Unit code                           R/508/0603

Unit level                           QCF Level 5/ NFQ Level 6/7

Credit value                       15

Introduction

In today’s global environment, organisations are constantly looking at new ways to expand internationally. With the rise of digital technology and the reduction of barriers to entry this is easier than ever before, but all organisations must consider a range of options when making the decision to expand internationally. In this unit students will explore how organisations are able to move into international markets, assessing the opportunities and threats of them doing so. The unit aims to provide students with the key tools and techniques to aid organisations to evaluate whether they should tap into international markets and assess the various implications of doing so.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit a student will be able to:

1. Analyse the opportunities and threats for firms exposed to an increasingly globalised environment.
2. Illustrate the advantages of trading blocs for firms.
3. Determine the importing and exporting process and the practicalities involved.
4. Evaluate ways SMEs can tap into international markets.