• The definition of globalization and the nature and structure of global business;

• Global trade: drivers and obstacles;

• The effects of the geo-political environments and the role of national and supranational regulatory agencies;

• The strategic environmental factors that affect global business;

• The impact of global financial, economic and socio-economic factors;

• The impact of global cultural and socio-cultural factors;

• The importance of natural resources and the impact of industrialisation on the global environment;

• The roles of the global manager and the function of international human resources management;

• Global strategies, global operations and marketing management;

• Export and import practices; 

• Evolution of transportation by sea, its patterns and its contribution to global trade;

• Vessels and cargoes types and operations;

• Transport as part of global logistics and supply chain management;

• Structure of the maritime industry and its major contributors;

• Supply and demand for transport services: The 4 shipping markets.

• Financial Performance: Costs and Revenues

The intended use of this module is such that you progress through from unit 1 to unit 10 in unit order. The module is designed to introduce and explain the material you are expected to learn. All the readings from the recommended textbooks associated with a specific unit, will be clearly stated. Furthermore, any relevant readings associated with a particular topic will be stated at various points within the unit, wherever appropriate. It is worth noting that all readings provide a good source of additional examples on which you can practice if you so wish.

The on-line learning environment provides an opportunity for receiving on-line feedback from the Module Instructors during your study and you are strongly advised to take advantage of this. In addition, you will be encourages to interact both with other students and your instructor so as you feel part of an on-line community of learners that belong to the University network.

Recorded lectures/ Narrated presentations

You may be asked to watch a recorded lecture or narrated presentation posted on the web addressing the main concepts of a particular unit.

Dynamic Online Interaction: 

 • Asynchronous communication tool (Discussion Forum)

You may well be asked to participate, wherever appropriate, in an online forum posting your views on certain topics covered in a particular unit.  

 • Synchronous communication tool (instant messaging)

Using the synchronous communication tools (such as, skype, chat rooms, video-conferencing, etc.), you may discuss with the Module Instructor (s) and/or other students on line with reference to specific issues covered in a given unit.

Self-assessment:

Throughout the Study Guide, you will find a various forms of assessment/ self-assessment as follows: 

 - Online multiple choices questions on the topics covered. 

 - Online review questions designed to provoke thought/ action and reflection on the topics covered in each unit and their applicability in real life.

 - Online numerical exercises that require computational work designed to check that you can correctly apply a technique or method covered in a specific unit.

 - Discussion forum participation based on recommended articles and the questions offered for dynamic online interaction.

 - Instant messaging participation.

 - Further readings beyond those already recommended in this Guide.