Level 5: Diploma in International Trade

This module has been designed to provide a broad knowledge and understanding of the role and importance of logistics in an international context. It will focus on areas of international logistics and purchasing processes, such as cost-effective means of exporting and importing, management and planning of Customs regulations and facilitation of logistics and supply-chain systems.

By the end of this module, students will be able to maximise the effectiveness of an organisation’s distribution strategy and global sourcing policy and be able to confidently approach UK import and export regulations.

On completion of this module, the successful student will be able to:

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the importance of having robust logistics and distribution strategies when trading internationally

2. Understand the importance of developing robust quality systems when purchasing and trading internationally

3. Understand the importance of robust materials handling activities when trading internationally

4. Understand import and export procedures when trading internationally

Assessment Criteria

1.1 Evaluate the importance of performance measures in developing robust logistics and distribution strategies

1.2 Discuss how the organisational structure affects the development of good business processes when trading internationally

1.3 Discuss the importance of having robust quality management systems when trading internationally

1.4 Analyse environmental concerns when trading internationally

2.1 Critically evaluate the importance of establishing terms and conditions when purchasing and trading internationally

2.2 Critically evaluate the role of insurance, transport and payment terms when purchasing and trading internationally

2.3 Analyse local and international standards in sourcing and dispute resolution when purchasing and trading internationally

3.1 Critically evaluate the role of materials handling and packaging

3.2 Analyse and evaluate information systems for materials handling activities

3.3 Critically evaluate warehousing functions when trading internationally

4.1 Discuss Revenue and Customs procedures and documentation in own organisation

4.2 Discuss export and import regulations

4.3 Analyse the impact of international and EU compliance requirements when trading internationally

This module will enable students to develop marketing strategies, including market selection, market entry, the marketing mix and organisational aspects relating to international marketing.

Students will learn how to identify the strategic decisions required for international marketing operations, outline planning processes and explain the strategic issues involved in selecting and entering international markets. Students will be able to explain the relevance of organisational structures, evaluate appropriate methods of trading and marketing internationally, manage effectively the elements of the marketing mix and successfully market development.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, the successful student will be able to:

1. Understand the importance of marketing strategies when trading internationally

2. Understand the essential components of a marketing strategy when trading internationally

3. Understand the importance of strategic planning when developing international markets

Assessment Criteria

1.1 Evaluate the importance of a robust export marketing plan for trading internationally

1.2 Critically evaluate the marketing mix strategies when trading internationally

1.3 Discuss the importance of managing cultural differences sensitively when trading internationally

2.1 Discuss the essential factors of a marketing strategy when trading internationally

2.2 Critically evaluate the control and evaluation of marketing plans when trading internationally

2.3 Discuss how the organisational structure affects the development of a marketing strategy when trading internationally

3.1 Discuss the importance of strategic planning when developing international markets

3.2 Analyse the suitability of different types of markets when developing a marketing strategy for international markets

3.3 Discuss investment issues when developing a market strategy for international markets

This module has been designed to enable students to use appropriate techniques of corporate strategy and management in an international context, such as identifying and setting up effective structures for corporate management, explaining the importance of international financial strategies and pricing policies, recommending suitable sources of trade finance, managing the risks of currency trading and suggesting appropriate methods to establish effective business development.

On completion of this module, the successful student will be able to:

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the importance of having robust business development processes when trading internationally

2. Understand the importance of developing robust pricing policies that are supported by organisational financial strategies

3. Understand the importance of corporate management systems to successful international trading

Assessment Criteria

1.1 Evaluate the importance of the power of brands in developing international trade

1.2 Discuss the role of recruitment and selection of staff and the use of local resources when trading internationally

1.3 Discuss the importance of communicating globally and the role of relationships and networking

2.1 Critically evaluate attitudes to risk and return on capital when trading internationally

2.2 Analyse the range of finance and insurance options when trading internationally

2.3 Discuss multi-currency trading in relation to trading internationally

3.1 Analyse management structures in relation to cultural sensitivities

3.2 Critically evaluate attitudes to exchange rates, risks, corporate taxation and VAT in the context of trading internationally

3.3 Analyse the organisation of payment and banking settlement options when trading internationally

Drawing from the knowledge, skills and learning gained from Level 4 and Level 5 modules, students are required to select and propose a work-based project which involves an international trade issue or problem.

With tutor support and self-directed research, students are required to investigate, analyse and provide managerial recommendations in the form of a professional, written report.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate how to assess an international trade issue

2. Demonstrate how to manage the implementation of an international trade project

Assessment Criteria

1.1 Assessment of an international trade issue using your business, or a business, with which you are familiar

1.2 Collect, record, analyse and interpret data in a logical and informed manner

1.3 Develop and evaluate a range of recommendations and conclusions

2.1 Negotiate, plan, research and carry out a programme of learning and assessment in an area of international trade

2.2 Transfer the appropriate knowledge and skills learnt from a range of international trade subject areas

2.3 Work through self-directed study, with minimal supervision, to complete a written project report