond, VRIO, Dynamic Capabilities) to global firms.
• Analyse strategies for differentiation, cost leadership, and innovation in international markets.
• Evaluate the impact of globalisation, digitisation, and sustainability on competitiveness.
• Develop recommendations to enhance long-term global business performance.

12. Future Trends in International Business, Technology, and Trade

• Identify and critically assess megatrends shaping the future of global business (AI, blockchain, sustainability, geopolitics).
• Analyse the impact of technological disruptions on global trade and supply chains.
• Evaluate emerging business models in the digital and green economy.
• Develop forward-looking strategies to prepare organisations for future global challenges.